Global Software Development

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-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.

Nevertheless, some basic knowledge of the German language is mandatory to master everyday life. Hence, we offer a four-week intensive German language course directly before the programme starts, which must be attended by international students if they do not already have a German language certificate.
Applicants planning to live and work in Germany after graduation will need a deeper knowledge of German language and culture. For these applicants, we offer a one-year pre-study programme. For details, please see: http://www.hs-fulda.de/pre-study-fulda.de

The first two semesters of the course are organised in five layers: infrastructure, programming, technology, methodology and application (in intercultural teams). We offer one course per layer and semester, but two covering development methodologies and processes.

The third semester is dedicated to writing the Master's thesis while attending two seminars - a scientific Master's seminar and a seminar focusing on intercultural topics.

Please find details regarding the structure and content of the Master's programme online: http://www.informatik.hs-fulda.de/gsdev

A preparatory year is offered for those applicants of the Master in Global Software Development who seek for a job perspective in Germany: from basic German language courses for beginners to intensive DSH courses (aim: DSH 2); incl. bridging courses.
For more information, see: http://www.hs-fulda.de/pre-study-fulda.de.

Educational organisation

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.
Students can choose one elective course. A lecture series offers lectures by (foreign) visiting professors, presentations of research projects held by PhD students/postgraduate students, and workshops on soft skills.

Study abroad unit(s)

Study units abroad are not included for international students.

Internships

Internships of six months in IT companies in Germany are available for international participants. The internship is an additional part of the Master's programme (six extra months, i.e. 24 months all together). Programme advisers will assist students in finding an appropriate internship. A good command of the German language is an asset in finding an internship.

Forms of assessment

In the Master of Science course in Global Software Development, much emphasis is placed on practical collaborative/group projects and on the completion of written presentations and written/oral examinations as the major forms of assessment.

Course objectives

The International Master of Science programme in Global Software Development offered by Fulda University of Applied Sciences aims to prepare university graduates for careers as software developers who are able to participate in the conception and realisation of complex, distributed software systems in a global team.

As a successful graduate, you will:

• be fluent in multiple programming languages
• be able to work in software development processes (e.g. agile, model-driven, test-centred, user-centred)
• have experience of web infrastructure and web service technology
• have worked with multi-layered client-server applications
• be able to work with multi-threading
• have an awareness of usability and accessibility

Language requirements

Excellent English proficiency - TOEFL 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), 85 (Internet-based) or an IELTS test with a score of Band 6.5 and higher

Academic requirements

• University degree with grades significantly above average in computer sciences equivalent to at least an honours Bachelor's degree (four years, 210 ECTS) or equivalent
• English language skills (TOEFL 550 paper-based, 213 computer-based, 85 Internet-based) or IELTS test with a score of Band 6.5 and higher

For further information regarding the selection process online, see: http://www.hs-fulda.de/mscgsdev.

Semester contribution

The semester contribution of approx. 290 EUR entitles you, amongst other things, to use the regional and local public transport in the entire state of Hesse.

Costs of living

Approx. 800 EUR per month, including enrolment fee, rent and health insurance (110 EUR minimum per month), depending on one's living standard

Job opportunities

From tutoring jobs and student assistantships at Fulda University to typical students´ jobs in restaurants, shops and many other industries in the city of Fulda and surroundings, there is a wide range of job opportunities available.

Arrival support

• Pre-arrival assistance, i.e. visa support
• Orientation week takes place prior to the start of the programme, including pick-up service at Fulda train station and intercultural training. For students of the Master in Global Software Development, the orientation takes place at the beginning of the compulsory four-week intensive German language course prior to the start of the programme.
• Assistance with accommodation and with administrative formalities is offered.

Services and support for international students

• A Buddy programme organised by the International Office for all new international students. The  buddy introduces the new student to the social and academic sides of student life at Fulda University.

Support during the studies:

• German classes on different levels from four hours/week up to 20 hours/week ranging from beginners courses to advanced levels including DSH trainings; free of cost
• Careers Service
• Leisure and cultural activities - for example, film and board game nights or international dinners
• Excursions to different sights in Germany like Berlin, Munich, or the River Rhine