What is computer science?
Computer science is the science, technology and application of machine processing and transmission of information.
Why is computer science so important?
In recent decades, computer science has increasingly become a key technology and has found its way into virtually all areas of modern life. The enormous influence of computer science has become particularly evident in the impressive development of the internet. Global networking is today the basis of modern corporate communication, logistics and the media. Less apparent but nonetheless omnipresent, computer science is even found where you least expect it to be. In household devices such as dishwashers or washing machines, “embedded systems” provide varying degrees of intelligent control.
As an interface between humans and computers and between business and society, computer science opens the door to hundreds of excellent career opportunities.
What do computer scientists do?
Computer scientists work in a wide range of diversified fields. Today, there is hardly a single area where IT is not used. Computer scientists structure and analyse problems from various sectors. They develop hardware and software systems, plan and coordinate projects.
The many different areas of application offer computer scientists diverse employment opportunities and the possibility of specialising in their own fields of interest:
- Software development and programming
- IT organisation, IT consulting and IT projects
- Business consultancy
- Networks and operating systems
- User service and support
- Database development and administration
- Application development and customising ERP systems
- Development of multimedia applications or multimedia products
- Audio and video editing
- Learning system development
- and many others
Studying Computer Science at Fulda University
How are the study programmes structured?
Fulda University runs the following Bachelor's programmes:
Students with a Bachelor’s degree can then study for a Master’s degree:
- MSc Applied Computer Science
- MSc Global Software Development (international study programme)
How much of the study programme is given over to practical work?
At every stage of the study programme, the teaching sessions are supplemented by lab exercises, practicals and project work. In addition, some courses are run in conjunction with practice partners and the Bachelor’s study programmes include an intensively supervised practical project (12 weeks) at a company or an institution.
Is there any advantage in being so practice-oriented?
The large share of practical training increases graduates’ chances on the labour market, as they already have considerable experience of professional practice and can be therefore quickly integrated into the regular work process. The integrated practical project can also be a way of establishing contact with potential employers.
How big are the tuition groups?
To ensure that all students have the best possible training, students are taught in small groups. The seminars and practicals, for example, are organised in groups of up to 15 students.
Admission requirements
What conditions do I have to fulfil for admission to a Bachelor’s study programme?
You must have one of the following qualifications:
- University entrance qualification (Abitur)
- Entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences
- Subject-related university entrance qualification
- Three-year vocational training, completed after 1 January 2011, Grade >2.5; click here for detailed information.
What conditions do I have to fulfil for admission to a Master’s study programme?
To be admitted to a Master’s programme you have to have a first (undergraduate) degree (e.g. Bachelor) in Computer Science or a related subject and good English skills.
Is there a numerus clausus policy?
For the undergraduate study programme (Bachelor) in Applied Computer Science, a numerus clausus is imposed. This is because more people apply than there are study places available and the study places are therefore awarded on the basis of various criteria such as average grades, waiting for a semester, etc.
For admission to the Master’s programme, an average grade of 2.5 or above is required. In exceptional cases – e.g. particular success in a relevant field of employment or evidence of very good IT skills – applicants with a lower overall grade may also be admitted.
Do I have to do an internship before beginning my studies?
No, there is no need to complete an internship before beginning the study programme.
