The complex, ambitious, and innovative software systems developed by successful technology companies require a particular kind of leader, possessing both in-depth technical knowledge and excellent leadership abilities. Some traditional master’s programs train software developers, and others train classical managers, but they often fail to deliver the digital-technology-savvy leaders that leading-edge companies need for such positions such Product Manager, Chief Information Officer, Chief Security Officer, Chief Technology Officer, and others requiring competence on both sides.

The Master of Science in Computer Science and Software Engineering (CSSE) at Constructor Institute Schaffhausen addresses this urgent need. The research-oriented master’s program includes a wide range of courses and projects covering a broad spectrum of computer science and software engineering topics as well as essential management and leadership skills. 

To prepare students for the role of technology leaders in research and industry, the CSSE master’s program provides a strong software engineering training covering both development and management, as well as core technical courses in three areas that lie at the heart of modern IT systems: 

• Software engineering
• Cybersecurity
• Artificial intelligence

Courses are taught by experts in the field, including permanent Constructor faculty and lecturers from companies.

By completing the master’s program, students acquire the core expertise of digital leaders, with a strong technological backbone, and essential management and leadership skills, making them ready for .active leadership in the digital technology field. Constructor University’s multi-country setup prepares them to play a key role in today’s global and multiethnic societies., While many students join the industry in high-profile roles, the CSSE program is also an excellent preparation for Ph.D. research in software engineering, cybsersecurity, artificial intelligence and other advanced topics.

• Supported by a unique team of world-class scientists, educators, and leaders.
• Adopts an entrepreneurial mindset and a can-do mentality that encompasses familiarity with industrial-scale applications, business, and people.
• Delivers deep interdisciplinary technical expertise that is the cornerstone of technology leaders.
• Provides strong connections and proximity to major target industries.
•  Offers high-tech, high-touch study environments and scholarships to provide academic opportunities for talented people worldwide.

The Capstone project allows students to apply the knowledge and expertise in technical, management and leadership skills gained throughout the master`s program in a “real-world” project that runs over the course of three semesters.

The course teaches students how to effectively design reliable systems that meet the needs of producers and customers, developing solutions to agreed-upon problems with industry partners and laboratories that act as clients. Working closely with instructors and assistants, students are mentored and work in a modern environment supported by open-source IDEs and engineering tools.

“The quality of the students enrolled in the Capstone project surprised me: they are simply fantastic! I enjoy adding context to the course by sharing my experience in academia and in industry. I am convinced this will help them in the future.“

Prof. Manuel Oriol
Capstone Project Instructor

Take concrete steps toward the career of your dreams

Use the writing of a master’s thesis to further enhance your career prospects or diversify into a different functional area.

Research project
Develop research skills and specialties alongside a network of world-class scientists and researchers in computer science, software engineering, program verification, software testing and analysis, cybersecurity, smart software systems, and autonomous and self-driving vehicles.

Industrial project
Use the unique skills learned in your course work to tackle a real-world industrial problem and make valuable connections.

Startup design
Translate an innovative research idea into commercial products and services. Constructor Institute allows you to pursue a startup project at the intersection of business and science.

Career opportunities
The Master in Computer Science and Software Engineering allows you to graduate with the skills needed to drive innovation in industry, academia, or through your own startup. Through interdisciplinary learning and the development of strong skills in various functional areas, the knowledge gained throughout the master’s program will not only guide you to the career of your choice but will allow you to stand out as an exceptional candidate.

With scientifically up-to-date course content, the skills and knowledge required by the industry needs of today and tomorrow are expertly met. CSSE students profit from unique opportunities such as employment through our network, research project participation, and opportunities to access the EU and Swiss job markets.

Future leadership jobs

• Chief Architect (CA): A crucial and active horizontal role to drive the technology delivery roadmap across the organization.
• Chief Product Officer (CPO): A strategic leader, visionary, and team supervisor of new-generation product management in which computer science, business, and innovation are combined.
• Chief Program Officer (CPO): A new leader who focuses on program value flow and delivery, stakeholder communication, cadence and planning, cross-team collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Chief Development Officer (CDO)

A strategic leader who shapes an enabling engineering environment – people, structure, agile processes, and tools.

• Chief Security Officer (CSO)

A transformational leader who takes a "bodyguard" approach rather than a "gate-keeper" one.

Industrials partners
At Constructor Institute, we believe that to prepare the next generation of leaders in science, students must learn not only from renowned scientists but also from business leaders. Traditional technical education does not fully prepare students for a technical career. Our network of industry partners has experienced this first-hand. That is why we provide access points to several large software and IT organizations headquartered in Schaffhausen, allowing a one-of-a-kind relationship with industries.

• Acronis: Leader in cyber protection.
• Acumatica: Leading innovator in cloud ERP.
• Parallels: Leader in cross-platform solutions.
• Plesk: Leading WebOps hosting platform.
• cPanel: Industry-leading hosting platform.
• Runa Capital: Global venture capital firm built by serial entrepreneur.