Digital Business & Software Engineering | Bachelor

Apply now

 Application Deadline: March 31, 2024

FIBAA Logo
Short Facts
  • Time model & language: Online | German |  Job-friendly
  • Duration of study: 6 Semester | 180 ECTS
  • Prerequisites: University entrance qualification or relevant professional qualification with additional exams
  • Academic Degree: Bachelor of Science in Engineering | BSc oder B.Sc.
  • Tuition fee: EUR 363,36 / semester plus membership fee for the Austrian Students’ Union (ÖH) for EU and EEA citizens

Before studying

Are you interested in software engineering? Would you like to gain further qualifications to ensure continued success in this digital world.? However, a classic face-to-face study program is out of the question for you due to your professional activity or other personal circumstances? Our online study program Digital Business & Software Engineering, DiBSE for short, offers you a theoretically sound and practical education in the field of software engineering as well as flexible study arrangements in terms of time management and location.

Overview

Students sitting on their laptops in a dark room.

The DiBSE program is based on the mobile and blended learning concept developed at the MCI. Here we rely primarily on multimedia, mobile learning at the digital MCI eCampus, which is rounded off by exciting face-to-face classes at the MCI in Innsbruck.

Focus software engineering

With most classes held online, this study program provides an innovative education in software engineering in the field of digital business. An abundance of opportunities for interaction, as well as the practical and international orientation, makes it so unique. It is especially designed for motivated talents seeking for a program that can be combined with private or business related activities in order to leverage their career.

Local independence through online study

An intelligent mix of online courses, attendance modules and electronic media is the key to a combination of mobile or distance learning and personal interaction between lecturers and students for study to the highest standard.

Career path in the IT sector

The program provides a comprehensive and practice-oriented academic education in the promising field of software development. It also equips students with cross-disciplinary competencies related to personal development, business administration and digital law. Graduates of this course are qualified for a range of professions to answer the ever-growing demand for IT specialists.

Contact
Prof. Dr. Peter J. Mirski | Head of Department & Studies Bachelor's program Management, Communication & IT
Prof. Dr. Peter J. Mirski Head of Department & Studies

If you have any questions about the study program, please contact us.

Two people sitting together at a table with different documents

Admission

Applications for admission are accepted on an ongoing basis via our online application platform. In the sense of your personal further planning, we recommend that you submit your application early.

Applicants are welcome to apply for multiple programs of study, as long as a plausible rationale is given.

  Application
deadline
Interview
     
Date 1 Nov 12, 2023 Nov 27 - 28, 2023
Date 2    Feb 4, 2024 Feb 19 - 21, 2024
Date 3 Mar 31, 2024 Apr 15 - 17, 2024
Date 4 May 26, 2024 Jun 10 - 12, 2024

 

  • High-school diploma equivalent (e.g. GED, Matura, university entrance qualification, etc.)
  • Or a relevant professional qualification along with one of the following:
    • Successful completion of a relevant vocational secondary school
    • Successful completion of a dual-education program in a relevant vocational field


Students in their last year of school may apply before completing their final exam by submitting a current school report. Upon admission, they will be required to submit their high-school diploma before beginning their studies.

Students with a relevant professional qualification but no high-school diploma will have to take additional exams in German, English and Mathematics to fulfill the admission requirements. These additional exams will be held on separate days within the written admission procedure. The difficulty level of these exams is in line with the university entrance exam in natural sciences.

In just two steps to your desired study program at MCI:

Step 1 – Online application: CV & motivation

A complete online application consists of a CV, a letter of motivation, information on educational background, qualifications, professional career, social achievements and academic as well as professional goals. We would like to know why you are applying to study at MCI.

You may apply for more than one degree program at the same time, provided you can conclusively explain your respective motivations in your letter of motivation.

Step 2 – Online admission interview

In the second step, all applicants will be invited to an online admission interview.

In this interview, we want to get to know you. We are particularly interested in your motivation to study at MCI as well as your professional and personal goals you want to achieve with the help of your studies.

Within three weeks after the admission interview, we will inform you about the admission decision.

Monitor screen with code

While studying

MCI study programs stand out due to the quality of their content, relevance to the business world, and their international orientation. The close cooperation with partners from industry and integrative internships enable students to gain practical experience as early as in their Bachelor’s studies. In addition to providing expert knowledge, MCI places great importance on encouraging personal development and the development of social and intercultural competencies.

Digital Business & Software Engineering

Facts

Time model & language
Online | German
Academic year
Winter semester: September – January/February
Summer semester: February – July

Structure
1st and 2nd semester: fundamentals
3rd and 4th semester: specialization in Software Engineering and Business Solutions
5th semester: integrative project
6th semester: internship and Bachelor’s thesis
Tuition fees
For students from EU & EEA countries: EUR 363,36 / semester plus membership fee to the Austrian Student Union (ÖH). Details & information for students from third countries can be found at admission.

THE MODULES AT A GLANCE

subjects%
Informatics 53%
Fundamentals in Mathematics & Technical Science 8%
Fundamentals in Business & Interdisciplinary Competences 25%
Bachelor Thesis with accompanying Seminar 8%
Internship / Professional Experience 6%

Curriculum

 123456
Systems Planning 4 | 5          
Programming Techniques 4 | 5          
Methods of Software Development II 4 | 5          
Computer Architecture & Embedded Systems   4 | 5        
Methods of Software Development II   4 | 5        
Operating Systems      4 | 5      
Data Networks     4 | 5       
Databases I     4 | 5      
Software Engineering I     4 | 5      
Development of Mobile Systems     4 | 5      
Databases II & Big Data        4 | 5    
Smart Systems & Machine Learning        4 | 5    
Information Systems Architecture       4 | 5    
Software Engineering II       4 | 5    
Current Technologies         4 | 5  
Distributed System         4 | 5  
IT-Security         4 | 5  
Integrative Overall Project         4 | 5  
Human Technology Interaction         4 | 5  


Semester Credit Units| ECTS-Credits

 123456
Logic & Predictability 4 | 5          
Mathematics for Software Engineering    4 | 5        
Algorithms & Data Structures   4 | 5        


Semester Credit Units| ECTS-Credits

 123456
eCollaboration 4 | 5          
Academic Writing 4 | 5          
General Business Administration    4 | 5        
Business Solutions (ERP, MIS)   4 | 5         
Project & Process Management     4 | 5      
Information Law        4 | 5    
IT-Strategy        4 | 5    
Interdisciplinary Elective          3 | 5  
IT-Governance          4 | 5  
Digital Business            4 | 5


Semester Credit Units| ECTS-Credits

 123456
Bachelor Thesis with accompanying Seminar & Bachelor Examination           1 | 15


Semester Credit Units| ECTS-Credits

 123456
Integrative Internship           0 | 10


Semester Credit Units| ECTS-Credits

Online

There are two different modes of mandatory attendance within this study program: Online mandatory attendance and mandatory attendance for face-to-face classes in Innsbruck. Online mandatory attendance takes place twice a week in the evening (2 hours between 6 – 10 pm). The weekdays are always the same within a semester and the days will be communicated well in time before the semester starts. Mandatory face-to-face classes in Innsbruck take two consecutive days. In total there are usually six days of mandatory attendance in Innsbruck per semester (Saturdays included).

Our interdisciplinary electives provide you with the opportunity to tailor your academic journey to your own interests and goals.

Interdisciplinary electives are cross-curricular courses on current trends and developments.

They allow you to discuss topics from different perspectives and interact with students and faculty from other disciplines.

During your studies you have the unique chance to choose such a course from a wide range of topics within the following focus areas:

  • Entrepreneurship & Innovation
  • Sustainability
  • Digitalization
  • Globalization
  • Society

The electives offer the opportunity to deepen your own interests and broaden your horizons. Join us as we enter a world of learning, exploration, and growth! Read more.

Graduates of the program are conferred the academic title of Bachelor of Science in Engineering, in short BSc or B.Sc. This is attested by a leaving certificate, the Bachelor diploma, the international diploma supplement, and further documents where relevant. MCI Alumni are entitled to combine their academic degree with the brand “MCI” to provide trust and orientation in an increasingly intransparent international education market. Example: BSc (MCI).
Source: GZ BMWF-52.330/0195-I/6/2013

Cooperation & Career Partners (Selection)

 

  • AV Comparatives
  • DVT Daten Verarbeitung Tirol GmbH
  • IKB - Innsbrucker Kommunalbetriebe
  • INNIO
  • Lindner Traktoren
  • Swarovski Optik
  • Tirol Kliniken

Learning Goals

In order to ensure the transfer of learning and enable students to further develop competencies leading to clear profiles for their future careers, the MCI has formulated detailed cross-curricular learning goals.

Stylized globe of white grid lines on an orange circle symbolizes basic business knowledge and skills in general management

Information Literacy

Our graduates can find, evaluate, and responsibly use information from a variety of (digital) sources.

Symbol of a white labyrinth on an orange circle shows adequate problem-solving skills

Responsible Decision Making

Inspired by the UN Sustainable Development Goals, our graduates can make decisions that are ecologically sustainable, economically responsible, and socially equitable.

Three white gear wheels on an orange circle symbolize basic knowledge and skills for scientific work

Entrepreneurship

Our graduates demonstrate proficiency in applying entrepreneurial thinking and strategies to identify market opportunities, solve complex problems, and create innovative solutions, considering ethical issues.

Learning Goal Digital Business & Software Engineering

Graduates of this online and blended-learning Bachelor's program

are up to date on information system concepts and models, in particular, on distributed, web-based and mobile systems.

Learning Goal Digital Business & Software Engineering

Graduates of this online and blended-learning Bachelor's program

are able to make system decisions in various system environments (e.g. networks, system software, user systems, etc.) and choose the best respective options.

Learning Goal Digital Business & Software Engineering

Graduates of this online and blended-learning Bachelor's program

are capable of managing a software project in all its phases and can execute it as required.

Learning Goal Digital Business & Software Engineering

Graduates of this online and blended-learning Bachelor's program

are familiar with quality management methods and tools while successfully applying them to their areas of responsibility.

Learning Goal Digital Business & Software Engineering

Graduates of this online and blended-learning Bachelor's program

can analyze and frame problems and tasks, describe and depict them with appropriate abstract models and communicate within teams.

Learning Goal Digital Business & Software Engineering

Graduates of this online and blended-learning Bachelor's program

are able to delegate tasks within a team, collect the related results and communicate them to all involved parties.

Learning Goal Digital Business & Software Engineering

Graduates of this online and blended-learning Bachelor's program

are proficient in algorithms and data structures and able to apply them for software and system development.

Learning Goal Digital Business & Software Engineering

Graduates of this online and blended-learning Bachelor's program

are aware of the various tasks and issues with regard to data and system security and protection while recognizing which technologies and procedures are required to protect and secure systems.

Learning Goal Digital Business & Software Engineering

Graduates of this online and blended-learning Bachelor's program

are proficient in key tasks and work steps in software and systems development, in particular when it comes to software engineering models and methods.

Learning Goal Digital Business & Software Engineering

Graduates of this online and blended-learning Bachelor's program

can determine the cost effectiveness of measures and activities and ascertain the necessary steps to be initiated as a consequence.

Learning Goal Digital Business & Software Engineering

Graduates of this online and blended-learning Bachelor's program

are capable of assessing the significance of information technology for a business and can make effective decisions, taking into account the respective technical, economic, social and legal framework.

Studying abroad

One of the most essential components of MCI study programs is their international orientation. This is reflected not only in the curriculum and assigned projects, but also in the backgrounds of our faculty and students. Each program also includes the opportunity for students to spend a semester abroad at one of MCI’s many partner institutions.

Internship

At MCI, each program of study requires students to complete an integrative internship of at least 13 weeks at a national or international company. Students receive support from the respective department in organizing this internship and are supervised in coordination with the company.

Lecturer writing on whiteboard, surrounded by three students

Our department and the MCI Career Center regularly provide up-to-date information about internship positions and the situation on the labor market in general.

As part of practice-oriented projects, students are provided with the opportunity to work with local and international businesses. This allows them to immediately apply their newly acquired knowledge in practice and in collaboration with the project team. Their theoretical knowledge is further deepened by a mandatory internship of several weeks duration.

Clint Leahr, BA; Senior Lecturer in Communication Science

In my former position as Senior Corporate Training Consultant for the Anthony Robbins Companies and currently Senior Lecturer for Management Center Innsbruck, I feel that the understanding of English & Social Skills has a definite impact on how students are able to take their learned knowledge and present themselves for a positive result in their career choices.

Clint Leahr, BA; Senior Lecturer in Communication Science

Assoc.-Prof. Priv.-Doz. (Univ.) Dr. Mag. Georg Göbel; Geschäftsführer R+ Research & Projekt GmbH und Assoziierter Professor bei der Medizinischen Universität Innsbruck / Dept. f. Statistik, Informatik & Gesundheitsök.

In my current position as a scientist at the Medical University of Innsbruck, transparent knowledge-based research is an essential part of my daily academic activity. Studying, reflecting and writing scientific articles and presenting one's own work will continue to be a fundamental competence of academic researchers.

Assoc.-Prof. Priv.-Doz. (Univ.) Dr. Mag. Georg Göbel; Geschäftsführer R+ Research & Projekt GmbH und Assoziierter Professor bei der Medizinischen Universität Innsbruck / Dept. f. Statistik, Informatik & Gesundheitsök.

Robert Pecina; IT Infrastructure Manager, Sandoz

As a service integration expert at Novartis, holistic thinking plays a particularly important role not only regarding processes but also from an enterprise architecture and portfolio perspective. I would like to pass on skills such as this holistic-processual thinking, as well as the basic understanding of MIS, to the students in my course.

Robert Pecina; IT Infrastructure Manager, Sandoz

Team

A professional team of around 10 members of faculty and staff in the fields of teaching, research, universities and administration as well as several international visiting lecturers and recognized experts from world of science, consulting and the liberal professions ensure that students can enjoy an education at the highest academic level in Digital Business & Software Engineering.

By providing intensive support during the study program, we ensure that students complete their DiBSE studies within the planned period of time. The high-level educational standard of teaching guarantees that theory and practice are an enriched combination.  This interconnection of science and application offers opportunities and challenges for an innovative teaching and learning experience.

Prof. Dr. Peter J. Mirski | Head of Department & Studies Bachelor's program Digital Business & Software Engineering
Prof. Dr.
Peter J. Mirski
Head of Department & Studies +43 512 2070 - 4300 Curriculum Vitae
 Theresa Baumann | Senior Office Management & Student Support Bachelor's program Digital Business & Software Engineering
Theresa Baumann Senior Office Management & Student Support +43 512 2070 - 4302
 Andrea Corradini, PhD | Senior Lecturer Bachelor's program Digital Business & Software Engineering
Andrea Corradini, PhD Senior Lecturer +43 512 2070 - 4333
Assoc. Prof.  Matthias Janetschek, PhD | Software Engineering Bachelor's program Digital Business & Software Engineering
Assoc. Prof.
Matthias Janetschek, PhD
Software Engineering +43 512 2070 - 4331 Curriculum Vitae
 Carina Kollmitzer | Leave of Absence Bachelor's program Digital Business & Software Engineering
Carina Kollmitzer Leave of Absence +43 512 2070 - 1425
 Suganthi Manoharan | Assistant & Project Manager Bachelor's program Digital Business & Software Engineering
Suganthi Manoharan Assistant & Project Manager +43 512 2070 - 4300
 Vanessa Schmidt | Office Management Bachelor's program Digital Business & Software Engineering
Vanessa Schmidt Office Management +43 512 2070 - 4301
Prof. Dr. Pascal Schöttle | Leave of Absence Bachelor's program Digital Business & Software Engineering
Prof. Dr.
Pascal Schöttle
Leave of Absence +43 512 2070 - 4332 Curriculum Vitae
Dr. Willemijn van Kooten | Teaching & Research Assistant Bachelor's program Digital Business & Software Engineering
Dr.
Willemijn van Kooten
Teaching & Research Assistant +43 512 2070 - 4322 Curriculum Vitae

Research & Development

At the Entrepreneurial School®, providing a consistent link between science and practice has top priority. Therefore, we provide our students plenty of opportunity to put their newly acquired knowledge to practice, even during their studies. The collaboration with companies and organizations of different sizes and sectors forms one of the cornerstones of the MCI concept. Such cooperative work does not only benefit our students, but also, ­to a large extent our partners.

Digital Transformation

• Data & Analytics

• IT Security & Privacy

• Technology Interaction & Innovation

• Operational Excellence & Agile Governance

• Next World of Work / Virtual & Augmented Reality

Contact: FH-Prof. Dr. Peter J. Mirski (digitaltransformation@mci.edu)

After Studying

The job descriptions underlying this study program are based on the current demand for IT specialists. The Tyrolean as well as the international job market registers an extremely strongly growing demand for appropriately qualified software engineers. DiBSE graduates consequently find far-reaching fields of activity in industrial, commercial and service companies as well as in the public sector.

Professional Opportunities

The program provides career prospects particularly in the following fields:

  • Business Intelligence / Analytics
  • Digital Business
  • IT Consulting
  • IT Operation Management
  • IT Project Management
  • Software Engineering
  • Software Quality Management
  • Web & Mobile Development

Continue studying

The MCI offers a number of internationally oriented Master's courses. The master program in Management, Communcation & IT is aimed directly at the graduates of this bachelor program. The completion of a master's degree qualifies for the relevant doctoral studies.

Questions and answers

Yes, it is possible and it is even recommended that you apply before obtaining your school-leaving certificate in order to secure one of the limited places in your desired course of study. Please include your most recent certificates available in your application. Should your application be successful, the relevant school-leaving certificate may be submitted at a later date.

Multiple applications are welcome as long as a plausible reason is provided in your cover letter. If you are admitted to two or more study programs, you are required to inform us of your final decision by the conclusion of the application procedures. If you have applied for two or more study programs, you will have to take the written entrance examination only once.

Yes. Both, the online application and the online admission interview, can be done regardless of location.

For citizens of the following countries, the tuition fee is 363 euros per semester plus a fee for compulsory membership to the Austrian National Union of Students:

  • EU citizens,
  • EEA and Swiss citizens, and
  • non-EU citizens who, according to § 2 of the University of Applied Sciences Studies Act, are subject to § 1 of the Regulation on Eligible Groups of Persons (see Federal Law Gazette II No. 340/2013, in its current version).

For students of non-EU countries not considered eligible according to above regulations, the tuition fee is as follows:

  • Bachelor’s courses: 6,250 euros / semester plus compulsory Austrian National Union of Students membership fee
  • Master’s courses: 6,250 euros / semester plus compulsory Austrian National Union of Students membership fee

Your application documents regarding nationality will be assessed in detail as part of your admission procedure. Scholarships are available for applicants from non-EU countries and can be applied for as part of your online application.

Students of this study program have the choice within their curriculum, but also as part of their extracurricular activities, to choose between modules, specializations, additional courses, electives, etc. Additionally, the semester abroad at one of our numerous partner universities, the internship, as well as projects and final papers, enable our students to make their study program a truly unique experience.    

Attendance is mandatory in all classes. If you miss 25% of a course or more, this will have an effect on your final grade.

Exemption from mandatory attendance may be granted if a valid reason is given (e.g. sickness, visit to authorities or other personal reasons). Please submit your written request including relevant proof to the department for approval.

Yes. The Digital Business & Software Engineering course combines synchronous and asynchronous online sessions with regular on-campus classes. Synchronous online lessons take place in the evening, whereas asynchronous formats can be completed independently. On-campus classes are held at MCI in Innsbruck.

The semester schedule including all dates for both the online and on-campus classes will be communicated to you in due time prior to the commencement of the respective semester (typically by the end of August for the winter semester, and by the end of January for summer semester).

The course includes two types of classes, both of which are mandatory: online sessions and on-campus classes. There are two online lessons of two hours each per week. These take place between 6pm and 10 pm in the evening. The days on which evening classes are held will be scheduled and communicated to you at the beginning of the semester. On-campus classes are usually held in condensed form, extending over two consecutive days. The course includes usually six days of on-campus attendance each semester. Some courses may also take place on Saturdays.

All online classes are facilitated through the web conferencing software BigBlueButton. Access is secured via the SAKAI study platform. To ensure an optimal system functionality, it is highly recommended that you use the Chrome Web Browser. Additional software is not required.

Students in an online course usually have class on two fixed evenings, e.g. Monday and Wednesday night, every week. Each session lasts approximately two hours and takes place from 6pm to 8pm or from 8pm to 10pm, respectively. The majority of the study material and literature required for a course is made available for download on the respective SAKAI study platform course page.