Global Software Development (MSc) Fulda University of Applied Sciences

The courses are held in English (100%). The thesis can be written in English or German. Additional German language courses are offered.

In many companies with overseas branches, partners and customers, software development has a global dimension. It is no longer uncommon to find a development team dispersed across countries or continents. On one hand, this poses a special challenge for development methodologies and processes, on the other hand, it demands intercultural competencies of all team members.

Besides state-of-the-art technologies and frameworks of current fields such as parallel programming and web/mobile applications, this three- to four-semester Master's programme focuses on development methodologies and their application in intercultural teams. It has a very practical orientation and is taught entirely in English.
Therefore, optional German language courses are offered by our language centre.

Applicants planning to live and work in Germany after graduation will need a deeper knowledge of the German language and culture. For these applicants, we offer a one-semester pre-study programme. For details, please see: https://www.hs-fulda.de/en/international/study-preparation

Please find details regarding the structure and content of the Master's programme online: https://www.hs-fulda.de/en/studyprogramme/global-software-development-msc

Programme duration: The duration of this programme is based on the duration of study of the student's first degree. If the first degree is recognised as a four-year degree, the duration of study will be three semesters. If the first degree is recognised as a three-year Bachelor's degree in Germany, the student will have to study for four semesters. The additional semester can be completed by pursuing an internship, attending additional courses, taking German language courses, or studying abroad.

Please check the current application deadlines on our website before applying!
https://www.hs-fulda.de/en/study/information-for-your-application
In general, the following application deadlines apply
(subject to change):

Winter semester:  

• German / EU / EEA nationals with a first university degree from a German university:
  15 April to 30 September
• Other nationalities with a first university degree from a German university:
  15 April to 30 September  
• German / EU / EEA nationals with a first university degree from a foreign university:
  1 March to 30 September
• Other nationalities with a first university degree from a foreign university:
  1 March to 31 May  

Summer semester:  

• German / EU / EEA nationals with a first university degree from a German university:
  15 October to 31 March  
• Other nationalities with a first university degree from a German university:
  15 October to 31 March  
• German / EU / EEA nationals with a first university degree from a foreign university:
  1 October to 31 March  
• Other nationalities with a first university degree from a foreign university:
  1 October to 1 December

The course places special emphasis on project work and teams consisting of international participants. To encourage the development of communication and presentation skills, students present their work in written and oral form, both individually and in groups.

Please find further information regarding the course organisation and the module catalogue here: https://www.hs-fulda.de/en/studyprogramme/global-software-development-msc

Internships of 20 weeks in IT companies in Germany are available for international participants. The internship is an additional part of the Master's programme if the students need to earn an additional 30 credits. Programme advisers will assist students in finding an appropriate internship.

No tuition fees

A semester contribution of around 360 EUR is charged to cover the cost of student services, the student government, and an administrative fee as well as the "Deutschland semester ticket" (a student bus and rail pass for local and regional public transport all over Germany).

Approx. 900 to 950 EUR per month, including food, rent and health insurance (approx. 120 EUR per month), depending on one's living standard

• University degree equivalent to at least a Bachelor's degree (180 or 210 ECTS) in computer sciences or related disciplines and good grades (equivalent to German grade 2.5 or better)
• If you have a Bachelor's degree with 180 ECTS, you have to earn an additional 30 ECTS during your studies.
• English and German language skills: details below

For further information regarding the selection process online, see: https://www.hs-fulda.de/en/studyprogramme/global-software-development-msc

English:
TOEFL (550 points [paper-based test, institutional testing programme], 213 points [computer-based test], 85 points [Internet-based test, @home test]) or IELTS minimum band 6.5

German: level A1 

• Goethe-Zertifikat A1
• telc-Zertifikat A1
• ÖSD-Zertifikat A1
• ECL-Zertifikat A1
• DSH1
• TestDaF (TDN 3)

Please check the current application deadlines on our website before applying!
https://www.hs-fulda.de/en/study/information-for-your-application
In general, the following application deadlines apply
(subject to change):

Winter semester:  

• German / EU / EEA nationals with a first university degree from a German university:
  15 April to 30 September
• Other nationalities with a first university degree from a German university:
  15 April to 30 September  
• German / EU / EEA nationals with a first university degree from a foreign university:
  1 March to 30 September
• Other nationalities with a first university degree from a foreign university:
  1 March to 31 May  

Summer semester:  

• German / EU / EEA nationals with a first university degree from a German university:
  15 October to 31 March  
• Other nationalities with a first university degree from a German university:
  15 October to 31 March  
• German / EU / EEA nationals with a first university degree from a foreign university:
  1 October to 31 March  
• Other nationalities with a first university degree from a foreign university:
  1 October to 1 December

International students may apply for the Deutschlandstipendium scholarship.

From tutoring jobs and student assistantships at Fulda University to typical student jobs in restaurants, shops, and many other industries in the city of Fulda and its surrounding area, there is a wide range of job opportunities available. Please note that proficiency in German significantly increases employability.

The International Office offers an accommodation service for international students coming directly from abroad. The cost of accommodation amounts to approx. 400 to 500 EUR per month. There are excellent, newly built student residences within walking distance of the university.

For more information on housing, see: https://www.hs-fulda.de/en/ueber-fulda/reside-in-fulda.

Career service and placement officers on departmental level offer professional advisory service for the students.