First step: Completion of the Module Preparation Master`s Thesis
The preparation phase for the master’s thesis usually takes place in the third semester, after the end of the lecture period. It serves to familiarize students with the topic of their master’s thesis, in particular with the state of the art of the methods to be applied, the application domain, and the data to be used.

In individual consultation with a lecturer from the Master’s program in Data Science, a learning contract is drawn up specifying the topic, the start and submission dates, and the form of submission. Approximately one month should be allocated for the preparation phase. The module concludes with a presentation of the results and the developed project plan. The Preparation Master`s Thesis is assessed on a pass/fail basis.

Upon successful completion of the module Preparation Master’s Thesis, students earn 6 credit points.

Admission to the Master`s Thesis
A learning contract must also be concluded for the master’s thesis. Students must be enrolled for the entire duration of the master’s thesis. The master’s thesis may only be started once the module Preparation Master’s Thesis has been successfully completed and at least 76 credit points have been earned in the modules Mathematical Foundations, Machine Learning Foundations, Systems Foundations, and Electives in Data Science.

For verification purposes, an up-to-date transcript of records must be submitted to the supervisor and to the study coordinator when concluding the study contract.

The master’s thesis usually has a duration of six months. The written thesis must be submitted in electronic form to the supervisor and to the study coordinator. In addition, the results must be presented in a 30-minute presentation. This presentation generally takes place after submission of the written thesis. At the time of the presentation, all 84 credit points from the modules Mathematical Foundations, Machine Learning Foundations, Systems Foundations, and Electives in Data Science must have been earned.

Grading of the Master`s Thesis
The master’s thesis is graded (1.0–6.0) and carries 30 credit points. The thesis grade counts for 50% of the final master’s degree grade. A failed master’s thesis may be repeated once with a new topic. A summary of all important information regarding the master’s thesis can be found in the guidelines.