Global Software Development (M.Sc.)

What's it all About?

M. Sc. in Global Software Development is an international, practice-oriented Master's degree program taught entirely in English. Graduates are able to work in a globally distributed team on the design and realization of complex, distributed software systems.

Depending on the scope of the Bachelor's degree (6 or 7 semesters), the standard period of study is 3 or 4 semesters.

A period of study abroad can be completed as part of the program

How Does the Degree Program Work?

The first two semesters comprise modules in the areas of infrastructure, programming, technologies, methods, and application (in intercultural teams). The third/fourth semester is intended for the preparation of the Master's thesis and participation in a seminar focussing on intercultural topics.

A stay abroad is compulsory for students with a first degree from Germany who have not yet completed a stay abroad. In the three-semester program variant, the semester abroad can be completed in the 2nd semester of the program. In the four-semester program variant, the semester abroad can be completed in the 2nd/3rd semester or an internship abroad in the 3rd semester.

Students with a foreign first degree can choose between a 20-week internship in Germany, German courses, and attendance of further courses totaling 30 ECTS in the four-semester study option

Why study in Fulda?

Many Possibilities

Fulda University of Applied Sciences with its eight departments offers around 60 Bachelor's and Master's programs. The selection is large and ranges from technology, computer science, business, and law to nutrition, health, society, and culture. In addition to traditional subjects such as business administration or electrical engineering, we also offer innovative degree programs such as Nutrition, Health Sciences, or Renewable Energies.

Applied Sciences - the Combination of Theory and Practice

Fulda University of Applied Sciences is a university of applied sciences. This means that studying with us is not just about theory, but also has a lot to do with practice. This is reflected, among other things, in the close relationship between the university and regional organizations and companies, for example, when it comes to internships or theses. The International Careers Service of the International Office also offers international students and graduates a comprehensive range of information and advice on the topics of internships and career entry - paving the way to your future career.

Dual Study Programs - a German Success Story

More practice is not possible. As a student in a dual study program, you attend courses at the university and work in a company. In this way, you gain specialized knowledge that you can apply directly, gain the necessary experience for the transition into work, and also earn money. Some degree programs even include complete vocational training. This means you study in a discipline and learn a profession at the same time.

State-of-the-Art Equipment and the Latest Technology

Where could technicians, scientists, or engineers apply their acquired knowledge better than at the workplaces typical for their work? Fortunately, Fulda University of Applied Sciences has a wide range of so-called "labs" for authentic experimentation, real research, and repeated application. This Audio/video, NetLab, Renewable Energies Lab, Raw Materials Science Lab, Microbiology Lab, and Skills Labs simulate real working conditions and thus help students acquire the skills for their future profession.

From Preparatory Program to Doctorate

At Fulda University of Applied Sciences, you can follow the complete path of higher education. If you still lack some knowledge, you can catch up on it in a preparatory program. If you want to complete a Master's degree or even a doctorate, all doors are open to you. Since 2016, Fulda University of Applied Sciences has been the first university in Germany to have the right to award doctorates independently.

Thriving Internationality

Of the approximately 9,000 students at Fulda University of Applied Sciences, about 1,500 are not from Germany, but from over 100 different countries. The mix of languages, cultures, and perspectives not only creates an international atmosphere on campus and in the refectory but also enriches the courses and (student) life in the city.

Short Distances and Personal Contact

A great advantage of small towns and small universities is the short distances and personal contact between students and their lecturers. Despite its now 9,000 students, Fulda University of Applied Sciences still has a familiar atmosphere. People know each other and meet regularly. If you need support, you don't have to look far and the contact persons are easy to reach.

Support Where It is Needed

We want to help international students with their transition to life in Germany and Fulda. To this end, we have developed various measures for the time before and during your studies. Special preparatory programs such as Pre-College and Pre-Study help you to improve your German language skills, acquire specialist knowledge, or get to know the German academic system. The Buddy program, the orientation week as well as field trips provide opportunities for encounters and exchange.

Historic City With a Central Location

With a population of around 70,000, Fulda is one of the smallest cities in Germany. However, it offers a high quality of life, short distances, public safety, and nature on your doorstep. Its central location and direct connections to trains, long-distance buses, and highways make Fulda an ideal starting point for getting to know the whole of Germany.

Free Time Activities

A historic city center, museums and theatres, restaurants, and bars, concerts, clubs and parties, hiking and cycling trails, and the mountains of the Rhön. The list of leisure activities in and around Fulda is very long. On campus, there are university sports, and events as well as student projects, film evenings, the University Days, and the International Evening. And if you want even more, the train to Frankfurt/Main only takes about 80 minutes...

• Aiming for a professional career as a software developer
• Working in international teams
• Conception and realisation of complex distributed software systems

The program offers modules in the areas of infrastructure, programming, technology, methods, and applications (in intercultural teams). A lot of emphasis is placed on practical training with many internships in our computer labs and project and group work.

In the third/fourth semester, the Master's thesis is written and a Master's seminar and a seminar on intercultural topics are offered.

The program places great emphasis on collaboration in international teams. Students present their work in written and oral form, both individually and in groups, in order to develop their communication and presentation skills.

You can choose from the following compulsory elective modules:

• Advanced Big Data
• Cryptography - Theory and Applications
• Intercultural Project Management
• Research Project
• Software Development Project
• Special Topic of Global Software Development
• User Centred Development

1. Semester (summer)

• BigData and noSQL databases
• Cloud Computing
• Model-Driven Development
• Reconfigurable Computing
• Programming Paradigms

2. Semester (winter)

• Building Web and Mobile Apps
• Distributed Applications
• Global Distributed Software Development
• Machine Learning
• Parallel Programming
• Test-Oriented Development

3. /4. Semester (s/w)

• Master’s Thesis in Global Software Development
• Intercultural Communication and Scientific Work

The International Master's degree program in Global Software Development is aimed at students who wish to pursue a career as a software developer and work in international teams in the design and implementation of complex distributed software systems.

Successful graduates will acquire the following skills, among others:

• Proficiency in multiple programming languages,
• Knowledge of software development processes (e.g. agile, model-driven, test-centered, user-centered),
• Knowledge of web infrastructure and web service technologies,
• Knowledge of multi-layered client-server applications,
• Be able to work with multi-threading,
• Be sensitive to usability and accessibility.

Degree: Master of Science

Successful graduates will be:

• fluent in multiple programming languages
• able to work in a broad range of software development processes (e.g. agile, model driven, test centered, user centered)
• experienced with web infrastructure and web service technology
• experienced with multi-layered client-server applications
• able to work with multi-threading
• sensible for usability and accessability.