Euroin Software Engineering (EMSE)

The programme offers a two-year (120 ECTS credits) joint Master's programme, called the European Master's Programme in Software Engineering (EMSE).
A curriculum in software engineering covers a wide range of topics, such as software process management, verification and validation, software design, and requirements engineering, as well as a pool of specialities such as software quality, distributed systems and development, open source software and agile methods.
During the second year, students will be hosted by the EMSE associated partners for a mandatory internship. The curriculum consists of core topics, specificities, a project, an internship and a Master's thesis. The full structure can be accessed at http://em-se.eu/index.php/syllabus/.
All courses are taught in English. Students are requested to earn at least 2 CP in the local language (free of charge) at each university they visit, on top of the 120 CP required for the programme.

Educational organisation

The EMSE programme is organised by the Consortium of Free University of Bozen-Bolzano (Italy), Technische Universität Kaiserslautern (Germany), Technical University of Madrid (Spain) and University of Oulu (Finland). Besides, the consortium also comprises associated partners from both academia and industry.

Study abroad unit(s)

The programme foresees a mobility period at two different universities of the consortium. The student will spend one year at one university (the "first university"), and one year at another university (the "second university") according to a learning path. The learning paths and the relative study plans are accessible at http://em-se.eu/index.php/study-plan/.

Forms of assessment

Project and thesis work will be carried out at the second university and will be jointly supervised and evaluated by two supervisors, one from each university.
For more information, see http://em-se.eu/index.php/exams-and-thesis/

Course objectives

The objective of EMSE is to educate professionals in the field of software engineering. Software engineering aims at the creation of high-quality software in a systematic, controlled and efficient manner. Participants will be able to learn and use sound engineering principles and practices in order to obtain economically viable software that is reliable and works on real machines.
EMSE aims at training students in emerging research domains that are shaping the future of software engineering. It prepares students for industry and research careers in PhD programmes.
After completing the EMSE studies, students will have gained expertise, competence and practical skills in software management and quality, innovation and creativity, software process and product standards, social and economic IT markets, and teamwork.
The international dimension of the Master's programme guarantees that students familiarise themselves with different educational methods and multiple cultures.

Language requirements

TOEFL with at least 567 (paper-based), 227 (computer-based), 87 (Internet-based), IELTS grade minimum 6.0 or equivalent certificate. An English proficiency certificate is not required in the case of native speakers who come from countries in which English is an official language. The consortium can request a further personal interview to assess a student's proficiency in English.

Academic requirements

Bachelor's degree in software engineering, computer science or computer engineering or degrees with equivalent skills in the three areas (software engineering, computer science or computer engineering)
Details are given at: http://em-se.eu/

Enrolment fees

• Enrolment fee: approx. 240 EUR per semester, includes e.g. free transport in the area around Kaiserslautern (approx. 100 km), more than 50 free university sports courses, and more
• Assessment fee: 60 EUR single payment for verification of foreign certificates
• Recommended: German Language & Orientation Course for international Master's students and PhD candidates: fees covered by tuition fee

Costs of living

High standard of living at low cost:
Monthly costs: in total approx. 650-700 EUR to cover all personal expenses, e.g. accommodation: approx. 280 EUR; health insurance: approx. 80 EUR; food: approx. 200 EUR

Job opportunities

Student assistantships are available on a competitive basis. Excellent students have good chances of finding jobs in research projects, but these are not usually granted in advance. Support in finding a job as a student assistant is available through the International School for Graduate Studies (ISGS).

Arrival support

International School for Graduate Studies (ISGS) at TU Kaiserslautern:
Lending a hand in every phase of your stay
Before Your Arrival...
Effective pre-arrival communication helps you to regulate application, visa, residence permit and housing affairs. We supply any information and assistance needed to manage the application procedure and arrange accommodation on demand, and provide support on an individual basis by completing your documents for arrival.
Once You Are Here...
One major task of the ISGS team is to help the students settle into and become part of the university's community. The welcome-package includes pick-up from the train station and drop-off at the student's apartment as well as support with first shopping and highly individualised support in administrative and organisational issues, e.g. enrolment, registration with local authorities, opening a bank account and insurance matters.

Orientation Course - A prelude to German communication, academic culture and daily life. This course is offered twice a year prior to the start of the lecture period (6-8 weeks). It includes intensive language training, administrative support as well as cultural and social events. You will improve your knowledge of German and learn about our teaching styles and methods. In short, this course enhances orientation on campus, in town and in the student community. Once having established a foothold, you will have a clear mind for efficient studies or research!
http://www.uni-kl.de/isgs

Services and support for international students

The International School for Graduate Studies (ISGS) cares for international graduates and PhD candidates from the very decision to come to Kaiserslautern until you graduate or leave the university. We lend a hand during every phase of your stay!
Besides the individual support during the pre-arrival phase and warm welcome, we will provide you with continuing support that will enhance your learning:
Mentoring Your Studies and Research...
Whether during your studies or research, ISGS offers a variety of cultural and social events as well as extracurricular activities enhancing your professional skills - such as workshops in academic culture or intercultural communication - which are supplementary and free of charge. These are highly recommended for your personal development.
Jump-Start Your Career...
The ISGS offers professional development training on teamwork and leadership, time management and cross cultural training as well as specific language training with regard to job applications. To achieve outstanding success with regard to your thesis, the variety of our special offers for PhD students during the final period at university is growing consistently.
The ISGS establishes meetings with reputable contacts from science and industry within our Career Services and sets up visits to factories, company headquarters and research institutes in order to help the students launch new careers.
http://www.uni-kl.de/isgs

Accommodation

The majority of our students live in residence halls located on or close to campus. Unlike in other countries, German dormitories are not owned or operated by the university, but by external institutions. The "Studierendenwerk" operates several large halls of residence in Kaiserslautern. Students submit housing applications directly to the Studierendenwerk, which typically have a waiting period. For international Master or PhD students, the International School for Graduate Studies (ISGS) at TU Kaiserslautern aims at arranging accommodation in these residence halls or in private accommodation within its pre-arrival service.
The halls of residence have modern single, double or shared apartments with kitchenette, bathroom/WC, and modern facilities as well as internet access.

• Fully-furnished:
  • Kitchenette: no plates & pots, etc.
  • Bed & mattress (no blankets & pillows)
  • Wardrobe
  • Shelf, table, chair (no computer)
• Rent: 200-280 EUR

Since accommodation is not automatically guaranteed with admission, a request for accommodation to ISGS is advisable.
http://www.uni-kl.de/international/master/prospective-students/travel-accommodation/accommodation/