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Computer Science, Software Engineering and Leadership
Computer Science, Software Engineering and LeadershipMaster of Science – Graduate Program
Program overview
The complex, ambitious, and innovative future 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.
Interested in the program?
Apply by the end of January to receive a 10% discount on your tuition fees!
Don’t miss out on this exclusive offer. Take the first step towards a future full of possibilities at Constructor Institute of Technology.
Key facts
Application requirements
This program requires
- a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a STEM subject such as Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or Engineering
- a bachelor’s degree in a near-STEM subject with relevant work experience
If you are unsure about your eligibility, fill out the form below and we can assist you.
The following documents are required to complete your application:
- Proof of identity: Provide a government-issued national ID or passport for EU and non-EU citizens.
- University transcripts: Submit your most updated transcripts or official mark sheets of completed semesters. Include explanations of grading systems if applicable.
- Diplomas: Submit a copy of all diplomas received
- CV: Describe your academic, professional, extracurricular, and voluntary activities.
- Motivation letter: Write a 1-page letter explaining your choice of Constructor Institute of Technology, reasons for admission, and exceptional qualities.
- Proof of English language proficiency (optional): Demonstrate English language proficiency by any official language certificate or by a personal interview with one of our representatives.
- Recommendation letter (optional): Obtain letters of recommendation from professors, supervisors, or employers, ensuring they are signed and unique.
Your CV and motivation letter must be in English, all other documents can be in the Swiss official languages (German, French, Italian) or English. Alternatively, you can provide official translations.
This program is conducted entirely in English, covering all aspects of communication-reading, writing, and speaking. If you have taken an English language test, please include your results in your application. Will be checked during the admissions interview.
Application Fee
- No fee until January 2025
- 90 CHF starting January 2025
Tuition Fees
- Master’s Program: 30,000 CHF per year
- Pre-Master program: 5,000 CHF (one time fee)
- Bachelor’s Program:
- Swiss/EU Students: 35,000 CHF per year
- Non-EU/Swiss Students: 55,000 CHF per year
Early Bird Reduction
- Save 10% on tuition fees by registering before January 31st
Payment Schedule
- Deposit: 1,000 CHF upon acceptance of offer
- First Payment: Before the first term begins (by end of September)
- Second Payment: Before the second term begins (by end of January)
Pre-Master Credit
- Fees paid for the Pre-Master program can be deducted from the Master’s program tuition.
To prepare students for the role of technology leaders in research and industry, the CSSEL 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
- Leadership skills modules
Courses are taught by experts in the field, including permanent Constructor faculty and guest lecturers from various companies. The program mode is hybrid, allowing students to participate in lectures on-site, online, and in a hybrid way, as they are broadcasted and recorded simultaneously. Among others, a substantial advantage of hybrid pedagogy is it allows the students to start the program before their visa process is completed.
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 Institute of Technology 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 CSSEL program is also an excellent preparation for Ph.D. research in software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and other advanced topics.
The Master of Science in Computer Science, Software Engineering and Leadership at Constructor Institute of Technology Schaffhausen addresses this urgent need.
The research-oriented master’s program includes a wide range of courses and projects covering a broad spectrum of quantum technologies, computer science and software engineering topics as well as essential management and leadership skills.
Teaching benefits
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.
- 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 to provide academic opportunities for talented people worldwide.
- Applying knowledge with the Capstone project
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.
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.
Download a program brochure
MSc in Computer Science, Software Engineering, and Leadership (CSSEL)
Download the program handbook
MSc in Computer Science, Software Engineering, and Leadership (CSSEL)
Career opportunities
The Master in Computer Science, Software Engineering and Leadership 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. CSSEL 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 quantum, 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.
William McDonald
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Head of admissions and outreach, CIT
Email: master-office@constructor.org
Phone: +41767216362
Office hours: Mon-Fri 09 – 17h CET
Call us or write us – we are happy to help you with your inquiry.
Do you have any questions or need consultation?
Industry partners
At Constructor Institute of Technology, 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.
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Leader in cyber protection
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Global venture capital firm built by serial entrepreneur
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Leading innovator in cloud ERP
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Leader in quantum cryptography
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Leader in cross-platform solutions
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Leading WebOps hosting platform
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Industry-leading hosting platform