© Matthew Guay

Information Systems Management (Wirtschaftsinformatik), M.Sc.

Program overview

Digitalization is increasingly changing our economy. This change affects large businesses and corporations as well as small and medium-sized enterprises, and is experienced in all sectors. IT is now key to an organization’s ability to compete. Consequently you, as a computer scientist, need an ever more nuanced knowledge of economics and business. Building on the bachelor’s program, the international master’s degree in Information Systems Management at TU Berlin provides you with the necessary technical expertise, while also enabling you to benefit from the very wide range of modules to focus on an area of specialization. Taught within the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, the program places particular emphasis on computer science. The economics and business elements of the program are taught within the Faculty of Economics and Management. In an age characterized by global markets, it is essential to be able to work using the language of international technical communication, and consequently the majority of courses are offered in English, allowing you to complete your master’s program entirely in English and thus greatly enhance your professional prospects.

DegreeMaster of Science
Standard period of study 4 semesters
Credit points120
Program start Summer and winter semester
Admission Restricted admission
Language of instruction English

Admission requirements

As for every other master’s degree program at TU Berlin, applicants to the Information Systems Management master’s program must possess a first university degree qualifying them for professional work . For this program, your first degree must be in business informatics or a closely related subject. As a rule, the requirements are met if the degree contains the following elements:

-   a minimum of 15 credit points in the fundamentals of mathematics,

-   a minimum of 20 credit points in computer science,

-   a minimum of 10 credit points in business informatics as well as

-   a minimum of 10 credit points in economics.

Full details of the various criteria for application, admission, and selection are laid out in the master’s program’s application and admission regulations.

The entire program can be completed in English. Applicants are therefore required to provide proof of English skills at CEFR level B2. Please see here under "Proof of the level of English for master programs at Faculty IV" for a list of accepted proofs and certificates.

You can also find important information on the admission requirements on the study program's website.

Program structure

The four-semester master’s degree is made up of a main area of specialization, compulsory elective modules, and a master’s thesis. The structure of the program as well as the regulations for the selection of modules are laid out in the program’s study and examination regulations.

The specialization section of the program enables you to deepen your knowledge and skills concerning the methods and technologies in the sub-areas of information systems management, computer science and economics. During the first three semesters you can choose compulsory elective modules from a number of study fields (currently in German) which you can combine to create a thematic focus. A study field combines modules offered by a number of academic chairs into a single area of thematic focus, enabling students to specialize in a technical area and thus develop a professional profile.

The specialization section of the program is divided into the following areas:

a) Information system management

•   Study field: information systems

b) Computer science

•   Study field: distributed systems and networks

•   Study field: data and software engineering

c) Economics and management

•   Catalogue: business, economics and management

Projects training students to work in teams on a variety of practical issues form a core element of the program. These projects also train you to independently develop and implement solutions. The elective program provides you the opportunity to learn about other issues, including socially relevant topics, by taking modules outside your subject area. You can choose modules from those offered at TU Berlin as well as other universities with equal status in Germany or abroad. The fourth semester is reserved for writing your master’s thesis. Upon successful completion of the master’s degree you will be awarded a Master of Science, which is an internationally recognized higher degree qualifying you for professional work.

The Tracks system provides you with the option of a certified specialization in a particular field. A track is a recommended course schedule which groups together modules focusing on a specific thematic area or area of specialization. Upon successful completion of a track you are awarded an additional qualification within the master’s program with a certificate issued by the Faculty.

There is also a proposed course schedule for the program in general which serves as a recommendation for students and helps clarify the structure of the master’s program. You can find the proposed course schedule in the study and examination regulations. The most current version of the regulations applies to applicants.

Content and modules

The master’s program is divided into individual modules usually consisting of several thematically linked courses. Modules often include a variety of different study and teaching formats, such as lectures, practical tutorials, seminars, and practical projects. The scope of a module is expressed in credit points (LP), reflecting the amount of time students are required to invest in order to successfully complete the module. One credit point corresponds to thirty hours and a module can be spread over a maximum of two semesters. As a rule, it is necessary to pass an examination or an assessed assignment to successfully complete a module.

A current overview of all modules is available in TU Berlin’s module transfer system (MTS). The MTS catalogue contains all available modules, with the exception of elective modules, which can be selected from the University's programs. Detailed module descriptions provide information on the content, learning outcomes, participation requirements, workload, assessment methods, and much more. Questions concerning a specific module can be addressed to the module supervisor or the contact person listed in the module description.

To module database

Internships

You are not formally required to do an internship either before or during the program, but we recommend you do so. An internship enables you to gain an understanding of potential career areas. Doing an internship during your studies also helps you to establish networks with potential employers. However, credits are not awarded for internships completed during the program.

Stays abroad

You can generally complete parts of the program abroad, either in the form of a semester abroad or internships. A stay abroad can easily be integrated into the program, though we recommend that you pursue this option in the third semester. You are, however, not required to complete a stay abroad.

General information regarding stays abroad can be obtained from the TU Berlin International Office (study abroad) and from the Career Service (internships abroad).

For details of subject-specific cooperative projects and general support concerning studying abroad, please contact the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science studying abroad section (currently in German). Staff are available to help you prepare for your stay abroad as well as provide support during your time abroad.

Acquired skills

Building on the bachelor’s degree, the master’s program in Information Systems Management equips you with detailed knowledge and advanced skills regarding the methods, approaches, and technologies of business informatics as well as computer science and economics. In addition to preparing you for your professional duties, the aim of the program is also to enable you to undertake academic work in the field of information systems management. You deepen your technical knowledge and gain an insight into current research topics in the various fields involved, with seminars, projects, and the master’s thesis all very closely linked to the latest research work.

As a graduate you will be able to use your knowledge to critically evaluate scientific knowledge and to develop your own scientific contributions. Your technical knowledge and your expertise in business administration allied to your systematic and analytical approach enable you to independently develop and implement innovations in the area of information and communication technology. You are able to integrate knowledge from various disciplines, to make scientifically based decisions and to reflect on possible outcomes. This includes the ability to react quickly to changing situations and to adapt your decisions accordingly. However, you also acquire knowledge and skills beyond these technical fields: The program further equips you with the skills to make sense of complex ideas and to present and communicate these effectively, to conduct your work with social responsibility, to participate in interdisciplinary, multi-cultural teams as well as develop outstanding social and communication skills.

After successful completion of the program, you will receive the internationally recognized academic degree "Master of Science" (M. Sc.).

After your studies

The high level of innovation in the world of IT means that information systems management is an important part of the technological future. Graduates of the Information Systems Management master’s program enjoy excellent career prospects. The need for well-trained IT and business specialists with the technical and business know-how to design IT-based complex business processes is growing in both the private and public sectors. These skills make you indispensable as a driving force of the information society of today and tomorrow.

Your interdisciplinary, practically based education prepares you for the demanding challenges of a leading position in industry and administration. Typical careers include working as an analyst, IT manager, IT consultant, IT controller or chief information officer.

On the other hand, your scientific education particularly qualifies you for fields of activity in research and science, both in governmental institutions and in research departments of industry. Those who do not initially decide to enter the world of business directly can pursue further scientific qualification within the framework of a doctorate.

Another tipp: you could start your own business. Berlin is currently home to the most vibrant start-up scene in Europe. There are a number of institutes and facilities within the University offering you the chance to get some inspiration and to support you with setting up your own business. These include the award winning Career Service and the Centre for Entrpreneurship (CfE). The Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science additionally has its own representative for business start ups to provide you with practical advice and to put you in touch with a valuable network.

Further information & downloads

Guidance and choosing the right degree program: Academic Advising Service

Questions about the degree program: Student Advisory Service

General questions: Student Info Services

Application and enrollment: Office of Student Affairs - Graduate Admissions

Recognition of previously acquired credits: Examination Board (currently in German)

Study Guide (PDF)

Study program's website