Master Mathematics of Machine Learning and Data Science
Ministry approval still pending
The research-oriented master's program Mathematics of Machine Learning and Data Science is a program in mathematics. It builds on the bachelor program Mathematics 100% or similar programs explicitly focused on mathematics.
The Master Mathematics of Machine Learning and Data Science is designed as a 4 semester program leading to the academic degree Master of Science (M.Sc.). It teaches a broad spectrum of mathematical concepts and methods which are the basis of algorithms for machine learning, data analysis, and similar applications. Core topics are provided by the disciplines Differential Geometry, Dynamical Systems, Functional Analysis, Numerics, Optimization, Statistics, and Topology, among others.
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Examinations and Credits Mathematics
The Office for Examinations and Credits Mathematics administers examination results in the bachelor's and master's programs in mathematics, including “Mathematics of Machine Learning and Data Science”, and the master's program in “Scientific Computing”. The Office also issues transcripts and certificates of academic achievements.
Facts and Figures
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Degree | Master of Science (M. Sc.) |
Type of study | Consecutive |
Beginning of study | Winter semester |
Standard period of study | 4 semesters |
Language(s) | English |
Application procedure | Admission restriction |
Studies
To complete the master's program, you need 120 credit points (Leistungspunkte or LP) from compulsory modules (28 LP), compulsory elective modules (24 LP), elective modules (24 LP), the Master thesis (30 LP), the presentation of the Master thesis (6 LP), and interdisciplinary skills (Übergreifende Kompetenzen or ÜK) (8 LP).
Subject studies
The Mathematics content of the program in terms of compulsory modules consists of
- a Ringvorlesung (a series of lectures by varying lecturers),
- the Data Science Lab, and
- the seminar Machine Learning and Data Science.
For compulsory elective modules, there are five core modules of which three have to be taken:
- Geometric methods for machine learning
- High dimensional numerics
- Partial differential equations and pattern formation
- Statistical learning and empirical process theory
- Variational methods and numerical optimization
Interdisciplinary Competencies
Admissible courses and activities include:
- Mathematical colloquium
- Software internship
- Internship in industry
- Summer Schools
- Exchange program
- Teaching assistant training
- ÜK courses offered at the university
Master Thesis
The Master thesis is a separate module subject to examination that concludes the scientific training. The purpose of the thesis is for the candidate to demonstrate their ability to work independently and in a predetermined time-frame, on a mathematical problem with scientific methods. To register for the Master thesis, you need to provide proof of completion of at least 45 CP: This entails having passed the Ringvorlesung and the Data Science Lab and acquired 24 LP from compulsory elective modules. Considering that preparatory work and evaluation of the thesis may take extra time, the faculty recommends that you look pro-actively and in a timely fashion for a thesis advisor and a thesis topic. If the Master thesis module is graded with 5.0, you may write another thesis on a different topic. Rewriting of a thesis on the same topic is not possible.
Model study plan
Forms Master Thesis
The forms regarding the Master Thesis will soon be ready to be downloaded.
Degree Regulations, Admission Regulations, and Course Handbook (Current)
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Older admission regulations, degree regulations, and course handbooks can be found in the download center.
Application and Enrollment
This Master program at Heidelberg University has limited enrollment and is subject to an admission process. The application procedure consists of several steps. Applications are processed via the central heiCO web portal. You can find general information on application and enrollment on the website of the University Administration.
Admission Requirements
You can only be admitted if you have a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics (or scientific computing, physics, etc.) asserting a sufficiently broad mathematical education, which requires a final grade <= 2.3. You need to provide proof of knowledge in selected core areas of Mathematics and of sufficient proficiency in English.
Required Documents
- High-school leaving certificate qualifying for general or subject-related higher education, or an equivalent university entrance qualification in an officially certified copy
- Bachelor degree certificate (or equivalent degree). May be replaced with a provisional certificate from the university for the first 5 semesters
- (Informal) Declaration that you have not forfeited the right to examination and are not currently subject to an exam procedure in any of these subjects
- Proof of course and examination achievements (Transcript of Records)
- Information on your knowledge in core areas of Mathematics, which you need to provide in the online application process
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If English is not your first native language: either of the following certificates regarding your proficiency in English:
- Certificate of an English-language course of studies (e.g. Mathematics Bachelor)
- TOEFL test, score >= 532 paper-based; score >= 72 if internet-based
- International English Language Test System (IELTS Academic), score >= 5,5.
- Cambridge English Scale, score >= 160
- Certificate of a Bachelor's degree in a course of studies with predominantly English course program
- cover letter based on the requirements on the webpage MMLDS-Application
Optionally, you may provide proof of appropriate programming skills.
Please be aware that this is only a summarized overview of the required documents. For further information, please consult the admission regulations.
Enrollment (Matriculation)
All applications submitted timely and in proper form will be ranked according to predefined criteria. Applicants whose applications are ranked most highly are invited for an interview. After the interview, the selection committee decides whether the applicant is admitted or not.
If you are admitted, you will receive an certificate of admission (Zulassungsbescheid). The certificate of admission must be presented to the Central University Administration when you enroll.
Deadlines
Application period for the winter semester 2025/26: April 1, 2025 - May 15, 2025