Study Guide is your digital personal assistant to studying in Germany.
Master's programme

Information Systems – Master of Science University of Cologne

Duration
4 semesters
Language of instruction
German
English
Tuition fees
No tuition fees
Next application deadline
15 June 2027 (winter semester)
Language level required
English: B2
German: C1

Always know what comes next

Study Guide gives you a personal to-do list tailored to your background, qualifications and interests, so you always know what to do next.

Programme overview

Quick facts

Degree
MSc
Duration
4 semesters
Full-time / part-time
Full-time
Intake
Winter semester
Joint degree / double degree programme
No
A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No

Language of instruction

  • German
  • English

German, English

Programme description

The programme is hosted by the Cologne Institute for Information Systems (CIIS). Members of the CIIS and the CIIS on an institutional level have achieved remarkable recognition in most recent ranking surveys; e.g. according to WirtschaftsWoche (WIWO) Ranking, a leading German business magazine, professors Wolf Ketter, Christoph Rosenkranz, and Detlef Schoder all rank among the top 5% of all business researchers in German-speaking countries. In addition, the CIIS is one of the best ranked information systems research institutions worldwide according to the recently released 2021 ranking by the Association of Information Systems (first place in Germany, top 10 in Europe, and top 100 worldwide).

  • Digital Transformation and Analytics
  • Information Systems and Information Management
  • Information Systems and Integrated Information
  • Systems Information Systems and Systems Development
  • Information Systems for Sustainable Society

Through your direct contact with the professors of the institute, you will receive an excellent education, as professors in the CIIS rank among the top scholars within their fields. Many of our graduates have developed business contacts even before completing their studies. For detailed information, please go to ciis.uni-koeln.de.

Our faculty has benefited from many years of experience working with companies and with visiting lecturers from a variety of professional fields. These professionals and managers bring highly relevant industry experience to the programme, resulting in sector-specific, up-to-date programme content that combines practice and theory and reflects the real world.

Programme structure

From basic knowledge to your personal expert know-how

  • Within this programme, the core and advanced sections cover the theoretical and methodological basis. You can select between two major groups by choosing the modules in Information Systems I & II and Digital Transformation or Information Systems and Environmental Sustainability, Analytics and Applications, and Digital Transformation and Innovation.
  • The Specialisation Section teaches major-specific basics and, in addition, advanced skills within the same area. While Computer Science is compulsory, you can also choose another from three areas.
  • The Supplementary Section serves as an additional section for developing a more specific profile – either by deepening and specialising or by diversifying knowledge. According to our interdisciplinary approach, further modules from business administration as well as from social sciences or economics are available to students.
  • With the Master’s thesis required for the successful completion of your studies, you will demonstrate the knowledge and skills you have personally acquired throughout the programme and will be ready to continue your career as an expert in your field.
Programme structure

Mode of study

  • Less than 50% online
    Phase of attendance: yes, compulsory
    Pace of course: mixed (e.g. fixed exam dates and duration, study content can be studied at any time)

International elements in the curriculum

The curriculum of this study programme includes international elements that support global perspectives and cross-cultural learning:

  • Language training provided
  • Training in intercultural skills
  • Projects with partners in Germany and abroad
  • International guest lecturers
  • Specialist literature in other languages
  • Courses are led with foreign partners
  • International comparisons and thematic reference to the international context

Most of our courses are offered in English. We cooperate with more than 150 partner universities throughout the world, so it is easy for you to spend a semester abroad, take part in one of our study tours, or participate in our other short programmes such as "WiSo@NYC". More information and offers can be found at the International Relations Center (ZIB WiSo).

Application and admission

Application period(s)

Winter semester

Applicants from Applications begin Application deadline
All countries
15 April 2027
15 June 2027
Information on application periods

Academic admissions requirements

  • Bachelor's degree
  • at least 20 ECTS credits in the field of Information Systems
  • at least 30 ECTS credits in the field(s) of Business Administration and/or Economics
  • at least 30 ECTS credits in the field(s) of Statistics and/or Mathematics and/or Informatics

Please find more information and a full list of requirements here.

Language requirements

Please check all requirements directly with the respective higher education institution.

German language requirements

German: C1

Accepted certificates include
Certificates Minimum result
Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH)
Total: DSH-2

English language requirements

English: B2

Accepted certificates include
Certificates Minimum result
TOEFL iBT (since 2026)
Total: 4 / 6
Reading: 4 / 6
Listening: 4 / 6
Writing: 4 / 6
Speaking: 4 / 6
IELTS Academic
Total: 5.5 / 9
Cambridge English Qualifications
Total: B2 First

How to apply?

Website

Please check this website.

Click here

Costs and funding

Tuition fees per semester

No tuition fees

Semester contribution

The semester contribution amounts to approx. 320 EUR per semester. The fee includes a public transport ticket for regional transport throughout Germany ("Deutschlandsemesterticket").

Scholarships and financing information

Living & services

Support for international students

  • Welcome event
  • Buddy programme
  • Tutors
  • Specialist counselling
  • Cultural and linguistic preparation
  • Visa matters
  • Help with finding accommodation

WiSo Student Services

Career advisory services

Accommodation

Accommodation is available through the student union ("Kölner Studierendenwerk") or on the private housing market. Rent for a single room in a student hall of residence is approx. 200 EUR to 300 EUR. Rent for a single room on the private housing market is approx. 400 EUR to 600 EUR.

Contact

Main contact

Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences

Address
50931 Köln

Discover other scholarships

Loading scholarships...

These scholarships might be available to this degree programme. Please select a country of origin first. 

Always know what comes next

Study Guide gives you a personal to-do list tailored to your background, qualifications and interests, so you always know what to do next.