High Integrity Systems (HIS) is a comprehensive Bachelor’s degree programme offered by Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences, designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to develop and evaluate reliable, secure, and safe software and hardware systems. The programme focuses on the principles and methodologies that ensure the integrity, security, and dependability of critical systems used in safety-sensitive sectors such as automotive, aerospace, healthcare, and industrial automation. Throughout the course, students gain a solid foundation in computer science, electrical engineering, and embedded systems, complemented by specialized modules on safety standards, verification and validation techniques, risk assessment, and secure software development.
The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical training, enabling students to understand complex system architectures and implement safety-critical solutions. Emphasis is placed on the design, analysis, and implementation of systems that meet stringent safety and security requirements, often defined by international standards such as ISO 26262, IEC 61508, and ISO/SAE 21434. Students learn about process models, system modeling, fault detection, and mitigation strategies essential for high integrity applications. The programme also covers current trends and challenges in the field, including cybersecurity, data privacy, and emerging technologies like autonomous systems.
Students benefit from state-of-the-art laboratories and project-based learning, which foster teamwork, problem-solving, and innovation. Industry collaborations and internships offer valuable insights into real-world applications and prepare graduates for demanding careers in sectors where safety and reliability are paramount. Graduates of the High Integrity Systems programme are well-equipped to take on roles such as system architects, safety engineers, cybersecurity specialists, and verification engineers, contributing to the development of trustworthy technology solutions that meet rigorous safety and security standards. The programme ultimately aims to develop professionals capable of designing and maintaining high integrity systems that safeguard lives, property, and data in a rapidly advancing technological landscape.
Educational organisation
The programme duration is four semesters, with 18 weeks per semester of lectures, seminars, labs in semesters one to three. The fourth semester is dedicated to the Master's thesis (applied research work).Forms of assessment
Written or oral exams at the end of the semester, seminar talks, training for scientific publications, software development projects5 ECTS per module, 10 ECTS for HIS project, 30 ECTS for Master's thesis and colloquium
Course objectives
The Master's programme is a fully accredited computer science MSc curriculum. The programme opens the door to a wide range of fields of work in High Integrity Systems, i.e. safety-critical areas (e.g. internet of things, automotive and machine building industries, chemical industries, aerospace systems, biomedical technology) and business process areas (e.g. IT services, banking and finance, insurance, media). The programme aims to provide core skills in software engineering and development, system modelling and simulation, IT security, distributed systems, DBMS, advanced testing, and data integrity.Language requirements
Sufficient command of English (e.g. IELTS 6, TOEFL iBT 79 or equivalent)Graduates of English-taught programmes are exempt.
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