Programming code with a laptop in the background

Computer Science

What is the secret behind the automatic processing of information with the help of computers? How can interactive systems be designed? And how does algorithmic processing actually work? If you find these questions interesting, then you have come to the right place!
Programming code with a laptop in the background
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Key facts

Degree
Bachelor of Arts
Supplement to degree
minor in a multi-subject bachelor’s programme
Admission restriction
without admission restriction (without NC)
Duration
6 Semesters
Credits/ECTS
60
Teaching language
German
Tuition fee
None
Semester contribution
€ 305,05
Start of studies
Winter semester
Part-time possible
Yes
Institutions
Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science
Institute of Computer Science

Application & Deadlines

Programme content

Can you still imagine a world without the internet, social media or apps? Intelligent and information-processing systems have arrived in all areas of life in our society and are constantly evolving. Do you want to be prepared for the digital challenges of the future - so that you can use new products or other computer science applications without any problems or so that you can take a technical look beyond your own nose? The minor subject "Computer Science" will provide you with the necessary tools. Future innovative leaders, for example, will benefit greatly from a basic understanding of the ideas and models of computer science in order to be able to use the systems that optimally support the content-related work in their field.

Computer sciences are increasingly proving to be a central structural science with strong interdisciplinary effects. The objective of this minor subject is to prepare you for the challenges of the future through a basic education in computer science. The study programme focuses on the fundamental ideas of computer science, their implementation in applications and their use.

Structure

minor subject

Graphic: Sophie Bartholome

The bachelor's degree is the first professional qualification. The standard period of study is six semesters, during which various forms of courses (e.g. seminars, lectures or exercises) are offered for the individual modules.

A multi-subject bachelor’s programme consists of a major subject with 120 credit points (CP for short; 1 CP = 30 hours for attendance, preparation and follow-up work, private study, assessed coursework and examinations) and a minor subject with 60 CP.

Our programme comprises compulsory modules conveying basic knowledge, and required elective modules (5th/6th semester). These give you the opportunity to choose focal points. This minor subject can be combined with all major subjects. 

How might your degree programme shape up?

This table is an example of how the minor subject ‘Computer Science’ could be structured:

Semester Modules
1st
  • Structural Programming (9 CP)
2nd
  • Algorithms Basics (5 CP)
  • Computer Networks and Internet Technology (5 CP)
3rd
  • Data Bases and Information Systems (5 CP)
  • Discrete Modelling (5 CP)
4th
  • Intelligent Systems (5 CP)
  • Software and System Development (5 CP)
5th/6th
  • Required elective modules* (21 CP)

Abbreviations: CP = credit points

* In the required elective area, you can choose from courses offered by the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science de.

More detailed information can be found in the module catalogue for the study programme [in German]External link.

Why study in Jena?

Maximilian Hagner

Image: Maximilian Hagner

I made a very conscious decision to study Computer Science as a minor, because the importance of computer science will continue to increase in the future, and it has an influence on all areas of society.

Maximilian Hagner, student 

  • Close cooperations: The Institute of Computer Science maintains close personnel and content-related cooperations with companies in the high-tech sector in Jena, Thuringia and Germany as well as with companies operating worldwide. Additionally, it closely cooperates with non-university, industry-affiliated research institutions in and around Jena.
  • Full of tradition: A short trip back in history! The logician and developer of the first formal languages Gottlob Frege taught at the University of Jena—supported by the physicist Ernst Abbe. By the way: The first computer of the former GDR, the OPREMA (from the German ‘Optik-Rechenmaschine’), a computer for optical calculations was built in Jena in 1955 by VEB Carl Zeiss Jena. Based on the above history, our University later got its own institute for computer science in the reunified Germany.
  • Excellent research: The main research areas of theoretical computer science in Jena are algorithms and data structures as well as logic and complexity theory. The research de in logic and complexity theory is more focused on the foundations of computer science. The area of theoretical computer science in Jena is involved in various national and international research projects.
  • Possibilities without borders: Experience internationality! The University attracts students and scientists from all over the world with its appealing conditions and shapes Jena's character as a future-oriented and cosmopolitan city — ideal conditions for international prospective studentsmp4, 55 mb.
  • Adventure abroad: The University of Jena has a worldwide network of partner universitiesExternal link. Among them are, for example, the universities of Sao Bento (Brazil), Stellenbosch (South Africa) or Sibiu-Hermannstadt (Romania).

A look behind the scenes

  • Welcome!

    The Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science is located in the heart of the city—directly on campus at Ernst-Abbe-Platz 2.

    Fakultätsgebäude
    Image: Jan-Peter Kasper (University of Jena)
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What can you do after your studies?

Areas of employment for graduates

Teamwork in front of the computer

Teamwork in front of the computer

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  • media (e.g. in publishing, print media, radio or television)
  • documentation (e.g. in museums, libraries, archives)
  • adult education
  • public relations

Downloads and links for the degree programme

What are we looking for in prospective students?

  • basic knowledge of computer science preferred
  • mathematical knowledge and skills
  • interest in the use of computers and in implementing ideas
  • willingness to learn how to deal with formal descriptions

Admission requirements

  • University entrance qualification

    A university entrance qualification, such as a general secondary school leaving certificate, is required for admission onto the study programme.

    More information on university entrance qualifications can be found here.

  • Language requirements

    Admission and language requirements for applicants of foreign nationality and without German Abitur: www.uni-jena.de/en/study-orientation-international

Contacts

Academic Advisor — Univ.-Prof. Dr. Clemens Ulrich Grelck

Room 3243
Ernst-Abbe-Platz 2
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Examinations Office of the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science

Room 3329
Ernst-Abbe-Platz 2
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Central Student Advisory Service

University Main Building / SSZ
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Office hours:
We offer consultations in person, by telephone, and via Zoom. You can make an appointment by calling us on +49 3641 9-411111 (Mondays to Fridays from 9:00 to 11:00) or outside these office hours on +49 3641 9-411200. You can also use our remote help desk.

Consultation hours:
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays (9:00 to 12:20), Tuesdays (14:00 to 18:00), and Wednesdays and Thursdays (14:00 to 16:00).

Video chat: To the video chat – Zoom Videochat ZeitenMondays to Fridays (12:30 to 13:00) Password ZSB2020 Data protection informationpdf, 101 kb

Student Service Centre

University Main Building, Room E065
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Opening hours:
Information Desk (UHG; Room E0.65)
Mondays (10:00 – 12:00)
Tuesdays (13:00 – 15:00)
Wednesdays (10:00 – 12:00)
Thursdays (13:00 – 15:00)
Fridays (10:00 – 12:00)

You can also use our remote help desk at
www.uni-jena.de/service-ssz
or send us your enquiries by post.

Telephone hours:
Mondays to Fridays
(9:00 – 11:00)

Postal address:
Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
Studierenden-Service-Zentrum
07737 Jena

International Office - International students

University Main Building
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link