Software Systems Engineering M.Sc.

 

Program Goals
While a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science typically qualifies an individual to participate in large-scale software projects, the Master’s degree provides the skills needed for leadership. Graduates of the Software Systems Engineering program 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.

 

Brief Description

This program focuses on the design and implementation of complex software systems, including their embedding in technical and socio-technical systems.

The program 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 program features the areas of theoretical foundations of software systems engineering, communication, data and information management, applied computer science, and software engineering.

Additionally, students take two seminars and a lab course, and write a Master's thesis to conclude their studies.

Brochure: International Master's Program Software Systems Engineering

 

Degree Content

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.

Additionally, students need to take two seminars and a lab course during the program.

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 program and can be written within the framework of an internship in the industry or at the university.

The course content 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.

 

Prerequisites

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 program.

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.

 

Career Prospects

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 program from other Master’s programs in Computer Science.

 

Examination Regulations

Exam regulations regulate academic goals and prerequisites, the course of study layout, and exam procedures.  The appendix to the regulations contains the description of the modules, from which the course of study is composed.

 

Contact

If you have specific questions on 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