Software Engineering (SEM)

This English‑taught Master of Science is designed to deepen your ability to make tactical and strategic choices about information processing systems and tools, to contribute to research and method development in software engineering, and to lead software engineering projects. The curriculum trains you to take on both technical and managerial responsibilities, preparing you for roles that require decision‑making, project leadership, and participation in methodological innovation.

To allow focused specialisation, the programme offers three professional profiles that shape your coursework and practical training. The IT Management (ITM) profile examines how technological change affects business strategy, how to select appropriate information systems, and how to lead change and innovation — including moderating teams in digital or face‑to‑face settings and applying management practices in intercultural contexts, with experience assessing technologies for medical applications. The Human‑Computer Interaction (HCI) profile emphasises analysing user needs, defining requirements, creating mock‑ups and prototypes, building interactive systems, and planning and conducting evaluations so graduates can both understand users and deliver appropriate solutions. The Advanced Software Engineering & Data Science (ASE) profile focuses on engineering and evaluating enterprise‑scale applications, solving complex technical problems in teams, and addressing data‑driven challenges using scientifically grounded technologies.

For full details on module content, course units, and teaching formats, consult the programme website. Graduates will be well placed for careers in industry or research areas that require a combination of software engineering expertise, data proficiency, user‑centred design, and management skills, and will be prepared to work in multicultural teams and project environments.

Program requirements & structure (key points)

• Choose one of three professional profiles: IT Management (ITM), Human‑Computer Interaction (HCI), or Advanced Software Engineering & Data Science (ASE).
• Develop abilities in tactical and strategic selection and application of information processing systems, plus participation in research and methodological development.
• Gain competence in leading and managing software engineering projects, including team moderation and intercultural management where applicable.
• Detailed module lists, course units, and delivery formats are available on the university’s website.

Curriculum overview

This MSc programme is designed to be completed in three semesters. The first two semesters build a solid theoretical foundation across the programme’s four core areas (as defined in the full syllabus) while also preparing students for organisational and leadership responsibilities in international software engineering environments. The final semester is reserved for an independent Master’s thesis and an accompanying colloquium; theses may address research-driven topics or be commissioned by partner organisations and are supervised by two examiners (one supervisor may be an external industry professional).

Teaching prioritises an international, practice-oriented learning experience. All lectures are delivered in English, classes benefit from a favourable student–lecturer ratio, and the curriculum deliberately blends engineering and management perspectives. Instruction is tightly structured and time-efficient, supported by systematic student appraisal to maintain teaching quality and by modern facilities. Innovative methods such as problem-based and blended learning are used to deepen understanding.

Practical, team-based work is central to the programme: student groups tackle authentic case study material provided by cooperating companies, applying appropriate tools and methods to real problems. This approach strengthens analytical and problem-solving abilities, exposes students to methodological and creative problem-solving techniques, and fosters the interpersonal and leadership skills needed for careers in international software engineering or for further research.

Key modules and learning outcomes (summary)

• Core coursework across the programme’s four main areas providing rigorous theoretical foundations
• Integrated modules combining management concepts with engineering practice for work in international organisations
• Practical, project- and case-based modules that require team collaboration and application of industry-standard tools
• Master’s thesis (research- or industry-oriented) culminating in a colloquium; supervised by two examiners
• Learning outcomes: advanced technical competence, organisational and leadership readiness, improved analytical and creative problem-solving skills, and strengthened relational/teamwork abilities

Completion requirements (concise)

• Programme length: three semesters
• First two semesters: core coursework across the four main areas and applied team projects
• Third semester: Master’s thesis plus colloquium
• Thesis supervision by two examiners (one may be an external professional); industry-commissioned topics permitted
• All instruction delivered in English; sustained quality monitoring via systematic student appraisal

Graduates are prepared for technical and leadership roles in software development organisations, IT management, user-experience and HCI teams, and data-driven engineering positions. The programme equips students to make tactical and strategic technology decisions, to lead and manage software engineering projects, and to engage in applied research and methodological development.

Practical project work and the option to undertake thesis projects with partner companies increase employability in industry and facilitate transitions into roles such as software engineer, technical project manager, product manager with a technical focus, UX researcher/designer, or data engineer/scientist. The international orientation and English instruction also support careers in multinational organisations and research environments.