Software Engineering for Industrial Applications (MEng) Hof University of Applied Sciences

Did you already earn a Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering or Computer Science and gather some professional experience? Do you feel a need to have deeper knowledge of software management and engineering tasks, especially in order to get a leading position? Then our MEng programme in Software Engineering for Industrial Applications is just right for you. Kick-start your career with our perfect interdisciplinary toolbox of knowledge and skills in outstanding technological competence, software management, and engineering.

Our web technology-, IoT-, development-, and software management-oriented modules provide you with the strategic knowledge you need and enable you to develop industrial applications for companies all over the world. We also focus on software and project management.

Our teaching methods include various modern methods, such as cloud computing and international projects with our partner universities.

Your benefits

After graduation, you will benefit from

• a unique Master's degree at the interface of management and technology with a MEng degree;
• a perfect interdisciplinary toolbox of knowledge and skills for complex management and engineering tasks in the field of software development;
• valuable work experience gained during the internship semesters;
• German language skills of at least A2 level at graduation;
• development of your intercultural competence;
• excellent career perspectives in various fields, e.g. web technology projects, software design, or component-oriented software development.

Typical entry positions include

• Software Developer
• Software Engineer
• Software Project Manager
• Software Quality Manager
• Software Change Manager

Course structure

• The first two semesters provide practice-orientated theory. (case studies, excursions, expert meetings, etc.)
• The third and fourth semesters will be spent working as an intern in the industry to gain more practical experience. Additionally, the Master’s thesis must be written during this period.

Course content

The Master's programme consists of 12 modules, with five ECTS per module (four basic modules + six core modules + two elective modules):

Basic modules:

• Project Management
• Software Engineering
• Communication and Negotiation Skills
• Internet of Things

Core modules:

• Component-Oriented Software Development
• Advanced Programming
• Concepts and Tools for Application Development
• Practical Studies – Industry 4.0
• Non-Relational Databases
• Applied Cloud Computing

Elective modules (choose two):

• German language A1 and A2 (both mandatory if you have no German skills at the point of admission; higher levels also available)
• Analytical Information Systems
• Mobile Computing
• Recent Trends in Software Engineering

In the third and fourth semesters, each student conducts an internship in a company, attends training modules (30 ECTS) and writes a project-based Master's thesis in cooperation with a company (30 ECTS).

A unique feature of this Master's programme is that students spend the second year (third and fourth semesters) doing a paid practical internship in industry (e.g. a web technology or software development project). Also, the Master's thesis is project-based and done in cooperation with a company. Thus, students can

• immediately apply their knowledge,
• gain profound professional experience and
• earn money at the same time!

We support our students in finding an appropriate internship and provide contact addresses for this purpose. So far, our students have conducted internships with companies such as SAP, Continental, JPM, IBM, Siemens, Rehau AG, ND SatCom, JRC (Joint Research Centre of the European Union) and much more. Frequently, the internship provides the stepping stone to the first job after graduation.

• Bachelor's degree in software engineering or similar from an accredited university – 180 ECTS or equivalent (depending on the home country)
• One year of work experience after graduation

Administrative fee of approx. 150 EUR per semester

The cost of living in the city of Hof is moderate compared to both other European countries and bigger cities in Germany. On average, living expenses for a student range between 800 and 1,000 EUR per month in total.

The following is an approximate cost calculation of expenditures per month:

• accommodation: 350 to 550 EUR
• mandatory health insurance: about 120 EUR
• food and personal expenditures: at least 350 EUR

Paid internship in the third and fourth semesters

The Career Service team at Hof University offers you a wide range of career preparation and orientation services, including workshops, company excursions, and job fairs. We will prepare you for the German labour market by providing you with specific information, counselling, and qualifications. Thus, you will be able to start your individual career as an intern and as a graduate.

The Housing Office supports international students in finding appropriate accommodation.

Rent for a single student room is approx. 350 to 550 EUR. Rent for a private one-room apartment for one tenant or for a couple is more than 550 EUR. We also have a limited number of double rooms for friends that cost about 250 to 320 EUR per person. Beside the rent, there are additional costs for water, energy, broadcast fee, and Internet.

For a full overview of the practical issues related to living in Hof and our support services for international students, please have a look at the website of our Welcome Service and Housing Office.

Studying at Hof University – your benefits at a glance

• Hands-on education that prepares you for a successful career
• Friendly, international study community
• Personal support from Welcome Service, International Office, and Career Service
• Help finding accommodation and a guided Orientation Week
• Career-building activities like intercultural training, field trips, and company visits

About Hof University

Founded in 1994, Hof University offers a modern campus with state-of-the-art facilities and a hands-on learning environment. As a practice-oriented university of applied sciences with integrated internships in all programmes, the employability of our graduates is the main focus of our teaching.

Our commitment to students is reflected in StudyCheck rankings: Hof University was Germany’s most popular university in 2023 and 2024 and continues to receive excellent teaching ratings. In 2026, StudyCheck awarded the “Top Hochschule” distinction, recognising Hof University as one of the most popular institutions in Germany with fewer than 5,000 students.

We offer over 50 Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes in engineering, advanced computing and AI, business, and design. The Graduate School provides fully English-taught postgraduate programmes for professionals with at least one year of work experience.

Practice-oriented learning

All professors have a strong academic background as well as practical experience in industry. Teaching is application-focused, including real-world projects, company collaborations, and site visits. This approach ensures students gain practical skills and confidence to succeed in national and international careers.

Personal support & international environment

Hof University is known for its friendly study atmosphere. An excellent student-to-lecturer ratio enables close interaction between students and professors and an active exchange of ideas. Students benefit from personal support services such as orientation programmes, integration events, and housing assistance.

With over 130 partner universities worldwide and more than 30% international students on campus, Hof University offers a truly multicultural and welcoming environment where you can grow both academically and personally.

Applied research & entrepreneurship

Six research institutes focus on areas such as information systems, sustainable water and energy systems, materials science, and organisational research, always connecting research to practical and sustainable solutions.

Students with entrepreneurial ideas receive guidance and support at Einstein1, the on-campus incubator that helps turn innovative ideas into real-world ventures.

Our main campus is located in the city of Hof, a safe and cosy town located at the top of Bavaria and in the heart of Europe. Hof has a population of about 45,000 inhabitants and offers all the amenities of a university town: a cinema, theatre, an annual film festival and a variety of cafés, bars and clubs.

Our region has the second-highest density of industry across Europe, with many companies specialising in machinery, automotive components, ceramics, and textiles. Many of these are small and medium-sized “hidden champions” in their field, offering excellent opportunities for internships and entry-level jobs.

The city of Hof is surrounded by beautiful nature. It is located between the low mountain regions of the Fichtelgebirge and the Franconian Forest on the banks of the Saale River. You will find excellent possibilities for all outdoor sporting activities such as cycling, hiking, climbing, and skiing.

Big cities like Berlin, Prague, and Munich are also within easy reach by train or bus. This means you can study in a practice-oriented environment while also enjoying life outside the classroom.