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Apply with ZIEL26 by July 30th & secure €1,444 discount + iPad.
Apply by July 30th and use the code ZIEL26 to get a €1,444 discount and a free iPad.
Software development is more than just technology: it creates solutions for a safer and easier future. and you have the chance to shape this era: in your bachelor's in software development.
How your studies get you ahead:
you will gain in-depth knowledge in software development and complement it with essential IT and technical skills.
you will develop a deep understanding of new technologies and digital trends.
after graduation, you will be equipped to create innovative software solutions and make significant contributions to digitalisation and automation.
Study flexible
anytime and anywhere with 24/7 online exams, full- or part-time.
Learn innovatively
on your digital campus with your own AI study assistant and multimedia tools.
State-recognized
Benefit from an accredited degree with excellent career prospects.
B.Sc., 180 ECTS credits
Language: en
Full-time or part-time, 100% flexible
Start today with Comfort Start – or start any time on your preferred date
36, 48, 72 months, depending on model Extension possible free of charge
Study programme independent of time & place, no mandatory attendance, innovative study tools available on online-campus, AI study assistant Syntea, exams online or at nearest examination centre
Starting at 249€/month, depending on model
Current discount campaign
Study program is state-approved, accredited & internationally renowned, 180 ECTS - EN: AR-Siegel, ZFU: 1134022
Apply now and start today – or choose your starting date flexibly. You can then test IU for 1 month free of charge. Fees only apply if you decide to continue.
During your studies in software development, you will learn the fundamentals of software engineering, programming with Python, and data modelling. additionally, you will deepen your knowledge in areas such as "objektorientierte Programmierung mit Java" and web programming. you will explore secure software development (DevSecOps), identify common software vulnerabilities and learn how to fix them. alongside current topics in "Software-Architektur" and quality assurance, you'll also study algorithms and data structures.
Moreover, you can specialise in elective areas like AI-Supported Development, Database Development, or Cloud Development.
Elective areas: in elective areas A, B, and C, you will select two elective modules each. elective area D: at the start of your studies, decide between doing an internship with a company or taking modules from elective area D. the internship concludes with a practical reflection. if you opt for modules from elective area D, you must complete all modules in this section. combinations of an internship and elective area D are not possible.
| Module | ECTS credits |
|---|---|
| Software Engineering Principles | 5 |
| Introduction to Academic Work for IT and Technology | 5 |
| Requirements Engineering | 5 |
| Introduction to Programming with Python | 5 |
| Project: Programming with Python | 5 |
| Elective D | 5 |
| Module | ECTS credits |
|---|---|
| Web Application Development | 5 |
| Object-oriented Programming with Java | 5 |
| Database Modeling and Database Systems | 5 |
| Specification | 5 |
| Project: Getting started in Web Programming | 5 |
| Elective D | 5 |
| Module | ECTS credits |
|---|---|
| Algorithms, Data Structures, and Programming Languages | 5 |
| DevOps and Continuous Delivery | 5 |
| Software Architecture | 5 |
| Software Quality Assurance | 5 |
| Project: General Programming with C/C++ | 5 |
| Elective D | 5 |
| Module | ECTS credits |
|---|---|
| Ethics and Sustainability in IT | 5 |
| Techniques and Methods for Agile Software Development | 5 |
| Mobile Software Engineering | 5 |
| Seminar: Software Engineering | 5 |
| Project: Software Engineering | 5 |
| Elective D | 5 |
| Module | ECTS credits |
|---|---|
| Elective A | 10 |
| Elective B | 10 |
| Project: Cloud Programming | 5 |
| Elective D | 5 |
| Module | ECTS credits |
|---|---|
| Elective C | 10 |
| Project: Software Development with AI | 5 |
| Elective D | 5 |
| Bachelor Thesis | 10 |
| Module | ECTS credits |
|---|---|
| Elective A (es sind 10 CP zu wählen) | |
| Introduction to Data Protection and Cyber Security | 5 |
| Cloud Computing | 5 |
| Augmented, Mixed and Virtual Reality | 5 |
| Project: X-Reality | 5 |
| Design Basics: Seeing and Understanding | 5 |
| User Experience | 5 |
| Cryptography | 5 |
| Mathematics I | 5 |
| Digital and Information Technology | 5 |
| Introduction to the Internet of Things | 5 |
| Introduction to Data Science | 5 |
| Deep Learning | 5 |
| Business Intelligence | 5 |
| Project: Object Oriented and Functional Programming with Python | 5 |
| Artificial Intelligence | 5 |
| Business 101 | 5 |
| Introduction to User Research | 5 |
| Elective B (es sind 10 CP zu wählen) | |
| User Interface Design and Ergonomics | 5 |
| IT Infrastructure | 5 |
| Introduction to Computer Graphics | 5 |
| Seminar: Ethical and Social Aspects of XR | 5 |
| UX Prototyping | 5 |
| Project: AWS - Cloud Essentials | 5 |
| Project: AWS - Cloud Advanced | 5 |
| System Pentesting Basics | 5 |
| Threat Modeling | 5 |
| Introduction to Robotics | 5 |
| Embedded Systems | 5 |
| Statistical Computing | 5 |
| Exploratory Data Analysis and Visualization | 5 |
| Project: Build a Data Mart in SQL | 5 |
| Project: Business Intelligence | 5 |
| Introduction to NLP | 5 |
| Project: NLP | 5 |
| Change Management | 5 |
| Project: Design Thinking for IT | 5 |
| Elective C (es sind 10 CP zu wählen) | |
| Data Structures and Java Class Library | 5 |
| Programming of Web Applications - Web-based Business Information Systems | 5 |
| Object-oriented Programming with C# | 5 |
| Application Development with Unity | 5 |
| Mobile App Design | 5 |
| Project: Application Design | 5 |
| DevSecOps and Common Software Weaknesses | 5 |
| Project: Agile DevSecOps Software Engineering | 5 |
| Sensor Technology | 5 |
| Project: Sensors and Actors | 5 |
| Cloud Computing | 5 |
| Project: Design for the Internet of Things | 5 |
| Advanced Data Analysis | 5 |
| Project: Data Analysis | 5 |
| Data Engineering | 5 |
| Project: Data Engineering | 5 |
| Project: AI Excellence with Creative Prompting Techniques | 5 |
| Project: Generative AI in an Enterprise Context | 5 |
| Negotiation Techniques | 5 |
| Organizational Behavior | 5 |
| Studium Generale I | 5 |
| Studium Generale II | 5 |
| Elective D (es sind 30 CP zu wählen) | |
| Internship: Computer Science & Business Information Systems | 30 |
| Intercultural and Ethical Decision-Making | 5 |
| Collaborative Work | 5 |
| Computer Science and Society | 5 |
| Digital Business Models | 5 |
| IT Project Management | 5 |
| Project: Digitalization and Automation Hackathon | 5 |

Each semester, you are made familiar with a new type of technology. You will practice using this technology in a practical project. In comparison to related study programmes, such as computer science, your online studies in Software Development deal with practically relevant topics more in depth. This includes cloud computing, IT infrastructure and DevOps, among others. Your degree prepares you for a wide range of areas, including AI/data science, VR/AR or Industry 4.0.
As a professional in Software Development, you can look forward to excellent career prospects across industries with lucrative advancement opportunities. after graduation, you could work as a...

As a DevOps Engineer, you ensure seamless collaboration between development and operations teams. you optimise the software development process by implementing automation techniques and continuous integration/delivery. your focus is on improving the efficiency and reliability of applications. by conducting analyses and optimising processes, you support the team in delivering software solutions faster, significantly impacting the success of IT projects.
As a Database Architect, you design and manage complex database solutions. you develop data models that meet organisational requirements, ensuring data is managed efficiently and securely. your expertise ensures smooth data processing and analysis. you help organisations make informed decisions by providing accessible and reliable data structures.
As a Software and Application Developer, you are a versatile generalist capable of developing all types of applications. you work on implementing software projects tailored to the specific needs of various industries. thanks to your broad expertise, you can contribute creative ideas and develop innovative solutions. you support companies in gaining a competitive edge by delivering customised software solutions.
Begin today with Comfort Start – or start any time on your preferred date
Free trial month*
Optional semester abroad
Access to MS Office
Opportunities to exchange with teachers and fellow students
Online library with 60,000 E-books and access to Statista
Eduroam internet access at over 20,000 locations worldwide
Study and career coaching
Access to over 14,000 courses and 1,800 video tutorials via LinkedIn Learning
Holiday semesters and free extension for up to 12 months
*The fees for this period only apply if you continue your studies with us.
Do you need help with your decision? Your personal study advisor is happy to help you!
Do you have vocational training or further education, work experience, or have you already studied? We are happy to assess — even before you apply for your distance learning programme — whether and to what extent we can recognise your prior learning: no obligation and 100% online. Simply complete our online recognition form.
Reduce your study duration: Skip individual modules or entire semesters!
Save on tuition fees: For every recognised ECTS point, you save 30 euros.
🤔 Can't find your qualification? No worries! Our form helps you get other qualifications recognised.
🤔 Can't find your qualification? No worries! Our form helps you get other qualifications recognised.
Need help with your recognition application? Our recognition guide brings together all the key information you need.
If you want to take full advantage of our recognition process, make sure to submit your application before the end of your trial month. To reduce your study duration, you can submit your prior learning recognition application at any time — including during your studies. However, a fee reduction can no longer be granted after the trial month has ended.
We make it possible: At IU International University of Applied Sciences you can start your desired study programme - without NC, state-recognised, with or without a general A-level!
With vocational or high school diploma With a general university entrance qualification (high school diploma) or an entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences (vocational diploma: academic and practical part), you can enter our Bachelor's study programme* directly.
Graduates from Waldorf schools and vocational colleges in Baden-Württemberg must have their entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences confirmed by the relevant authority in order to be able to study in another federal state. This also applies if you want to study in a federal state other than Thuringia. Additional achievements may be required. Our student advisory team will answer any questions about this.
* For applicants with international school diplomas (e.g. IB-Diploma) or degrees earned abroad, the institution conducts an equivalence test (according to Anabin).
You can also study at IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) without a high school diploma. To do so, you simply need:
A master craftsman's certificate or
Advanced professional training (e.g. as an IHK business administrator) or
At least two years of recognized vocational training in Germany, followed by at least 3 years of professional experience (full-time)*: Depending on the focus of your training and professional activity and what you want to study, you can start directly with a trial phase or prove your aptness in other ways.
*If you have completed your vocational training and professional experience within Europe, but outside of Germany, the university will carry out an equivalency assessment. EU qualifications can be accepted as equivalent if your vocational qualification is comparable to a German vocational qualification at level DQR 4.
If you choose the English-language study option, we require proof of your English language skills. You can provide us with proof of this as follows:
TOEFL (min. 80 points) or
IELTS (min. Level 6) or
Duolingo English test (min. 95 points) or
Cambridge Certificate (min. overall grade B)
Note: The proof must be submitted before the start of the study programme and must not be older than five years. If you have already completed your first degree in English or are a native English speaker, you no longer need to prove your English language skills separately.
Apply now and start today – or choose your starting date flexibly. You can then test IU for 1 month free of charge. Fees only apply if you decide to continue.
Information on study content & electives
Information on career prospects
Information on financing options
Soziale Arbeit (B.A.)
Stefanie
Sehr empfehlenswert
Insgesamt ein super Studium, ich bin sehr zufrieden und fühle mich rundum gut betreut und aufgehoben. Es wird sich viel Mühe um die Zufriedenheit der Studenten gegeben und auch die Dozenten sind super nett und engagiert. Man kann jederzeit Fragen klären und hat immer einen Ansprechpartner der einem weiterhilft. Ich würde jederzeit wieder an der IU studieren und kann es nur weiterempfehlen!
Posted on 22.05.2026 on fernstudiumcheck.de
Angewandte Psychologie (B.Sc.)
Albena
Flexibilität im Fernstudium neben dem Beruf
Ich habe bisher sehr gute Erfahrungen im Fernstudium ‚Angewandte Psychologie‘ gemacht. Besonders gut gefällt mir die Flexibilität bei der IU, weil ich neben dem Studium zu 100 % arbeite. Ich kann selbst entscheiden, wann und wie viel ich lerne. Sehr zufrieden bin ich auch damit, dass ich keinen Druck habe, wann ich mit dem Studium fertig sein muss, und dass ich kostenlos verlängern kann. Dadurch kann ich das Studium besser mit meinem Berufsleben vereinbaren.
Posted on 20.04.2026 on fernstudiumcheck.de
International Management (M.A.)
Djo
Bin ein großer Fan der IU
Ich bin ein großer Fan der IU und habe dort in letzter Zeit unglaublich viel gelernt. Die Möglichkeiten, die Studierenden geboten werden – insbesondere im Fernstudium – sind sehr vielfältig und flexibel. Dadurch macht das Lernen nicht nur Spaß, sondern lässt sich auch hervorragend in den Alltag integrieren. [...] Für mich gehört die IU zu den besten Anbietern für Fernstudiengänge in Deutschland. Ich kann sie aus voller Überzeugung jederzeit weiterempfehlen.
Posted on 03.06.2026 on fernstudiumcheck.de