Software Engineering for Industrial Applications M.Eng.

Our web technology-, development- and software management oriented modules enable you to develop industrial applications for companies all over the world.

We also focus on strategic knowledge in software and project management. Our teaching methods include various modern methods such as cloud-computing and international projects with our partner universities.

With this Master’s program, you gain

• a unique Master’s degree at the interface of management and technology with the degree M.Eng.
• a perfect interdisciplinary toolbox of knowledge and skills for complex management and engineering tasks in the field of software development
• German language skills of at least level A2 at graduation.

In addition, you benefit from

• an innovative mix of teaching methods - virtual learning, blended learning, simulations and case studies
• development of your intercultural competence,
• valuable work experience gained during the internship semesters.

As a graduate, you...

• have excellent career perspectives in various fields, e.g. web technology projects, component-oriented software development or software design
• most likely find an interesting and well-paid position immediately after graduation to due a high demand for skilled software engineers in Germany
• are predestined to work in international software project teams

You are ready to work as

• Software Developer
• Software Engineer
• Software Quality Manager
• Software Change Manager
• Industrial IoT Systems Developer

At Hof University Graduate School, learning is practice-oriented, interactive, and closely connected to real business environments. Teaching is based on the application of academic knowledge in practical contexts and is supported by industry projects, site visits, and direct engagement with practitioners.

Case studies and real-world business examples are used to translate theory into applied understanding and to develop analytical and problem-solving skills relevant to management roles.

Our faculty members (all holding doctoral degrees) combine academic expertise with professional industry experience, ensuring a strong link between research-based knowledge and business practice.

The program also includes career-focused formats such as career talks, job fairs, seminars, and professional development sessions that support networking and career readiness.

The standard duration of the program is four semesters.

Semester 1–2: Academic + applied learning
The first two semesters focus on practice-oriented learning. Students engage with case studies, laboratory work, excursions, and expert sessions that connect theoretical knowledge with real-world application.

Semester 3–4: Industry experience + Master’s thesis 

The third and fourth semesters are dedicated to an integrated industry phase in a company. During this period, students complete a structured internship and apply their knowledge in a professional working environment while gaining substantial practical experience.

The Master’s thesis is written during the industry phase and is based on a current topic within the host company. The topic is defined in close coordination with a supervising professor.

After successful completion of all requirements, Hof University of Applied Sciences awards the academic degree Master of Engineering (Eng.).

Semester 1 and 2: praxis-oriented theory

Basic modules (all mandatory)

• Project management
• Software engineering
• Communication and negotiation skills
• Internet of things

Core modules (all mandatory)

• Component oriented software engineering
• Advanced programming
• Concept and tools for application development
• Practical studies - Industry 4.0
• Non-relational data bases
• Applied cloud computing

Electives (select two)

• German language A1 *
• German language A2 *
• Analytical information systems
• Mobile computing
• Recent trends in software engineering

* If you do not have any German language skills at the beginning of the studies, the modules German A1 and A2 are mandatory (higher levels available).

Semester 3 and 4: Internship and Master's thesis

• practical work-experience

• Master‘s thesis with a company

   

View detailed program structure

For an admission in this Master's program, applicants must fulfill the following academic and language requirements.

Academic requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in software engineering or similar from an accredited university, at least 180 ECTS or equivalent (depending on home country)
• At least one year of work experience

English language requirements

English proficiency must be demonstrated through one of the following:

• TOEFL iBT: minimum score of 90
• IELTS Academic: minimum score of 6.5
• PTE Academic: minimum score of 60 

By the beginning of the internship, all students have to prove that they are at a A2 German language level. The German language level A2 can be reached during the studies in Hof.

For detailed application information, please refer to the Application Guide.

Applications must be submitted through the online application portal.

Application periods

• Winter intake: April 15 – May 31
• Summer intake: November 5 – November 30 

All applications are reviewed by the admissions committee. Admission decisions are issued in June for the winter intake and in December for the summer intake.

For questions regarding the application process, please contact:
admission(at)hof-university.de