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.

 

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.

The course of study has its own homepage, where you can find all the information about the course of study lay out.

 

Prerequisites

The prerequisite for admission to the program is an initial university degree. The required academic background is described in the exam regulations. The determination on whether or not the admissions requirements are met is made by the examination board. You can find more information about the prerequisites on the course of study web page.

 

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.

 

Module Handbook and Examination Regulations

The module handbook provides a description of all modules of a degree program and offers a comprehensive insight into the program contents.

The examination regulations are comprised of legally binding provisions on learning objectives, prerequisites for study, the course structure and processes, and examination procedures.

Regulations that generally apply to all Bachelor's and Master's degree programs, including information on language proficiency requirements, can be found in RWTH's General Examination Regulations. These general regulations are further specified and complemented by the subject-specific examination regulations.

If two examination regulations are valid for a degree program during a transition phase, the most current version shall apply to students enrolling in the program for the first time.

Please note that only the German examination regulations are legally binding.

Module Handbook
Subject-Specific Examination Regulations
RWTH's General Examination Regulations

 

Contact

If you have specific questions on course content please contact:

RWTH Aachen University
Fachgruppe Informatik
Koordination Master SSE
52056 Aachen
Germany
Email: sse@cs.rwth-aachen.de
Web: Course Website