What is computer science?
Computer Science is the science of the technology and the application of machine processing and transferring information,

Why is Computer Science important?
In recent decades Computer Science has developed into a key technology and has become relevant in almost all areas of modern life. The enormous influence of Computer Science through the imposing development of the internet is clear. Today, the worldwide network is the basis for modern business communication, logistics and the media world. Less obvious is the ubiquitous presence of Computer Science in places where one would least expect to find it. In household items like dishwashers or washing machines so-called Embedded Systems control the intelligent systems.

As the gateway between humans and computers and between the business world and society Computer Science doesn’t just open one good career prospect, rather it opens hundreds. 

What do computer scientists do?
The fields of responsibility for computer scientists are diverse and varied. Hardly any sectors can get by today with Computer Science. Computer scientists structure and analyse problems relating to different areas. They develop hardware and software systems, plan and coordinate projects.

The diverse areas of application mean that computer scientists can become involved in varied tasks and that they can specialise according to their own interests:

• Software development and programming
• IT organisation and IT consultancy and IT projects
• Business consultancy
• Networks and operating systems
• User service and support
• Database development and administration
• Application development and ERP system customisation
• Development of multimedia applications and multimedia products
• Audio and video processing
• Development of learning systems
• ...

How are Computer Science degrees structured?
University of Fulda offers 6-semester Bachelor degrees in

• Applied Computer Science
• Digital Media and
• Business Informatics. 

Upon graduation from the Bachelor programme the Master degrees

• Master Applied Computer Science and
• Master Electronic Business (international course)

can be completed.

How much practical work is included in the degrees?
Classes are supplemented with laboratory work, practicals and project work in all phases of the degrees. In addition there are classes offered in cooperation with the industry, as well as an intensively supervised practical project (3 months) in the Bachelor degree that can be undertaken in a company or in an institution,

What advantages does a large amount of practical work bring?
The high proportion of practical work enhances the graduates’ chances of getting a job as they already possess practical experience and qualifications and can, therefore, quickly integrate themselves in the regular work process. The integrated practical project also provides the opportunity for contacts to be made with potential employers.

How large are the classes?
In order to guarantee all students an optimum education lessons are given to small groups. Seminars and practicals, for example, are given to groups of up to 15 students. 

Which conditions must I fulfil to be accepted onto the Bachelor degree?
Admission conditions for the Bachelor degree:

• General university entrance exams (A-Levels)
• Technical university entrance exams or
• Subject-specific university entrance exams

Which conditions must I fulfil to be accepted onto the Master degree?
Admission conditions for the Master degree are a first professional degree qualification (e.g. Bachelor) in Computer Science or a related subject and a good knowledge of English.

Is there a numerus clausus (NC)?
Until now there has not been an NC for the Bachelor degree in Applied Computer Science. This situation could change however, should the number of applicants exceed the class quota.

For the Master degree an average mark of at least 2.5 is required. In exceptional cases – e.g where the applicant already has a successful career or can prove to possess a very good knowledge of Computer Science – applicants with worse average marks may be accepted.

Do I have to complete an internship before I start the degree?
No, it is not necessary to have completed an internship before beginning the degree.

What is a ‘Bachelor’?
A Bachelor is the first title from a university degree. With this qualification, a student is qualified for a career and possesses the necessary scientific basics, methods and practical qualifications, as well as the basis for an optional Master degree.

How long does a Bachelor last?
The general degree length is 3 years (6 semesters) and leads to a first professional, academic qualification.

How is the Bachelor degree structured?
The degree in Applied Computer Science is separated into one four-semester foundational period, one semester in which students choose a specialisation, and one final semester in which the project is carried out and the dissertation is written.

Which specialisations can be chosen in the Bachelor degree?
It is possible to choose between the following 4 specialisations:

• Media IT
• Telecommunications
• Business IT
• Embedded Systems

What can I do after the Bachelor degree?
Upon completion of the Bachelor degree it is possible to either go directly into a career or to complete a Master degree (generally 3-4 semesters). The Master degree builds on the Bachelor degree and allows for a specialisation and further education in a specific field of Computer Science. Master students may then go on to study for a doctorate and can then go on to work in the civil service.

The faculty of Applied Computer Science already offers the Master degree in Electronic Business and from winter semester 2007/2008 will offer a Master degree in Applied Computer Science with specialisation in Integrated Networking and Multimodal Human-Computer Interaction.

Where can I find more information?
Further information regarding the degree structure, specialisation topics and career opportunities can be found at:

• Bachelor degree Applied Computer Science
• Bachelor degree Digital Media
• Bachelor degree Business Informatics

What is a ‘Master’?
The Masters qualification is the second degree qualification, which can only be taken once the first qualification (Bachelor) has been completed. There are two types of Master degree: the first is a consecutive Master, in which the Master degree is a continuation of the Bachelor degree; the second is a non-consecutive or interdisciplinary Master, in which the student takes a Master degree in a different subject to their Bachelor degree. It is therefore possible to combine a Bachelor of Science with a Master of Arts degree.

How long does the Master degree last?
The standard length of a consecutive Master in Applied Computer Science is 2 years (4 semesters).

The standard length of the international Master degree in Electronic Business is 1.5 years (3 semesters).

How is the Master degree structured?
The first two or three semesters focus on providing a broad and specialist knowledge concerning the chosen specialisation topics. The final semester sees the students completing their Master theses. 

Which specialisation topics can I choose in the Master degree?
In the Master degree in Applied Computer Science students can choose between two specialisation topics: Multimodal Human-Computer Interaction and Integrated Networking.

What can I do after the Master degree?
Upon completion of the Master degree students are eligible to begin studying for a doctorate or to enter the civil service.

Where can I find more information?
Further information regarding the degree structure, specialisation subjects and career opportunities can be found at:

Master degree in Applied Computer Science

International Master degree in Electronic Business

What advantages do the Bachelor and Master degree programmes have?

• Earlier graduation
  Good career prospects after just 3 years
• Better opportunities for transfers
  Bachelor and Master degrees are internationally recognised, which simplifies the process of studying abroad for one semester (or more).
• Higher flexibility
  The internationally recognised Bachelor qualification allows students to undertake related Master degrees in other universities and abroad
• Promotion and civil service
  The Master degree qualifies students to begin studying doctorates and to start working in the civil service

Will there only be Bachelor and Master degrees in the future?
Yes. In 1999 Germany, along with the other European countries, promised to create a unified European university system before 2010 to allow for degrees from different countries to be recognised throughout Europe and to increase the mobility of students and Professors. The old Diploma and Magister degree qualifications will be replaced by Bachelor and Master.