Find out more now: News about the 2026/27 winter semester

For the 2026–27 winter semester, there are several important changes to the bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in the Department of Computer Science. There are also some organizational notes to keep in mind. Here is an overview of all the information:

Bachelor’s

Programs for everyone starting their studies in October

The preparatory courses in computer science and mathematics begin on September 7, 2026. These courses help refresh high school knowledge and fill any gaps in understanding. We recommend that all new students participate. The preparatory courses can be taken concurrently.

During Orientation Week (O-Phase) from October 5 to 9, 2026, experienced Computer Science students will cover everything you need to know for a successful start to your studies at our department. New students can already register for Orientation Week.

In addition to the O-Phase, experienced students from the Computer Science Student Council are currently offering office hours for new students every Monday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. to answer questions about starting your studies: 0231 755-2048, Otto-Hahn-Str. 14, Room E32. You can also contact us by email: fs-informatik@tu-dortmund.de

A big thank you to all the students who volunteer to organize and run these first-semester programs!

Modules

- New: Elective module “Computer Science and Sustainability” (IuN) [Buchin]

- ETKT: The “Electrical Engineering and Communications Technology” module was offered in its previous form for the last time in the summer semester of 2026. Registration and withdrawal for ETKT exams—such as the second exam date on September 30, 2026—can be done as usual exclusively via the Campus Portal or, if necessary, via the BOSS system. There will be no make-up exam in the winter semester 2026/27. Starting in the summer semester 2027, there will be an alternative course for ETKT. We will inform you about this in a timely manner.

Computer Science Teacher Education

Starting in the 2027/2028 winter semester, the professional field internship (BFP) in the computer science teacher education program will be offered exclusively in schools rather than outside of schools, as was previously the case. Organizational responsibility for this practicum will therefore lie with DoKoLL. The exact structure of the teaching program, including the involvement of the various teacher education disciplines, will be coordinated by DoKoLL in consultation with all departments. The contact person for questions and suggestions is Dr. Daniel Losch.

Master’s

New Modules

- “Applied Software Architecture” (ASA) module [Ulbrich]

- “Data, Knowledge, and Context in Machine Learning and AI” (MLAI) module [External Instructors]

Business Informatics

Prof. Dr. Otto’s department announces that the “Business Engineering” module will no longer be offered starting in the 2026/27 winter semester.

Master’s Core Module “Graphical Data Processing” (GDV)

The master’s core module “Graphical Data Processing” is expected to be discontinued starting in the 2027/28 winter semester.

Current Master’s Seminars

A variety of Master’s seminars will once again be available in the winter semester. As examples, we would like to highlight the following seminars:

- AutoAI and AutoResearch: Automated Design of Models, Agents, Algorithms, and Scientific Workflows [Feurer]

- Mechanistic Interpretability [Eggensperger]

- Elements of Causal Discovery [Kamp]

Reaccreditation of the Computer Science and Applied Computer Science Programs

Our bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in Computer Science and Applied Computer Science have been successfully reaccredited. This means that an independent body has reviewed and confirmed that our degree programs meet the quality standards.

For students who have enrolled in these programs through the summer semester of 2026, the current examination regulations remain in effect: For you, the reaccreditation does not change anything. It is currently not possible for you to transfer to the reaccredited bachelor’s degree programs that will be newly introduced starting in the winter semester 2026/27.

For students starting the Bachelor’s in Computer Science and Applied Computer Science in October, the study plan, the module handbook, and the new examination regulations for the reaccredited degree programs—which will be published shortly—will apply. You can find all relevant information on your degree programs’ websites.

We will notify you directly as soon as new information becomes available.

Germany Scholarship

The Deutschlandstipendium supports high-achieving and talented students with a monthly grant of 300 euros—regardless of other income. At the same time, social engagement and volunteer work, in addition to academic performance, are also criteria for awarding the Germany Scholarship. The scholarship is paid for at least two semesters and at most until the end of the standard period of study. Applications are accepted until September 15, 2026. Germany Scholarship.

Sustainability Award

Since 2024, the Department of Computer Science at TU Dortmund University has awarded the Sustainability Award annually to promote its members’ commitment to sustainable development. Applications for the Sustainability Award are accepted through September 13, 2026.

From the department

- Prof. Dr. Petra Wiederkehr will assume the position of Vice-President for Research at TU Dortmund University starting in September. She previously served as Vice-President for Diversity.

- At the Faculty Council meeting on July 22, 2026, Prof. Dr. Mario Botsch was elected as the new Dean, Prof. Dr. Falk Howar as Vice Dean, and Prof. Dr. Peter Ulbrich as Dean of Academic Affairs. The new Dean’s term begins on October 1, 2026.

- We welcome Dr. Carolin Rehs as a junior professor in our department.

- We welcome Dr. Kristin Kalies as the financial officer in the Dean’s Office of Computer Science.

- Prof. Dr. Amin Coja-Oghlan has moved to Bielefeld University.

- Prof. Dr. Sebastian Peitz will be moving to the University of Paderborn.

- We mourn the loss of Prof. Dr. Günter Rudolph.

Outlook

Module Updates

The descriptions of the bachelor’s modules “Software Internship” (SoPra) and “Hardware Internship” (HaPra) are being revised.

Student Council General Assembly (FVV) on October 27, 2026

The Student Council General Assembly is open to all students in the department. Share your ideas and help shape your academic experience and department life through events, projects, and activities. Everyone is warmly welcome! More details will follow via email.

Open House on November 7, 2026

Invite Family & Friends—the Department of Computer Science is opening its doors again. We’ll offer hands-on activities and practical insights into our degree programs and current research projects.

Dortmund Alumni Day (DAT) on December 4, 2026, starting at 3:30 p.m.

The next Alumni Day is coming up. Alumni are former students who have already gained professional experience and now work in various fields. The DAT offers insights into current topics in computer science and the opportunity to network. More information will follow via email.

Computer Science Academic Team

If you have questions about your studies or how the program is organized, you’ll usually get the right answer by contacting the appropriate office directly. For this reason, we in the Academic Advising Team must also refer you to the appropriate office for many questions. Since we in the Academic Advising Team may experience longer response times until approximately early November 2026 due to administrative and legally mandated tasks, we strongly recommend that you contact the appropriate office directly with any questions, especially during this period:

- Academic matters (study planning, modules, minors/applied subjects): Computer Science Academic Advising

- Academic Administration (enrollment/transfer, certificates of enrollment, semester fees): Student Affairs Office

- Exam-related matters (academic performance, registration/withdrawal in the BOSS system/Campus Portal, sick leave): Exam Administration

- International students: International Office

- Help from students for students: Computer Science Student Council

- Support in difficult life situations: Psychological Counseling Service