Digital Business & Software Engineering | Master

Next Application Deadline: February 2, 2025

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Factbox

Duration of study

4 Semesters | 120 ECTS

Time model & Language

Online | German | Full-time | Job-friendly

Prerequisites

Bachelor or equivalent degree

Academic Degree

Master of Science in Engineering | MSc oder M.Sc.

Tuition fee

EUR 363,36 / semester plus membership fee for the Austrian Students’ Union (ÖH) for EU and EEA citizens

Before studying Digital Business & Software Engineering

Do you want to pursue a career as a senior software developer, develop modern, complex solutions and systems and integrate them seamlessly into business processes? Then our online master's degree program in Digital Business & Software Engineering at MCI is just right for you. In just four semesters, the flexible and location-independent study program qualifies you for demanding specialist and management positions and quickly paves the way for your further personal development.

Welcome to MCI - The Entrepreneurial School®

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Overview

The master's degree program in Digital Business & Software Engineering focuses on the analysis, design, and development of complex software systems that are tailored precisely to business requirements. In addition, you will acquire comprehensive knowledge in the areas of secure and sustainable IT infrastructures, project management and strategic business consulting. Based on the development of distributed systems, you will set your own focus in the compulsory elective modules in the second and third semesters.

You can choose between: Computer Graphics or Intelligent Systems & Robotics as well as Game & XR Design or Industrial Computing. Many practical projects offer you ideal opportunities to apply your knowledge in an interdisciplinary way and to network with the industry. You will acquire intercultural skills especially in the third semester which you will spend as an international semester at MCI or optionally at one of our partner universities.

Independence through modern online studies

A thorough mix of online courses, only five face-to-face modules over the entire duration of the master's program, and innovative use of digital media combines remote study with personal interaction between lecturers and students, thus meeting the highest quality standards.

Career opportunities in the IT sector

The job market shows a rapidly growing demand for specialists with IT expertise, entrepreneurial know-how, and strong communication and leadership skills. Our future-oriented master's degree program qualifies you for these exact requirements, offering you the perfect opportunity to build a career in the IT sector and actively shape the digital transformation.

Prof. Dr. Peter J. Mirski Head of Department & Studies

Do you have questions about studying? We look forward to hearing from you.

+43 512 2070 - 4300

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MCI | The Entrepreneurial School®

Why not study at the top?

MCI | The Entrepreneurial School® is one of the most successful universities in the German-speaking region and Europe. Renowned business experts teach in small groups, distinguished lecturers ensure academic quality in all areas, and the dedicated MCI team supports students in their endeavors such as internships, research, and stays abroad.

Admission

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis via our online application platform. I Applicants are welcome to apply for multiple programs of study, as long as a plausible reasons are given. The final decision is taken by the end of the application procedures.

Dates & Deadlines

Application deadline	Interview
Feb 2, 2025	Feb 26 – 28, 2025
Apr 6, 2025	Apr 28 – Apr 30, 2025
May 18, 2025	June 11 – 14, 2025

Prerequisites

Admission to the master’s program in Digital Business & Software Engineering is open to graduates of relevant bachelor’s and Diploma programs as well as other relevant post-secondary educational facilities.

Prerequisites:

Computer Science and Software Engineering (25 ECTS)
Fundamentals of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (10 ECTS)
Business Administration and Management (10 ECTS)

Recognition of previous qualifications in the master program:
Applications for recognition of examinations or credits obtained through other study programs or previous scientific experience must be submitted to the Head of Department & Studies. A decision will only be taken in cases where the application for admission has met with a positive decision. Recognition of credits or previous experience is only granted for individual classes in the program.

Procedures

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.

While studying Digital Business & Software Engineering

MCI study programs excel due to the quality of their content, relevance to the business world, and their international orientation. Through close cooperation with our partners from the business world, students gain valuable practical experience during their Master's studies. In addition to providing expert knowledge, MCI places great importance on encouraging personal development and the development of social and intercultural competencies.

Module Overview

subjects	%
Software Engineering	50%
Digital Business	18%
Elective Modules	8%
Masters Thesis with accompanying Seminar	24%

Curriculum and Courses

Software Engineering

	1	2	3
Requirements Engineering	4 \| 5
Systems Design & Software Architecture	4 \| 5
Software Quality	4 \| 5
Advanced Integrative Project	4 \| 5
Distributed Systems & Cloud Engineering		4 \| 5
Data Engineering		4 \| 5
Generative AI		4 \| 5
Secure Software Engineering		4 \| 5
Advanced Programming Techniques			4 \| 5
Modelling & Simulation			4 \| 5
Cloud Application Project			4 \| 5
Maintenance & Operations			4 \| 5

Semester Credit Units | ECTS-Credits

Digital Business

	1	2	4
Innovation & Entrepreneurship	4 \| 5
Software Project Management	4 \| 5
Business Governance & Strategy		4 \| 5
Digital Leadership & Sustainable Change			5 \| 6

Semester Credit Units | ECTS-Credits

Elective Modules

	2	3
Computer Graphics	4 \| 5
Intelligent Systems & Robotics	4 \| 5
Game & XR Engineering		4 \| 5
Industrial Computing		4 \| 5

Semester Credit Units | ECTS-Credits

Master Thesis with accompanying Seminar

	1	2	3	4
Research Design				4 \| 5
Master's Thesis & Exam				1 \| 24

Semester Credit Units | ECTS-Credits

Time Model

Mandatory online courses take place twice a week in the evening (2.5 hours between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.). Throughout the duration of the program, students come to the MCI campus in Innsbruck for five attendance phases. The remaining workload consists of preparation, follow-up work, and independent studies such as group and project assignments.

Academic Degree

Graduates of the program are conferred the academic title of Master of Science in Engineering, in short MSc or M.Sc. This is attested by a leaving certificate, the master’s 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 opaque international education market. Example: MSc (MCI).
Source: GZ BMWF-52.330/0195-I/6/2013

Cooperation & Career Partners

Here you will find a selection of our cooperation and career partners:

Microsoft
Salesforce
SAP
Swarovski AG
Plansee Group
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 to enable students to develop relevant competencies, MCI has defined clear cross-curricular learning goals. These describe, in detail, the knowledge and skills acquired by our graduates on completion of their studies at MCI.

Responsible Leadership

Inspired by the UN Sustainable Development Goals, our graduates demonstrate a commitment to ecologically sustainable, economically responsible, and socially equitable decision-making.

Academic Rigor

Our graduates can apply relevant theories and appropriate scientific methods in their field of work.

International Outreach

One of the most essential components of MCI study programs is the international orientation. This is reflected not only in the curriculum and assigned projects, but also in the backgrounds of our faculty and students. As part of our master's program, students have the option to spend the third semester at one of our numerous partner universities.

Practice

At the Entrepreneurial School®, providing a consistent link between science and practice has top priority. Therefore, we offer our students numerous opportunities to apply their newly acquired knowledge already during their studies. The collaboration with companies and organizations of different sizes and sectors forms one of the cornerstones of the MCI concept. This cooperative work does not only benefit our students but also our partners.

Digital Transformation

• Data Analytics & Business AI

• IT Security & Privacy

• Digital Interaction & Human-centered Software Engineering

• Operational Excellence & Agile Governance

• Digital Communication & Next Gen Work

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

More Information

After studying Digital Business & Software Engineering

The master's degree program in Digital Business & Software Engineering offers a first-class education in the fields of software development and digital business and opens up numerous career opportunities across all industries in the context of digital transformation. Graduates are not only highly demanded in traditional IT companies, but also in industrial, commercial, and service companies such as the public sector. The degree program also provides an excellent foundation for self-employment.

Professional opportunities

As a graduate, you will take on management positions and expert functions, for example as a Senior Developer, Senior Systems Architect or Senior Systems Analyst in the following areas:

Business Intelligence / Analytics & AI
IT Consulting
IT Operation Management
IT Project Management
Software Quality Management
Cloud Application 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.

Prof. Dr. Peter J. Mirski Head of Department & Studies

Do you have questions about studying? We look forward to hearing from you.

+43 512 2070 - 4300

News

Digital Business & Software Engineering

Welcome day for 64 first-year students

Successful start of studies for Digital Business & Software Engineering students

Semester Update Summer '24

News from the departments of Management, Communication & IT and Digital Business & Software Engineering

Students again award top marks to MCI

Top ratings for MCI in the CHE University Ranking 2024 | 52 out of 53 indicators in the top range

Questions & Answers

Can I apply before receiving my bachelor’s certificate?

Yes, you can apply before receiving your bachelor’s certificate. In this case, enclose your most recent transcript of records with your application documents. If admitted to the program, you can submit the bachelor’s certificate before the start of studies.

When can I start my studies?

Your studies at MCI always start in the fall semester. It is not possible to start in the spring.

Can I apply for more than one program?

Yes, you can apply for more than one degree program as long as you explain your reasons for your multiple applications in your letter of motivation. If you are accepted to several MCI programs, you must make your final choice after the admission procedures have been completed.

Find more information on application & admission here.

What is the tuition fee?

For citizens of the following countries, the tuition fee is 363.36 euros per semester plus the compulsory contribution to the Austrian National Union of Students (ÖH):

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 program: 7,000 euros / semester plus compulsory contribution to the Austrian National Union of Students (ÖH)
Master’s program: 7,000 euros / semester plus compulsory contribution to the Austrian National Union of Students

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.

Is attendance mandatory?

Attendance is generally mandatory in all courses. Missing more than 25% of a course will affect your final grade.

Students may request an exemption from mandatory attendance in exceptional and justified cases, such as illness or visits to the authorities. Please submit your written request including relevant proof to the department for approval.

Is attendance mandatory?

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.

In which language should I submit my resume, cover letter, etc.?

For the bachelor's program in Digital Business & Software Engineering, documents should be uploaded in German.

Can I complete the admission procedure from abroad?

Yes, both the online application and the online admission interview can be completed from any location.

Will foreign qualifications (e.g., high school diploma, foreign university entrance qualification, etc.) be recognized by MCI?

In general, yes. We can provide you with more information, once we have received your online application.

When do the lectures take place?

There are two types of mandatory attendance: Participation in online courses and in face-to-face courses in Innsbruck. The online courses are held twice a week on the same days in the evening, lasting 2.5 hours from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The specific days will be announced in advance. The attendance events in Innsbruck usually last two consecutive days, usually Friday and Saturday. Five attendance phases are planned in Innsbruck over the entire duration of the master's program.

How do online lectures work?

All online lectures are facilitated through the web conferencing software BigBlueButton. Access is secured via the SAKAI study platform. For optimal system functionality, we highly recommend using the Chrome web browser. Additional software is not required.
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.

When will the semester schedule be released?

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

How many students are admitted annually?

30 students are admitted to the master’s program Digital Business & Software Engineering each fall semester.

Will I be able to work while I study?

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

Before studying Digital Business & Software Engineering

Overview

Independence through modern online studies

Career opportunities in the IT sector

Downloads

MCI | The Entrepreneurial School®

Admission

While studying Digital Business & Software Engineering

Learning Goals

International Outreach

Practice

After studying Digital Business & Software Engineering

Professional opportunities

Continue studying

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News

Questions & Answers