Program facts and information
Degree: Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Standard period of study: 4 semesters (2 years)
ECTS credits: approx. 120
Language of instruction: German and English
Language requirements: German (click here for more information on the proof of language proficiency)
Program start: Fall semester (September) and spring semester (February)
Academic calendarSchool: School of Business Informatics and Mathematics
Semester fee: EUR 204.30 (more information)
Tuition fees for international students from non-EU countries: EUR 1,500
Tuition fees for a second degree: EUR 650Program overview
Do you find that Mathematics is the most interesting subject? Then this program is the right fit for you! The master’s program in Mathematics (M.Sc.) at the University of Mannheim is one of the few master’s programs in Germany for which you do not need a minor. In the two academic years, you can focus solely on mathematics. If it suits your interests, you can also attend mathematics lectures in related fields. Our students are mostly free in choosing the mathematics courses: There are no content requirements for about 75 percent of the total ECTS.
Mathematics at the University of Mannheim focuses on economically relevant topics in areas such as Big Data, Mathematical Finance and Insurance Mathematics so that our master’s degree graduates are ready for a successful business career.
Our cooperation with the student organization STADS (Students' Association for Data Analytics and Statistics) offers our students the opportunity to take on specific data science projects during their studies.
By attending lectures, students can directly acquire certificates of the German Association of Actuaries (Deutsche Aktuarvereinigung (DAV)). This improves the job prospects in the insurance sector considerably.
The master’s program is structured so as to ensure a perfect basis for students interested in pursuing a doctorate.
Why study Mathematics at the University of Mannheim?
You want to focus on studying mathematics for two years, without a minor? Then our master’s program is the perfect fit for you! The master’s program in Mathematics at the University of Mannheim is one of just a few master’s programs in Mathematics in Germany for which you do not need a minor. Of course, if it suits your interests, it is also possible to attend mathematics lectures in other schools.
As there are no requirements for about 75 percent of the ECTS, our students are given a great deal of autonomy in designing their studies. This way it is easy to study a semester abroad or to do an internship semester.
With around 10 students per year, the class size of the master's program in Mathematics is very small and the program has a low student-teacher ratio. Our young team of math professors is always happy to answer your study-related questions.
A huge advantage of studying in Mannheim is that the university has a large network of private sector companies and research institutions. Our graduates have excellent career options, also thanks to our network consisting of various internationally renowned companies. With their subject-specific knowledge, mathematicians are highly sought-after. At the yearly MINT-Marktplatz, many of our students are recruited by our partners before they graduate.
During your studies, you can attend interdisciplinary courses at the Institute of Computer Science or the School of Social Sciences.
The University of Mannheim is characterized by an international environment. During their studies, most students spend a semester abroad at one of our many partner universities.
You can apply your mathematical skills in statistics and artificial intelligence in collaborative projects with companies while studying. The student statistics team STADS (Students' Association for Data Analytics and Statistics) and mathematics professors jointly work on solutions for our industry partners. STADS provides our students with the opportunity to experience the start-up feeling of the big data world during their studies.
You can also directly acquire certificates of performance for the German Association of Actuaries. This is a huge advantage for employers. For a career at insurance companies, these certificates must often be obtained alongside the regular occupation.
Career opportunities
Our graduates of the master’s program in Mathematics can choose from a variety of professions: On the one hand, the research-oriented program prepares the students specifically for a doctorate and an academic career in Mathematics. On the other hand, the excellent mathematical education is the basis for a smooth career start.
They can, for example, work in the following fields:
- all data-driven professions
- banking, insurance, financial services
- business consulting
- IT and software development
Required interests and skills
Students of the master’s program in Mathematics should
- have the desire to deepen their mathematical knowledge and skills,
- be interested in research and current research questions in mathematics,
- be disciplined and persistent,
- be prepared to learn subject material and do homework on your own,
- be willing to work in a team.
Program structure
The master’s program in Mathematics (M.Sc.) is a research-oriented program. In the first two semesters, you will deepen your knowledge in pure mathematics (e.g. functional analysis, partial differential equation, probability theory) and applied mathematics (e.g. non-linear optimization, applied topology, numerics of ordinary/
partial differential equations). The second academic year focuses on specializing in a particular field and on preparing for the master’s thesis. If it suits your interests, you may also attend courses and obtain up to 24 ECTS credits in Computer Sciences, Psychology and Political Science.
You can choose from the following areas of specialization:
- Numerical Analysis, Scientific Computing and Mathematical Optimization
- Stochastics, Statistics, Mathematical Finance and Insurance Mathematics
- Algebra and Topology
To make it easier for you to choose from the options above, we are happy to provide you with exemplary course schedules. Our chairs and the program managers are happy to advise you.
Studying abroad
The University of Mannheim is partners with 450 universities around the world. In collaboration with the International Office, the school can help you plan a period of study abroad. In the master's program in Mathematics, studying abroad is optional.Internships
Examination regulations for the master’s program do not provide for a mandatory internship. If you would like to do a voluntary internship, the School of Business Informatics and Mathematics, thanks to its strong business contacts, will be in the best position to assist you with the organization.Continuing Education
Certificate programs
Strengthen your potential, deepen your knowledge, find solutions for challenges we will face tomorrow – there are many good reasons to think outside the box, get to know and try out new things even during your studies.At the University of Mannheim, you can do this in the “Studium Oecologicum” which focuses on sustainability. In our certificate program, you will acquire interdisciplinary expert knowledge which can help you to act ethically and to make holistic decisions.
Language courses
Making language learning easier: No matter if you want to learn Japanese, Hebrew, Spanish or Norwegian, take the Graduate Record Examination Test (GRE), The European Language Certificates (telc) or the TOEFL test – each semester, the University of Mannheim offers language courses and language certificates in more than 16 languages for students and non-university members, online and on campus!Doctorates
Students who successfully completed their master’s degree qualify for a doctoral program at one of the chairs of Mathematics. The master’s program in Mathematics (M.Sc.) is the perfect basis for pursuing a doctorate. Please contact the program managers, who will be happy to advise you on this topic.
Opportunities for pursuing a doctorate at the School of Business Informatics and Mathematics
General information for pursuing a doctorate at the University of MannheimAdmission requirements and selection
In our selection process, we take numerous criteria into account. For more details, please check the selection statutes (see below). Be bold! Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need advice. We are looking forward to receiving your application!
Admission requirements
If you have not yet completed your bachelor’s degree, you may still apply for a master’s program as long as will provide a proof that you have obtained at least 140 ECTS credits.
- Completion of a bachelor's program in Mathematics with Mathematics courses corresponding to at least 100 ECTS credits at a German higher education institution or abroad (also Berufsakademie) corresponding to at least 180 ECTS credits or a regular period of study of at least three years
- Proof of proficiency in German
Selection criteria
- The final grade or – for students still completing their degree – the grade average of the bachelor’s program
- Relevant professional activities (vocational training, professional practice or internships) or academic experience (working on publications, as student assistant, teaching experience)
- Semester abroad
Selection statutes
Under “Admission requirements and selection” we have compiled the most important selection criteria of the program for you. For more detailed explanations of the selection process and the legally binding requirements of the degree program, please refer to the selection statutes.Application
