Global Software Development
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
What's it all about?
M. Sc. in Global Software Development is an international, practice-oriented Master's degree programme taught entirely in English. Graduates are able to work in a globally distributed team on the design and realisation of complex, distributed software systems.
Depending on the scope of the Bachelor's degree (6 or 7 semesters), the standard period of study is 3 or 4 semesters.
A period of study abroad can be completed as part of the programme.
How does the degree programme work?
The first two semesters comprise modules in the areas of infrastructure, programming, technologies, methods and application (in intercultural teams). The third/fourth semester is intended for the preparation of the Master's thesis and participation in a seminar focussing on intercultural topics.
A stay abroad is compulsory for students with a first degree from Germany who have not yet completed a stay abroad.
In the three-semester programme variant, the semester abroad can be completed in the 2nd semester of the programme. In the four-semester programme variant, the semester abroad can be completed in the 2nd/3rd semester or an internship abroad in the 3rd semester.
Students with a foreign first degree can choose between a 20-week internship in Germany, German courses and attendance of further courses totalling 30 ECTS in the four-semester study option.
Programme content
The programme offers modules in the areas of infrastructure, programming, technology, methods and applications (in intercultural teams). A lot of emphasis is placed on practical training with many internships in our computer labs and project and group work.
In the third/fourth semester, the Master's thesis is written and a Master's seminar and a seminar on intercultural topics are offered.
The programme places great emphasis on collaboration in international teams. Students present their work in written and oral form, both individually and in groups, in order to develop their communication and presentation skills.
You can choose from the following compulsory elective modules:
- Advanced Big Data
- Cryptography - Theory and Applications
- Intercultural Project Management
- Research Project
- Software Development Project
- Special Topic of Global Software Development
- User Centred Development
Career prospects
The International Master's degree programme in Global Software Development is aimed at students who wish to pursue a career as a software developer and work in international teams in the design and implementation of complex distributed software systems.
Successful graduates will acquire the following skills, among others:
- Proficiency in multiple programming languages,
- Knowledge of software development processes (e.g. agile, model driven, test centred, user centred),
- Knowledge of web infrastructure and web service technologies,
- Knowledge of multi-layered client-server applications,
- be able to work with multi-threading,
- be sensitive to usability and accessibility.
Examination regulations
All information on the examination regulations for the Global Software Development M.Sc. programme can be found here.
