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Who this German-taught B.Sc. fits – and what you need to get in
This programme suits you if you want a rigorous blend of mathematics and computer science and need the flexibility of distance learning from abroad. Typical profiles are: early-career IT staff moving from support or QA into software engineering; STEM graduates from physics or engineering who need stronger software development skills for modelling and simulation; career changers with solid quantitative aptitude looking to formalise self-taught coding with a recognised degree. Expect a strong focus on modelling and optimisation alongside software development.
Admission requirements
Formal entry is based on a university entrance qualification and proof of language skills for a German-taught degree:
- University entrance qualification: a German Abitur or an equivalent secondary school certificate that grants direct access to a bachelor’s degree at a German university. Foreign school-leaving certificates are assessed for equivalence; certified translations and official copies are typically required.
- Admission with foreign qualifications: international diplomas that qualify you for university study in your home country can be recognised if they meet the German entry level for bachelor’s programmes. Previous university study may be credited after an individual review (module-by-module recognition).
- Language of instruction: the programme is taught in German. You must document advanced academic German, generally at level C1 (CEFR). At German universities this is usually evidenced by certificates such as DSH, TestDaF, Goethe-Zertifikat C1 or telc C1 Hochschule.
- Start dates and study mode: entry is possible in the winter or summer semester; full-time or part-time study is available by distance learning.
- Admission without Abitur: access routes for professionally qualified applicants (e.g., advanced vocational qualifications from Germany) exist under German higher education law; eligibility is determined in an individual admission check.
Personal requirements
Remote study in mathematical-technical software development demands persistence and reliable routines. You need solid school-level mathematics, the ability to think abstractly, and enough programming curiosity to work through errors independently. Plan your time realistically: in full-time you should allow around 25–30 hours per week for reading, exercises and exam prep; in part-time about 10–15 hours. Strong written German is essential to follow study materials and sit exams; if you study from abroad, ensure stable internet, a quiet place for proctored or on-site assessments, and be mindful of time-zone differences for any scheduled activities. Self-organisation, steady weekly progress and the willingness to revisit challenging topics will be key to finishing this 180 ECTS programme successfully.
What will you study in the Mathematical-technical software development (B.Sc.) at the University of Hagen?
This programme is taught in German. You will need advanced academic German to follow lectures, complete assessments and participate in seminars. Typical proofs of proficiency include TestDaF, DSH or a Goethe-Zertifikat at an upper level; check which evidences are accepted before you apply.
The Bachelor of Science combines rigorous mathematics with practical computer science. As a Fernstudium (distance learning) at a public German university, it leads to 180 ECTS over six standard semesters. You will build skills in modelling, simulation and optimisation, and learn to design, implement and maintain software based on mathematical methods.
Foundations in mathematics and modelling: You develop the mathematical toolkit used in technical computing. Typical building blocks include analysis and linear algebra for engineers, numerical methods, and modelling and simulation of dynamic systems. You learn how to translate real-world processes into solvable mathematical models and to assess stability, accuracy and error.
Core computer science and software engineering: You cover programming, data structures and algorithms, databases and operating systems. The focus lies on software development for mathematically intensive applications: requirements engineering, design patterns, testing and quality assurance, version control and collaborative workflows.
Applied data and optimisation: Modules bring mathematics and code together: optimisation techniques, scientific computing, statistics and data analysis. You work with methods such as gradient-based optimisation, combinatorial search, Monte Carlo simulation or regression and learn how to integrate them into performant software components.
Professional and scientific practice: The curriculum includes a Basic Programming Internship and a Mathematical Internship to consolidate practical skills, plus a Bachelor Seminar where you present and discuss current topics. You conclude with a Bachelor’s thesis that documents your ability to solve a substantial, application-oriented problem end to end.
Electives typically allow you to deepen either the mathematics side (for example, further numerical analysis or stochastic processes) or the computer-science side (for example, advanced software engineering or systems). As a Fachhochschule is a university of applied sciences, note that the University of Hagen is a full public university; its distance programmes are nevertheless state-supervised. In Germany, distance-learning courses are approved by the ZFU (the state authority for distance learning) when applicable; public university degree programmes follow higher-education law and programme accreditation.
How does the Mathematical-technical software development distance programme work?
You study largely independently with structured materials and sit module examinations on fixed dates. There are mandatory on-site components in Germany (internships and a seminar), so this is not a 100% online degree. A visa is generally not required for distance learning itself, but you must be able to travel to Germany for the compulsory sessions if you live abroad.
Teaching language and language certificates
The language of instruction and assessment is German. You should be comfortable reading technical textbooks, writing reports and giving presentations in German. Applicants typically document proficiency with recognised certificates (e.g. TestDaF, DSH, Goethe-Zertifikat); verify which proofs are accepted during application.
Learning format and study materials
This is a Fernstudium (distance learning): you study off campus using structured course units, assignments and guided self-study. Expect a mix of theoretical reading, problem sheets and programming tasks, with feedback points through exercises or seminars. As a public university distance programme, teaching is designed for people studying alongside other commitments.
Exams and where you take them
Each module ends with an examination (for example, a written exam, oral exam or graded assignment) scheduled on fixed dates in the academic calendar. Because of the compulsory internships and seminar, you should plan for travel to Germany during your studies. Purely remote completion of all assessments is not possible.
Mandatory on-site sessions in Germany
The Basic Programming Internship, the Mathematical Internship and the Bachelor Seminar are listed as compulsory attendance components. These are held in Germany and require your physical presence. Build in time and budget for travel and, if needed, a short-stay visa depending on your citizenship.
Workload, time models and time zones
The standard study time is 6 semesters full time; a part-time track extends the duration. European degrees use ECTS: 180 ECTS over six semesters equals roughly 30 ECTS per semester. One ECTS corresponds to about 25–30 hours of work, so full-time study means roughly 20–30 hours per week on average. Any live online elements operate in Central European Time (CET/CEST).
What does the Mathematical-technical software development cost?
The university estimates around €2,100 in total over the full-time standard duration of six semesters. This figure includes the regular semester contributions (student body and social contribution). If you study part time, the overall cost rises proportionally because you pay the semester contribution for more semesters.
Fees are charged per semester, so your outlay is spread over the duration rather than as one large upfront payment. Plan a small additional budget for study materials and for travel and accommodation during the mandatory on-site sessions in Germany. Payments are handled in euros; international students usually pay by bank transfer from abroad.
What careers and recognition does the Mathematical-technical software development offer?
You graduate with a Bachelor of Science, 180 ECTS following the Bologna framework. The programme is programme-accredited by AQAS (an agency listed in EQAR) until 30 September 2028, and the University of Hagen is a public, state-recognised university in Germany. For employers and universities abroad, this signals a quality-assured degree aligned with European standards, facilitating international recognition and admission to relevant master’s programmes.
Career-wise, you are trained to design, implement and maintain software systems grounded in mathematical models. Typical roles include:
- Software developer or software engineer in technically demanding domains (simulation, optimisation, embedded systems)
- Data analyst or scientific computing specialist in R&D units and research institutions
- Modelling and simulation engineer in manufacturing, mobility, energy or healthcare
- Quality assurance engineer focusing on verification, testing and reliability of complex systems
- Research assistant in universities or applied research organisations
Salary levels vary by country and industry. Graduates entering software roles typically see strong demand in Europe and beyond, with higher ranges in sectors such as finance, automotive, industrial engineering and tech consulting. The mathematically focused profile can be an advantage for roles that require algorithmic thinking and numerical robustness.
Who is the Mathematical-technical software development right for - and who not?
This degree suits motivated distance learners who want a rigorous mix of mathematics and computer science from a German public university, with the flexibility to study off campus. It particularly fits those aiming at technical software roles that rely on modelling, simulation and data.
- You want a state-recognised, accredited European B.Sc. with 180 ECTS from a public university
- You enjoy abstract thinking and coding, and you want to apply mathematics to real software
- You need a distance format you can combine with work or family, without moving to Germany
- You plan to progress to a quantitatively oriented master’s in computer science, data or applied mathematics
- You value low total costs compared with many on-campus or international alternatives
There are also clear exclusion criteria. These points matter especially if you plan to study fully remotely from outside Germany or if you do not speak German.
- You do not speak German at an academic level and cannot provide recognised proof of proficiency
- You need a 100% online path: the programme has mandatory on-site internships and a seminar in Germany
- You cannot travel to Germany at all during your studies (visa, cost or time constraints)
- You are seeking a programme taught in English or preparing for regulated professions that require local licensing pathways via English-taught routes
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