High Integrity Systems (HIS)

This English-taught M.Sc. program trains students to design, analyse and implement computing systems where correctness, security and reliability are critical. The curriculum combines formal methods, advanced software and systems engineering, IT security and data analysis so you can specialise in topics such as real-time systems, distributed systems, human–machine interfaces, or machine learning while keeping a strong emphasis on safety and certification.

The course layout is organised across two academic years. The first year builds foundations with modules such as Safety-Critical Computer Systems, Advanced Formal Modelling, Advanced IT-Security and Data Mining, together with a Mathematics Update and practical subjects like Implementation of DBMS. Multiple elective tracks allow early specialisation (for example Advanced Real-Time Systems or Machine Learning; Pattern-Oriented Software Architecture or Quantum Information Science; Human Machine Interface Design or Smart Sensor Network Systems). In the second year you focus on Formal Specification and Verification, carry out a substantial HIS project, choose from advanced electives (e.g. Multivariate Data Analysis, Simulation Methods, Artificial Intelligence, Standards and Certification, Internet of Things, Web Engineering, Mobile Systems, or Cloud Computing) and finish with a master’s thesis.

This structure suits students who want a balanced mix of theoretical rigour (formal specification and verification) and applied engineering (project work, DBMS, system implementation), with flexibility to tailor studies by selecting electives that match career interests or research goals. The programme takes place at Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences in Frankfurt am Main and is delivered in English, making it accessible to international applicants.

Program requirements and components

• Duration: two academic years (first year / second year structure)
• Core first‑year modules: Safety-Critical Computer Systems; Advanced Formal Modelling; Introductory Data Analysis; Implementation of DBMS; Mathematics Update; Advanced IT‑Security; Data Mining
• First‑year elective options: Elective I — Advanced Real‑Time Systems or Machine Learning; Elective II — Pattern‑Oriented Software Architecture or Quantum Information Science; Elective III — Advanced Distributed Systems or Advanced Testing Methods; Elective IV — Human Machine Interface Design or Smart Sensor Network Systems; Elective V — System Theory and Modelling or Transaction Management or Learning from Data
• Second‑year core and project: Formal Specification and Verification; HIS project
• Second‑year elective options: Elective VI — Multivariate Data Analysis or Simulation Methods or Artificial Intelligence; Elective VII — Standards and Certification or Current Topics in High Integrity Systems or Internet of Things; Elective VIII — Selected Subjects in Current Web Engineering or Mobile Systems and Applications or Cloud Computing
• Final requirement: Master’s thesis

Curriculum overview

This full-time MSc runs over four semesters. The first three semesters each consist of 18 weeks of organised teaching and practical work — delivered as lectures, seminars and laboratory courses — giving a balanced mix of theory and hands-on experience. The final (fourth) semester is reserved for the Master's thesis, an applied research project where you investigate a real problem and demonstrate independent research and technical competence.

Key learning outcomes focus on developing both practical and research-ready skills: by the end of the programme you will have completed intensive coursework and lab-based training, practiced critical analysis in seminar settings, and carried out an applied research thesis that integrates the knowledge and methods learned earlier in the degree. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates to design, evaluate and document high-integrity computing solutions and to undertake further research or professional work in related areas.

Requirements to complete the programme

• Four-semester duration (full-time)
• Semesters 1–3: 18 weeks per semester of lectures, seminars and laboratory courses
• Semester 4: completion of an applied research Master's thesis

Graduates are prepared for technical roles where system safety, reliability and certification are critical: examples include verification and validation engineer, safety-critical and embedded systems developer, IT security specialist for critical infrastructure, and consultant for standards and certification. The programme also equips students for R&D roles in industry or for pursuing doctoral studies in fields related to formal methods and dependable systems.

Strong elective choices (e.g., IoT, cloud, mobile, AI) allow graduates to apply integrity and verification skills across sectors such as automotive, aerospace, medical devices, industrial automation and finance, where dependability and security are essential.