Studying computer science at RPTU: “It's a lot of fun”

From algorithms to future technologies, the fact that students are very satisfied with the computer science program at the Rhineland-Palatinate Technical University of Kaiserslautern-Landau (RPTU) is confirmed, among other things, by the ranking of the Center for Higher Education Development (CHE).“It's a lot of fun,” says student Sarah Jung: “We learn to familiarize ourselves with complex topics.”In addition, surveys of graduates show that the program is the perfect preparation for their future careers.

Sarah Jung says she loved computer science even in school. “It was even part of my high school exams.” She has always been enthusiastic about technical issues. In fact, math and physics were among her advanced courses in high school. “The decision to study in Kaiserslautern was relatively spontaneous. At first, I was interested in a dual study program.“ But that didn't work out because of Corona. ‘Then I looked around for alternatives and decided on the bachelor's program in computer science at the RPTU. My computer science teacher had also studied in Kaiserslautern,’ she laughs.

”We have a good atmosphere in the department"

She has grown fond of Kaiserslautern as a university city: “It's not that big. But what I need is there. And through the Palatinate Forest, you are close to nature.” What does she like about the RPTU? “The university in Kaiserslautern is a campus university. Everything is within walking distance. Computer science is very well positioned. There is a strong student council. And the contacts with the lecturers and staff are very good. We have a good atmosphere among ourselves.”

Christian Bogner, study manager at the Department of Computer Science, can only confirm all of this: “At RPTU, there is top-notch teaching and great study conditions. Our lecturers are always there to answer questions, and everyone can develop individually. Be it through exciting advanced modules or the opportunity to work together on projects and develop innovative solutions.”

What advice does he have for prospective students? “To get off to a good start, it's not important to be able to program perfectly. It is much more important to take responsibility for your studies at an early stage and to conscientiously engage with the content.” In the first semesters, exercises to accompany lectures help students to get to grips with the subject matter, explains Bogner – “and when working in groups, students get to know each other and make friends that last throughout their studies”.

In the CHE ranking, the computer science program at RPTU scores excellently

Both the bachelor's and master's programs in computer science have received excellent ratings in the CHE rankings – “especially in teaching and in terms of individual support,” the study manager specifies. “In addition, our graduates are very satisfied with the computer science education at RPTU and confirm in surveys that they have been perfectly prepared for their daily work.”

Independently familiarizing oneself with complex content

Programming, modeling software systems, algorithms and data structures, and project management are just some of the subjects on the bachelor's degree program curriculum. “There are many practice-oriented courses and digital learning formats that make studying easier,” says Bogner.

What is challenging? The required independence, says Sarah Jung. “We set our own priorities and choose the courses ourselves. The content involved in all of this is complex. It's all pretty difficult at the beginning.” But you shouldn't despair: “If I don't understand something right away, I go back and study it.”

Set your own priorities with a computer science degree

She likes the fact that her degree program is interdisciplinary. This is because it is possible – by taking the appropriate minor subjects – to deepen your studies in different directions: “That could be business administration, for example.” Sarah Jung herself has decided to focus entirely on computer science. “Distributed and Networked Systems” was her specialization in the bachelor's degree. “For me, it was specifically about security.”

Involvement in the department – students support each other

Alongside her own studies, Sarah Jung supports other computer science students: she leads tutorials and has already mentored three female first-year students, providing them with advice and support. And on the expert committee for studies and teaching, she works with lecturers, staff and students to ensure the quality of courses.

She is now at the beginning of the master's program and is writing her bachelor's thesis at the same time. “It's about analyzing radio signals and how they spread. All with aircraft in mind. It's a data analysis project. We have a sensor on the roof of the university. And so we can record data from aircraft over a wide area.”

She could definitely see herself working in science at a later stage. This would be possible in both a research institution and in industry: “We are learning how to familiarize ourselves with complex topics. That's why the career opportunities are correspondingly broad later on.”

At a technical university, the content goes into great depth

Computer science is a super subject, summarizes Sarah Jung. But you should be aware that “when you study at a technical university, you go into great depth and there is also a lot of theory.” What should future students bring with them? An interest in solving complex things. They should also want to look at things in depth, she says. “At the beginning, I wasn't sure if it was the right thing for me. But I don't regret the decision.”