Software Engineering for Industrial Applications M.Eng.

The M.Eng. in Software Engineering for Industrial Applications combines advanced software engineering with software and project management. You will build on your existing technical knowledge and gain the expertise needed to design, develop and manage software solutions for industrial applications.

The program takes a strongly practical and international approach. You will work with modern technologies such as cloud computing, AI coding tools, collaborate on international projects with our partner universities and apply your knowledge to real-world challenges in industry.

With the M.Eng. in Software Engineering for Industrial Applications, you gain:

• an M.Eng. degree combining advanced software engineering with software and project management
• advanced engineering and software development skills for complex tasks in industrial applications, AI coding tools included
• the knowledge and skills needed for more responsible roles in software engineering and management
• German language proficiency of at least A2 level upon graduation, supporting professional opportunities in Germany

In addition, the program offers you:

• a practice-oriented learning environment combining case studies, simulations, and applied teaching formats
• the development of intercultural competence through international collaboration and diverse study groups
• an integrated two-semester industry phase providing substantial professional experience and opportunities to apply your knowledge in practice

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 (M.Eng.).

Semester 1 and 2: Academic + applied learning

The Master’s program consists of 12 modules, each worth 5 ECTS credits, divided into four basic modules, six core modules and two electives.

The basic modules provide fundamental and interdisciplinary skills in areas such as software engineering, project management, communication and emerging technologies. The core modules build advanced expertise in software development and engineering, with a focus on application development, programming, cloud computing, data management and Industry 4.0.

Basic modules (mandatory)

• Project Management
• Software Engineering
• Communication and Negotiation Skills
• Internet of Things

Core modules (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: Industry phase and Master’s thesis

The third and fourth semesters are dedicated to an integrated industry phase in a company. Students complete a structured internship and a practice-oriented Master’s thesis.

Entry into the internship phase requires proof of at least German language level A2. 

View detailed program structure

As a graduate, you are well prepared for a wide range of career opportunities in software development, software engineering, software design and industrial IoT. The program equips you with the technical and management skills needed to contribute to complex software projects and work effectively in international and interdisciplinary development teams. 

With the continued demand for qualified software engineers in Germany and internationally, the degree provides a strong foundation for your next career step.

Typical career paths include roles such as:

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

For an admission in this M.Eng. program, applicants must fulfill the following academic and language requirements.

Academic requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering from an accredited university, minimum of 180 ECTS credits or equivalent (depending on the higher education system of the applicant’s home country)
• At least one year of professional 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 phase, students must demonstrate German language level A2. The language level A2 can be completed 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