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Software Development

Bachelor

Join the digital revolution from the comfort of your home. Earn a Bachelor’s degree in Software Development online.

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Open doors to opportunities around the world

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Earn a degree that will elevate your international career prospects. Build a global network with students from over 140 countries around the world. 

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Overview

Get started with an online Bachelor in Software Development

Software systems are an inseparable part of the today’s business and economic world, as well as everyday life. Regardless of its through smartphone apps, smart home devices or complex online databases, software developers and the work that they do have a profound effect on the world.

The topics covered in the Bachelor’s programme in Software Development include many of the elements and skills that the World Economic Forum has declared will determine the future: virtual reality, artificial intelligence and cloud programming .

Develop strong foundations for starting your career as a software developer, from statistical and mathematical knowledge to programming language fluency – and do it all 100% online.

Your online degree summed up

All the facts and figures about your study programme at a glance
Study model
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
180 ECTS
Language: English
Study duration
36 - 72 months (depending on time model)
Start online studies: any time
Tuition fees
Starting from € 219 (US$ 235)* per month

*based on the exchange rate from 01.06.2023 09:05 AM (CEST)
Accreditation
180 ECTS - English
Accredited in line with German and European standards
Past education recognised
Save time and earn your degree faster by having your previous achievements/experience recognised
100 % flexible

You decide where and when you want to study

Versatile & Innovative

Your digital learning journey with personal support!

Top-Level Education

First-class study programmes with a recommendation rate of 96 %

Study contents

Online course overview

The online Bachelor’s study programme in Software Development establishes knowledge in three major areas related to computer science:

  • Software engineering (with courses covering data security and protection, IT service management and requirements engineering)
  • Programming and technology skills (with courses covering cloud programming, app and web-based development, data modelling and database systems)
  • Methodological work skills (with courses covering IT project management and methods of agile software development)

Once you’ve developed your foundations in all three areas, you’ll get a chance to explore more nuance topics according to your interest, from a wide range of electives focusing on artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and Robotics and Production Engineering .

Semester 1

Module

ECTS

Software Engineering Principles 

5

Introduction to Academic Work      

5

Requirements Engineering  

5

Specification    

5

Object-oriented Programming with Java 

5

Database Modelling and Database Systems

5

Semester 2

Module

ECTS

Data Structures and Java Class Library

5

Collaborative Work 

5

Web Application Development

5

Algorithms, Data Structures, and Programming Languages

5

Software Quality Assurance

5

IT Architecture Management

5

Semester 3

Module

ECTS

Programming Information Systems with Java EE

5

Ethics and Sustainability in IT 

5

IT Project Management

5

Techniques and methods for agile software development

5

Mobile Software Engineering I

5

Seminar: Software Engineering

5

Semester 4

Module

ECTS

Project: Agile Software Engineering

5

IT Infrastructure

5

IT-Service Management                 

5

Project: Mobile Software Engineering

5

Cloud Programming

5

Introduction to Data Protection and IT Security

5

Semester 5

Module

ECTS

DevOps and Continuous Delivery

5

User Interface Design and Ergonomics

5

Introduction to Programming with Python        

5

Project: Software Development

5

Elective A

10

Semester 6

Module

ECTS

Elective B

10

Elective C

10

Bachelor Thesis and Colloquium 

10

Electives overview

Elective A

In your 5th semester, you'll need to choose an elective module, which you can choose from one of the following modules:

Module

ECTS

Mathematics Basics

10

Mathematics: Linear Algebra and Analysis

10

Statistics Basics

10

Data Science and object-oriented programming with Python

10

Internet of Things and Embedded Systems

10

Robotics and Production Engineering

10

International Management and Leadership

10

International Marketing and Branding

10

Applied Sales

10

Supply Chain Management

10

Elective B

In your 6th semester, you'll need to choose an elective module, which you can choose from one of the following modules:

Module

ECTS

Mathematics Basics

10

Mathematics: Linear Algebra and Analysis

10

Statistics Basics

10

Data Science and object-oriented programming with Python

10

Internet of Things and Embedded Systems

10

Robotics and Production Engineering

10

International Management and Leadership

10

International Marketing and Branding

10

Applied Sales

10

Supply Chain Management

10

Elective C

In your 6th semester, you'll need to choose an elective module, which you can choose from one of the following modules:

Module

ECTS

Business Intelligence

10

Smart Devices

10

Smart Factory

10

Smart Mobility

10

Smart Services

10

IT Security Consulting

10

Business Consulting

10

Augmented, Mixed and Virtual Reality

10

Digital Business

10

Infrastructure and Operations

10

Data Engineer

10

User Experience

10

AI Specialist

10

Module guide

Module guide

Online course schedule

Course schedule

Given that this course resonates with you, we encourage potential students like yourself to also consider the BSc in Computer Science program.

Each course in this study programme has a live teaching session

At IU, we want you to feel supported, and to give you the best learning experience possible. 

In keeping with our mission, we now offer two-hour, monthly intensive live sessions in every course.The live events are recorded, so you can access them whenever you want. Each monthly session will cover all the course contents, so you only need to attend or watch it once. 

Admission

Entry requirements

The admissions documents must be provided in English or German. If they were not issued in one of these two languages, a translation is required. If you need to translate your documents, we can help refer you to our trusted translation partners. You can find more details here. 

General academic requirements

  • Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate such as A-Levels or IB Diploma and your transcript of records.
  • A subject-related higher education entrance qualification.

Depending on your qualifications, you might have to meet additional requirements, such as successfully passing a university entrance examination or one of the following programmes to make sure you are ready to study with us:

  • Bachelor Entrance Examination (included in Online Degree Saver Programme)

Please get in touch with our Study Advisory Team to find out the exact requirements applicable for your application.

General academic requirements

  • Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate such as A-Levels or IB Diploma and your transcript of records.
  • A subject-related higher education entrance qualification.

Depending on your qualifications, you might have to meet additional requirements, such as successfully passing a university entrance examination or one of the following programmes to make sure you are ready to study with us:

  • Bachelor Entrance Examination

Please get in touch with our Study Advisory Team to find out the exact requirements applicable for your application.

English language skills

Depending on your personal circumstances, you might be required to provide proof of your English language proficiency. Your skills would need to match the B2 level of the Common European Framework (CEF). 

We accept the following English language skills certificates*: 

  • TOEFL (minimum 80 points)* or  
  • IELTS (minimum Level 6)* or  
  • Duolingo English Test (minimum 95 points)* or 
  • Cambridge Certificate (minimum Grade B)*   

Is English your native language, or have you graduated from an English-speaking school or university? Then you do not need to prove your English language proficiency.  

Get in touch with our study advisors for more details. 

*Proof must be provided before the start of the study and must not be older than five years. 

Online degree saver programme

Apply for the online Degree Saver programme and receive a discount on your tuition fees. 

Please get in touch with our Study Advisory Team for more details. 

Earn a high school diploma and a Bachelor’s degree – at the same time!

Don’t have a high school diploma? Have one but your grade average doesn’t meet our admission requirements? We have a solution for you! 

With the High School Diploma Study Pathway, you can earn a high school diploma and start your online Bachelor’s degree at IU – at the same time.

Visit our High School Diploma Study Pathway page for more details. 

Careers

Your Bachelor in Software Development career outlook

With a Bachelor's degree in Software Development, you can expect excellent career prospects across all industries, with lucrative opportunities for advancement and the possibility to work anywhere on the globe. Some of the many career options waiting for you in the future are:

JavaScript Developer

Own and operate all JavaScript applications for a specific project or across company operations. Develop websites, design the architecture of web-oriented backend and optimise apps and webpages in order to give users an easy and clear interface and browsing experience.

Frontend Engineer

Enjoy working with HTML, CSS and JavaScript? More interested in the software elements that users have direct interaction with? Then a career as a Frontend Engineer is the right choice for you. In this role, you’ll gain experience in the development of graphic user interfaces, and work on having software systems that run as smoothly as possible from a user’s perspective.

Backend Developer

Backend developers are responsible for designing and maintaining the complex processes that ensure that websites, apps and other software platforms are working smoothly. As a backend developer, you’ll focus on developing server-side software – the parts of the software that users don’t see. You’ll manage the design, implementation and maintenance of software systems, and perform regular tests to spot bugs or glitches.

Student reviews

This is what our students say

  • “I chose IU because it is the most flexible of all the online universities I looked at.”

    Marie Arnold

    Online student

  • “In addition to its good reputation, the combination of online and in-person lectures is what made me choose to study at IU.”

    Martin Schramm

    Graduate

  • “I decided to study online because I wanted to develop professionally and at the same time have enough time for family and job.”

    Veronika

    Online student

Read our success stories
Tuition fees

Online Study models & fees for your Bachelor degree in Software Development

On campus study model and fees for your Bachelor degree in Software Development

Depending on your personal or professional circumstances, you may wish to complete your studies as quickly as possible, or you may prefer a more flexible study programme that is less time-consuming. That’s why we offer part-time options for all our study programmes. This allows you to study alongside professional or personal commitments. We adjust your study fees based on your chosen time model.

Are you unable to finish your programme within the given time? No problem! If you realise that you need more time, you can simply switch to another time model with one months’ notice before the end of the month.

No registration or administration fees are charged when you apply for studying – you'll only be charged once your studies have started. If you won't be admitted to a programme because you do not meet the admission requirements, no fees will be charged.

At IU, we believe in full transparency – so there are no hidden fees. You only pay for your tuition and the one-time campus fee of €1,500.

No registration or administration fees are charged when you apply for studying – you'll only be charged once your studies have started. If you won't be admitted to a programme because you do not meet the admission requirements, no fees will be charged.

Full-Time

Duration 36 Months

US$ 417
US$ 377 /mth* Apply now
* € 350 based on the exchange rate from 01.06.2023 09:05 AM (CEST)

Part-Time I

Duration 48 Months

US$ 347
US$ 317 /mth* Apply now
* € 295 based on the exchange rate from 01.06.2023 09:05 AM (CEST)

Part-Time II

Duration 72 Months

US$ 255
US$ 235 /mth* Apply now
* € 219 based on the exchange rate from 01.06.2023 09:05 AM (CEST)

All our study programmes include the following benefits

  • Teaching and study material
  • Marking of your end-of-module exams
  • Free 4-week trial
  • Monthly live and recorded tutorials
  • Use of the online campus
  • Individual study coaching
  • Online exams
  • Career coaching
  • Learn German and English for free
  • Teaching and study material
  • Marking of your end-of-module exams
  • Individual study coaching
  • Online exams
  • Career coaching
  • Learn German and English for free
  • On-campus tutorials, 2-3x week
  • Access to all on-campus services
Recognition

Recognition of previous achievements

Have you already completed a training course, studied at a university or gained work experience? Have you completed a course or a learning path through IU LinkedIn Learning, and earned a certificate? Then you have the opportunity to get your previous achievements recognised, and complete your studies at IU sooner.

  • Save time: Skip individual modules or whole semesters!

Even before you apply for a study programme, we’ll gladly check whether we can take your previous achievements into account: 100% online, no strings attached. Simply fill in our recognition application form, which you can find under the content section of each study programme's webpage, and upload it via our upload section. You can also e-mail it to us, or send it via post.

Send an email to study@iu.org to find out which previous achievements you can get recognised. You can get your previous achievements recognised during your studies.

Do you need help with your application for recognition? Our student advisors will be happy to help. Simply arrange a personal call-back appointment.Arrange a personal video consultation appointment to discuss recognition

Recognition files

Guide to recognition

Individual application for recognition

Why IU International University of Applied Sciences is the best choice

Your Studies Are Flexible and 100% Online

Schedule when you want to learn and study 100% online. At IU you have the possibility to complete your degree fully from home, whether full-time or part-time. You can even take your exams online whenever it suits you. 

Accredited & Globally Recognised

IU is accredited and certified with a seal of approval from the German Accreditation Council. All IU study programmes, materials, and services meet high internal and external quality standards, which are regularly reviewed and updated. We can also provide you with an official Europass Diploma Supplement once you graduate, to ensure that your degree is recognised anywhere in the EU.

You Gain Full Support

We provide you with innovative learning tools, digital study material, tutorial videos, live teaching sessions, student advice and support. You also have 24/7 access to our large online library. Your tutors are always available to answer your questions. Our study coaches are also available to help at any time. 

The Ideal Mix of Theory & Practice

Our programmes provide you with essential theoretical knowledge and focus, above all, on practice-oriented studies designed to best prepare you for your future career. Thanks to our great variety of electives you can specialise in the specific areas that match your personal goals.

Accredited & Globally Recognised

IU is accredited and certified with a seal of approval from the German Accreditation Council. All IU study programmes, materials, and services meet high internal and external quality standards, which are regularly reviewed and updated. We can also provide you with an official Europass Diploma Supplement once you graduate, to ensure that your degree is recognised anywhere in the EU.

The Ideal Mix of Theory & Practice

Our programmes provide you with essential theoretical knowledge and focus, above all, on practice-oriented studies designed to best prepare you for your future career. Thanks to our great variety of electives you can specialise in the specific areas that match your personal goals.

Hybrid Studies = More Flexibility

By combining in-person tutorials 2-3 times per week with 24/7 access to online study materials, you get to benefit from a more flexible study schedule. This allows you to work alongside your studies, or combine other activities, with relative ease. 

You Gain Full Support

We provide you with innovative learning tools, intimate campuses, easy access to lecturers, live teaching sessions, student advice services, and career support. You also have 24/7 access to our large online library. Your tutors are always available to answer your questions – and so are our study coaches.  

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