Web Engineering Chemnitz University of Technology

The English‑taught Master’s programme in Web Engineering equips students with advanced skills for the conception, development, operation and evolution of modern web‑based and data‑centric systems. Building on a solid computer science background, the programme combines distributed systems, software engineering, AI engineering and the engineering of AI‑enabled web systems with web and data engineering and human-computer interaction, complemented by entrepreneurship, international experience and professional skills.

Students learn to design scalable, secure and trustworthy web solutions that integrate current trends such as cloud and edge computing, Internet of Things,  semantic web, AI engineering, cyber‑security and advanced UI/UX design. The curriculum covers software service engineering, security of distributed software, current trends in Web Engineering, advanced management of data, real‑time and reliable systems, XML and web data technologies, media applications, network planning and core AI topics.

A distinctive feature is the challenge‑based learning concept. In the compulsory Team Challenge (15 ECTS), students work in diverse teams on innovation challenges from industry, society or research using design thinking, agile methods, DevOps/DevSecOps and systems thinking to develop and validate concepts for digital products and services. In the subsequent Startup Experience (30 ECTS), they go through an end‑to‑end, start‑up‑like development cycle – from value proposition to market‑oriented implementation of web applications under competitive, industry‑like conditions. As an alternative, the International Experience module (30 ECTS) allows a fully recognised study‑abroad semester at a suitable foreign university.

Key competence modules address professional and personal development, including the High Performance Student module, which focuses on systematic self‑management, productivity, communication, leadership, career development and the effective use of AI to accelerate learning and work. Further modules cover strategic IT management, information management, entrepreneurship, technical sales, marketing, communication and leadership as well as German or advanced academic English. A research seminar and the Master’s thesis prepare students for research‑oriented careers by training them to investigate current Web Engineering questions, and to communicate their results in a scientifically rigorous way.

Graduates are qualified for roles such as web engineer, software engineer, cloud and web application engineer, data engineer or analyst, technical product owner, IT project manager or technical lead. They are also well prepared for positions at the interface of Web and AI engineering, where they design, implement and operate AI‑enabled, data‑driven web platforms and services or pursue doctoral studies in related fields.

The programme comprises four semesters (standard period of study) with a total workload of 120 ECTS and can be started in winter and summer semester. It is offered as a full‑time programme, with an option for part‑time study under specific conditions. All modules are modularised, usually completed within one semester and concluded with a graded examination that contributes to the overall degree classification.

The curriculum is organised into the following building blocks:

Foundation modules (15 ECTS): Students choose from Software Service Engineering, Security of Distributed Software, Current Trends in Web Engineering, Advanced Management of Data and Empirical Software Engineering to build a solid methodological and technological base.

Advanced modules (10 ECTS): Students specialise in areas such as distributed web systems, real‑time and reliable systems, XML and data technologies for the web, databases and web techniques, media applications, media coding, network planning or AI‑related modules (e.g. Introduction to Artificial Intelligence I and II, Deep Reinforcement Learning, Neurocognition).

Key competences (15 ECTS): This block develops professional skills and language competences. Options include High Performance Student, strategic IT management, information management, entrepreneurship‑oriented modules (business planning, start‑up finance), technical sales, B2B marketing, communication and leadership as well as German as a foreign language (A1/A2) or advanced English for academic and professional communication. For non‑native speakers of German, basic German modules may be mandatory depending on their prior level.

Research seminar (5 ECTS): The research seminar Web Engineering trains students in literature research, scientific writing, presentation and discussion in preparation for their Master’s thesis.

Challenge modules (45 ECTS): The compulsory Team Challenge (15 ECTS) develops teamwork, innovation methods, agile and lean practices and professional skills in a project‑based setting. Students then choose either the Startup Experience (30 ECTS), focusing on implementation of web‑based solutions in a simulated start‑up environment, or the International Experience (30 ECTS), designed as an integrated study‑abroad semester at a foreign university on the basis of a learning agreement.

Master’s thesis (30 ECTS): In the final semester, students independently work on a complex Web Engineering problem using scientific methods and defend their work in a colloquium.

A Bachelor's degree in:

• Applied Computer Science
• Computer Science

or from a very similar degree programme

All students have to pay a semester contribution of approx. 340.50 EUR. This fee also covers the semester ticket, which permits you to use buses and trams in Chemnitz as well as regional trains throughout Germany during the semester. International students will receive the bank account details after admission with which they can transfer the semester contribution. However, the fee can also be paid after arrival in Chemnitz (by German bank card or transfer).

Approx. 970 EUR per month to cover personal expenses

Students can find offers for part-time jobs, work placements, etc. on the job portal offered by the Career Service of Chemnitz University of Technology: https://www.tu-chemnitz.de/career-service/jobboerse/.

Incoming students can apply for different funding opportunities via the International Office of Chemnitz University of Technology: https://www.tu-chemnitz.de/international/incoming/stipendien/index.php.en.

The Career Service of Chemnitz University of Technology supports students during their studies as well as graduates entering their professional life. The Career Service provides a platform for companies and institutions to present themselves: https://www.tu-chemnitz.de/career-service/index.php.en.

The "Studentenwerk" Chemnitz-Zwickau runs several student residences. International students can apply for a single room in one of the residences. The prices depend on the size and furnishings of the room and vary between 270 EUR and 350 EUR: https://www.swcz.de/en/student-housing/our-halls-of-residence/.