- Location
- Kaiserslautern
- Degree
- Master of Science
- Area of study
- Computer Science
- Standard period of study
- 4 Semester
- Main instruction language
- German
- Time required
- full-time
- Modes of study
- Face-to-Face studies
- Admission semester
- Winter semester, Summer semester
- Credit points
- 120 ECTS
- Admission restriction
- no
- Aptitude test
- no
- Application period
- Dates
Software and technology have become an indispensable part of modern society. Generative language models like ChatGPT are used everywhere—not only to complete homework or generate recipes, but also for travel planning, as translators, or in the development of large-scale software systems. Companies deploy Artificial Intelligence both for quality assurance and to support human resources decisions. Meanwhile, as TikTok and other social media platforms compete for our attention, their algorithms increasingly influence the information we perceive and how public debates are conducted. Anyone who wants to understand these developments needs more than technical knowledge alone.
Socioinformatics is precisely what is needed here. Instead of viewing technology and people separately, it examines how both are interconnected and how they influence one another. Consequently, the degree program addresses questions such as:
- What societal impacts can the introduction of new technologies bring?
- How can phenomena like filter bubbles, doomscrolling, or AI slop be explained?
- What can be done to ensure that software not only works technically, but also achieves its desired impact?
The Master's program in Socioinformatics is consecutively structured and builds directly on the content of the Bachelor's program in Socioinformatics. In principle, entry with a Bachelor's degree from another field of study is also possible. However, the prerequisite for this is that the previous studies covered both sufficient computer science knowledge and social science content. For questions regarding credit transfer as well as switching to the Master's program in Socioinformatics, Julian Pelloth (julian.pelloth[at]edu.rptu.de) is available via email.
Through numerous elective options, students can set their own focus within Socioinformatics and develop an individual profile. Over the course of their studies, for example, students can evolve into sought-after AI experts, versatile software engineers, informed science communicators in the field of digitalization, analytical political consultants, or expert business consultants.
Building on the bachelor’s degree, the master’s program deepens the skills acquired and offers a wide range of opportunities to refine one’s profile as a socioinformatics expert. The program is divided into six sections that complement one another. At its core is the Socioinformatics Specialization, which advances socioinformatics knowledge to the current state of research. The Advanced Software Engineering section imparts the necessary skills for working on and managing software projects, while the Computer Science Specialization allows students to choose their own focus area within computer science. The Society section allows students to deepen their understanding of the social science perspective. Finally, the Electives/Complementary Studies section offers the greatest flexibility for tailoring the program to individual interests. Students complete their studies with a Master’s Thesis—an independent academic paper addressing a socioinformatics research question.
Socioinformatics Specialization
The Socioinformatics specialization forms the core of the master’s program. Students engage in-depth with the current state of socioinformatics methodology, test it in practice, and further develop it. This section includes a required course on central concepts of socioinformatics, a required elective area, a seminar, and a project.
Computer Science Specialization
In the Computer Science specialization, students choose one of seven specialization tracks within computer science: Data Science, Embedded Systems and Robotics, Software Engineering, Information Systems, Intelligent Systems, Distributed and Networked Systems, or Visualization and Scientific Computing. The goal is to refine their own profile in the chosen area and to reach the cutting edge of current research.
Advanced Software Engineering
In the Advanced Software Engineering section, students deepen their expertise in software development through additional modules in this field. This qualifies graduates of the Socioinformatics program to collaborate on, support, and lead software projects.
Supplement / Complementary Studies (Ergänzung)
The Complementary Studies section is about the students' own approach to their studies. Here, students can specifically expand their individual academic profile. Options include master’s-level courses in computer science as well as modules from other departments. Up to 8 LP may be applied toward interdisciplinary qualifications (e.g., language courses), and up to 10 LP may be applied toward courses from bachelor’s programs outside of computer science. The Complementary Studies section is suitable both for broadening your knowledge within Computer Science and for refining your academic profile by focusing on a specific area of application (e.g., policy consulting). The Academic Advising Office and mentors from the field of socioinformatics are available to assist you in planning your studies.
Master Thesis
In their Master Thesis, students conduct independent research on a topic of their choice in the field of socioinformatics. This may involve a computer science problem with a socioinformatics component or a topic at the direct intersection of computer science and a relevant social science discipline.
Julian Pelloth, E-Mail: julian.pelloth@cs.rptu.de, Room 48-670, Appointments by appointment only
Dipl.-Päd. Christian Bogner, Tel.: +49 (0)631 205 2572, Email: christian.bogner@cs.rptu.de, Room 48-371, Appointments by appointment only
Applicants are expected to have sufficient active and passive proficiency in German and English. The computer science modules in the master’s program are primarily offered in English, while the modules in the social sciences are primarily taught in German.
The curriculum consists of software engineering combined with foundational knowledge in economics, ethics, law, sociology, and psychology. A degree in Socioinformatics therefore offers many opportunities for future career choices. While most graduates enter software development, graduates are also in high demand in politics, public administration, and business due to their interdisciplinary education and their ability to handle complex systems and problems well. For instance, instead of working primarily in software development, graduates can advise government agencies, audit the use of AI systems, or guide the introduction of new technologies within companies.
This degree program is well-suited for a semester abroad. For example, students have spent semesters abroad in Finland, Sweden, Spain, or New Zealand. However, a semester abroad is neither mandatory nor necessary for earning a bachelor’s degree.
Aptitude Assessment Procedure for the Master’s Program in Socio-Informatics
This procedure serves to verify the subject-specific aptitude of applicants. It is conducted by the Examination Board of the Department of Computer Science.
1. Required Application Documents (Formal Requirements)
All documents must be submitted in either German or English. The following must be submitted:
- Degree Certificate or Academic Record: (e.g., Transcript of Records) of your previous studies, including your final grade and completed courses/modules.
- Content Descriptions of Completed Courses: E.g., module handbook, course descriptions. (This is not required for Bachelor’s graduates from TU Kaiserslautern / RPTU.)
- Letter of Motivation: A personal statement outlining your motivations and academic goals.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): An overview of your professional/personal background and practical experience.
2. The Two-Stage Assessment Process
Step 1: Equivalence Assessment (Content Review)
Your previous degree program will be compared to the Bachelor’s program in Socio-Informatics at RPTU:
- Directly Equivalent: The assessment is passed.
- Partially Equivalent: The Examination Board may issue additional requirements (conditions). This means you must make up for missing coursework from the Bachelor's program, up to a maximum of 30 credit points (CP).
- Not Equivalent: If equivalence cannot be achieved even with 30 CP of additional requirements, you will be deemed ’not qualified’ and your application will be rejected.
Note: To better understand the relevant requirements, it is helpful to look at the curriculum of the Bachelor’s in Socio-Informatics at RPTU. The greater the content overlap with your own Bachelor’s degree, the more likely it is that your prior education will be classified as equivalent in the legal sense.
Step 2: Assessment of Subject-Specific Aptitude
Here, the committee makes a decision based on three criteria:
- Proven language proficiency in German and English (in accordance with the specifications of the examination regulations).
- Competences acquired during your undergraduate (first) degree.
- Practical knowledge and experience beneficial to the Master's program.
3. Decision, Legal Claims and Counseling
- Result and Ambiguities: The procedure concludes with a verdict of either ’qualified’ or ’not qualified’. If the documentation is unclear, the committee may request additional documents or invite you to give a presentation.
- Rejection and Re-application: A rejection will be issued via a formal written notice.
Contact in case of uncertainties:
If you have any questions or uncertainties before or during the application process, we strongly recommend that you contact the designated contact persons for the Socio-Informatics degree program directly (see ’Contact and Counseling’).
The aptitude assessment procedure is described in detail in Appendix 2 of the applicable Master’s Examination Regulations.
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