Course Information
English Master's Program in Applied Mathematics
- Standard period of studies: 4 semesters (2 years)
- Course language: English
- Start: each summer and winter semester
- Admission: students with Bachelor's degree
- List of current courses
- List of all courses
The Master’s program in applied mathematics is an academic and research-oriented program. The degree enables graduates to successfully apply abstract and structural thinking in various areas of society.
The program is characterized by a large number of elective modules from almost every area of mathematics. The only stipulation is to consistently complete modules from the pure and especially applied mathematics sections. After successful completion the alumni achieve a general Master's degree in mathematics of RWTH Aachen University.
The Master's program takes four semesters and consists of primarily elective courses, two seminars and a Master’s thesis. The elective courses contain modules from pure and applied mathematics. By individually selecting elective courses the student determines the main focus of her / his curriculum. Elective courses can be chosen from a wide range of fields.
The mathematics modules are broken down into three groups: pure mathematics, applied mathematics, and concentration. The module manual provides information on whether a module is counted as pure mathematics or applied mathematics. In addition, the RWTHOnline portal also provides information about the curriculum of the master program mathematics. Students, who take part in the english Master's program, have to choose a concentration section in applied mathematics. The concentration section typically designates the field in which the Master's thesis will later be written. Here, modules from the pure or applied mathematics section can be selected, as long as they thematically fit together.
Students are able to choose an interdisciplinary application subject (minor). Possible choices in English are applied geophysics and computer science. The departmental advisors can be contacted concerning the current curriculum.
The Master’s thesis is a written document giving students the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to work independently and scientifically on a problem from the field of applied mathematics within a given time frame of one semester. At the end of this period, students defend their thesis in a Master's colloquium.
The students are expected to acquire certain number of credit points (CP) in the serveral areas, broken down as follows:
- Pure mathematics: 9 - 18 CP
- Applied mathematics: 18 - 27 CP
- Concentration: 23 CP
- Application subject: 21 CP
- Seminars: 10 CP
- Master's thesis: 30 CP
Please note that there are 18 - 27 CP required in the area of applied mathematics and additional 23 CP in the concentration section.
There are 120 CP required, including two seminars with 5 CP each and the Master's thesis with 30 CP. Please see the examination regulations § 4 for more details.
The following table illustrates an example curriculum.
Example curriculum
| Semester | Pure Mathematics | Applied Mathematics | Concentration | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elective Module (9) | Elective Modules (9 + 5) | Elective Module (7) | |
| 2 | Elective Module (9) | Seminar (5) | Elective Module (9) | Elective Module (7) |
| 3 | Elective Module (9) | Elective Module (9) | Seminar (5) | Elective Module (7) |
| 4 | Master's Thesis (30) |
Some more information about the master courses offered can be found here:
- Master courses at the IGPM
- Master courses at the ISW
- Master courses at the MATHCCES
- RWTHOnline under "Modules" and "Fachgruppe Mathematik"