The term a cyber physical system (CPS) has become established to refer to a composite of software-based components with mechanical and electronic parts that communicate via a data infrastructure, such as the Internet. The resulting distributed and embedded systems are highly complex. They use sensors to capture the state of the physical world, process it with artificial intelligence methods, and initiate changes in it with actuators. Examples of applications are future mobility systems, smart grids and Industry 4.0.

In the course of study, necessary in-depth knowledge from computer science is taught, which is required for the design, construction and operation of CPS as well as for the further development of the field of CPS. Students acquire the ability to overview comprehensive technical contexts, analyze problems and develop scientific methods and findings for their solution.

The core of the program is in computer science. It is project-oriented (project-oriented studies) with an interdisciplinary focus on classical engineering disciplines. The program integrates students from computer science and from the engineering disciplines of mechanical and electrical engineering, which are important for CPS, in two entry profiles. In the profile for computer scientists, students with a bachelor's degree in computer science are taught additional fundamental knowledge from the engineering sciences, which enables them to acquire advanced knowledge in engineering relevant for CPS and to work on their development together with engineers. In the profile for engineers, students with a bachelor's degree in engineering are taught additional basic knowledge from computer science that enables them to acquire advanced knowledge in computer science that is particularly relevant for CPS. All students study the central CPS-specific content together and work in mixed teams, e.g. for project work.

Subject-specific and non-subject-specific skills are acquired in the first three semesters in addition to some lectures in student project groups. The 4th semester is available for the preparation of the master thesis (duration 6 months).

Study plan

Study plan

You can find the examination regulations for your study program here: Examination regulations according to study programs

Study plans as well as information about the modules in the study program can be found in the module database VDB:

Information material

You can find further information on the programs website.

Study plan as well as information about the modules in the study program can be found in the module database VDB:

• M.Sc. Cyber Physical Systems (profile for computer scientists)
• M.Sc. Cyber Physical Systems (profile for engineers) 

Admission

Admission requirements

Prerequisite for admission to the master's program "Cyber Physical Systems" is a successful bachelor's degree in applied computer science or alternatively in an engineering discipline or an equivalent course of study.

Graduates of the bachelor programs "Applied Computer Science", "Electrical Engineering and Information Technology" and "Mechanical Engineering" with an overall grade of 2.9 or better, will be enrolled without prior examination. All other applicants must submit their documents to the examination board prior to enrollment, where the equivalence of existing Bachelor degree will be examinated. As a rule, the eligibility of applicants is determined if the overall grade is 2.9 or better. The examination board decides on exceptions.

In particular, graduates of interdisciplinary or special application-oriented degree programs with significant portions of computer science or engineering are encouraged to apply. Examples of such courses are Medical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Applied Cognitive and Media Sciences (with a focus on Computer Science), Data Science, Business Informatics and many others.

Admission

If the above-mentioned requirements are met, this Master study course has unrestricted admission (number of student places is not limited). 

Enrollment takes place during the enrollment period at the student registrar’s office at Campus Duisburg. [forms and further information]

Prospective students from non-EU countries should apply at the International Office of Campus Duisburg by 15.07. for the winter semester and by 15.03. for the summer semester.

Language Skills

This is a German taught degree program. English language skills are necessary insofar as lectures may also be held in English and students must be able to follow them. Examinations and theses can take place or be written in German as well as in English.

The language of instruction at the University of Duisburg-Essen is German (except in the English-language programs). Therefore, you must have good German language skills if you want to study successfully. The majority of foreign applicants must pass the "Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang" (DSH 2 level; with some exceptions) before beginning their studies.

• German nationals (persons who have acquired their higher education entrance qualification in Germany or at a German school abroad) do not require any special proof of German language skills.
• Citizens of an EU member state (and citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) or German citizens with a foreign educational qualification, as well as
• Citizens of a country outside the EU with a foreign university entrance qualification must pass the "Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang" (DSH 2 level) or the TestDaF (TDN 4) before the begin of their studies.

Information on the German Language Test for University Entrance (DSH)