Master's in Digital Transformation (MDT) Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts

Transform the World into the Digital Future – Join the English-taught Master's in Digital Transformation (MDT) at the Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts (Fachhochschule Dortmund). Study in a very friendly international environment, with projects turning cutting-edge knowledge into practical experience in the dynamically growing high-tech industries of the German Ruhr Valley region.

The Master's in Digital Transformation (MDT) delivers the competencies to shape the digital revolution. With the MDT Master’s programme, we focus on the complete design flow and technology stack for digital solutions – especially software & cloud technologies. We are exploring the relevant business models and socio-economic impact as well. Our graduates are trained to work in very dynamic, diverse, and agile international teams aiming for solutions that benefit both society and industry.

The three pillars of the MDT competence model are as follows:

1. The curriculum in software engineering with the relevant processes, methods, and tools to develop complex software solutions
2. Design and deploy cross-domain digital systems
3. A strong focus on user-centred development processes that involve users as co-producers.

Our students have key advantages by studying MDT at FH Dortmund:

• Wide research and job opportunities are available for our students and many career opportunities are open to our graduates in German and international companies, e.g. in the Ruhr Valley industrial region. Our graduates work at Bosch, Siemens, Volkswagen AG, Daimler, to name a few.
• Culturally diverse international teams and class experience
• Interactive learning methods
• International events and conferences, as well as a semester abroad exchange programmes
• Research opportunities in our Research Institute for the Digital Transformation (IDiAL)
• Scholarship opportunities and dormitory access
• Hands-on experience with practical approaches
• International Networking
• We are more than a university, we are family – we support students and staff in achieving an equitable balance between study, professional, and family life.

MDT students have the opportunity to participate in block courses or spend an entire semester abroad at one of our partner universities. Additionally, they have the opportunity to do a double degree with one of our partner universities:

• KU Leuven, Belgium
• Astana IT University, Kazakhstan

The international Master's in Digital Transformation (MDT) programme is taught in four semesters, including the Master's thesis. The programme has a workload of 3,600 hours and 120 credit points (ECTS).

The first two semesters consist of five modules each. In the second and third semesters, students may study their chosen specialisation. The programme finishes with a Master's thesis.

Master's thesis topics comprise university research projects or industrial development/research. All classes and labs as well as course documentation and exams are in English. (Students can use German for written assignments and write their theses in German, too).

Compulsory modules (each module 6 ECTS):

First semester

• Innovation Driven Software Engineering
• Software Architecture
• Digital Systems 1
• R&D Project Management
• Scientific & Transversal Skills 1

Second semester

• Usability Engineering
• Software-Intensive Solutions
• Digital Systems 2
• Scientific & Transversal Skills 2
• Elective 1

Third semester – specialisation and research project

• Elective 2
• Elective 3
• Research Project (thesis)

Fourth semester

• Master's Thesis (30 ECTS)

Elective Modules (each module 6 ECTS):

• Software Engineering Project
• Smart Home, Smart Building & Smart City
• Human-Centred Digitalisation
• Requirements Engineering
• IoT & Edge Computing
• Trends in Digital Transformation
• Information Processing and Data Analytics
• Formal Methods
• Managing Digital Change
• Digital Business Ecosystems
• Trends of Artificial Intelligence in Business Informatics
• Machine Learning
• Research Seminar

The teaching elements are mainly designed as block lectures. Therefore, the programme can be studied part-time in a very flexible way while working in a company. Students have the possibility to receive academic recognition of job-related achievements. The third semester can also be used as an exchange semester with one of the partner universities. Courses from a Master's programme on project management or a programme on embedded systems can be selected. The research project and the Master's thesis can be conducted in cooperation with a company or within a research project at the university.

Further information and detailed descriptions of each module can be found here:
Master's in Digital Transformation - Module Handbook

• University of the Basque Country, Bilbao, Spain
• Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
• KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
• Kiev National University of Construction and Architecture (KNUCA), Kiev, Ukraine
• West Ukrainian National University (WUNU), Ternopil, Ukraine
• IMC Fachhochschule Krems, Austria
• KTU Kaunas, Kaunas, Lithuania
• University of Latvia (LU), Riga, Latvia

None

(The project and Master's thesis can be done in combination with an internship.)

Academic admission requirements include the completion of a “Diplom” or Bachelor's course of study of Computer Science, Business Informatics, Information Technology, Software Engineering or equivalent at a university of applied sciences ("Fachhochschule") or a university, or the completion of a corresponding accredited Bachelor's qualification programme at a university of cooperative education ("Berufsakademie") with an overall grade of at least “good” (2.5). In addition, competences in the field of study of Digital Systems and Software Engineering on a sufficient level need to be demonstrated. It must be evident that previous studies included a thesis.

A semester contribution (social contribution) must be paid by each student per semester in order to be able to start or continue their studies at Fachhochschule Dortmund.

The semester fee is in a mid three-figure EUR range. Find the current fee here.
Please find more detailed information here.

Please find some helpful information on the cost of living in Dortmund here: https://www.fh-dortmund.de/studieren/leben-und-wohnen/kosten-finanzierung.php?loc=en-US.

The Fachhochschule Dortmund provides an online job market, where students can find jobs related and unrelated to their studies, internships in Germany and abroad, Bachelor's or Master's thesis topics and graduate positions

Please find more information here: https://www.fh-dortmund.de/studieren/vorbereiten/studium-finanzieren/stellenmarkt.php?loc=en-US.

Students have good chances to find a paid internship or student job, especially in the third and fourth semesters.

Please find all information on scholarship possibilities here: https://www.fh-dortmund.de/studieren/vorbereiten/studium-finanzieren/stipendien.php?loc=en-US.

And some more information on support programmes for international students here: https://www.fh-dortmund.de/international/foerderprogramme/studienfinanzierung-fuer-internationale-studierende.php?loc=en-US.

The Fachhochschule Dortmund's International Career Service (ICS) will accompany you on your way - from initial orientation to successful entry into the German job market.

https://www.fh-dortmund.de/international/international-career-service/index.php?loc=en-US

Students can find accommodations on the private market. Rent for a single room in a student hall of residence is approx. 450 EUR.

Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts does not have an internal accommodation office. It is the responsibility of each student to find their own accommodation.

Please find information on accommodation possibilities in Dortmund here: https://www.fh-dortmund.de/studieren/leben-und-wohnen/wohnen.php?loc=en-US.

Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts (Fachhochschule Dortmund) is future-oriented with a more than 100-year-old history. The world is changing – and our modern university is changing, too.

• Study and teaching here are geared towards practical problem-solving.
• Our highly experienced professors are cementing the link between theory and practice.
• Internationality and diversity: Engaged worldwide, we motivate our students to take at least one semester abroad at our partner universities in the EU.
• We are a family-friendly university, providing the best balance between studying and personal life.
• The university offers over 80 study options in eight faculties:

1. Computer Sciences
2. Information Technology
3. Mechanical engineering
4. Electrical engineering
5. Applied Social Sciences
6. Economics
7. Architecture
8. Design

We have years of experience in international education, successfully offering several international Master’s degree study programmes:

• Master's Embedded Systems Engineering (ESE) offered by the Faculty of Computer Sciences
• Master's Digital Transformation (MDT) offered by the Faculty of Computer Sciences
• European Master's in Project Management (EuroMPM) offered by the Faculty of Business Studies
• Master's in Digital Design (MDD) offered by the Faculty of Computer Sciences and Design

Furthermore, we offer the Ruhr Master's School.

We motivate our students to go abroad for at least one semester to extend their professional network and experience, improve the language skills and develop intercultural competences.

The Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts welcomes international students who wish to study at the Faculty of Computer Science—whether as degree-seeking students or exchange students planning to spend one or two semesters here.

The Faculty of Computer Science welcomes international students from all over the world. They usually come from partner institutions and follow a course of study agreed with their home institution, or join our international Master's programmes as degree-seeking students.

International students have full access to all campus facilities and receive assistance from the International Office with matters such as enrolment, housing, and visa requirements. For general information, including application forms and health insurance details, please visit the following website: International Office – Dortmund University.

To learn more about the city of Dortmund, including its offerings and impressions of life in this dynamic Ruhr area city, visit: Explore Dortmund.