Computer Science for Industry and Business (MSc COSIB) University of Konstanz

MSc COSIB - a continuing education / advanced Master’s programme for international IT talents and career changers with a focus on the German labour market

• COSIB programme and module structure

Computer science is a dynamic and continuously evolving discipline. Professionals in this field constantly develop their technical and methodological skills – lifelong learning is therefore a central element of professional practice. In this context, the MSc COSIB has been designed. 

The programme is aimed at both aspiring and experienced international IT professionals who are either already active in the German labour market or specifically seeking to enter it. It offers a compact, structured, academically grounded opportunity to further develop existing knowledge and/or acquire new specialist competencies.

For international career changers into IT

• You have completed a degree in a STEM field, already gained practical IT experience, and now wish to establish yourself in the IT industry in Germany through a structured academic pathway and a recognised academic qualification.
• The MSc COSIB provides you with solid foundations in computer science as well as a deeper understanding of selected specialist areas and supports you in qualifying as an IT professional for the German labour market.

For international IT professionals outside Germany

• You already hold a degree in computer science or a closely related field and have gained professional IT experience. You now wish to strengthen your qualifications through a specialised Master’s degree and prepare for a role in the German labour market or advance your career there.
• The MSc COSIB offers an academically grounded specialisation that provides competencies applicable across different contexts of IT practice and employability-oriented elements. This allows you to sharpen your professional profile and systematically prepare for your next career step in the German labour market.

For international IT professionals in Germany

• You are already working as an IT expert in Germany and would like to expand your knowledge, explore new subject areas, or integrate current research trends into your professional practice.
• The MSc COSIB enables academic specialisation and supports you in further developing your expertise within your professional and disciplinary context.

Regardless of individual background, the MSc COSIB is aimed at international IT talent and career changers who wish to build or advance their careers in Germany.

The MSc COSIB is a compact one-year Master's programme that combines basic and/or advanced study in computer science with integrated practical elements. It is designed for students seeking to broaden or complement their academic background while preparing for careers in the German IT sector.

Upon successful completion, graduates are awarded a fully accredited Master of Science degree from the University of Konstanz, recognised both nationally and internationally.

COSIB in brief:

• Degree options: 
  Master of Science (60 ECTS)
  Diploma of advanced studies (30 ECTS)
• Standard period of study: 
  Two semesters
• Form of study: 
  First semester: full-time on-campus study
  Second semester: flexible practical period
• Practical elements:
  Eight-week professional or research internship, 
• Special programme features: 
  Data Science profile or individual specialisation e.g. AI
  Alumni mentoring/talks
  Micro-degree certification option (DoAS)

Programme structure: 
In two semesters, students of the MSc COSIB complete 60 ECTS credits:

First semester (30-33 ECTS):

• Introductory (basic) modules in computer science (0-12 ECTS) and/or specialised in-depth modules (18-30 ECTS)
• KEY module on labour market orientation/integration (0-3 ECTS)

Students develop either an in-depth understanding of the basic principles of computer science, including the theoretical and practical aspects of algorithms, data structures and programming languages. They learn how to design, analyse and implement efficient algorithms.

Additionally, they have set their own specialisations depending on their previous knowledge and individual interests, such as AI, and choose from pre-defined profiles, such as Data Science.

Second semester (27-30 ECTS)

• Eight-week professional or research internship (8 ECTS)
• KEY module on labour market orientation/integration (3-6 ECTS)
• Thesis and colloquium (16 ECTS)

Students of the MSc COSIB have the opportunity to specialise in Data Science, which can be studied in both the summer and winter semesters.

Information about the programme and module structure

AWW - Akademie für Wissenschaftliche Weiterbildung (Academy for Academic Continuing Education)

The MSc COSIB is a career-oriented degree programme designed to equip students with the advanced skills required to succeed as qualified IT specialists. A key component of the programme is a compulsory internship of at least eight weeks in the second semester, giving students valuable hands-on experience in a company related to their field of study.

• Students who are already employed may complete this internship within their current company, provided their work is clearly relevant to computer science.
• To further support career development, the department actively connects students with regional companies by offering a range of networking opportunities, including alumni talks, matchmaking events, and mentoring programmes.
• Students interested in pursuing an academic career or deepening their expertise in a specific area also have the option to complete a research internship within the department, working closely with one of its research groups. 

The Department of Computer Science works closely with the Career Service at the University of Konstanz and the IT-competence network cyberLAGO and other company networks for this purpose.

Ideally, the compulsory internship serves already as an entry point into the German IT job market. Subject to relevance to the field of study and academic approval, the Master’s thesis may also be completed in cooperation with a company.

Our admission committee decides on the basis of the application documents, using defined mandatory criteria and a points system, on the eligibility for the Master's programme in Computer Science for Industry and Business.

Eligibility is granted if all mandatory criteria are met and additionally, at least 20 out of 35 points are achieved in the points system.

• In a first formal selection step, mandatory criteria such as a relevant degree, the final grade, proof of relevant prior knowledge in the field of computer science and mathematics, proof of at least one year of relevant professional experience, and sufficient English language skills are evaluated.
• If all mandatory criteria are met, points are awarded for the final grade, additional subject-specific knowledge, professional experience, and the study project.

Be sure to familiarise yourself with the admission criteria and language requirements; they are listed in full on this website.

Students currently pay the following additional administrative fees: 209 EUR
More information can be found on this website.

The average monthly living cost in Konstanz is around 800-900 EUR including rent:

• Rent (including utilities): 420 to 500 EUR
• Food: 194 EUR
• Phone, internet, broadcasting fees: 29 EUR
• Clothing, laundry, personal hygiene: 40 EUR
• Learning materials: 28 EUR
• Medical care, medicine: 97 EUR
• Leisure time, culture and sports: 60 EUR
• Health insurance: 115 EUR
• Total: 983 to 1,013 EUR

Additional costs per semester:

• Re-registration: 209 EUR
• Bus ticket: 65.30 EUR

The Lake Constance region is an economically strong region with well-known large companies and medium-sized “hidden champions.” The city of Konstanz also has a thriving start-up culture and, with the cyberLAGO network, a very well-organised industry-specific company network in the field of IT expertise.

More information can be found here.

In cases of unexpected financial hardship, the university will try to help with emergency financial support. For an overview of financial support options, check our website.

The MSc COSIB at the University of Konstanz offers a range of employability support services that are closely integrated into the curriculum and designed to prepare students for the IT job market.

A central feature of the programme is its strong focus on labour market integration. Students complete a compulsory, subject-related internship of at least eight weeks, which can serve as a direct entry point into employment in Germany. The department actively supports this process by facilitating contacts with regional companies and organising networking formats such as alumni talks, mentoring programmes, and matchmaking events. 

In addition, the MSc COSIB includes structured modules on “labour market orientation and integration,” ensuring that career preparation is an explicit part of the academic programme.  Students also benefit from broader university-wide career services.

At the University of Konstanz, international students have access to a variety of accommodation options, including student residence halls, shared flats (WGs), and private apartments. Because housing in Konstanz is limited and demand is high, early application and preparation are strongly recommended.

A major provider of student accommodation is Seezeit Studierendenwerk Bodensee, which offers rooms in multiple residence halls across the city. These rooms are usually furnished and available either as single rooms in shared flats or as small studio-style units. In shared flats, students typically have their own private bedroom while sharing kitchen and bathroom facilities with two to six other students, creating a community-oriented living environment. (uni-konstanz.de)

Residence halls vary in size and structure, ranging from smaller shared apartments to larger housing complexes. This allows students to choose between more social living arrangements or quieter, more independent settings depending on availability and preference. (seezeit.com)

In addition to student residences, international students can also look for accommodation on the private housing market, including individual apartments or shared flats (WGs) with other students. However, these options are often competitive, especially at the beginning of the semester. 

To support incoming students, the university and Studierendenwerk provide guidance and information on housing options, application procedures, and practical tips for finding accommodation. Overall, students benefit from a range of housing possibilities that allow them to choose a living arrangement that best fits their needs, budget, and lifestyle.

More information on housing options

Would you like to study at one of the best research universities in Germany? Then the University of Konstanz is the right place for you. We offer you excellent study conditions in a beautiful location between Lake Constance and the Alps. For us, excellence in studies and teaching also means cultivating close cooperation. We encourage our students to take part in discussions and get involved in research from the start.

Our university is currently home to some 10,000 students enrolled in around 120 different study programmes in the fields of mathematics and natural sciences, humanities, politics, law, and economics. With students from more than 90 countries around the world, we are proud to call our university an international community. This international character is further strengthened by our extensive network of over 245 Erasmus+ partnerships across Europe, more than 60 bilateral partnerships with universities worldwide and several Master’s programmes with double degree options. The University of Konstanz is a campus-based university: you will get to know other students quickly, come into contact with other departments and feel at home right away. Our university has an open-door policy: professors are very accessible and happy to help you with any questions or issues you might have.

We will give you a very warm welcome and support you in every stage of your stay. We have an excellent supervision ratio and top advisory services. You will learn in small groups and work across disciplines. We promote innovative teaching methods and strategies such as transfer formats or virtual classrooms and support lecturers in further developing their teaching. Our Advanced Data and Information Literacy Track (ADILT) complements all study programmes by teaching the fundamentals of computer science and data processing methods, along with their legal foundations. Additionally, it provides reflection on their relevance for society.

In Konstanz, you will find optimal conditions for research, studying, and teaching.

The University of Konstanz has set the following five research priorities:

• Collective Behaviour
• Cultural Dynamics and Social Transformation
• Material – Function - Quantum
• Molecular Principles of Life
• Inequality and Conflict

We want to give you the best possible opportunities to develop personally and professionally. You will have many opportunities to put your own ideas into action – whether you conduct research or start a spin-off. In Konstanz, we foster close communication and a strong sense of community to enhance the potential of our university members at all levels. We bring together our different backgrounds and disciplines to create something truly outstanding. At the same time, you will enjoy an /exceptionally beautiful environment with a historical city, lake, and nearby mountains as well as excellent sports facilities.

Find out more about our university and student life in Konstanz on our website.

Konstanz is situated in south-west Germany in the federal state of Baden-Württemberg, and it shares its border with the Swiss town of Kreuzlingen. It is beautifully located on the shores of the Rhine River and Lake Constance, central Europe's second-largest lake, where the borders of Austria, Germany, and Switzerland converge. The lively university city, with about 87,000 inhabitants, among them more than 14,000 students, is the economic and cultural centre of the Lake Constance region. Take a stroll through the shopping mall and the historical centre featuring both large department stores and small specialist shops. Take a break in one of the many cafés, restaurants, ice cream parlours, pubs, and wine bars. Konstanz is not only a popular tourist destination but also an attractive business location (light industry, commerce, high technology). It is a very safe place to live offering a high quality of life with its excellent infrastructure and diverse cultural and recreational facilities. Konstanz has a long and rich historical tradition. The first settlements were erected in Konstanz Bay in 2000 BC, and the city was given its name "Constantia" by the Romans in the fourth century AD. Konstanz has a well-preserved medieval town and numerous historical buildings from the Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque periods.

Konstanz has the perfect location for all kinds of outdoor leisure activities. The region has an excellent network of routes for walking, cycling, and in-line skating tours. The beaches are a major attraction for relaxing in the sun and swimming in the lake or the Rhine. The lake offers various water sports, such as sailing, canoeing, and diving, while the nearby Alps provide year-round enjoyment for skiers, snowboarders, hikers, and climbers. Konstanz is the home of the oldest running theatre in Germany and of the famous Southwest German Philharmonic Orchestra. There are several museums, art galleries, and art centres offering a broad spectrum of events: art and documentary exhibitions and concerts in all genres of music. Konstanz is also an ideal starting point for excursions to many attractions in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Liechtenstein. On the city's doorstep are the famous gardens of Mainau Island and the Island of Reichenau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can take boat trips to beautiful towns around the lake, such as Meersburg, Überlingen, and Lindau. The lakeside town of Friedrichshafen is the home of the Zeppelin, and the Austrian city of Bregenz is renowned for its summer festivals, featuring spectacular opera and musical performances on a floating stage in the lake. A boat trip along one of the most beautiful parts of the Rhine takes you to the magnificent Rhine Falls at the Swiss town of Schaffhausen. From Konstanz, you can easily reach major cities, such as Zurich, Basel, Strasbourg, Stuttgart, Munich, and Milan.