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Heidelberg University is set to pioneer a transformative approach to mathematics education with the launch of its new master’s programme, “Mathematics of Machine Learning and Data Science.” Starting in the winter term 2025/2026, the new research-oriented course aims to lay the mathematical and methodological groundwork that will enable future generations of mathematicians to advance the frontiers of machine learning and scientific data analysis. The programme, which is taught in English, is based in the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science and coordinated by the Institute for Mathematics in cooperation with the Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing. Prospective students are encouraged to apply by the deadline of 15 May 2025.
“Machine learning and data science are currently revolutionizing the sciences. This equally concerns basic research to better understand established methods, such as the learning-based analysis of data, as well as projects to apply these methods in by now almost all branches of science,” underlines Prof. Dr Christoph Schnörr from the Institute for Mathematics of Heidelberg University. This is where the new four-semester master's programme starts: it imparts an advanced understanding of how pure and applied mathematics intersect to innovatively expand on the methodology of machine learning and scientific data analysis. By integrating core areas such as topology, differential geometry, dynamic systems, statistics, optimization, numerics, and functional analysis, the curriculum creates a robust framework for developing novel methodologies. “Compared to the regular mathematics master’s, this programme is extremely interdisciplinary in approach. We see this, for example, in the lecture series for the first semester, which gives a broad overview of core fields of mathematics,” says Prof. Schnörr.
Students will gain practical experience by working on the implementation and application of theoretical models in a data science lab, and acquire core competences analytical & structural thinking, scientific problem-solving and interdisciplinary collaboration. The option to spend a semester abroad offers valuable opportunities to engage in international teamwork and collaborate with leading researchers worldwide. Additionally, specialization modules extending over the two years will prepare the students for their master’s thesis and equip the graduates for doctoral positions in Germany and abroad, as well as for research-oriented work in industry.
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