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Software Engineering

Shape the digital future with innovative software development

Software has become an integral part of our everyday lives - it controls modern technologies, networks systems, and enables innovative solutions in business and society. The online bachelor's degree programme in Software Engineering at THWS prepares you specifically for the development of high-quality, sustainable software solutions. In seven semesters, you will learn the basics of software engineering, algorithms, and IT security as well as advanced topics such as cloud computing, machine learning, and green IT in a practice-oriented way. The online degree programme combines academic work with practical projects and a mandatory internship semester to optimally prepare you for a career in the IT industry. Use your analytical skills and technical understanding to develop innovative software solutions and play an active role in shaping the digital future.

Reasons to study Software Engineering at THWS

Studying online at the Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt opens up doors to a world of innovations and technical challenges. We connect theory with the required practice, fundamental research with applied knowledge, and regional expertise with global perspective. At THWS, you learn to gain new perspectives and contribute to a more sustainable and technologically advanced future.

Our online degree programmes take place 100 percent online. This gives you complete flexibility - wherever you want and whenever you want, always benefiting from the high teaching quality of one of the largest state universities in Bavaria, Germany.

Advantages of the degree programme

Flexible online studies: Asynchronous learning allows you to complete your studies with mostly flexible time management
Project-based learning and a mandatory internship semester prepare you optimally for starting your career
Close to industry: Co-operations with well-known companies offer valuable insights into practice and excellent opportunities to make contacts
Innovative teaching methods such as interactive learning videos, regular live sessions and practice-oriented examinations
Excellent perspectives: Software Engineering is a growing field with diverse career options
THWS offers consecutive master's programmes

Three good reasons

Flexible studies: Online studies with asynchronous learning formats - ideal if you want to organise your time as freely as possible and do not want to be tied to a specific location

Quality-oriented software engineering: The degree programme focuses on modern technologies and practical project work

Excellent career-perspectives: Through close cooperation with companies and practical training, you will be optimally prepared for the job market

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Programme contents

The bachelor's degree programme in Software Engineering comprises seven semesters and combines sound theoretical foundations with practical application. In the basic studies programme, you will develop the basics of software engineering such as programming, algorithms, and data structures. In the main studies, you will deepen your knowledge of IT security, cloud computing, and machine learning. Your degree programme is complemented by a compulsory internship semester in the 5th semester, during which you gain valuable professional experience. Knowledge is imparted through interactive learning formats, practical projects, and close co-operation with industry. Around 20 percent of the modules are taught in English to prepare you specifically for the international IT market.

Programme structure

Basic studies (1st and 2nd semester)

In the first two semesters, you will learn the most important basics of computer science and software engineering. You will deal with programming, algorithms, and data structures and learn about operating systems and databases. Topics such as software architecture and project management are also covered.

Main studies (3rd and 4th semester)

In the main studies, you will deepen your knowledge of web and mobile development, DevOps, cloud computing, and machine learning. You will also expand your competences in agile methods, software testing, and requirements management. Theoretical knowledge is applied directly through practical projects and close co-operation with companies.

Internship semester (5th semester)

The practical semester is a central component of the degree programme. You will gain valuable practical experience in a company, make contacts in the IT sector, and apply your knowledge in real projects. You are free to choose which ever partner company you want – within or outside Germany.

Specialisation and final phase (6th and 7th semester)

In the last two semesters, you have the opportunity to specialise in future topics such as green IT, IT security, or cloud computing. Your bachelor's thesis concludes your degree programme and offers you the opportunity to independently solve a problem of practical relevance.

Your entry into the world of software development!

Software development is a dynamic and multifaceted professional field. During your studies, you will have the opportunity to focus on current topics such as IT security, green IT, machine learning, and cloud computing. Through practical cooperative projects with companies, you can deepen your knowledge and prepare yourself specifically for your future career path.

Your online study programme includes the following topics amongst others:

Full-stack development
Agile project management
Software quality and testing methods
DevOps (development & operations)
Sustainable software development and Green IT
IT security
Data science and machine learning

Practice-orientation

Online studies at THWS are characterised by a high practice-orientation and the internship semester, which takes place in the 5th or 6th semester, depending on your degree programme. It takes place in the 5th semester and is completed in a company. That way you can apply the knowledge developed during your online studies in an actual work environment.

What makes studies at THWS so practice-oriented?

Getting to know and applying new technologies
Internship semester as an integral part of studies
Professors with extensive experience in industry and economy
Cooperation with companies and industry partners, also internationally
Possibility of completing your final thesis in cooperation with a company

International practice

By the way: You also have the opportunity to complete your internship semester abroad. That way you do not only develop intercultural competence but also boost your language skills and your career perspectives on the international job market.

Career and perspectives

Software characterises the modern world and forms the backbone of many companies and technologies. Software developers design, program, and optimise complex IT systems that drive digital change. They are in demand in almost all sectors - from the automotive industry and healthcare to cloud and AI solutions. With your degree in Software Engineering, you will actively shape the digital future and develop solutions that will change the economy and society in the long term.

Graduates of the Software Engineering online degree programme can choose from a wide range of career opportunities:

Software development
IT security
DevOps (development & operations)
Cloud architecture and system integration
Data analysis and machine learning
IT consulting and project management
Mobile app development
Data base development and administration
Corporate software
IT architecture and software design
Technical documentation and software test
Artificial intelligence and automation

Is Software Engineering the right programme for you?

The online Software Engineering degree programme is ideal for you if you are interested in software development and IT security and are enthusiastic about modern technologies. It is aimed at new students who have completed their higher education entrance qualification (e.g. Abitur)or career changers who are looking for a practice-orientated degree programme with maximum flexibility. You should think analytically, enjoy working in a team, and be able to learn independently. A certain technical understanding and curiosity about innovative technologies are an advantage in order to successfully master the challenges of the digital age.

Admission requirements

Requirement for admission to the Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt is a valid general higher education entrance qualification (Abitur), a subject-specific higher education entrance qualification (fachgebundene Hochschulreife), an advanced technical college certificate (Fachhochschulreife), a general/subject-specific entrance qualification for qualified professionals, or a comparable qualification from abroad (HZB, university entrance qualification).

In order to study Software Engineering (B.Eng.), you must prove German language skills at B2-level. More information on linguistic admission requirements.

Your interests and abilities

Enthusiasm for the application of computer science to solve complex problems
Ability to learn independently and in a disciplined manner in a digital environment
Interest in the latest technologies such as cloud computing and machine learning
Analytical thinking to understand and develop logical connections and algorithms
Strong communication skills for virtual teamwork and effective project coordination

Transparent fee scheme

We value transparency. We therefore choose to keep our semester fees simple. We do not charge any fees for examinations. We also do not charge any fees for the use of university services.

EU-citizens pay a semester fee of EUR 600 per semester. This fee includes a media fee and the fee for the Studierendenwerk (student services fee).

Non-EU-citizens pay a semester fee of EUR 1500 per semester. In addition to a media fee and the fee for the Studierendenwerk (student services fee), a study fee and service fee are included. We use the income from the service fee to realise various support offers and services during the course of your studies.

After the designated standard time to degree only the fee for the Studierendenwerk is to be paid (currently ca. EUR 170).