Degree Apprenticeship/Dual Study Program: Applied Computer Science

Digitalisation is not determined solely in the data centre. Production facilities, energy grids and technical infrastructure require software that works reliably with machines, sensors and networked systems. Companies are therefore looking for computer scientists who understand how digital applications function in real-world technical environments. This is precisely why the Degree Apprenticeship/Dual Study Program in Applied Computer Science, specialising in Software Development, was developed at Mittweida University of Applied Sciences.

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Facts and figures

Faculty
Applied Computer Sciences and Biosciences
Academic degree
Bachelor of Science
Course of studies
8 Semesters
Start
Winter semester
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) + recognised vocational training

Applied Computer Science

What makes the Degree Apprenticeship/Dual Study Program in Applied Computer Science at Mittweida so special is the combination of IT studies and vocational training to become an electronics technician specialising in industrial engineering at Siemens. This means you’ll learn not to view software in isolation, but as part of complex technical systems. Course content such as hardware-oriented programming, distributed systems, embedded systems and IT security lays the foundation for software that communicates reliably with machines and devices.

If money is a consideration for you: even in your first year of study, you’ll receive a monthly stipend of over 1,300 euros. As you’ll also be spending the lecture-free periods working at Siemens, you’ll develop a profile that combines digital skills with practical industrial experience.

How the Degree Apprenticeship/Dual Study Programme works at Mittweida University of Applied Sciences

What sort of content can I expect?

An overview of the course content

The Degree Apprenticeship/Dual Study Program in Mittweida combines academic study with vocational training. This means that you will earn a Bachelor’s degree whilst completing a recognised vocational training programme during your studies.  Whilst the first two semesters at the university lay the foundations for Software Development, data management, computer networks and modern IT systems, this is followed by a full year of in-company training at Siemens’ in-house training centre in Chemnitz. There, you’ll gain a vocational qualification as an electronics technician specialising in industrial engineering and gain first-hand experience of technical systems, industrial infrastructure and operational processes. 

This perspective shapes the rest of your studies: software is not viewed in isolation, but as part of complex technical systems. Together with your fellow students, you’ll develop from software users into Software Development professionals for sophisticated technical applications.

Introduction to Computer Science I

Human–Computer Interaction

Programming and Algorithms

IT and Commercial Law

Mathematics

Subject-Specific and Methodological Competence I 

Introduction to Computer Science II

Operating Systems

Computer Networks

Databases

Data Structures in an Application Context

Subject-Specific and Methodological Competence II 

In-company training and bespoke in-house courses at the Siemens Training Centre in Chemnitz

In-company training and bespoke in-house courses at the Siemens Training Centre in Chemnitz

Applied Computer Science in Practice

Low-level programming

Introduction to IT security

Mathematics: Probability and Statistics

2 elective modules:

  • Specific Programming Paradigms
  • GPU programming
  • 2D/3D computer graphics 

Software Engineering and Information Systems

Theoretical Computer Science

Distributed Systems

Embedded Systems

2 elective modules:

  • Modern Software Development Approaches
  • Virtual and Augmented Reality
  • High-Performance Computing 

Applied AI: Theory and Practice

Mobile and Web Engineering

Project module: Software Development vs. IT security

2 elective modules:

  • Parallel and Distributed Computing
  • Data Representation
  • Modern Database Technologies 

Practical module
: Independent scientific and practical work within a company
Duration: 12 weeks

Bachelor’s
thesis: Final, independent academic thesis
Duration: 12 weeks

„‘Small town’ isn’t a bad thing. Mittweida makes it easy to fit in. Student life revolves around the hotspots and shared flats, and it’s easy to find like-minded people. I still look back fondly on that brilliant time and am glad I made that decision back then.”
Jimmy
29, from Hof, graduate
„Mittweida has never put obstacles in my way, but has supported every one of my projects – no matter how absurd the idea might have sounded at first. Here, you’re not seen as a nuisance, but are treated as an equal partner by Mittweida University of Applied Sciences and the lecturers.”
Kurt
31, from Großenhain, graduate
„I chose Mittweida because I was impressed by the practical focus of the course. But what really made my degree special was the opportunity to get directly involved in development work with the TMM motorsport team and gain valuable practical experience in the process.”
Peter
27, from Tönisvorst, graduate
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Applied Computer Science in Mittweida

In summary – Applied Computer Science in Mittweida

Description

Degree Apprenticeship/Dual Study Program in Applied Computer Science with recognised vocational training

Academic degree
Bachelor of Science
(180 Credits)
Regular study period
8 Semesters, Degree Apprenticeship/Dual Study Program
Start
Winter semester
Course language
german
Admission restriction
No
Costs per semester
Semester fee 107€
Afterwards?

As a graduate of the Degree Apprenticeship/Dual Study Program in Applied Computer Science, you might, for example, develop software for industrial automation systems, programme applications for networked production environments, or work on digital solutions for technical infrastructure. Typical roles include Software Development for industrial applications, embedded systems developer, IT security specialist for industrial systems, backend developer for technical platforms, or software engineer in the field of Industry 4.0.

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Study Information Evening (Studieninformationsabend)

11 November 2026 | 5.00 pm to 7.00 pm

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Application and Admission

Applicants must hold a general university entrance qualification, a university of applied sciences entrance qualification, a subject-specific university entrance qualification or an equivalent recognised qualification. Applicants who have completed vocational training and have at least three years’ professional experience may also be admitted following a consultation and a successful entrance examination.

Language skills:

Anyone who did not obtain their university entrance qualification at a German-speaking institution must demonstrate German language proficiency at level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Proof of this can be provided, for example, by taking the ‘German as a Foreign Language’ (TestDaF) test at the Mittweida University of Applied Sciences Preparatory College with an average score of TDN 3 in all four sections, or by presenting an equivalent certificate.

Applications are made online directly to Siemens. Once you have submitted your online application, your documents will be reviewed. If you receive an invitation to an interview and attend it, you will hear back from Siemens within 14 days as to whether they will accept you as a dual-study student. You will then enter your details into the Mittweida University of Applied Sciences application portal.

Excellent study conditions, modern facilities and affordable rent allow you to focus fully on your studies. Tutorials are on hand to help with academic queries, the SAXEED start-up network guides you through the process of developing your own business idea, and the Social Support Service offers assistance with specific life situations, such as childcare or caring for relatives. The campus also has plenty to offer: two music festivals a year, an active esports team and a vibrant student community. Discover just how diverse life in Mittweida is – at the Open Campus Day (Studieninformationstag) or the Night of Sciences (Nacht der Wissenschaften).

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Do you have any more questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

No, your training partner, Siemens, stipulates that you must choose the Software Development specialisation for your degree programme. If you would like to opt for the IT security specialisation, please apply for the full-time degree programme.

The Degree Apprenticeship/Dual Study Program in Mittweida offers a unique combination: you’ll complete your Bachelor’s degree whilst simultaneously undertaking an IHK apprenticeship as an electronics technician specialising in industrial engineering. Whilst a traditional degree programme is purely academic, this programme allows you to combine Applied Computer Science directly with valuable hardware knowledge (such as automation technology or electrical safety). During your practical placements, you’ll immediately start writing code for real-world projects and receive a salary for the entire duration of the programme.

At university, you will learn fundamental concepts such as algorithms and data structures, as well as specific programming paradigms. As the course is combined with an electronics technician apprenticeship, hardware-oriented programming also plays an important role. The course usually covers Java or C++.

Yes! The university works very closely with Siemens Professional Education on this degree programme. You can apply directly to Siemens in Chemnitz for the combined degree and apprenticeship place via a simple three-step process.

The degree programme is organised into fixed, rotating blocks. In the first year, you alternate between university study and work experience; you spend the second year primarily on the job; and from the third year onwards, theory and practice are closely intertwined. This ensures that you can focus fully on both aspects.

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There are more than just five good reasons to study in Mittweida. The most important one: over 90 specialised degree programmes that consistently focus on practical professional skills. Because, particularly in the age of AI, it’s not just about having learnt the theory, but about successfully applying it in practice.

But your time at university is about more than just acquiring knowledge. The HSMW campus is reminiscent of a US university – a small university somewhere in the Midwest. In Mittweida, everything is within easy walking distance, so you can study more comfortably, in a more relaxed and focused way – thanks in part to affordable rents. Instead of having to finance your living costs with part-time jobs, you can make the most of the vibrant campus life.

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