Understand, analyze and shape the World Wide Web

The Web is a means to find information, to engage with other people, to work and to entertain yourself. The hugely successful development of the Web has intricate implications on society, economy, and politics. The structure and dynamics of online communities (e.g., Facebook), the usage and development of knowledge platforms (e.g., Wikipedia) or new social and political awareness (e.g., transparency of political processes) provide us with new ways of organizing our private, professional and public life.

By studying Web Science you give yourself the expertise and experience to understand, analyze and shape the World Wide Web and its development. You will learn about its history, its interdisciplinary roots and methods to further develop the Web. Your skills will enable you to use the Web as a tool for helping society and businesses.
For this purpose, the Master program in Web Science extends and broadens the skills of research-interested students. 

What makes this program unique?

Students learn how the understanding of the Web is supported by various disciplines included in the program, especially the connection between computer science and social sciences. Skills in academic working and presenting as well as teamwork will be strengthened within the studies.
Besides modules for lectures, tutorials and seminars, the curriculum also includes courses concerning methods and techniques for individual research work.

What is the structure of the master program?

The Master in Web Science has an internationally oriented curriculum with all courses held in English. The emphasis of the program is on computer science in order to give students fundamental knowledge about the structure of the World Wide Web and about the techniques required for analyzing the Web and its evolution. For the analysis, interdisciplinary research is necessary in order to understand users. The master program therefore addresses the interconnection between computer science and disciplines such as mathematics, psychology, political science, studies of the law and economics. 

Which knowledge and skills should I bring with me?

The programme requires competencies acquired in a preceding Bachelor study programme, which is equivalent to Computer Science studies of type 1 (core computer science) or type 2 (computer science with specific application subject). The overall grade must be 2.5 or better (CGPA 65% or grade B).

Applicants should have written a scientific work in their previous studies, typically in the form of a bachelor thesis. Also a standardized English language certificate is required.

Students subscribing to the Web and Data Science are also expected to possess the following competencies, skills, and knowledge:

• Skills in programming and analyzing basic data structures and algorithms.
• Basic knowledge in the design, modeling, and testing of software according to the software development process.
• Understanding of formal foundations and principles of programming languages.
• Basic knowledge in analysis, linear algebra, discrete mathematics, and logic.
• Skills in academic writing and presenting.
• Basic understanding of formal languages, automata theory, and computational complexity theory.

Applicants are expected to reflect on these academic requirements in a motivational letter.

Do I have to complete an internship?

Internships are not mandatory. Students may carry out individual research projects together with industrial partners.

How are the job prospects?

Graduates from Institute WeST have found interesting positions at companies such as Google, Ernst & Young, Software AG or Bosch, to name but a few, they have started their own companies (e.g. Kreuzverweis, Alperion), or they  have continued for a Ph.D. in Koblenz, in Germany, or abroad. Institute WeST has a limited number of places available each year for pursuing a Ph.D. in computer science with a focus on Web Science. Admission to the doctoral program follows an excellent master's degree in Web Science or computer science or closely related discipline. If you excel earning a master's degree in Web Science you will be in pole position for continuing with doctoral studies.

How do I apply?

Application exclusively through our application portal for the winter semester.

Application deadline: Please refer to the application deadlines here.

Students with a non-German bachelor degree should apply with UNI-ASSIST.

How can I find out if this master program fits me?

The University of Koblenz provides consultations for prospective students and is represented at regional university fairs as well as information events for prospective students, such as at the Career Information Center of the Employment Agency. Additionally, at the annual University Experience Day at the Koblenz campus, prospective students and high school students can learn about the range of studies offered and engage in personal contact with representatives of the university.

Please contact the Subject-specific Study Advisor Service Prof. Dr. Frank Hopfgartner to make an appointment for an individual counseling interview.

Informations for Educational requirement:

Bachelor in Computer Science, Computer Visualistics, Business Informatics or any other related degree (after individual assessment) of an German university with the final grade "good" or better

or

Bachelor degree  in Computer Science, Business Informatics or any other related degree (after individual assessment) of a foreign university with the final grade "good" or better, if the completed study program contains the necessary foundations in computer science.

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