Note:

The following curriculum is a consolidated version. It is legally non-binding and for informational
purposes only.
The legally binding versions are found in the University of Innsbruck Bulletins (in German).

Original version published in the University of Innsbruck Bulletin of 11 May 2021, Issue 63, No. 748
Amendment published in the University of Innsbruck Bulletin of 1 September 2021, Issue 102, No.
1030
Amendment published in the University of Innsbruck Bulletin of 18 May 2022, Issue 42, No. 500

Curriculum for the

Master’s Programme Computer Science
at the Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics
at the University of Innsbruck

Table of contents
§ 1 Allocation of the study programme
§ 2 Qualification profile
§ 3 Scope and duration
§ 4 Language of instruction
§ 5 Admission
§ 6 Types of courses and maximum number of students per course
§ 7 Allocation of places in courses with a limited number of participants
§ 8 Compulsory and elective modules
§ 9 Master’s Thesis
§ 10 Examination regulations
§ 11 Academic degree
§ 12 Coming into force
§ 13 Transitional regulations

Last modification: 2022-06-02 –1–

§ 1 Allocation of the study programme
According to §54 par. 1 Universities Act 2002, the Master’s Programme in Computer Science is
allocated to the group of engineering studies.

§2 Qualification profile
(1) The Master’s Programme in Computer Sciences offers based on the Bachelor’s Programme in
Computer Science advanced knowledge and skills that enable the practice of highly qualified,
independent and innovative research and development work in the field of systematic and
automated information processing. In addition, computer science students are taught problem-
solving strategies as part of their studies, which make them attractive as graduates for many
responsible positions in all industries with a focus on technology. This is achieved through an in-
depth study of selected current sub-areas of computer science together with an integration into
modern research.
(2) Graduates typically work in addition to university-related research in the implementation and
conception of research and development projects in industry, the service sector and public
institutions. Computer scientists find attractive employment relationships, for example in the field
of software development in industry, information and telecommunications companies, system
houses, application companies and media providers. Activities in consulting businesses and the
founding of start-ups are also possible career steps for graduates who want to use their knowledge
to solve problems in the natural sciences, technology, medicine, business and society.
(3) To prepare for these tasks, the students of the master’s programme advance their knowledge of
both, the basics and the methods of computer science in the first phase, while in the second phase
a research-oriented, independent profile formation takes place embedded in the Department of
Computer Science at the University of Innsbruck. An increased offer of research-based teaching,
which is based on the university’s main research areas, is intended to encourage creative thinking
and to enable the students to pursue a doctoral study programme. This is done in particular through
the offer of three innovative specialisations, which are based on the central research foci of the
Department of Computer Science.

§3 Scope, duration and structure

(1) The Master’s Programme in Computer Science covers 120 ECTS-Credits; this corresponds to a
duration of the study programme of four semesters. One ECTS-Credit corresponds to a workload
of 25 hours..
(2) The Master’s Programme in Computer Science offers the opportunity to choose one of the
specialisations of (i) “Logic and Learning”, (ii) “Secure and Distributed Computing” or (iii)
Perception, Interaction and Robotics”, in which (i) methods of deductive and inductive reasoning,
the (ii) construction of safe and reliable systems as well as (iii) computational and data-driven
methods for physical and virtual worlds are examined.

§ 4 Language of tuition
The Master’s Programme in Computer Science is offered in English. In justified exceptional cases,
exams and the Master’s Thesis can be taken or written in German.

§5 Admission
(1) Admission to the Master's Programme in Computer Science requires a relevant Bachelor's degree
awarded by a university or a university of applied sciences ("Fachhochschule") or a relevant
degree acquired at a recognised post-secondary educational institution home or abroad.
(2) In any case, the Bachelor’s Programme in Computer Science at the University of Innsbruck is
relevant Bachelor’s programme. The rectorate decides on study programmes in question or on the
equivalence of a study programme passed at a post-secondary educational institution home or
abroad for the admission to the master’s programme based on the regulations of the Universities
Act 2002.

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(3) In the event that equivalence has been established in principle but with certain qualifications
missing for full equivalence, supplemental examinations may be required by the rectorate. These
examinations must be passed during the master's programme.

§6 Types of courses and maximum number of students per course

(1) Types of courses without continuous performance assessment:
Lectures (VO) are courses held in lecture format. They introduce the research areas, methods and
schools of thought for a given subject. Maximum number of participants: no maximum number
of participants
(2) Courses with continuous performance assessment:
1. Introductory seminars (PS) introduce students interactively to scientific literature through the
treatment of selected issues. They convey knowledge and methods of academic work.
Maximum number of participants: 20
2. Seminars (SE) provide in-depth treatment of scientific topics through students' presentations
and discussion thereof. Maximum number of participants: 15
3. Lectures with integrated practical parts (VU) focus on the practical treatment of concrete
scientific tasks that are discussed during the lecture parts of the course. Maximum number of
participants: 25

§ 7 Allocation of places in courses with a limited number of participants

In courses with a limited number of participants, course places are allocated as follows:
1. Students for whom the study duration would be extended due to the postponement are to be
given priority.
2. If criterion no. 1 does not suffice for regulating the admission, then first, students for whom
the course is part of a compulsory module are to be given priority, and second, students for
whom the course is part of an elective module.
3. If the criteria in no. 1 and 2 do not suffice for regulating the admission, then the available
places are raffled.

§8 Compulsory and elective modules

(1) The following compulsory modules covering 12.5 ECTS-Credits must be passed:
ECTS-
1. Compulsory Module: Current Topics in Computer Science h
Credits
a. VO Current Topics in Computer Science 1 2
b. PS Current Topics in Computer Science 3 5.5
Total 4 7.5
Learning Outcomes:
This module enables students to describe a selection of current research topics in computer
science and to understand some of their fundamental research questions. In addition, the ability
is acquired to classify new questions and problems as well as one's own interests in these topic
complexes.
Prerequisites: none

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 ECTS-
2. Compulsory Module: Preparation of the Master’s Thesis h
Credits
Agreement on the topic, scope and form of the Master's Thesis on the basis
of a brief description of the content (synopsis) as well as agreement on the
- 2.5
work processes and the course of study; planning a corresponding time
frame for the implementation of the Master's Thesis
Total - 2.5
Learning Outcomes:
Having successfully passed this module, the students are able to write a brief description of
the content of the planned Master’s Thesis (synopsis) and to outline a schedule.
Prerequisites: none

ECTS-
3. Compulsory Module: Defence of the Master’s Thesis h
Credits
Final oral defence of the Master’s Thesis in front of an examination
- 2.5
committee
Total - 2.5
Learning Outcomes:
Reflection on the Master’s Thesis in the overall context of the study programme; The main
focus lies the theoretical understanding, the methodological basics, conveying the results of
the Master’s Thesis and presentation skills.
Prerequisites: positive evaluation of all other compulsory and elective modules as well as the
Master’s Thesis

(2) Three elective modules covering altogether 82.5 ECTS-Credits must be passed as follows:
1. Three of the elective modules acc. to §8 par. 3 no. 1 to 6 covering 22.5 ECTS-Credits must be
passed.
2. The following specialisations covering 30 ECTS-Credits and further elective modules
covering 30 ECTS-Credits may be passed:
a) Logic and Learning: passing of the elective modules acc. to §8 par. 3 no. 7, 8 and 9
b) Secure and Distributed Computing: passing of the elective modules acc. to §8 par. 3 no. 10,
11 and 12
c) Perception, Interaction and Robotics: passing of the elective modules acc. to §8 par. 3 no.
13, 14 and 15
3. If no specialisation is chosen acc. to §8 par. 2 no. 2, elective modules (§8 par. 3 no. 7 to 20)
covering 60 ECTS-Credits in total must be chosen and passed.
4. Instead of the elective modules “Interdisciplinary Skills” acc. §8 par. 3 no. 19 and the
“Individual Choice of Specialisation” acc. to §8 par. 3 no. 20, a Minor (Complementary
Subject Area) for master programmes may be passed, provided the availability of places.
Minors are fixed modules from other disciplines covering 30 ECTS-Credits; They have been
published in the University of Innsbruck Bulletin.

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(3)
ECTS-
1. Elective Module: Automata and Logic h
Credits
a. VO Automata and Logic 2 4.5
b. PS Automata and Logic 2 3
Total 4 7.5
Learning Outcomes:
In-depth understanding of finite automata and logic; Students have a full command of the
concepts and theoretical tools on which the computer-aided verification is based and can, if
necessary, develop them further independently.
Prerequisites: none

ECTS-
2. Elective Module: Constraint-Solving h
Credits
a. VO Constraint Solving 2 4.5
b. PS Constraint Solving 2 3
Total 4 7.5
Learning Outcomes:
In-depth understanding of constraint solving. Students are proficient in concepts that are used
in current SAT, SMT and similar solvers and can also develop these independently if
necessary. In addition, they can select suitable solvers for applications in order to solve
problems effectively.
Prerequisites: none

ECTS-
3. Elective Module: Cryptography h
Credits
a. VO Cryptography 2 4.5
b. PS Cryptography 2 3
Total 4 7.5
Learning Outcomes:
In-depth understanding of cryptography; Students master the concepts and theoretical basics
for the construction of current cryptographic procedures. They know elementary security
terms and typical attacks on cryptography. They can analyse the secure use of selected
cryptographic procedures in practical systems and, if necessary, familiarise themselves with
similar procedures independently.
Prerequisites: none

ECTS-
4. Elective Module: High-Performance Computing h
Credits
a. VO High-Performance Computing 2 4.5
b. PS High-Performance Computing 2 3
Total 4 7.5
Learning Outcomes:
After successfully completing the module, students can describe and classify complex parallel

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 computer architectures and programmes, and select and adapt them according to requirements.
Common analysis and optimisation methods are understood and can be implemented. The
students are able to solve larger computing problems independently and efficiently on parallel
computers.
Prerequisites: none

ECTS-
5. Elective Module: Optimisation and Numerical Computation h
Credits
a. VO Optimisation and Numerical Computation 2 4.5
b. PS Optimisation and Numerical Computation 2 3
Total 4 7.5
Learning Outcomes:
After successfully completing the module, students understand current, complex algorithmic
methods in the field of interactive systems. They are able to solve corresponding problems
through the targeted use of the methods and to develop similar content themselves. Central
methods such as numerical computations, optimisation, computer-aided physics and the basics
of control theory are understood by the students. They can describe, classify, select, implement
and adapt these according to requirements.
Prerequisites: none

ECTS-
6. Elective Module: Signal Processing and Algorithmic Geometry h
Credits
a. VO Signal Processing and Algorithmic Geometry 2 4.5
b. PS Signal Processing and Algorithmic Geometry 2 3
Total 4 7.5
Learning Outcomes:
After successfully completing the module, students understand current, complex algorithmic
methods in the field of visual computing. They are able to solve corresponding problems
through the targeted use of the methods and to develop similar content themselves. Central
methods such as signal processing, algorithmic geometry and coordinate transformations are
understood by the students. They can describe, classify, select, implement and adapt these
according to requirements.
Prerequisites: none

ECTS-
7. Elective Module: Logic and Learning h
Credits
a. VU Logic and Learning A: 3 5
b. VU Logic and Learning B: 3 5
Total 6 10
Learning Outcomes:
Advanced understanding of current topical areas in logic and learning; acquisition of the
ability to independently educate themselves in the field.
Prerequisites: none

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 ECTS-
8. Elective Module: Selected Topics in Logic and Learning h
Credits
a. VU Selected Topics in Logic and Learning A: 3 5
b. VU Selected Topics in Logic and Learning B: 3 5
Total 6 10
Learning Outcomes:
Advanced understanding of selected advanced areas of specialisation in logic and learning;
acquisition of the ability to independently educate themselves in the field.
Prerequisites: none

ECTS-
9. Elective Module: Advanced Topics in Logic and Learning h
Credits
a. VU Advanced Topics in Logic and Learning 3 5
b. SE Research Seminar in Logic and Learning 2 5
Total 5 10
Learning Outcomes:
Advanced understanding of a specialised area in logic and learning;
acquisition of the ability to independently educate themselves in the field.
Prerequisites: none

ECTS-
10. Elective Module: Secure and Distributed Computing h
Credits
a. VU Secure and Distributed Computing A: 3 5
b. VU Secure and Distributed Computing B: 3 5
Total 6 10
Learning Outcomes:
Advanced understanding of current topics in secure and distributed computing; acquisition of
the ability to independently educate themselves in the field.
Prerequisites: none

Elective Module: Selected Chapters in Secure and Distributed ECTS-

11. h
Computing Credits
a. VU Selected Chapters in Secure and Distributed Computing A: 3 5
b. VU Selected Chapters in Secure and Distributed Computing B: 3 5
Total 6 10
Learning Outcomes:
Advanced understanding of selected advanced areas of specialisation in secure and distributed
computing; acquisition of the ability to independently educate themselves in the field.
Prerequisites: none

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 Elective Module: Further Topics in Secure and Distributed ECTS-
12. h
Computing Credits
a. VU Further Topics in Secure and Distributed Computing: 3 5
b. SE Research Seminar in Secure and Distributed Computing: 2 5
Total 5 10
Learning Outcomes:
Advanced understanding of selected advanced areas of specialisation in secure and distributed
computing; acquisition of the ability to independently educate themselves in the field.
Prerequisites: none

ECTS-
13. Elective Module: Perception, Interaction and Robotics h
Credits
a. VU Perception, Interaction and Robotics A: 3 5
b. VU Perception, Interaction and Robotics B: 3 5
Total 6 10
Learning Outcomes:
Advanced understanding of current topics in perception, interaction and robotics; acquisition
of the ability to independently educate themselves in the field.
Prerequisites: none

Elective Module: Selected Chapters in Perception, Interaction ECTS-

14. h
and Robotics Credits
a. VU Selected Chapters in Perception, Interaction and Robotics A: 3 5
b. VU Selected Chapters in Perception, Interaction and Robotics B: 3 5
Total 6 10
Learning Outcomes:
Advanced understanding of selected advanced areas of specialisation in perception, interaction
and robotics; acquisition of the ability to independently educate themselves in the field.
Prerequisites: none

Elective Module: Further Topics in Perception, Interaction and ECTS-

15. h
Robotics Credits
a. VU Further Topics in Perception, Interaction and Robotics 3 5
b. SE Research Seminar in Perception, Interaction and Robotics: 2 5
Total 5 10
Learning Outcomes:
Advanced understanding of selected advanced areas of specialisation in perception, interaction
and robotics; acquisition of the ability to independently educate themselves in the field.
Prerequisites: none

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 ECTS-
16. Elective Module: Specialisation A h
Credits
a. VU Special Topics 1: 3 5
b. VU Special Topics 2: 3 5
Total 6 10
Learning Outcomes:
Advanced understanding of current topics in computer science; acquisition of the ability to
independently educate themselves in the field.
Prerequisites: none

ECTS-
17. Elective Module: Specialisation B h
Credits
a. VU Special Topics 3: 3 5
b. VU Special Topics 4: 3 5
Total 6 10
Learning Outcomes:
Advanced understanding of selected advanced areas of specialisation in computer science;
acquisition of the ability to independently educate themselves in the field.
Prerequisites: none

ECTS-
18. Elective Module: Specialisation C h
Credits
a. VU Special Topics 5: 3 5
b. SE Research Seminar: 2 5
Total 5 10
Learning Outcomes:
Advanced understanding of selected advanced areas of specialisation in computer science;
acquisition of the ability to independently educate themselves in the field.
Prerequisites: none

ECTS-
19. Elective Module: Interdisciplinary Skills h
Credits
Providing the availability of places, courses from the master and/or diploma
programmes offered at the University of Innsbruck can be selected. It is
- 10
recommended to pass a course in the field of Gender Studies, Women and
Gender Research.
Total - 10
Learning Outcomes:
Expansion of the study programme by acquiring additional qualifications
Prerequisites: The prerequisites specified by the respective curricula must be met.

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20. Individual Choice of Specialisation
For individual specialisation, modules corresponding to a maximum of 20 ECTS-Credits can be
freely selected from the master’s programmes offered at the Faculty of Mathematics, Computer
Science and Physics at University of Innsbruck. The prerequisites specified in the respective
curricula must be met.

§9 Master’s Thesis
(1) In the master’s programme a Master’s Thesis amounting to 25 ECTS-Credits must be written.
The Master’s Thesis is a scientific piece of work that proves the ability to work on a scientific
topic independently and in a justifiable way in terms of content and methodology.
(2) If a specialisation acc. to §8 par. 2 no. 2 is selected, the Master’s Thesis must be allocable to the
topical field of the specialisation, otherwise from the field of computer science.
(3) Students have the right to suggest the topic for their Master’s Thesis or to select from a number
of suggestions.

§ 10 Examination regulations
(1) Modules are evaluated by module examinations. Module examinations are examinations that
proof the knowledge and skills acquired in a module. With successful completion of all parts of
the module examination, the respective module is passed.
(2) Courses of modules – with the exception of compulsory modules 2 and 3 – are evaluated by course
examinations. Course examinations are
a. examinations that assess the knowledge and skills covered in the lectures in which course
assessment is based on a single examination at the end of the course. The course instructor has
to determinate the examination method (written or oral) before the start of the course.
b. courses with continuous assessment, for which course assessment is based on regular written
and/or oral contributions by participants.
(3) Before the start of the courses, the course instructors have to inform the students in a suitable
manner about the objectives, the content and the methods of their courses as well as the contents,
the methods, the evaluation criteria and standards.
(4) The module “Preparation of the Master’s Thesis” is evaluated by the supervisor based on a
synopsis. Positive evaluation reads “successfully completed”, negative evaluation reads
“unsuccessfully completed”.
(5) Compulsory module “Defence of the Master’s Thesis” is evaluated by an oral exam before an
examination board. The examination board consists of three persons.

§ 11 Academic degree
Graduates of the Master’s Programme in Computer Science are awarded the academic degree “Master
of Science”, abbreviated as “MSc”.

§ 12 Coming into force

This curriculum comes into force as of 1 October 2021.

§ 13 Transitional provisions
(1) This curriculum applies to all students commencing the Master’s Programme in Computer
Science from the winter semester of 2021/22 onwards.
(2) Regular degree students, who have started the Master’s Programme in Computer Science acc. to
the curriculum of 2007, University of Innsbruck Bulletin of 23 April 2007, Issue 33, No. 197 at
the University of Innsbruck before 1 October 2021, are entitled to finish this programme within a
maximum of six semesters from this time onwards.

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(3) If the Master’s Programme in Computer Science is not completed in time, the students are subject
to the curriculum for the Master’s Programme in Computer Science, University of Innsbruck
Bulletin of 11 May 2021, Issue 63, No. 748 (curriculum of 2021). In addition, the students are
entitled to subject to the curriculum of 2021 on a voluntary basis.
(4) The recognition of examinations acc. to §78 par. 1 Universities Act 2002 is specified in the
appendix.

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Appendix: Recognition regulations acc. to §78 par. 1 Universities Act 2002
The successfully passed examinations within the scope of the Master’s Programme in Computer Science
(curriculum in the version of the University of Innsbruck Bulletin of 23 April 2007, Issue 33, No. 197)
listed below are recognised for the Master’s Programme in Computer Science at the University of
Innsbruck (curriculum in the version of the University of Innsbruck Bulletin of11 May 2021, Issue 63,
No. 748) acc. to §78 par. 1 Universities Act 2002 as follows:
Curriculum in the version of the University Curriculum in the version of the of the
of Innsbruck Bulletin of 23 April 2007, Issue University of Innsbruck Bulletin of 11 May
33, No. 197 2021, Issue 63, No. 748
§6 (1) VO Compiler Construction §7 (3) VO High-Performance Computing
PM1a (2 hrs./3 ECTS-Credits) WM4a (2 hrs. /4.5 ECTS-Credits)
§6 (1) PS Compiler Construction §7 (3) PS High-Performance Computing
PM1b (1 h/2 ECTS-Credits) WM4b (2 hrs. /3 ECTS-Credits)
§6 (1) VO Formal Language and Automata §7 (3) VO Automata and Logic
PM2a Theory (2 hrs./3 ECTS- Credits) WM1a (2 hrs. /4.5 ECTS-Credits)
§6 (1) PS Formal Language and Automata §7 (3) PS Automata and Logic
PM2b Theory (1 hrs. /2 ECTS-Credits ) WM1b (2 hrs. /3 ECTS-Credits)
§6 (1) SE Master’s Seminar 1 1 SE Research Seminar from EM 9,
§7 (3)
PM3 (2 hrs /5 ECTS-AP) 12, 15 or 18 (2 hrs./5 ECTS-Credits)
§6 (1) SE Master’s Seminar 2 1 SE Research Seminar from EM 9,
§7 (3)
PM4 (2 hrs./5 ECTS-Credits) 12, 15 or 18 (2 hrs. /5 ECTS-Credits)
Individual, positively evaluated course Individual Choice of Specialisation (20
§6 (1) §7 (3)
examinations of the “Specialisation ECTS-Credits to a corresponding
PM5 Z 20
Module” (20 ECTS-Credits) extent.
Elective modules that have already been successfully completed shall remain unaffected.

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