Informatics (extension curriculum)

This extension curriculum consists of a predefined group of modules with the aim of teaching students the fundamentals of computer science as well as basic methods of software engineering. It serves as a basis for the advanced, interdisciplinary Master's degree program Multilingual Technologies. This English-taught program combines translation studies, transcultural communication, computer science, and computational linguistics.

One focusof the program is on methods for creating and using language technologies, for example technologies to support research, information and knowledge management, language data management, and translation and interpreting. Another focus is on language resources such as terminologies or computer dictionaries.

Admission to the Master's degree program Multilingual Technologies requires a Bachelor's degree in a suitable subject (e.g. Transcultural Communication of the University of Vienna or Computer Sciences and Digital Communications of the Hochschule Campus Wien) as well as the following subject-specific knowledge:

  1. Basic knowledge of language technologies and technical communication
  2. Basics of computer science, basic methods and tools of software engineering

The specially developed extension curriculum Language Technologies and Technical Communication (Erweiterungscurriculum Sprachtechnologien und Fachkommunikation, held in German) of the University of Vienna as well as the extension curriculum Computer Science* of the Hochschule Campus Wien cover this subject-specific knowledge.

Extension curriculum: Computer Science

Language of teaching: English

15 ECTS

Duration: one semester (each summer semester)

Course overview

Module

6 SWS   10 ECTS

Learning results

  • After completing the course, students will be able to understand the essential and basic sorting, search and graph algorithms of computer science and to program them themselves.

  • After completing the course, students are able to select suitable data structures for specific applications and problems and to implement them in practical tasks.

  • After completing the course, students will be able to explain the basic concepts and architectures of database systems and relate them to each other.

6 SWS
10 ECTS
Algorithms and data structures | ILV

Algorithms and data structures | ILV

3 SWS   5 ECTS

Content

The course aims to introduce students to the basics of programming and the concepts of algorithms and data structures. It is designed for students with no prior knowledge of computer science. The theory lecture is supplemented with interactive examples. The students work out exercises independently between the exercises. Python is used as the programming language for the practical part.

The course covers the following topics in particular:

  • Data types and control structures
  • Loops and functions
  • Lists, Arrays
  • hash tables
  • Tree structures
  • Stacks, Queues
  • Sorting algorithms
  • Search algorithms

Examination

Continuous assessment

Teaching language

Englisch

3 SWS
5 ECTS
Design of databases | ILV

Design of databases | ILV

3 SWS   5 ECTS

Content

Relational and object-relational database systems are a central component of many IT infrastructures and web-based online services. In this basic course the design of such systems and the interactive work are studied. The contents of the course are:

  • Basics and architectures of database systems
  • Transaction concept
  • Entity Relationship (ER) model and ER design
  • Relational model, database design and normal forms
  • Database implementation with SQL-DDL
  • SQL as a query language

Examination

Continuous assessment: Checkmarks

Student presentations

Lab project in small groups

Teaching language

Englisch

3 SWS
5 ECTS
Module

3 SWS   5 ECTS

Learning results

  • Graduates have an overview of the methods used to develop requirements for products / services, which are defined in legally binding documents (e.g. specifications, service catalog) (taking into account any legal requirements, such as the Product Liability Act).

  • Graduates learn how to implement them in a system design.

  • Graduates know the software development process and the individual phases as well as the necessary activities to create software.

  • Graduates master analysis and design methods as well as test methods.

  • Graduates are able to carry out an analysis for limited software systems, plan the project organisationally and also assess the quality.

3 SWS
5 ECTS
Software Design and Programming | ILV

Software Design and Programming | ILV

3 SWS   5 ECTS

Content

Graduates know the essential elements of system-oriented design. They know the design method UML (Unified Modeling Language) with its most important diagrams (Use Case, Class, State and Sequence Diagram) and master the use in the course of a practical object-oriented system design. They are able to distinguish between functional and non-functional requirements and also define these.

Graduates know the principles of systematic software development. On the one hand technical, such as object orientation and structure, on the other hand organisational principles. They know the characteristics of software, the roles and tasks in software development, phases of software development (analysis, design, implementation, testing, maintenance), software development models as well as the problems of reusing existing software (software reuse) and aging software (refactoring).

Graduates know the basic thinking and procedures of software quality assurance. They are familiar with software testing methods (module tests and system tests) and know the effects of software errors and the problems of their detection as well as the "psychology of testing". They are able to apply the different test methods and know the phases of testing (definition of test cases, structure of the test environment, test execution and documentation). Furthermore, the students know metrics to be able to assess the quality of software.

Examination

Continuous assessment

Teaching language

Englisch

3 SWS
5 ECTS

Proof of English B2 for students with English in their language combination:

Completion of the course Translation-relevant language and text competence in English and the seminar Functional grammar and text stylistics in English as part of the bachelor's degree program in Transcultural Communication.

Proof of B2 for students without English in their language combination: Certificate proving proficiency in the language at level B2 according to the European Framework of Reference for English.

Admission

Admission Requirements

  • All applicants are required to hold active enrolment status at the University of Vienna both at the time of application and throughout the duration of the extension curriculum
  • Proof of sufficient proficiency of English at level B2 according to the European Framework of Reference for Languages:  Admission English language skills


All applicants are subject to these core admission criteria, with additional requirements determined by their educational background:

  • Applicants who are enrolled in the Bachelor's degree program Transcultural Communication at the University of Vienna:
    - Completed StEOP
    - English B2 (see details above)
  •  Applicants who are not enrolled in BA Trancultural Communication:
    Applicants who are not enrolled in, or have already completed, the BA Transcultural Communication at the University of Vienna may only pursue the Extension Curriculum Computer Science if they intend to continue with the Master's programme Multilingual Technologies.

All applicants are required to hold active enrolment status at the University of Vienna both at the time of application and throughout the duration of the extension curriculum. In addition, the following requirements must be met:

 

Places are limited, and students from the University of Vienna’s BA degree program Transcultural Communication will be given preference.

 

Application

Application period: Applications for the 2027 summer semester are possible from November 2nd, 2026 until January 15th, 2027

Applications to: mlt.translation@univie.ac.at

Application documents:

  • Transcript of records/confirmation of courses passed from which the fulfillment of the above-mentioned requirements is evident
  • Proof of sufficient proficiency of English at level B2

Application and contact

Do you require further information about the extension curriculum in Computer Science or would you like to register for it?

Applications to: mlt.translation@univie.ac.at 

Questions regarding content to: mlt@hcw.ac.at