Security, reliability and transparency Trustworthy Systems
As the digitization of social processes continues to advance, trust in IT systems is becoming increasingly important. Transparency is a key factor in understanding the complexity of processes and workflows. Discussions on achieving digital sovereignty through open source—as the foundation for sustainable software systems—form the basis for a thorough understanding of software systems. As a small university in the state of Bremen, we are able to lay the necessary IT foundations for responsible decision-making in digitalization processes within manageable groups. Admission to the master’s program requires a background in computer science or business informatics. Building on this foundational knowledge, faculty and students work together to implement concepts for security and reliability in software systems. The cornerstones of the master’s program are two master’s projects, which are typically carried out in collaboration with a company, a public administration agency, or a nonprofit organization.
Why choose this study programme
Practice-oriented study in projects
The program focuses on two master’s projects in which students, in collaboration with a company, a public administration agency, or a nonprofit organization, can explore the topic of trustworthiness in software systems and develop projects with both practical and research-oriented applications based on open-source solutions.Topic-oriented modules accompany the projects
In topic-oriented modules, the technical foundations are laid for dealing with the challenges of the trustworthiness of software systems and the significance for companies, organizations and society is worked out.Research-based learning
Current research topics in the field of trustworthiness of software systems and their influence on the digitalization of processes in companies or organizations as well as the effects on social discussions are always included in the joint work with the students.
Trustworthyness of software systems actively designing
Implementing security and reliability transparently
In addition to the requirements of environmental, economic, and social sustainability, the trustworthiness of software systems in businesses and organizations will shape the public debate. Without appropriate strategies for the digital sovereignty of businesses and organizations, these goals will be virtually impossible to achieve. Transparency through the disclosure of measures—such as the use and further development of open-source software—will be one of the challenges facing all those involved in implementation, whether in the private sector, public administration, or nonprofit organizations.
As a result, the job market for experts in the design of trustworthy software systems is wide-ranging—from consulting and strategy development to implementation projects. The employability of our students is reflected in the appeal of our curriculum to companies and organizations. Our students are often sought after even while they are still studying.
Facts about the study programme
Degree of Studies
Master of ScienceStudy Form
Full-time study /Part-time studyTerm of Admission
admission-freeTerm of Admission
summer and winter semesterMain Course Language
germanStandard Period of Study
3 Semester
Studying with the focus on Trustworthy Systems
Research-based learning in practice-oriented projects
The Master’s program in Computer Science – Trustworthy Systems is an application-oriented program with a particular focus on the security, reliability, and transparency of software systems. At the heart of the program are the two master’s projects, in which our students collaborate with companies or organizations to develop research-based solutions for a practical problem. The interplay between digital sovereignty, open source, and sustainability shapes the program’s culture and runs throughout the entire course of study.
The master’s program lasts 3 semesters (90 credits). The majority of courses are taught in German, with a smaller portion taught in English.
Get to know the study programme
Program Overview
The Computer Science - Trustworthy Systems course is characterized by its special focus on the security, reliability and transparency of software systems. The core ideas of the project-oriented course are
- two one-semester projects as central elements
- topic-oriented modules in which individual aspects of the trustworthiness of software systems are addressed from the perspective of constructive and analytical measures
- an application- and research-oriented learning environment.
Both in the projects and with the concluding Master's thesis, students can set their focus and receive the Master of Science after successful completion.
What sets this program apart is its focus on designing measures to ensure the trustworthiness of software systems. The importance of software system trustworthiness in public discourse influences the development of appropriate measures to improve security and reliability, just as the transparency of the implemented concepts will influence public discourse. The course addresses current societal discussions regarding digital sovereignty in Europe based on open source for the development of sustainable systems. In particular, the two master’s projects provide students with the time and space to explore these interrelationships and to design and implement innovative open-source solutions. This is complemented by insights from current research topics on the trustworthiness of systems.
In the degree program, we place a special focus on practical training. In the two Master's projects, students carry out real-life practical projects or exploratory research projects. These projects are usually carried out in cooperation with companies, public administration organizations or non-profit organizations. Based on complex tasks, students develop innovative open source solutions in a team. In addition to implementation, they are also responsible for planning, coordinating and monitoring the progress of the project. Project communication plays a special role both internally and externally. The 3rd semester is the ideal time to supplement the course with experience abroad. The Master's thesis can be written in foreign companies or research institutions.
Admission and application
As a consecutive course of study, the study program focuses on trustworthy systems and deepens the skills of the Bachelor's degree programs in Computer Science and Business Informatics. Students must have a degree in one of these subjects (or related subjects) as an entry requirement. Formal entry requirements:
1. A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Business Informatics or a comparable course of study with modules relevant to Computer Science of at least 90 credit points. Of these, 30 CP can be proven via a computer science-related internship semester. Overall, the Bachelor's degree must be completed with a minimum average grade of 2.5 and at least 210 CPs. If the Bachelor's degree only comprises 180 CPs, admission can be granted with additional agreements.
2. Knowledge of English must be demonstrated at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. For foreign students, the admission requirement is German language level B2.
3. In addition to a curriculum vitae, the application must also include a two-page letter of motivation stating the applicant's interest in the course of study, their own qualifications for this course of study and the contribution they intend to make to the successful completion of the course with a particular focus on security, reliability and transparency in systems and a description of previous experience from practical working groups
Further details can be found in the admission regulations.
The Computer Science - Trustworthy Systems study program accepts students every year for the summer and winter semesters. The application deadline for the winter semester is 15 August, while the deadline for the summer semester is 15 February.
Applications are made online on our ecampus application portal, where all required documents must be uploaded.
The Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences is a member of UNI-ASSIST (Application Services for International Students). Prospective students who have gained their university entrance qualification or bachelor’s degree outside the European Union (EU) can therefore submit their application directly to UNI-ASSIST. To ensure adequate processing time, the application for the summer semester should be submitted to UNI-ASSIST by 31 December. Following a successful review, this is forwarded on to the Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences. UNI-ASSIST charges applicants a fee to process the application.
You can find further information on the application procedure on the Registration and Examination Office’s website.
Students can find out more about the study programme in advance at various information events.
Learn more about the study programme
Computer Science - Trustworthy Systems