Software Engineering, Master of Science

These are the requirements for the Master Software Engineering

With your Master's in Software Engineering, you can work as a Software Engineer, Requirements Engineer, or Software Architect.

To be admitted to the part-time Master's programme in Software Engineering at the IU International University, you must have obtained a first degree from a state-recognized or state university, such as a bachelor's or master's degree. The final grade of your degree should be at least "Satisfactory".

The focus of your primary degree should also be in the field of computer science. If your primary degree does not have a focus in computer science, you can still be admitted through a master's admission test.

In addition, for admission, you need to provide evidence of at least proficiency in one high-level programming language. The expressly accepted languages are: ABAP, Apple Script, C, C++, C#, COBOL, D, Java, JavaScript, PHP, Python, Ruby, Swift, Visual Basic. Not accepted are: Assembler, CSS, HTML, or SQL.

For this English-language version, you must also demonstrate your English language skills*. You can demonstrate your English language skills, for example, through a TOEFL (minimum of 80 points), IELTS (minimum level 6), passing a Duolingo English test (minimum of 95 points), a Cambridge certificate (at least grade B), or an equivalent qualification.

*If you have already completed an English-language primary degree or English is your native language, you do not need to provide separate evidence.

Furthermore, you can have extensive prior learning recognized to shorten the study time in distance learning and save on tuition fees. Recognized achievements can include, for example, achievements you have made in previous master's programmes. The university can also recognize extensive professional experience in the field of Software Engineering. It is best to submit your application for recognition along with your application.

These are the study contents in the online course Software Engineering

In the Master's distance learning course Software Engineering, you delve deep into the world of software development and learn to develop solutions that are essential for the functionality of our economy and society.

Your studies cover essential aspects such as process and quality models, software development, software management, and methodological competence, with a special focus on Future Skills to prepare you ideally for the job market of tomorrow. In the elective area, you have the opportunity to specialize in exciting areas such as Data Engineering, Product Development, or Cyber Risk Assessment and Management.

This Master's program at IU consists of about 16 modules, which you will take and complete over 4 semesters of regular study time. Each module has a scope of 5-10 credit points (ECTS) and concludes with an examination performance such as a term paper or an exam. In total, you will accumulate 120 credit points from module to module and from semester to semester.

The typical course schedule for full-time studies in Software Engineering looks as follows:

• 1st Semester: Software Engineering: Software Processes, Advanced Requirements Engineering, Software Architecture, Secure Software Development, Software Testing, Project: Applied Software Engineering
• 2nd Semester: Advanced Research Methods, IT Project Management, IT Governance and Compliance, Seminar: Sustainable Software Engineering, Electives A
• 3rd Semester: Electives B, Electives C
• 4th Semester: Master Thesis

What sets the Master's program in Software Engineering at IU apart are the many opportunities to specialize in topic areas according to your own interests and professional fields in the elective area.

The specialization modules (Electives A and B) allow you to choose from these topics:

Embedded Systems Engineering, Project: Embedded Systems, Networks and Distributed Systems, Container Orchestration, Data Engineering, Project: Data Engineering, Process Management with Scrum, Project: Corporate Project with Scrum, Product Development, Project: Design Thinking, Quality Management and Sustainability, Cyber Security and Data Protection, Cyber Risk Assessment and Management, Mobile Software Engineering I, Mobile Software Engineering II, Leveraging Data Sources & Data Mining, Project: Leveraging Data Sources & Data Mining, User Interface and Experience, Project: Human Computer Interaction, Artificial Intelligence, Project: AI Excellence with Creative Prompting Techniques

Additionally, at the beginning of your studies, choose whether you want to complete this with an integrated internship in the field of Software Engineering or with a suitable selection of elective modules.

Elective modules (Electives C)*: Management of IT Services and Architecture, DevOps, Conversation Management and Communication Techniques, Project: Software Process Management

*If you opt for the modules from Electives area C, you must complete all modules from this area. Hybrid forms between an internship and Elective area C are not possible.

How flexible is the standard study time in the distance learning course Software Engineering

At IU International University, in the part-time distance learning course, you choose one of 3 study models:

• In the full-time program, the standard study time is 4 semesters or 24 months. You can extend the standard study time by up to 2 semesters or 12 months at no additional cost. The full-time program in Software Engineering is particularly suitable for those who are not or only work a few hours a week.
• In Part-Time Study I, the standard study time is 6 semesters or 36 months. You can extend the standard study time by up to 2 semesters or 12 months at no additional cost. Part-Time Study I is suitable, for example, if you work part-time alongside your studies.
• In Part-Time Study II, the standard study time is 8 semesters or 48 months. You can extend the standard study time by up to 2 semesters or 12 months at no additional cost. Part-Time Study II is particularly suitable if you are heavily involved professionally alongside your distance learning studies.

By the way, during the course of your studies, you can also take a semester off at no additional cost.

How does online learning work at IU?

In the Master's distance learning course Software Engineering at IU International University, there is no attendance requirement – you learn continuously from home, in the library of your choice or wherever you can learn best.

You take your modules and courses whenever you want. This way, you can usually put together your study plan and semester schedule flexibly on your own.

Central to IU distance learning are your interactive study scripts. You will receive the scripts in printed form as well as digitally as PDFs and for tablets. Through the smart app IU Learn, you have access to the scripts for your studies in Software Engineering as well as scripts from all other distance learning programs at IU.

Furthermore, via myCampus, the online campus of IU, you also have access to additional materials, such as videos. You interact with your lecturers and classmates, for example, in virtual live formats, such as interactive lectures.

And exams? You can take them as online exams if you wish. You can take an online exam around the clock as soon as you feel sufficiently prepared for the study material. Alternatively, you can take the exam at one of the numerous examination centers of IU throughout Germany.