Faculty of Mathematics and Physics to Launch Joint Study Program with the University of Passau

The central theme of the visit was the recently concluded inter-university agreement on a joint master’s program in Computer Science – Software and Data Engineering, developed in cooperation between the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics of Charles University and the Faculty of Computer Science and Mathematics of the University of Passau. The agreement was signed in February this year, and the first cohort of students will enter the program in the winter semester of 2025.

The double-degree program enables students from both universities to spend their first year at their home institution and the second year at the partner university, where they will also complete their master’s thesis under the supervision of faculty members from both sides. Upon graduation, students will receive two diplomas explicitly referring to each other, emphasizing both the international character and the academic quality of the program. Participants will gain unique experience from two academic environments, enhance their language and interdisciplinary competences, and prepare themselves for careers in international technology companies and research teams.

The Charles University delegation was headed by the Vice-Rector for the Concept and Quality of Education, Prof. Jan Polák, and included representatives of the Computer Science Section of the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics. The delegation also featured Dean Emeritus Prof. Jan Kratochvíl, who has been collaborating with colleagues from the University of Passau since 2009; Vice-Dean for the Computer Science Section Prof. Jiří Sgall; Assoc. Prof. Irena Holubová and Assoc. Prof. Martin Nečaský, both of whom have long been active in fostering international cooperation in computer science education.

In Passau, they were welcomed by President Prof. Ulrich Bartosch; Vice-Rector for Academic Infrastructure and IT Prof. Harald Kosch; the current and former Deans of the Faculty of Computer Science and Mathematics, Prof. Gordon Fraser and Prof. Ignaz Rutter (who previously worked as a postdoctoral researcher at MFF UK in 2013–14); Vice-Dean for Academic Affairs Prof. Jens Zumbrägel, who has been collaborating intensively with the Department of Algebra of MFF UK; and Prof. Stefanie Scherzinger, who has been engaged in international cooperation in computer science education on the Passau side and has collaborated with the Department of Software Engineering of MFF UK since 2015.

doc. Irena Holubová