Mathematics in Data Science

Data-driven technologies open up a wide range of ground-breaking developments and applications – from machine learning to autonomous vehicles, smart grids, or innovative medical diagnostics. Students of the Master’s degree program Mathematics in Data Science (M.Sc.), predominantly taught in English, learn to understand, develop, and apply technologies for collecting, storing, evaluating, and securing large amounts of data.

The program focuses on methods and algorithms from statistics, machine learning, optimization, and data representation theory and familiarizes students with specific data analysis techniques. They acquire an in-depth understanding of mathematical methods for modeling and analyzing very large amounts of data and for calculating, simulating, and predicting complex phenomena, for example, in customer behavior, economic development, or medical diagnostics and therapy. They learn to develop mathematical analysis models and complex prediction models. In doing so, they deal intensively with the technical and methodological foundations of data storage and backup and critically reflect on the social and ethical implications of developing and applying data-driven technologies.

Graduates of the program are experts in evaluating and utilizing large amounts of data on the basis of complex mathematical models. They are able to evaluate and develop methods for data preparation and data analysis and use them in accordance with requirements. They are thus excellently qualified for further work in academic research as well as for leading positions in tech companies.

For a comprehensive description of the program, please refer to the degree program documentation:

• Degree program documentation for the master's program in Mathematics in Data Science (PDF, German) 

This program places an emphasis on methods and algorithms from statistics, machine learning, optimization, and the theory of data representation. The focus lies in the theoretical and practical aspects of data engineering, data analysis, machine learning, and data science. In addition, students are to attend interdisciplinary courses such basic law classes, and also lectures on the social and political implications of “Big Data” and Artificial Intelligence. 

Required language skills for admission:

You need sufficient English language skills if you wish to apply for this program. Evidence of your language proficiency has to be submitted before the end of the application deadline. Learn more about recognized certificates and other ways to prove your English language skills.

This evidence of your language proficiency confirms that you comply with the minimum language requirements for admission to the program. Depending on the program and your individual background, it may be necessary for you to keep working on your language skills during your studies. Be sure to take a look at the services of our Language Center.  

Language of instruction:

The language of instruction for this program is English.

• Information on exams
• Information on studying abroad
• Information on internships

The tuition fees for international students from third countries for this degree program are 6,000 euros per semester.

Many international students can have their fees waived or receive scholarships to finance them. You can find all information on waivers and scholarships here.

Please note: The semester fee as a contribution to the student union must be paid additionally. It varies depending on where you are studying. You can find all information on the semester fee here.

Minimum requirements to apply for a Master's program at TUM are a recognized undergraduate degree (e.g. a bachelor’s) and the successful completion of the aptitude assessment procedure. Aptitude assessment allows the TUM school to which you are applying the opportunity to evaluate your individual talents and motivation for study.

During the application period, you must apply through the TUMonline application portal and upload your application documents.

If you receive an offer of admission, you will additionally have to submit individual documents as notarized hardcopies by post to be enrolled.

Generally, applicants with a qualification for postgraduate studies (e.g. a bachelor’s) obtained outside of the EU / EEA must have their documents reviewed in advance through uni-assist.

In detail:

• Applying for a master’s program: Application, admission requirements and more 
• Important information about your application from the TUM school

• Degree Certificate and Diploma or Subject and Grade Transcript of Studies to Date
• Transcript of Records
• Proof of English Language Proficiency
• Letter of Motivation (in English)
• Essay (in English)
• List of Best Credits
• Curriculum (e.g. module description)
• Complete and Current Résumé
• Passport
• Preliminary Documentation (VPD) if the qualification for graduate studies (e.g. a bachelor's) is obtained outside the EU/EEA

We may require additional documents depending on your educational background and your country of origin. Complete the online application to receive a comprehensive list of the required documents.

Further information on the required documents can be found on the school's degree program page.

• Application for Enrollment (signed)
• Degree Certificate and Diploma (certified copy)
• Transcript of Records (certified copy)
• Most Current Photo (as for ID)
• Digital notification of your health insurance status from a German public health insurance provider (requested by applicant)

We may require additional documents depending on the type of educational background you earned and your country of origin. After accepting an offer of admission in TUMonline, you will receive a list of documents you must submit to TUM in hardcopy for enrollment.

Application period for the winter semester: 01.01. – 31.05.
Application period for the summer semester: 01.09. – 30.11.

During the application period, you must apply through the TUMonline application portal and upload your application documents. Please be aware that we can only process your application if you upload all required documents within the application period.

We will review your application as soon as it is complete. Please check your TUMonline account regularly, to see if we have any queries to your documents or if you have to amend one or more documents.

After receiving admission, you will see in TUMonline which documents you have to submit for enrollment, and in which form. Please note that you always have to send the signed application for enrollment and all notarized hardcopies by post.

We recommend that you submit the documents for enrollment as soon as possible after receiving admission. If individual documents are not available by then, you can submit them up to 5 weeks after the start of the lecture period. You will, however, only be enrolled once we have received all documents.

You can check the status of your application at any time in your TUMonline account.

Selection takes place through an aptitude assessment procedure. Aptitude assessment is a procedure after the submission of an official application to a program. In this procedure, the TUM school determines whether you meet the specific requirements for its master’s degree program.

In the initial stages, the competencies you obtained during your bachelor's program, as well as your written documents, will be evaluated using a point system. Depending on the amount of points accumulated, applicants are either immediately admitted, rejected or invited to an admissions interview. 

In detail: 

• Further information on the application procedure can be found on the school's degree program page.

• Aptitude Assessment for Master
• Information on the Aptitude Assessment (German) (PDF 2 MB)