Inhalt
Software Systems Engineering
| Final Degree | Master of Science in Software Systems Engineering |
| Beginning | Winter term / October |
| Duration | Two years |
| Entrance Requirements | 1. First degree 2. Qualification according to entrance requirements can be found in the examination regulations |
| Advice and further information |
Detailed information on the degree programme (Faculty website)
Department of Computer Science Study Advisory Services (faculty-level) |
Final Degree Awarded:
Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Software Systems Engineering
Language of Instruction:
English
Duration of the Programme:
Two years
Beginning of the Programme:
October
Goals of the Programme
While a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science typically qualifies a person to participate in large-scale software projects, the Master’s degree provides the skills needed for leadership. Graduates of the Software Systems Engineering programme are expected to be technically innovative, to work as system architects, and to manage large projects.
Graduates will also have the qualifications necessary for pursuing a doctoral degree.
General Description of the Programme
This programme focuses on the design and implementation of complex software systems, including their embedding in technical and socio-technical systems.
The programme is designed to take full advantage of the scope and environment offered at RWTH Aachen University as one of the leading technological universities in Europe.
Students will gain knowledge of theoretical, practical, and applied aspects of computer science, which will allow them to adapt quickly to the constant changes in this fast-paced field. In addition, the students will gain the ability to understand the necessary depth and interdisciplinary skills by taking courses in several areas.
The programme features the areas of theoretical foundations of software systems engineering, communication, data and information management, applied computer science, and software engineering.
Students will further be taking two seminars, and a lab course, and they will finally write a Master's thesis.
Formal Entrance Requirements
Candidates should have a recognised first degree (Bachelor of Science or Engineering) in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Informatics, or another closely related discipline, awarded by an internationally recognised university or equivalent degree-awarding institution.
Applicants should also have performed above average during their undergraduate studies. Further, we strongly advise candidates to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
Candidates must be able to speak and write fluent English (TOEFL 550 paperbased / 213 computer-based / 80 internet-based or IELTS 6.0). English-speaking students will attend a basic German language course starting in August, two months prior to the beginning of the Master's programme.
Special Entrance Requirements
The candidate should have a substantial background in Computer Science and Mathematics.
Typically this would include courses in the following areas: Calculus, Linear Algebra, Discrete Mathematics and Logic, Probability Theory, Fundamentals of Computer Programming, Computer Architecture, Data Structures, Analysis of Algorithms, Programming Languages, Computability, and Complexity Theory.
In addition, the applicant should have taken at least two advanced undergraduate courses in specialised topics such as Distributed Systems, Information Systems, Operating Systems, and Compilers.
Structure of the Programme
The curriculum covers the areas of theoretical foundations of software systems engineering, communication, data and information management, applied computer science, and software engineering.
Students may take courses of no more than 35 credits in each of these areas but are required to take courses of at least twelve credits in theoretical foundations of software systems engineering as well as at least 16 credits in software engineering. This includes a mandatory four credits course on the management of large software system engineering projects and courses in the amount of twelve credits to be choosen from a specific set of lectures called Core Subjects both in software engineering and in theoretical foundations of software systems engineering.
During the programme students further need to take two seminars and a lab course.
The Master’s examination consists of course-related exams, the two seminars, the lab course, an oral core exam on courses of twelve to 18 credits and the Master’s thesis.
The thesis typically takes the final six months of the programme and can be written in cooperation with industry or at the university.
The course contents will be structured according to the ECTS (European Credit Transfer System). Each student will be assigned a professor from the Computer Science Department as a personal mentor.
Career Opportunities
Computer scientists have been in great demand in past years, a trend which is expected to continue into the foreseeable future. The ability to design and implement large computer software systems in an interdisciplinary environment opens the door to management and leadership positions, an aspect that distinguishes this programme from other Master’s programmes in Computer Science.
Please note:
Admission/rejection letters will be send out in April/May at the earliest!
Further Information
- Brochure: International Master's Programme Software Systems Engineering
For further general information please refer to the web pages for international applicants provided by the International Office.
Contact
If you have specific questions about course content please contact:
RWTH Aachen University
Fachgruppe Informatik
Koordination Master SSE
52056 Aachen
Germany
Phone: +49(0)241/80-21534
Fax: +49(0)241/80-22321
Email: sse@kbsg.rwth-aachen.de
Web: Course Website
For more general information, e.g. on the application and admission process as well as on deadlines, please contact:
International Office
RWTH Aachen University
Templergraben 57
52062 Aachen
Germany
Phone: +49(0)241/80-90660
Fax: +49(0)241/80-92662
Email: international@zhv.rwth-aachen.de
Web: International Office Website