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Information Systems and Applied Computer Sciences

M. Sc. International Software Systems Science

  1.  University of bamberg
  2. Faculties
  3. Information Systems and Applied Computer Sciences
  4. Studies
  5. Degree programmes offered
  6. M. Sc. International Software Systems Science
  7. Structure and Curriculum

Structure and Curriculum

The master’s programme in International Software Systems Science (120 ECTS) offers advanced graduate level studies (Bologna 2nd cycle) that build on a prior six semester bachelor’s degree in Software Systems Science (180 ECTS) or a closely related field of study. The programme offers the experience of an optional study abroad and/or an optional industrial internship in an international context. Upon successful completion, students have acquired the minimum 300 ECTS required for a continuing 3rd cycle post-graduate training following the Bologna scheme.

The study programme provides wide-ranging elective options in five functional or thematic module groups A1–A5 described below. Within these module groups you may select an area of specialisation in line with your own interests in three fields of Software Systems Science:

  • S1: Theory
  • S2: Systems
  • S3: Software

You can form a degree specialisation by selecting the master’s thesis (module group A4), one project or one seminar (in module group A3) and elective modules of at least 18 ECTS (in module group A1) in your desired focal area S1–S3. On application to the examination board, your area of specialisation will be documented in your final M.Sc. degree certificate.

This module group (30–69 ECTS) covers the three focus areas S1 Theory, S2 Systems and S3 Software. You must earn at least 6 ECTS in each focus area. By the end of your second semester you need at least 18 ECTS, by the end of your fourth semester at least 30 ECTS in this module group.

Focus areas and associated electives:

  • S1 Theory (e.g. Algorithms, Automation of Logical Reasoning, Universal Logic & Universal Reasoning, Functional Programming of Reactive Systems, Introduction to Functional Programming)
  • S2 Systems (e.g. System Programming in C++, Data Streams and Complex Event Processing, Operating Systems Engineering, Virtualization, Processor Microarchitecture and Performance)
  • S3 Software (e.g. Database Systems for Modern CPU, Evidence-based Software Engineering, Advanced Data Management, Advanced Information Security and Privacy, Introduction to Differential Privacy, Applied Software Verification)

This module group (0–39 ECTS) comprises optional advanced-level modules from applied fields of computer science related to Software Systems Science such as deep learning, natural language processing, visual analytics, energy-efficient systems, digital platforms and social networks.

Bachelor’s modules that provide the prerequisites for modules in A1 or A2 can be taken up to a total of 15 ECTS in these module groups. They are listed in the module handbook under “recommended prior knowledge”; other bachelor’s modules can be chosen on application to the examination board.

In this module group you will attend a seminar (3 ECTS) and run a project (6 ECTS) to deepen your understanding of the topics covered by the module groups A1 and A2. The topics addressed in the seminar and project highlight specific issues in the areas of computer science, applied computer sciences and information systems related to Software Systems Science. In a seminar you will typically conduct independent literature research and either give an oral presentation with a written paper or write a paper and defend it in a colloquium. In the hands-on project you have the opportunity to practice your know-how individually or in teams.

The master’s thesis (30 ECTS) comprises the conduct of independent research leading to a written thesis on an advanced topic related to Software Systems Science, including a colloquium in which you defend your main results. This individual work is supervised and guided by a member of the faculty’s academic staff. You can register for the thesis once you have at least 60 ECTS.

Here you get the opportunity to enrich your studies through a distinctively international academic or industrial experience. In this module group you earn 12 to 27 ECTS. You can combine the following options:

Study Abroad:

You spend study time abroad, for instance, at one of our partner universities. There you may select study abroad modules from the graduate level offerings of the partner institution. It is necessary that the topics fall within the area of Software Systems Science and are pre-arranged through a learning agreement. Up to 27 ECTS obtained abroad can be credited to this module group.

International Internship:

What if you do not want to study abroad? Then you have the option of accomplishing an internship in an international context, preferably abroad, that covers topics of the occupational field of Software Systems Science. This internship has a volume of 12 ECTS credit points, corresponding to 360 working hours in a foreign or internationally acting domestic company or research institute. If you completed your previous studies entirely outside Germany, you may also do the internship at other companies or research institutes in Germany.

Language Modules:

Whatever option you choose you may also include foreign language modules (such as German if you did not obtain your university entrance qualification in German) towards your A5 requirement. Recognition is limited to a maximum of 15 ECTS credit points. English modules are excluded.