This program provides enrolled Master students with the tools to pursue a research career. It offers opportunities to deepen their academic expertise in Algebra while acquiring complementary and transferable skills within a structured framework.

To participate in the Excellence Track, students must submit an application form along with their application for the Master program, unless they are already enrolled. Upon successful completion, graduates receive a Certificate of Active Participation from the GAUS Graduate School in recognition of their additional academic achievements.

Why is the Excellence Track in Algebra an excellent idea?

• Fast-track into research: Structured training and early integration into active research groups prepare you for a scientific career.
• Personal contact with researchers: Build strong connections with researchers in Algebra and potential PhD supervisors across the universities.
• Specialized courses: Access advanced lectures and seminars, beyond the standard Master curriculum.
• Peer community: Collaborate with motivated fellow students through retreats, seminars, and joint events.
• Career development: Receive a GAUS Certificate of Active Participation and benefit from the strong network as preparation for PhD programs and beyond.

To complete the track, you’ll take three additional lectures or seminars in Algebra alongside your regular Master’s program. These courses should be chosen from the ones listed on this website and must be in addition to the standard curriculum of your Master program.

You don’t need to take an exam for these courses. To confirm your participation, simply ask the instructor to sign a Form of Active Participation—usually at the end of the course. It’s helpful to let the instructor know at the beginning that you’re taking the course as part of the ETA. While there’s no formal assessment, you’re expected to attend regularly and if it’s a seminar, you may be asked to give a short presentation.

You’re also warmly encouraged to join the ETA Retreat. It’s a chance to explore a current topic in Algebra and meet other students and researchers in the program from across the participating universities. While optional, it’s a highlight of the program both academically and socially.

Further information on the application process can be found on the Excellence Track in Algebra website.

The contact person at TU Darmstadt is Timo Richarz .

The Excellence Track is supported by the RMU-Initiativfonds Lehre and is part of the Collaborative Research Center GAUS.