Blockchain & Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT), M. Sc.

Faculty Applied Computer Sciences and Biosciences
Course of studies Blockchain & Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT)
Degree Master
Academic degree Master of Science
Start Winter semester
Regular study period 4 Semesters
Category computer science
Study fields Blockchain Technical Applications
Blockchain Non-Technical Aspects
Type of study full-time studies
Course language bilingual
Admission restriction No
Tuition No
Credits 120
Accredited No
Application portal Online application

Objective

Changing the world with blockchain.

Forgery-proof digital verification paves the way from the Internet of digital copies to the Internet of digital originals and values. Blockchain technology is the basis for this. It enables digital identity management, digital currencies, and verifiable digital documentation of transactions, as well as decisions and processes, and it will massively change the state system, the financial sector, the real economy, and society.

Blockchain is the foundation for the Internet of Things and the sharing economy. We are convinced of this and are working, funded by the federal government, on the Blockchain Showcase Region Mittweida, in which we are transferring the technology into real applications. This practical experience of how abstract ideas become blockchain reality is migrating directly into the content of the master's program at Mittweida University. 

Career prospects

As diverse as the blockchain possibilities are, the need for professionals is even greater.

Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT) is the first Master's program on the European continent dedicated to this trendy technology. Graduates therefore have the best opportunities and the qualifications to develop new blockchain infrastructures and applications as IT experts for companies and public authorities or on a self-employed basis, or to found a blockchain startup themselves.

Of course, large global corporations are currently dedicated to the topic of blockchain. But often just as exciting are young startups looking to revolutionize a market with an idea based on blockchain. Even in a smaller town like Mittweida, there are already examples of this, for example the former slock.it, which is now part of Blockchains LLC and developed smart locks with an Ethereum blockchain.

All these institutions need specialists who can develop the specific software. But above all, they also need experts to advise them by analyzing and evaluating ideas for their feasibility and economic viability. For this very reason, and to simplify the process of founding one's own startup, the master's program at Mittweida University of Applied Sciences includes non-technical aspects such as IT law, risk management and entrepreneurship in addition to the technical aspects of blockchain technology.

Structure

Blockchain is computer science? Not only.

The master's program in Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT) is open not only to computer scientists but also to bachelor's graduates from a wide range of other disciplines such as mathematics, forensics, economics and humanities. Programming experience can be helpful, but is not a must.

This is because the program combines technical, business and social topics. Students choose four elective modules in each of the first two semesters and are free to choose between technical and non-technical topics. Game theory, for example, is used as a tool for understanding and analyzing decentralized decision-making processes. E-Entrepreneurship focuses on blockchain solutions when it comes to knowledge about start-ups. To deepen the knowledge of computer science from the bachelor's program, the cryptographic modules of the technical block and the architecture of complex software systems, among other things, are suitable.

The elective modules complement four compulsory subjects that all students take. In this way, they are introduced to all aspects related to blockchain applications - technical as well as economic and social. All students will program at least one smart contract.

What all modules have in common is that the content is up to date. Textbooks are the exception rather than the rule in the Blockchain & Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT) master's program. The application of blockchain is advancing so rapidly that book content is usually outdated after a short time. Recently published papers and scientific exchanges at conferences are the main source of knowledge. With the Blockchain Autumn School, one of these conferences takes place annually at Mittweida University. In addition, the application knowledge that the Mittweida scientists have already gathered in the Blockchain Competence Center Mittweida and through the Blockchain Schaufensterregion Mittweida plays a major role. 

The full-time Master's program in Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT) is open to students who have completed their first university degree qualifying them for a profession. A special field of study is not required. Previous computer science knowledge is an advantage, but not mandatory.

Application and Admission

Interested?

Register yourself at hs-mittweida.de/bewerben. As soon as you have sent us all the forms and documents, you can enroll. With your enrollment you have your spot in the program secured. 

Information about application deadlines and required documents can be found at information for international applicants.

For international applicants, special deadlines are noted. All information to that regard can be found on the page deadlines for international students