Software Engineering University of Applied Sciences Erfurt

The application-oriented Master’s degree programme in Software Engineering is a consecutive programme based on a seven-semester Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and leads to a second professional qualification.

The programme is aimed at students who hold a first university degree or a degree from a state or state-recognised university of cooperative education in the field of (Applied) Computer Science or a closely related discipline, particularly from abroad, and who wish to broaden their knowledge and deepen it within one of the offered profile areas.

The consecutive Master’s degree programme in Software Engineering aims to enable graduates to solve complex tasks in software development, software architecture, and software evaluation independently, on a sound scientific basis, and with a strong sense of responsibility. The qualification objectives are aligned with Level 7 of the German Qualifications Framework (DQR) and with the Qualifications Framework for German Higher Education Degrees (HQR) for Master’s degrees.

Graduates of the programme:

1. Possess an advanced, research-oriented understanding of the theoretical and practical foundations of software engineering, including advanced methods, architectures, and development paradigms.
2. Are able to analyse complex problems, independently develop solution approaches, implement them, and critically evaluate them. In doing so, they take into account economic, social, ethical, and ecological conditions.
3. Master scientific methods of computer science and related disciplines, are able to apply and reflect on them in new contexts, and can critically assess and communicate research findings.
4. Are able to work in interdisciplinary settings, quickly familiarise themselves with new subject areas, and cooperate in international, multilingual teams in a responsible and goal-oriented manner.
5. Are capable of taking on leadership responsibilities, particularly in the planning, management, and quality assurance of software projects in industrial, public-sector, or research-related contexts.
6. Are able to develop scientific research questions and pursue them further within research projects or in the context of subsequent doctoral studies.

The programme leads to a professionally qualifying Master’s degree and at the same time prepares graduates for research-related activities as well as for further academic qualification through doctoral studies.

The curriculum of the Master’s degree programme in Software Engineering is aligned with the qualification objectives defined for the programme and follows a clear, systematically structured design. It ensures that students are able to acquire subject-specific and methodological competencies as well as social and personal key skills within a coherent and feasible course of study.

In the first and second semesters, students complete 30 ECTS credits each in modules that are thematically coordinated with one another. These include, among other things, content from the areas of IT project management, software architecture, quality assurance, DevOps, advanced analytics, knowledge engineering, as well as ethics and data protection. In doing so, students acquire the ability to analyse, design, implement, and critically evaluate modern software solutions on a sound methodological basis.

A particular focus of the curriculum is on project-based teaching: in both subject semesters, students complete either a research project or a company project worth 5 ECTS credits each. These formats promote both the academic engagement with current topics and the application of acquired knowledge in real-world practical and business contexts.

The integrated language training (German or English) underscores the international character of the degree programme and strengthens communication skills. The teaching of academic methods and writing techniques takes place in the module Scientific Writing and specifically prepares students for the final phase of their studies.

In the third semester, the Master’s thesis takes centre stage and is generally carried out in cooperation with a company or research institution (25 ECTS credits). It serves as proof that students are able to work independently, systematically, and on a sound academic basis on a complex, application-oriented topic. The final semester is complemented by the module IT Security (5 ECTS credits), which addresses security-related aspects of software development.

A central element of the Software Engineering degree programme is its close integration with the regional economy through project-based cooperation with companies. The enterprise projects embedded in the curriculum in both subject semesters, together with the Master’s thesis, give students the opportunity to work on real business-related tasks from software practice—often in direct cooperation with industry partners, start-ups, or public institutions.

Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering (or similar)

The semester fee can be broken down as follows:

• 74 EUR Students' Union contribution
• 229.80 EUR semester ticket (public transport all over Germany)
• 3 EUR culture ticket
• 9 EUR student council

TOTAL 315.80 EUR 

Additional variable: 20 EUR for your student ID card ("Thoska")

Erfurt offers comparatively low living costs compared to larger German cities such as Berlin or Munich. 

International (non-EU) students usually need to prove financial resources via a blocked account (approx. 934 EUR/month). Living costs in Erfurt are generally within or below this amount.

Estimated monthly costs:

• Rent (shared flat/student housing): 250 to 400 EUR
• Food: 200 to 300 EUR
• Health insurance: 130 EUR
• Study materials: 20 to 50 EUR
• Personal expenses: 100 to 150 EUR

TOTAL: approx. 700 to 1,030 EUR per month

With careful budgeting, students can cover their expenses comfortably within the required financial framework.

Tips to save money:

• Apply early for student dormitory
• Shop at budget supermarkets
• Use student discounts

International students in Erfurt have good opportunities to take on part-time jobs or conduct internships alongside their studies. Typical student jobs include positions in hospitality, retail, logistics, and engineering-related areas.

Some professors within the programme maintain close links with industry partners and may share information on relevant job opportunities. Moreover, the project “Fremde werden Freunde” regularly offers networking events, company visits, and career-oriented activities that can facilitate access to part-time employment.

According to German regulations, non-EU students may work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year. Important: German language skills are a massive boost to your employability.

Career Centre

The jobs and careers platform of the University of Applied Sciences Erfurt is maintained in cooperation with JobTeaser for vacancies, recruiting events, work placement listings and final thesis projects.

To secure a room in a student residence, we strongly recommend applying as early as possible through Studierendenwerk Thüringen. The organisation offers affordable accommodation in several student residences across Erfurt.

Applications are submitted online via the official housing portal: https://www.stw-thueringen.de/en/housing/application/. We recommend you to apply six months prior to the start of your studies (even if you are not admitted yet).

Further information about available residences can be found here: https://www.stw-thueringen.de/en/housing/residential-homes.html.

Although only founded on 1 October 1991, the University of Applied Sciences Erfurt follows long-established traditions of training engineers in the city. With around 1,000 new students annually and approx. 4,200 students, the University of Applied Sciences Erfurt, one of two universities in the state capital, is a highly attended university in Thuringia. It stands out for its broadly based interdisciplinary range of courses in twelve branches of study.

The original faculties of architecture, civil engineering, horticulture, supply engineering (now service and power engineering), landscape architecture and social welfare (now social studies), were joined by economic science in 1992, by conservation and restoration as well as traffic and transportation in 1994 and 1995, and by applied computer science in 2000. The range of subjects was further supplemented by forestry and ecosystem management in 2007, and urban and spatial planning in 2008.

New Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes in civil engineering and applied computer science were introduced for the first time in the winter semester 2000/01, followed by further courses of study. These are designed to meet the call for modern, practice-oriented training. At the same time, the provision of courses is directed at regional needs and new developments. An example is the in-service Bachelor's degree in childhood education.

Study, teaching, research and academic further education are the essential cornerstones to which the university's autonomous committees, headed up by the Senate, are dedicated. The university maintains strong ties companies and institutions. Cooperative partnerships link the university with other universities worldwide. Increasing numbers of international students and lecturers are coming to Erfurt, whilst their German counterparts complete placements or study semesters in countries all over the world.

Erfurt – the liveable and lovable capital of Thuringia

Erfurt combines culture, fun and relaxation, whether it's in cabaret, at concerts or on a leisurely stroll between the Merchants' Bridge (Krämerbrücke) and the cathedral. Erfurt is also about finding new job opportunities and fulfilling your professional dreams.

Tradition inspires innovation

In Erfurt, young people have a wide range of opportunities to lead their lives according to the motto "tradition inspires innovation". Once, Martin Luther appreciated the advantages of the University of Erfurt, and today, about 5,500 young people study there, for example in the university's core subjects of "Education" and "Religion". Furthermore, there are approximately 4,700 students at the University of Applied Sciences Erfurt, who combine theory and practical work in their studies.

While you're studying hard, don't neglect your free time

There's a lot to see and do in the state capital, which, with more than 200,000 inhabitants, is the largest city in the Free State of Thuringia and is considered to be one of the most attractive cities in Germany. Hundreds of years ago, Erfurt was already an important traffic junction. In the Middle Ages, two important trade routes crossed here, the Via Regia and the Nuremberg Geleitsstraße, which helped Erfurt gain in importance and wealth. The city, first mentioned in 742, still owes much of its attraction and radiance to its historic trade in woad, a plant that was used to dye fabrics blue.

Shop, savour and stroll

With an attractive mix of small stores, which also offer typical regional specialities and handicrafts, and the large, cross-regional shopping malls, the state capital has something for everyone. This is especially true of Erfurt's food scene, which has many other delicacies to surprise you besides the indispensable Thuringian dumplings and bratwurst. The rich variety of restaurants with local specialities and foreign cuisine is a treat for body and soul. And if you decide to go for an evening stroll, you can still experience the unique vibrancy of the city even at a late hour. That's when Erfurt's bars awaken, welcoming tourists, students and residents alike.

Erfurt – home to professional and amateur sports

In Erfurt there are hardly any limits to the cultural and sporting activities on offer. Various sports facilities offer a wide range of possibilities for competitive and recreational athletes. For example, you can go ice skating in the Gunda-Niemann-Stirnemann-Halle, where important national and international competitions are also held.

Top athletes from all over the world also appreciate the excellent training conditions at the Olympic base in Erfurt - with its ice sports centre, Steigerwald stadium (home to famous football club Rot-Weiss Erfurt) and Andreasried cycling track. In the numerous sports clubs, amateur athletes will have no trouble finding opportunities to train. Erfurt's many parks are also popular as places to exercise and relax. Whether surfing on the Erfurt lakes or cycling on the long-distance cycle paths, everyone can be active in Erfurt.

If you are ready to explore the heart of Germany, you will discover Erfurt, a city where tradition and innovation go hand in hand, a place where the quality of life is second to none.