Web Engineering

Overview

This English-taught Master's programme offers a structured, measurable approach to designing, implementing and operating web-based systems. It combines instruction in current web and data-centred technologies with a focus on adaptability, preparing graduates to keep pace with rapid technological change and to continue learning throughout their careers.

The curriculum covers a broad range of software engineering and data topics, blending theory with hands-on, industry-oriented practice. A simulation game gives students a start-up-style experience that concentrates on today’s industry trends and technologies — for example IoT/Web of Things, Blockchain/DLT, smart data, leading commercial cloud platforms, API development and practical uses of AI (including development/prompting with ChatGPT and other AI services). Project and strategic management elements, together with courses on human–computer interaction, real-time and distributed systems, and data engineering, round out the practical preparation for professional work.

Core topics (what you will study)

• Current trends in web engineering
• Cloud and web applications
• Software service engineering
• Databases; data science and data engineering
• Model-driven software development; analysis of software designs
• Data protection and privacy
• Parallel programming; real-time systems
• Human–computer interaction
• Next-generation internet and distributed systems
• Strategic IT management; project management

Practical, industry-oriented experience

• Simulation game providing start-up-style projects and problem briefs from German/European companies
• Focus areas in practice: IoT / WoT, Blockchain / DLT, smart data, cloud systems of major providers, API development, applying AI (including ChatGPT-related workflows)

Program structure

The MSc in Web Engineering runs over four semesters and combines taught modules, practical work and a research project. The curriculum is arranged so you build core knowledge, deepen specialist skills, practise applied methods in tutorials and a large simulation project, and complete an independent master’s thesis. Altogether the modules sum to 120 credit points (CP), reflecting the programme workload across the two-year period.

Key modules and expected learning outcomes

• Key Aspect Modules (25 CP) establish the essential theoretical and technical foundations of modern web systems — topics typically include architectures, protocols, and engineering principles. Outcomes: ability to analyse and design robust web architectures.
• Deepening Modules (20 CP) let you specialise in advanced topics relevant to your interests (for example performance, security, or advanced front-/back-end techniques). Outcomes: domain-specific expertise and deeper technical competence.
• Tutorial Module (7 CP) focuses on hands-on exercises, labs and guided projects to reinforce practical implementation skills. Outcomes: improved software development practices and debugging/testing abilities.
• Key Competences Module (8 CP) develops transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, project management and scientific methods. Outcomes: readiness for collaborative industry work and research environments.
• Simulation Game / Start-up Experience (30 CP) is a large, practice-oriented module where you apply engineering skills in a simulated start-up or product development setting. Outcomes: experience in taking a web-enabled product from concept to prototype while working in interdisciplinary teams.
• Master’s Thesis Module (30 CP) is an independent research or development project supervised by faculty, culminating in a written thesis and often a defence. Outcomes: capability to carry out scholarly research or an advanced engineering project and communicate results professionally.

Module requirements (credit allocation)

• Key Aspect Modules — 25 CP
• Deepening Modules — 20 CP
• Tutorial Module — 7 CP
• Key Competences Module — 8 CP
• Simulation Game / Start‑up Experience — 30 CP
• Master’s Thesis Module — 30 CP

What this means for you: by the end of the programme you should be able to plan, implement and evaluate complex web systems, work effectively in multidisciplinary teams, and undertake independent research or product development suitable for careers in industry or further academic work.

Graduates are prepared for technical and leadership roles in software and web development, such as web/cloud engineer, backend or full‑stack developer, data engineer, software architect, systems engineer, or technical project manager. The programme’s mix of engineering fundamentals, data-centred skills and hands-on project experience also suits careers in consulting, product development, and research.

The simulation game and industry-linked projects give students practical experience that supports either entry into established companies (including cloud and platform providers) or founding/joining technology start-ups. The English-language instruction and international elements of the programme enhance mobility across German, European and global job markets.