Master's in Software Engineering

Studieninhalt

The master's program in Software Engineering (M.Sc.) takes a first degree with a focus on software engineering or software development to the next level. For graduates of FH Erfurt, it follows on directly from the bachelor's programs Applied Computer Science (B.Sc.) and Applied Computer Science DUAL (B.Sc.). At the same time, the program is also open to qualified applicants from other universities, provided that their degree has a comparable software-related focus and they meet the admission requirements. 

Building on this foundation, the program places software at the center as a complex technical, organizational, and socially relevant system. Software is therefore understood not merely as program code, but as a solution that must be systematically designed, built to high quality standards, operated securely, and developed responsibly over time. Students thus build competencies that span the entire lifecycle of modern software systems. 

The program has an engineering-based profile and combines current development practice with scientific methodology, project work, and reflective technical decision-making. Through the choice between Enterprise Projects and Research Projects, students set their own focus areas: Enterprise Projects are practice-oriented modules with a company or application context, while Research Projects are research-oriented modules within the academic environment of the department. The focus is not on individual technologies in isolation, but on the interplay of technical, methodological, and responsibility-related competencies. 

The program concludes with the master's thesis with colloquium, worth 25 ECTS. In the thesis, students demonstrate that they can work independently and on a sound scientific basis on a demanding, application-oriented topic. They critically reflect on their results, present them clearly, and defend them convincingly in the colloquium.

Who the program is for

The Master Software Engineering program is aimed at students who already have a solid grounding in software development, application development, or related software fields and who want to build on this knowledge in a focused way.

It is particularly suitable for students who want to

• design and improve complex software systems,
• strengthen their knowledge of software quality, DevOps, and secure development processes, 
• work with data-driven and knowledge-based applications,
• make technical decisions on a sound scientific basis, 
• work in international project teams, 
• take responsibility for software across its entire lifecycle.

Study structure

The Master Software Engineering program comprises three semesters with a total of 90 ECTS and leads to the degree Master of Science (M.Sc.). The language of instruction is English. A characteristic feature is its project orientation: in the first two semesters, students choose between an Enterprise Project and a Research Project. The third semester is dedicated to the master's thesis.

The focus areas for each semester are:

1. foundations and first project work
2. subject-specific specialization and advanced project work
3. Information Security Management and master's thesis with colloquium

Application

The master's program in Software Engineering will be offered from winter semester 2026/27. Applications are submitted online via the FH Erfurt application portal. Applicants with foreign qualifications usually apply via uni-assist. Before applying, please check the current deadlines, admission requirements, and the documents you need to submit.

Admission requirements

Admission to the program requires, among other things:

• a first higher education degree, or a degree from a state or state-recognized university of cooperative education (Berufsakademie), in software engineering or a closely related field, 
• usually at least 210 credits, 
• proof of English at level B2 or an equivalent certificate. Applicants with 180 credits may be admitted under certain conditions. 

The missing credits must be earned during the course of study before registration for the master's thesis is possible.

Selection

The selection process takes particular account of: 

• the final grade of the first higher education degree, 
• how well the previous degree fits the subject,
• relevant project, practical, or professional experience in software engineering. 

The program is aimed at applicants with a clearly recognizable software engineering profile. Prior knowledge in software development, application development, software architecture, DevOps, data applications, IT security, or related fields is particularly relevant.

Information for international applicants

International applicants should start preparing early. After admission, they will receive detailed information about the next steps: 

• visa and entry procedures, where required
• health insurance
• accommodation in Erfurt 
• enrollment and the semester fee
• IT access, Moodle, and student email
• Welcome Days and program-specific orientation

German language courses and support services German language skills are not required for admission, but they are recommended for everyday life, part-time work, and settling in in Germany. 

For more information, see: https://www.fh-erfurt.de/en/central-facilities/international-office/incoming-students