Master's program

Within the Master's program in mathematics, Mathematical Logic and Theoretical Computer Science is one of seven main areas of specialization. 

The following courses are required for the Master's program with specialization in logic, adding up to 120 ECTS.

1. Core modules in Mathematical Logic and Theoretical Computer Science (MLOL, MLOM, MLOI, MLOS), 30 ECTS

These mandatory courses are held at the KGRC on a regular basis.  

ModuleECTSSStTypeName
MLOL64VOIntroduction to Mathematical Logic
MLOL32PSPS Introduction to Mathematical Logic
MLOM53VOAxiomatic Set Theory
MLOM32PSPS Axiomatic Set Theory
MLOI53VOIntroduction to Theoretical Computer Science
MLOS84SEtwo seminars, 4 ECTS and 2 SSt each


Legend  VO = Vorlesung (lecture), PS = Proseminar (introductory seminar/discussion section), SE = Seminar, SSt = Semesterstunden (hours per week) 

Among the seminars, each semester we offer a Logic Colloquium, a Research Seminar in Model Theory, and a Research Seminar in Set Theory. The Logic Colloquium features talks by local and visiting logicians about current research. Master's students are encouraged to make it a habit to attend the Logic Colloquium even if they are not formally enrolled in it.

2. Electives from Mathematical Logic and Theoretical Computer Science (MLOV), 21 ECTS

For this part you can use every course with the code MLOV. For example, at the KGRC we regularly offer an introductory course in Model Theory as well as various selected topics courses. Note that there are also many courses at TU that can be credited as MLOV, see below.

3. Courses from other areas of specialization, 24 ECTS

You need courses from other areas of specialization (possibly more than one) in the mathematics Master's program, i.e., courses whose code does not start with MLOx. Of these 24 ECTS, at least 15 ECTS have to be from the core modules, and at most 4 ECTS from seminars.

4. Further electives, 15 ECTS

Any course from the Mathematics Master's program will do, including courses at the KGRC that you do not use for core modules or electives in Mathematical Logic and Theoretical Computer Science. Note that you can also use courses taken at TU Wien, see below.

5. Master's thesis, 30 ECTS, including a defense

A Master's thesis can be supervised by any faculty member with habilitation. At the KGRC these currently include Matthias Aschenbrenner and Vera Fischer.

In practice we mainly offer topics from model theory and set theory. If you would prefer a thesis in a research area that is represented at TU Wien, say, it will be necessary to get a supervisor from TU. It is generally possible to have an external advisor, but this may be cumbersome and is uncommon for Master's theses. Alternatively, the thesis can be supervised at the KGRC with a secondary supervisor from TU.

It is advisable to think about a possible topics and appropriate supervisors of your Master's thesis at an early stage of the Master's program.

When looking for a topic and supervisors, you should also take into account whether you intend to continue onto the doctoral program. In this case, more consideration should given so that the topic has a strong connection to contemporary research.

General information for foreign students

  • Admission  KGRC is not involved in any way in questions of enrollment, admission, tuition fees, etc. Please consult the StudyServiceCenter (SSC) of the Faculty of Mathematics or oesterreich.gv.at.
  • Tuition fees  They are relatively low, and EU citizens might have this fee waived in certain situations.
  • Cost of living  In general, Master's students do not receive stipends or salaries. Information about grants is available at stipendium.at and grants.at.
  • Duration  A minimum of 4 semesters, but most students take somewhat longer.
  • Language  Basic German skills are recommended, but not necessary. Admission to the Master's program no longer requires a proof of proficiency in German. All lectures at the KGRC are held in English. Within the Master's program in mathematics, you will also be required to take courses outside the KGRC, or you may choose to attend courses at TU Wien. Some of these courses are in English, or may be held in English if requested (please contact the lecturer). The university offers German language classes. 

Mathematical logic at the Technical University (TU Wien)

The Technische Universität Wien (TU) has several active research groups and offers many interesting courses in mathematical logic and theoretical computer science. It is possible to enroll at TU in addition to the Universität Wien. 

The simplest version is co-registration: you do not enroll in a TU program, but rather just register your Universität Wien curriculum at TU.

Natural choices for curricula include:

We advise you to contact the SSC to determine whether a particular TU course will be accepted before taking it.