Balancing Theory, Practice, and Innovation: Requirements Engineering Curricula in Swiss Higher Education

Anthea Moravánszky; Ingo Barkow

doi:10.3991/ijep.v16i3.57713

Authors

Anthea Moravánszky University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary https://orcid.org/0009-0001-3055-6689
Ingo Barkow University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons, Chur, Switzerland https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0693-5694

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3991/ijep.v16i3.57713

Keywords:

Requirements Engineering (RE), Higher Education, Curriculum, Industry Relevance, Requirements Engineering Education (REE)

Abstract

This qualitative study provides an in-depth overview of requirements engineering (RE) education in Swiss higher education institutions, comparing the offerings at universities and universities of applied sciences. The findings reveal major diversity in course formats, content, and institutional contexts, with a strong emphasis on industry relevance. Many programmes incorporate practical learning, project-based assessments, and alignment with professional standards like the Certificate of Professional Requirements Engineering of the International Requirements Engineering Board. While this research is specific to Switzerland, its insights have broader implications for RE education in Europe, particularly in dual higher education systems. The study highlights the growing importance of emerging themes such as artificial intelligence, stressing the need for curricula that remain responsive and future-oriented. To deepen understanding and strengthen the validity of findings, ongoing research will triangulate educator insights with student and industry perspectives, enabling a systematic comparison of needs, expectations, and perceived challenges in RE education. This triangulated approach will support the development of effective, inclusive, and practice-oriented RE curricula.

Author Biographies

Anthea Moravánszky, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary

Anthea Moravánszky holds a master’s degree in information engineering from the University of Constance, Germany. Since 2009, she teaches requirements engineering as an external lecturer at two universities of applied sciences in Switzerland. In addition to several IREB CPRE certifications, she is a certified Black Belt and Scrum Master. Prior to her academic career, she spent nearly ten years working as a project manager and requirements engineer in the Swiss financial sector. She is pursuing a Ph.D. at the Doctoral School of Education at the University of Szeged, Hungary, where she is researching requirements engineering education in higher education.

Ingo Barkow, University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons, Chur, Switzerland

Ingo Barkow is professor and head of the Swiss Institute for Information Science at the University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons. Before joining FH Graubünden in 2015, he served as a data manager at the German Institute for International Educational Research (DIPF), where he led technical development for international studies such as PISA and PIAAC. He has also managed an IT training company and worked as a corporate trainer and lecturer across Europe. He holds degrees in business informatics and social history and earned his doctorate in metadata management for large-scale educational studies from the University of Szeged.