FAQ for MScTI

This page is available in English to help foreign students. Note, however, that the Master for Computer Engineering (MScTI) at Heidelberg University is formally held in GERMAN language, so that good German knowledge is a mandatory prerequisite for studying with us! See also the 'application' page (see link on the right). Only the items considered relevant for foreign students are listed here. Note that these FAQ are for information only, they are not legally binding.

• Who is eligible to study MScTI?
  Requirement is a completed Bachelor of Science (or German Magister, Staatsexamen, Diplom) or equivalent of at least six semesters in one of the following topics:
  - Computer Science or Computer Engineering
  - Mathematics, Natural- or Engineering Sciences with a contribution of ~24 credit points in computer science / computer engineering. This must be documented.
  In addition, German language knowledge must be proven.
• Which Bachelor Grade is required?
  If the conditions above apply, a grade (converted to the German system by the central office for foreign students) of 2,1 or better leads to direct admission. An interview (in german language) is held for grades between 2,2 and 3,1, and no admission is possible with a worse grade. For details, see the regulations for admission ('Zulassungsordnung', link on the right).
• Which Language?
  The MScTI is taught in German and German knowledge must therefore be certified. To help foreign students (initially):
  - all teachers speak Englisch and can understand and answer questions
  - many documents (like the module description or many parts of these web pages) are available in Englisch
  - Exams can be held in English on request
  - documents for many courses are provided in English
• How long is the MScTI study?
  Nominal duration is 4 semester (3 for lectures, 1 for the master thesis).
• How many Credit Points must be achieved?
  120 ECTS
• Which academic Degree is obtained?
  Master of Science
• What is the Structure of the MScTI?
  See the dedicated page (link on the right).
• Are there study fees?
  Yes. See link on the right.

• Do I have to chose one particular specialisation?
  No. In principle, you can mix freely from all modules of the specialisation area. However, focussing on one of the three research topics of ZITI  (Microelectronics, Emerging Computing, Biorobotics) is recommended to deepen your knowledge in one area and to have better basis for your master thesis. If you have competed a sufficient number of modules from one area, and have competed the 'mandatory' courses, the completion of that 'specialisation' will be acknowledged in the thesis transcript. For details, see the Modulhandbuch (link on the right).
• Can an introductory C++ Course (or similar) be counted ÜK (soft skill)?
  No. The MSc TI is a master programme which assumes a solid knowledge in computer science! Basic programming skills must already be mastered before staring this master programme! If you want to refresh basic programming skills, or learn the syntax of a new language, you can so so on a voluntary basis, but the CPs are not eligible for ÜK (soft skill) or other areas of the MScTI.
• What happens if some lectures do not take place?
  Not all modules can be held regularly (e.g. because teachers have left ZITI) and new modules can be offered occasionally (guest lecturers). The Modulhandbuch ist updated regularly, but does not always perfectly reflect the situation. When you encounter differences between the Modulhandbuch and the offering, please contact the study administration or the 'Prüfungsausschuss'. We will tray to find a solution!
• Can I withdraw an agreed presentation in the seminar?
  Only in the early time period fixed in the introductory lectures of the seminar! If you withdraw late, you fail the module (grade 5,0) and have to repeat it. (This rule is necessary to avoid that students block topics for too long.)
• Can I do my MSc thesis in industry?
  Normally not. Your thesis treats a research topic fixed and supervised by a professor at the university. A close contact is required throughout. Exceptions can only be rare cases where a common research project between a professor and an industry partner exists. Even then work must be carried our mainly at University.
• Can I be payed for carrying out my MScTI thesis?
  No. Even in the rare cases of a cooperation with industry, it is not allowed to be payed. This would not be fair against other students who are not payed.
• Can I answer an exercise with a solution found in the internet? 
  No! The goal of the exercises is that you solve a problem by yourself, checking that you have understood the matter. It therefore makes perfect sense to re-solve (by yourself!) a 'standard' problem for which solutions are available! Handing in a foreign solution is considered fraud.
• What happens if a fraud is discovered? 
  The solution (or even module exam) is invalid, the exercise / module is failed. Repeated fraud can lead to the exclusion from the studies!
• What is the Colloquium of the Master Thesis?
  After handing in your written thesis (typically within 4 weeks), you have to present your research and results in a 30 minute public presentation (you can invite friends and family). The presentation is followed by questions to the thesis and the topic. This Colloquium is part of the module 'master thesis'. If is up to you to fix a date / time in agreement with the first- and second reviewer of your thesis. The study administration will help to find a room. The talk is announced with an email containing Name, Supervisor, Time/Location, Topic and an abstract. Please coordinate with your supervisor. 
• I have not reached the requested number of CP in one area by just a few CP. Can this be sufficient?
  According to the examination regulation (Prüfungsordnung) §21, Satz 2, the number of CP can be different by up to 4.
• I have obtained more CP than needed in one area. Is that a problem?
  No. Your CP will be fully taken into account for the calculation of the final grade, see below.
• Can do more modules in an area than requested?
  Yes. For grading, however, you can exceed the number of CP only by 'one module'. If you have mode more, you can choose which modules to include for grading in that area. Additional modules can be moved to 'Free courses'. If that area is overbooked as well, the left over modules are not included in the grading process. They are listed in the transcript of records.
• Modules in area 'soft skills' are normally not graded. What happens if one of my 'soft skill' modules has a grade?
  The grade is unused, i.e. it does not contribute to your final grade.
• How is the final grade calculated?
  It can happen that you have obtained a bit more than the requested 120 CP. For calculation of the final grade, all graded modules (not in 'soft skills', not exceeding the requested number of CP in one area) are used with their full CPs. The final grade is the weighted sum of all these modules, divided by the sum of CP of all these modules.
• What information is listed in the 'Transcript of Records'?
  All completed modules with their grades. Failed attempts are not listed. 
• Can I geht a few certified copies of my master certificate from the university?
  No. You have to take care yourself, for instance in a 'Bürgeramt'.