Whether you’re fascinated by algorithms, driven by high-performance computing, or passionate about software security, our master’s programme in Software Engineering offers a strong foundation in the design and development of complex software systems and combines theoretical depth with hands-on experience. Right from the beginning, you will be able to specialise in areas such as robotics, automation, or artificial intelligence. This master’s programme provides you with the knowledge and skills to design and develop sustainable, reliable and secure digital infrastructures and launch a successful career in both academia and the private sector.

Degree programme codeUE 066 937 - Master's Programme Software Engineering 
Related Master's programmesMaster's Programmes in Informatics 
Duration4 semesters 
Credits120 ECTS 
Language of instructionEnglish 
DegreeDipl.-Ing. (internationally comparable with "Master of Science") 
Module structureSoftware Engineering 
Key Facts and Related Master's Programmes 

Programme Structure

Full details about structure and content of the program are available in the curriculum (PDF) and in the list of courses in TISS.

Grafische Darstellung des Curriculums Software Engineering

The first, second, and third semesters are dedicated to getting around the foundations of Software Engineering and Programming, and Methods in Computer Science.

You will also be able to specialize in your areas of interest by selecting from a wide range of core and elective modules that build directly upon the foundational modules, including Algorithms and Complexity, Automation Systems and Mobile Robotics, Data Management and Intelligent Systems, Distributed and Next Generation Computing, High-Performance Computing, Machine Learning, Security and Privacy, Societal Impact and Critical Reflections, Software Engineering and Programming, and Verification and Automated Reasoning.

The focus in the fourth semester lies on developing and writing up your master’s thesis.

Throughout your studies, a well-balanced set of open electives and extension courses deepen your knowledge of core competencies in Software Engineering and allow you to explore interdisciplinary areas, apply concepts from Engineering, Security, and AI in broader contexts, and develop valuable secondary skills.

Further Information

Admission to the Master’s programme in ‘Software Engineering’ is possible after completing an eligible Bachelor’s degree at an accredited national or international post-secondary educational institution. In particular, a degree programme is considered eligible, provided that at least 120 ECTS credits have been completed in the subject areas of Mathematics and Computer Science, of which at least:

  1. 20 ECTS in mathematics and statistics, covering the knowledge, skills and competences taught in the modules ‘Algebra and Discrete Mathematics’, ‘Analysis’ and ‘Statistics and Probability Theory’ of the Bachelor’s degree programme in Informatics at TU Wien;
  2. 25 ECTS in algorithms, data structures and programming, with knowledge, skills and competences corresponding to the modules ‘Algorithms and Data Structures’, ‘Database Systems’, ‘Programming Paradigms’, ‘Introduction to Programming’ and ‘Software Engineering’ from the Bachelor’s programme in Informatics at TU Wien;
  3. 20 ECTS from the theoretical, technical and practical foundations of Computer Science, with knowledge, skills and competences corresponding to the modules ‘Computer Science Thinking’, ‘Introduction to Security’, ‘Fundamentals of Digital Systems’ and ‘Theoretical Computer Science’ of the Bachelor’s degree programme in Informatics at TU Wien.

To compensate for fundamental subject-specific differences between your previous education and the level of qualifications expected at TU Wien, supplementary examinations totalling a maximum of 30 ECTS credits may be required. 

For example, the following Bachelor's programmes at TU Wien are considered eligible for admission: 

You can find the general admission requirements on the page Admission to Master’s Programmes.

Software engineering is not just about writing code, it is about solving complex problems that affect people, organisations, and the way our society functions. In a world where software touches everything - from healthcare and finance to robotics and autonomous systems— building it takes more than knowing how to code. You won’t just learn how to build reliable, secure, and scalable systems; you will learn how to think critically about their societal impact and responsible design. Software engineering combines creativity with logic, offering diverse career paths in industries like healthcare, finance, robotics, and beyond. With a master’s degree in Software Engineering, you have a bright career ahead of you - not only in terms of salaries but also in shaping the future of how our society perceives and interacts with technology.

At TU Wien, you can undertake one of the following doctoral programmes after completing your Master’s degree:

  • 796 700 – Doctoral Programme in Engineering
  • 796 600 – Doctoral Programme in Natural Sciences
  • 796 300 – Doctoral Programme in Social and Economic Sciences