International Programmes 2023/2024

Master of Science in Information Systems Master of Science in Information Systems

University of Münster • Münster

Degree
Master of Science in Information Systems
Teaching language
  • English
Languages

While the entire programme is offered in English, students have the opportunity to select modules taught in German by our colleagues in Business Administration and Computer Science. For more information on our courses, please see the module descriptions.

Mode of study
Less than 50% online
Programme duration
4 semesters
Beginning
Winter and summer semester
Application deadline

EU and non-EU students via online portal:
10 May to 15 July for the following winter semester
10 November to 15 January for the following summer semester

Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
Yes
Joint degree / double degree programme
No
Description/content

Education for the Digital Future

Digitalisation affects us all. The public discourse is buzzing with a plethora of concepts: digital transformation, data science, and mobile computing are but a few trending topics. Together they represent the many facets of our digital future. We may not yet know its exact form, but digitalisation sets out to transform every fabric of how we conduct business as well as how we communicate and collaborate - in short, the very way we live together in a globalised, digitalised society.

This programme is designed for those who want to participate in the shaping of that digital future. It is geared toward those who want to know more than a buzzword, but also want to understand the underlying mechanisms. It is a programme that grants students the freedom to actively compose their own individual curriculum.

The education with us can be broad or specialised. It prepares students for starting their own businesses, for jobs in specific industries or for academic careers. In short, this programme puts students in the driver’s seat to the journey into the digital future.

The Master of Science in Information Systems at the University of Münster is a full-time programme taking place over the course of four semesters and totalling 120 credit points. The programme is taught exclusively in English. The Department of Information Systems is part of the AACSB-accredited School of Business & Economics. It also enjoys close ties with the Computer Science Department. This allows for a truly interdisciplinary programme that integrates information systems, management, computer science, and quantitative methods. The curriculum is built around seven thematic areas of specialisation ("tracks") reflecting current business needs and research endeavours. The tracks include Information Management, Process Management, Business Intelligence, Business Networks, Information Systems Development, Logistics, Production & Retail, and Marketing.

During their course of study, students also have the opportunity to spend a semester abroad or do an internship abroad

Course organisation

One of the hallmarks of the programme is the wide variety of subjects from which students may choose.

Students select two of the following tracks to specialise reflecting the areas and methods relevant to information systems: Information Management, Process Management, Business Intelligence, Business Networks, Information Systems Development, Logistics, Production & Retail, and Marketing.

These two chosen tracks are complemented by five elective modules, two seminars, and a project seminar. Elective modules consist not only of subjects offered by the Department of Information Systems but also include subjects offered by the Departments of Computer Science and Business Administration. Here again, students can choose which thematic areas they would like to focus on.

Seminars and project seminars are taught in small groups and are concerned with the latest topics in research and practice. Each semester, students are offered a new selection of seminars and project seminars from which to choose. While seminars represent a perfect opportunity for students to train their skills in academic writing, project seminars school students in how to turn a business problem into a solution. In teams, students have to do a full circle from the first idea to a prototypical implementation.

The Master's thesis allows students to demonstrate their ability to undertake an in-depth research project. This thesis completes the programme.

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International elements
  • International guest lecturers
  • Integrated study abroad unit(s)
  • Courses are led with foreign partners
  • Projects with partners in Germany and abroad
Description of other international elements

In Münster, internationality is apparent through the number of international students enrolled in our programme, courses led by international guest lecturers, and joint courses with different universities within the European Research Center for Information Systems (ERCIS), an international research network with its headquarters in Münster. For the past several years, we have also offered a so-called "virtual seminar" in which students from different universities worldwide work together as an international team.

Integrated study abroad unit(s)

In general, studying abroad is strongly encouraged, but it is not compulsory. The programme provides many opportunities for international experience. Students benefit from the school's well-established partnerships with more than 100 distinguished academic institutions worldwide.

Course-specific, integrated German language courses
No
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
No
Pace of course
Mixed (e.g. fixed exam dates and duration, study content can be studied at any time)
Phase(s) of attendance in Germany (applies to the entire programme)
Yes, compulsory
Types of online learning elements
  • Access to databases with study material
  • Blogs
  • Chats (with lecturers and other students)
  • Discussion forums and / or groups
  • Flipped Classroom
  • Message Boards
  • Mobile learning apps
  • Online sessions
  • Online study material provided by institution
  • Online tutorials
  • Podcasts
  • Video learning (Pre-recorded videos, Vlogs, Video-Podcasts)
  • Wikis
Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Semester contribution

Students must pay a semester contribution fee of 316.98 EUR per semester. This includes a "semester ticket" covering public transportation in the greater Münster area as well as the German federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

You can find more information here:
https://www.uni-muenster.de/studieninteressierte/en/einschreibung/semesterbeitrag.shtml

Costs of living

We recommend that students budget at least 900 EUR per month to cover personal expenses (accommodation, living expenses, health insurance).

Funding opportunities within the university
Yes
Description of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the university

The university has put together a number of different funding opportunities.

Academic admission requirements
  • Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in information systems, computer science, business administration, or in a closely related area (minimum average grade 2.9)
  • A solid foundation of knowledge in computer science, information systems, quantitative methods, and business administration (18 credits in each subject area)
Language requirements

Applicants must provide proof of their English skills: level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Application deadline

EU and non-EU students via online portal:
10 May to 15 July for the following winter semester
10 November to 15 January for the following summer semester

Submit application to

Please visit our website for the application process.

Possibility of finding part-time employment

Many companies in Münster and its surroundings regularly look for students interested in part-time jobs. Our department is also always looking for engaged students to work as research assistants in the department. 

On the job portal of our department as well as the University KAP, there are various opportunities for both part-time and full-time jobs. 

Accommodation

As in all popular university cities in Germany, accommodation is in high demand and is not easy to find in Münster – but it’s not impossible either!

Please contact the International Office (Bachelor's and Master's students) or the WWU Graduate Centre (doctoral candidates) for advice. Please also note that the University of Münster (like most German public universities) does not have its own student halls of residence.

Career advisory service

By providing guest lectures and projects cooperating with our partners from different industries, students have the opportunities to get to know various companies during their studies.

In addition, the School’s Career Development Center (CDC) helps students start their career paths. Its services range from organising trainings and checking your application documents, to establishing contacts with future employers. CDC also hosts a career fair annually, which is exclusively for Münster students. 

Support for international students and doctoral candidates
  • Welcome event
  • Accompanying programme
  • Cultural and linguistic preparation
General services and support for international students and doctoral candidates

The International Office of the university and the International Relations Centre of our school are dedicated to easing international students into the student community of Münster.

The Buddy Programme at the University is designed to enable international and German students to network with one another.

University of Münster

Content Bild
Department of Information Systems at Leonardo Campus in Münster

With about 45,000 students and 5,500 academics, the University of Münster is one of the largest universities in Germany. It enjoys an outstanding reputation in the region and far beyond for its excellent research opportunities, high-quality teaching and promotion of junior researchers. Fifteen faculties with 120 degree programmes and some 30 research centres comprise the institutional backbone of the university. Besides its academic opportunities, the University of Münster offers a wide and varied range of extracurricular activities. Pursue your interests by participating in student societies, university theatre, choirs, orchestras, bands, and sports courses. Additionally, make sure to visit the university's museums and gardens to further enrich your experience.

30 Number of countries from which we receive applications
9 Different research groups in our department

University location

Münster is located in north-west Germany, close to the border with the Netherlands. The city is a lively student town, famous for its bicycle-friendly atmosphere and student pubs. Of Münster's total population of approx. 316,400 inhabitants, over 61,800 are students at the different universities. Münster is a thriving centre of science and academia. It is a great place to live, learn and teach.

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