This internationally focused master's program is a compact, industry-oriented course that aims to prepare graduates to become motivated, team-minded software professionals. Over a concentrated period, students build the practical and theoretical skills that employers expect from senior software engineers and technical leaders.
Teaching emphasizes current technologies and industry standards across software development, information management, computer networking and electronic commerce. Students are taught the latest theories, techniques and standards in software engineering, data management and networking, with an emphasis on scientific understanding and applied competence.
The full-time track runs for three semesters. There is also a part-time option, specifically available to students from the European Union, which extends the program to five semesters. Instruction is delivered in English and combines project work, collaborative tasks and scientific coursework to reflect real-world development environments.
Graduates are prepared for development and leadership roles across IT and telecommunications firms, R&D units of industrial and commercial companies, software houses and consulting firms. The degree also provides eligibility for further academic advancement (promotion/doctoral studies) or accelerated career progression within industry.
Key facts and requirements
Overview The program builds a deep, practice-oriented foundation in modern software engineering across its first two semesters. Core teaching covers advanced software development techniques, data management, project management and computer networking. Students follow lectures such as advanced topics in software engineering, databases, software project management, system design and middleware technology, with one elective each semester to pursue specialised areas (examples given: Cryptographic Algorithms, Business Intelligence).
Practical project work and thesis A substantial team-based software project runs throughout the entire second semester, giving hands-on experience in applying the theories and methods taught in class. This project serves as direct preparation for the third-semester Master’s thesis, which is typically completed in collaboration with local industry partners. The thesis work normally includes analysis, design, implementation and testing of software components tied to the programme’s taught modules, emphasizing the use of scientific methods in real-world settings.
What you will learn Graduates will be able to design and build complex software systems, manage software projects, and handle large-scale data and middleware concerns. You will gain experience in formal methods and cutting-edge technologies through elective choices, and develop practical skills in system analysis, software implementation and testing—skills that are applicable in both industrial development and research contexts.
Program requirements and structure (summary)
To be eligible for this Master's programme you must hold a university degree with grades significantly above average. The degree should either be:
Applicants whose degree is not a computer science degree must have equivalent knowledge covering the following areas:
Winter Semester (International)
2 May 2026
Summer Semester (International)
30 September 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
2 May 2026
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
30 September 2026
The Master's programme prepares graduates for leadership and development roles in software engineering. Graduates have very good career opportunities in IT and telecommunications companies, in R&D departments of industrial and commercial enterprises, as well as in software houses and consultancies.
The degree also qualifies holders for possible doctoral studies. Typical roles include software developer/engineer, software project manager, systems architect, and R&D engineer in both industry and research settings.
University of Regensburg — Regensburg
University of Bonn — Bonn
Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg — Cottbus
Saarland University — Saarbrücken