The same curriculum, with a different study rhythm.
At IT:U, the Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Computing can be completed through two different learning paths. Both paths follow the same curriculum and lead to the same degree, but they differ in how courses are organized over a semester and how workload is distributed over time. This allows students to choose the study rhythm that fits their goals from the beginning of the program. Once a path is chosen, students remain on that path throughout their studies.
Two paths of moving through the same curriculum
Students can choose one out of two learning paths. In both paths, we offer courses organized in semesters. The difference lies in how the course workload is structured within those semesters.
Two-Phase Path:
In the Two-Phase Path, each semester is divided into two halves or two teaching phases. Students complete one set of courses in the first half of the semester and another set in the second half of the semester. This is the full course load option and is designed for students who want to move through the program as quickly as possible. In this option, students complete 30 ECTS per semester, which makes it possible to finish the master’s program in 2 years or 4 semesters. Students following this path should expect a workload of 40 hours per week.
Single-Phase Path:
In the Single-Phase Path, one entire semester is used as one continuous teaching phase. Students complete one set of courses over an entire semester, focusing on fewer courses over the full semester. This results in a lighter workload distributed across the semester and is designed for students who require more flexibility in their schedules. In this option, students will complete between 15-20 ECTS per semester and will extend the time required to complete the master’s program to 3 years.
VISUAl:
Two-Phase Path: Weeks 1–6: A, B, C + Weeks 7–12: D, E, F
Single-Phase Path: Weeks 1–12: A, B, C
Important to know
- Both paths follow the same curriculum and lead to the same degree.
- Students choose one learning path at the beginning of the program must remain on that path throughout their studies.
- In both paths, courses are structured over semesters.
- In the Two-Phase Path, one semester is divided into two halves or two teaching phases.
- In the Single-Phase Path, one semester is used as one continuous teaching phase.
- The Two-Phase Path can be completed in 2 years or 4 semesters in its full course load option.
- The Single-Phase Path is designed as the longer study option and runs for up to 3 years or6 semesters.
- Students cannot choose their timetables independently. Course times are organized by IT:U.
- International students should note that residence permit requirements are dependent on the number of ECTS completed per academic year.
- In both paths, Friday is a course-free day. Other course-free days and class times vary depending on the weekly schedule. Schedules are posted a few weeks before the start of the semester.
- IT:U offers tuition free study for everyone for two years. Two further semesters (tolerance semesters) are also tuition free. In the seventh semester, tuition fees of 600 EUR applies. The single-phase path extends the study duration into the tolerance semesters.
FAQs
What is the difference between the Two-Phase Path and the Single-Phase Path?
The difference lies in how the workload is structured over a semester. In the Two-Phase Path, one semester is divided into two halves or two teaching phases. In the Single-Phase Path, one semester is used as one continuous teaching phase.
Can I choose my own timetable?
No. Students cannot choose their timetables independently. Courses are organized by IT:U and schedules are posted a few weeks before the start of the semester.
When do tuition fees apply?
No matter which path a student chooses, starting in the seventh semester of study, tuition fees of 600 EUR per semester apply.
Does the Single-Phase Path also involve tolerance semesters?
Yes. The Single-Phase Path is planned as the longer study option and current planning notes indicate that it goes into the tolerance semesters as part of its structure.
Who is the Single-Phase Path for?
The Single-Phase Path may suit students who prefer a lighter course workload over the semester, focus on fewer courses, and are planning for a longer overall study period.
Who is the Two-Phase Path for?
The Two-Phase Path may suit students who want the option to complete the program quickly, who are comfortable with a more intensive study rhythm, and want to complete more courses within a semester.
What is the difference between the Two-Phase Path and the Single-Phase Path?
The difference lies in the course workload over a semester and the overall amount of time to complete the master’s program. In the Two-Phase Path, one semester is divided into two halves or two teaching phases, more courses are completed in a semester, and the program can be completed in two years or four semesters. In the Single-Phase Path, one semester is used as one continuous teaching phase, fewer courses are completed in a semester, and the program can be completed in three years or six semesters.
Still have questions?
Want to see how these learning paths could look in practice? You can explore detailed study examples to understand how the faster and more flexible paths may be organized across semesters.