Software Engineering (SEM) Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences

This Master's programme enables graduates to make tactical and strategic decisions in the selection and application of information processing systems and tools and to participate in research and methodological development in the field of software engineering. Furthermore, it enables graduates to lead and manage software engineering projects. To give the students the opportunity to develop content-related focal points, three professional profiles are offered.

The IT Management (ITM) profile enables graduates to understand the impact of technological changes on business strategy, select adequate information processing systems, and apply techniques to guide and promote change and innovation processes. They will be able to moderate team discussions in a digital or face-to-face environment and apply management methods in an intercultural environment. They will have experience in the assessment of technologies in the application area of medicine.

The Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) profile enables graduates to analyse user needs, define user requirements, design mock-ups and prototypes, develop interactive computing systems, and to plan and conduct different types of evaluation. On the one hand graduates will be able to understand the needs of their users, and on the other hand they will be able to develop the desired solutions.

Graduates of the Advanced Software Engineering & Data Science (ASE) profile will be able to design, evaluate, and engineer enterprise scale applications and software systems based on state-of-the-art principles. Above all, they will be able to address and solve complex technological and engineering problems in teams. They will focus on data-driven problems and apply appropriate technological and scientifically based solutions.

The precise course structure (including modules, course units, and course delivery) can be found on our website.

The Master's programme in Software Engineering can be completed in three semesters.

The first two semesters cover the four main areas mentioned above, providing a sound theoretical basis in each field and preparing students for a number of organisational and leadership tasks in international software engineering organisations.

The third and final semester is dedicated to the Master's thesis which is accompanied by a colloquium. The thesis may deal with a topic of interest motivated by contemporary research or may be commissioned by a cooperating organisation. Each thesis is supervised by two examiners, one of whom may be an external professional.

Finally, the MSc Software Engineering offers a number of specific benefits and assets such as

• lectures delivered exclusively in English
• a favourable student-lecturer ratio
• an interdisciplinary curriculum
• integration of management and engineering practices
• a clearly structured and time-efficient schedule
• sustained teaching quality by systematic student appraisal
• state-of-the-art facilities
• innovative forms of teaching
• creative forms of learning, e.g. problem-based and blended learning, etc.

Throughout the course, student groups use genuine case study material provided by the cooperating companies and apply the appropriate tools to solve the problems at hand in a team.

This not only improves their analytical and problem-solving capacities, but familiarises them with methodological and creative problem-solving techniques and the relational skills which are vital for future business leaders.

Practical experience is gained via project work in cooperation with various businesses in Heilbronn or the vicinity. This cooperation provides real-world problems to solve in the context of course content and especially of the Master's thesis.

For summer intake: 

• Online portal will be open by mid-December.
• Application deadline: 15 January

For winter intake:

• Online portal will be open by mid-May.
• Application deadline: 15 July

Please be aware of the different application deadlines of Studienkolleg Konstanz/uni-assist and Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences!

Successful applicants fulfil the following admission requirements:

• An excellent or good German (average grade of 2.5 or less) or European Bachelor's degree (210 or 240 ECTS credits) or an equivalent international qualification (attested by Studienkolleg Konstanz ("SK", former: "ASK") certificate) in Computer Science or a closely-related field. Candidates who have obtained 180 ECTS credits for their first degree can acquire an extra 30 ECTS credits in appropriate Bachelor's programmes at Heilbronn University.
• An excellent or good German, European or International Bachelor's degree in any other field (210 ECTS credits) if applicants can provide proof of vocational experience in the field of Computer Science acquired in the previous three years.

159 EUR per semester

The cost of living for a student is about 1,000 EUR per month.

The Office of Student Services has set up a job database for part-time jobs.

The job portal of the Career Service of Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences will provide you with information about current job vacancies, internships, student jobs, and final thesis jobs. For more information, click here.

There are various scholarships that provide financial aid:

• Deutschlandstipendium
• Scholarships exclusively for students of Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences

For more information, see: https://www.hs-heilbronn.de/en/scholarships.

The International Career Service assists international students at Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences in launching their careers in Germany. We provide assistance in navigating the German job market and support in the application process, whether for internships, part-time positions, or career entry after completing your studies. For more information, see: https://www.hs-heilbronn.de/en/international-career-service.

There are several halls of residence in Heilbronn, Künzelsau and Schwäbisch Hall. The Office of Student Services of Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences offers a special database for finding accommodation. This database will provide you with a list of commission-free rooms available on the private housing market. For more information, click here.

Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences offers study programmes in engineering, business, and computer science and is located in one of Germany’s leading economic and commercial regions. It is close to metropolitan cities and cultural centres such as Stuttgart, Mannheim, and Heidelberg. Known for its commitment to teaching, learning, and research, the university has campuses located across the Neckar region in Heilbronn, Künzelsau, and Schwäbisch Hall. Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences is very well connected and linked to over 220 reputable international universities all around the world, so students can also gain intercultural experience while, at the same time, improving their language skills.

The university has campuses located in Heilbronn, Künzelsau, and Schwäbisch Hall.

Heilbronn

With over 130,000 inhabitants, Heilbronn is a fascinating city and great for student life. It boasts a long and intriguing history and has evolved into an exciting, lively city with a diverse cultural scene. The city pulsates with activity, offering a large number of cafés, beer gardens, and pubs. For active students, numerous sports clubs, public parks, and the banks of the Neckar River provide ample opportunities for jogging, walking, cycling, inline skating, and more.

Künzelsau

Künzelsau is situated in a region with established hidden champions, global players, and leading companies in global markets. In this diverse landscape, you will find numerous recreational activities and cultural events.

Schwäbisch Hall

Schwäbisch Hall is a city known for its family-friendly environment, medieval flair, high quality of life and work, and an arts and culture programme with importance beyond the region. It is a hospitable and cosmopolitan city where tradition and innovation blend excellently.