Information for Prospective Students
Mathematics at JLU Giessen
Here you will find all the important information about studying mathematics at Justus Liebig University Giessen – compact and clearly structured. Whether you are interested in the traditional Bachelor's or Master's degree program, teacher training, or the field of Data Science: Here you will get a quick overview of all study options and offerings in mathematics at JLU.
Degree Programs at a Glance
Below is brief information regarding the degree, content, and standard period of study for each program. Further information is linked in each section. While school mathematics often focuses on solving a concrete problem, for instance through calculation, university mathematics centers on general solutions, usually through proofs.
Jump directly to a degree program:
Degree Programs
Bachelor Mathematics (B.Sc.)
The Bachelor's degree program in Mathematics imparts fundamental knowledge of mathematics, fosters general problem-solving skills, and at the same time offers the opportunity to specialize flexibly through various focus areas.
| Degree | Bachelor of Science |
| Standard Period of Study | 6 semesters / 180 CP |
| Start of Program | Winter semester |
| Content | Classic foundational mathematical curriculum with Analysis, Linear Algebra, Stochastics, Numerical Analysis; minor subjects possible. |
| Admission | No admission restriction |
Master Mathematics (M.Sc.)
The Master's degree program in Mathematics usually follows the Bachelor's degree program. The content is similar to that of the Bachelor's, but is more in-depth and challenging. In addition to general further education, the Master's program enables targeted specialization in a chosen field.
| Degree | Master of Science |
| Standard Period of Study | 4 semesters / 120 CP |
| Start of Program | Winter semester and summer semester |
| Content | In-depth study of Bachelor content; choice of a specialization + selection of minor subjects (e.g., Computer Science, Physics, Economics) |
| Admission | No admission restriction |
Bachelor / Master Data Science (B.Sc.) / (M.Sc.)
The Data Science degree program focuses on analyzing large amounts of data using artificial intelligence and machine learning methods. Students acquire knowledge in programming (Python, R), mathematics, database systems, as well as the ethical and legal foundations of handling data.
| Degree | Bachelor of Science / Master of Science |
| Standard Period of Study | Bachelor: 6 semesters / 180 CP · Master: 4 semesters / 120 CP |
| Start of Program | Winter semester (Master: also possible in summer semester) |
| Content | Focus on the analysis of large data sets |
| Admission | No admission restriction |
Teacher Training Mathematics for Haupt- and Realschule (L2)
In the L2 teacher training degree program, students acquire sound knowledge of mathematics and its didactics for teaching in Hauptschulen and Realschulen. In addition to subject-specific content, subject didactics and educational science play a central role. The program provides practice-oriented preparation for the First State Examination and subsequent teaching service.
| Degree | First State Examination (Teacher Training) |
| Standard Period of Study | approx. 3 years (180 CP) + 1 semester State Examination preparation |
| Start of Program | Usually winter semester |
| Content | Combination of subject mathematics + subject didactics + educational sciences; specific subject-matter modules available for L2 |
| Admission | Locally subject to admission restrictions; places are allocated in accordance with the Hessian University Admission Ordinance |
Teacher Training Mathematics for Gymnasium (L3)
The L3 degree program provides in-depth mathematical knowledge combined with subject didactics, educational science, and practical school training. Students learn to convey complex mathematical content in an understandable way and acquire a broad scientific foundation for teaching at Gymnasien. The program ends with the First State Examination.
| Degree | First State Examination (Teacher Training) |
| Standard Period of Study | approx. 9 semesters |
| Start of Program | Usually winter semester |
| Content | Study program combines two teaching subjects, school practical studies, and foundational sciences; some modules are offered jointly with Bachelor's students |
| Admission | Locally subject to admission restrictions; places are allocated in accordance with the Hessian University Admission Ordinance. |
Teacher Training Mathematics for Special Education (L5)
The L5 degree program combines training in mathematics with a sound qualification in special and inclusive education. Students acquire competencies to individually support mathematical learning processes and adapt them to different learning prerequisites. The program concludes with the First State Examination for teacher training at special schools.
| Degree | First State Examination (Teacher Training for Special Education) |
| Standard Period of Study | approx. 4 years (240 CP) + 1 semester State Examination preparation, or 9 semesters in total |
| Start of Program | Usually winter semester |
| Content | Focus on special education including subject-didactic and special educational components |
| Admission | Locally subject to admission restrictions; places are allocated in accordance with the Hessian University Admission Ordinance. |
Bachelor Applied Mathematics (B.Sc.)
The Bachelor's degree program in Applied Mathematics provides a sound mathematical foundation and specifically combines it with solving complex problems in technology, economics, and data analysis. Through a flexible structure and various focus areas, the program enables individual specialization at the intersection of theory and practice.
| Degree | Bachelor of Science |
| Standard Period of Study | 6 semesters / 180 CP |
| Start of Program | Winter semester |
| Content | Foundations in Analysis and Linear Algebra; in-depth study in Numerical Analysis, Optimization, and Stochastics; programming course and statistics; elective specialization (e.g., Computer Science, AI, Economics, or Statistics). |
| Admission | No admission restriction |
Credit Points
One Credit Point (CP) corresponds to a workload of 25–30 hours. The scope of courses is specified in semester hours per week (SWS), so one SWS over the course of the entire semester corresponds to about 15 hours. In many mathematical courses, 3 CP are awarded per 2 SWS, which reflects the expectation that one hour of class time is prepared and reviewed to the same extent.
Level of Abstraction
In addition to the scope of mathematical modules, the level of abstraction also plays a role when selecting a degree program:
- The level of abstraction aimed for in the L3 program is somewhat lower than in the Bachelor/Master Mathematics. However, since L3 students cannot dedicate themselves entirely to mathematics unlike BSc/MSc students, they do not necessarily perceive this as easier.
- The mathematical portion of the L2 and L5 programs is identical and considerably more concrete than in the L3 program, making it closer to school mathematics.
- The level of abstraction in the Bachelor/Master Data Science lies between that of an L3 program and an L2/L5 program.
Application
The GUDE application portal of Justus Liebig University Giessen and further information on the application process and enrollment can be found here:
Apply Now Information on Enrollment
Contact Persons
If you have questions regarding the application and procedures, the Student Secretariat of JLU is also available by phone.
Furthermore, the Secretariat of the Mathematical Institute is available for subject-related questions.