Curriculum

The M.Sc. Software Engineering and Management adopts an interdisciplinary approach (see figure), qualifying you to mastermind and take charge of software engineering projects at home and abroad. It has been planned for a full-time study and can be obtained in three semester, so in 18 months.
The first two semesters provide a sound theoretical basis. Using case studies and working in teams not only improves analytical and problem solving capacities but familiarizes the students with methodological and creative problem-solving techniques and the relational skills which are vital for future business leaders.
The third semester is dedicated to the Master’s Thesis which is accompanied by a colloquium.

For further information please see below as well as the Study and Exam Regulations for the MSEM (in German: Studien- und Prüfungsordnung). The study and exam regulation of Heilbronn University with general rules for students of a Master´s programme with a study duration of 3 semesters can be downloaded here (SPO Master 3 Semester).

Semester 1 and 2 - knowledge-based foundation and
project work

The first two semesters cover the following four major areas providing a sound theoretical basis and preparing the students for a number of organisational and leadership tasks in international software engineering projects.

• Computer Science
• Applied Software Engineering
• Information Systems in Business
• Leadership, Interpersonal and Intercultural Competences

Computer science skills  cover the modules: Algorithms Theory, Software-Architectures, Paradigms in Software Development, Intelligent Systems, Real-Time Systems as well as Information Management (modules M1, M2 and M4.1; please see below for the modules, course units and course delivery ).

The area "Applied Software Engineering" covers Product and Quality Management, Requirements and Usability Engineering, Project and Risk Management and Controlling as well as Computer Mediated Communication and Remote Collaboration in Virtual Teams (modules M3.1, M4.2, M4.3, M6.1 and M6.2).

The third area focuses on the role of Information Systems in Business and views the optimal support of business processes as a critical competitive factor. It covers Change Management, Strategic Information Management and Process Management as well as Business Models for Software (modules M5 and M3.3).

The fourth area focuses on Leadership, Interpersonal and Intercultural Competences and is taught in modules M 3.2 (Management Methods and Leadership) and M 6.3 (Intercultural Management).