Master of Science in Information Systems (PO 2018)

 

Important information

A new, revised Master Information Systems will start in the winter semester 2024/2025. It is no longer possible to apply for the "old" program. All further information and details on how to apply for the new program can be found under the following link: https://www.wi.uni-muenster.de/prospective-students/our-courses-study/master-science-information-systems

 

Digitalization 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 digitalization sets out to transform every fabric of how we conduct business, and how we communicate and collaborate. In short, the very way we live together in a globalized, digitalized society.

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

Your education with us can be broad, or specialized. It can prepare you for starting your own business, for a job in a specific industry or an academic career. In short, this program puts you in the driver's seat because it is your journey into the digital future.

Key facts about our program:

  • International: All courses taught in English
  • Quality-approved: Accredited by AACSB
  • Free of charge: No tuition fees
  • Thorough: Four terms
  • Practice-oriented
  • Seven specialization possibilities
  • Flexible: Customizable track structure and a broad scope of electives, ranging from business administration to computer science

For current students of Master of Science Information Systems Examination Regulation 2018: A description of the lecture contents in the Module Handbook as well as your Examination Regulation is available on the Website of the Examination Office of the Department of Information Systems.

On this page you will find information about our requirements you need to fulfill to become a part of it and how the application process works.

You might also want to have a look at our FAQ page.

What are the requirements?

Prospective students interested in joining our  Master program need to fulfill the following requirements:

  • Bachelor degree or equivalent (min. three years or six semesters) in Management Information Systems or a similar program with a connection to IT and Business.
    You may apply before graduation in case you have already completed 75% or 140 ECTS of your program.  (please have a look at the required documents section below)
  • An average grade of 2.9 or better. (cumulative grade point average according to the German grading system)
  • A solid foundation of knowledge in these subject areas (at minimum courses worth 18 credits (ECTS) in each of the following subject areas ):
    • Information systems (process modelling),
    • Computer science (data modelling and software development),
    • Quantitative methods (operations research, statistics) and
    • Business administration.
  • Proof of English language proficiency (not older than 2 years) on the level of C1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
    No knowledge of German is necessary for the M.Sc. in Information Systems, although it would be very useful for your stay in Münster.

When do I have to apply?

The deadline for your application is dependant on the term you want to apply for. Please be aware that there is not only a deadline for the application period, but also a starting date.

Application Periods:

STARTING SEMESTER  APPLICANTS APPLICATION PERIOD 
Summer Applicants from the EU  10 Nov - 15 Jan
Summer Non-EU applicants 10 Nov - 15 Jan
Winter Applicants from the EU 10 May - 15 Jul
Winter Non-EU applicants 10 May - 15 Jul

Note: You are regarded as an EU applicant if you fulfil at least one of the following points:

  1. You are an EU citizen.
  2. You received your university entrance qualification (Abitur/A Level, High School Diploma, etc.) in Germany.
  3. You already have a Bachelor degree from Germany.

 

How do I apply?

Important information

A new, revised Master Information Systems will start in the winter semester 2024/2025. It is no longer possible to apply for the "old" program. All further information and details on how to apply for the new program can be found under the following link: https://www.wi.uni-muenster.de/prospective-students/our-courses-study/master-science-information-systems

Details for each step can be found here:

  • (1) Collect Documents

    Required Documents:

    The application is only complete when the following documents have been included:

    • Abitur/A Level certificate, or any other equivalent university admission certificate.
    • Bachelor degree or a list of courses that includes 140 ECTS (e.g. approx. 75%) of a Bachelor course (if the Bachelor course is yet completed).
    • University transcript or diploma attached. Please calculate the average mark and add a grading scale if the marks were awarded outside Germany. (see below)
    • A detailed course description (not your transcript!) of the courses taken during your Bachelor studies. (see below)
    • A filled out form "Analysis of Curriculum" in which the courses of your first degree are assigned to the four subject areas (see below)
    • Letter of motivation in English language (approx. one page) in which you, in particular, write about your preferred tracks.
    • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
    • A certificate as evidence that your English-language proficiency reaches Level C1 in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The certificate must not be older than 2 years Medium of Instruction during your bachelor studies does not count! (see below). 
    • Additional documents that demonstrate your special interest or qualification for our Information Systems course.

    These documents must be uploaded to the application portal before the application deadlines. Late submissions can not be considered. Please note that deadlines can not be extended, even if the deadline falls on a weekend or bank holiday. If a document is in any language other than English or German, a certified translation must be attached. Please note that the authenticity of all copies or translations of original documents must be confirmed by an authorised institution with an official stamp and signature. 

     

    Language Proficiency:

    The table below shows examples of recognised English certificates and the minimum result required in each case to prove you have the required language proficiency for the course. Please note that proof of your English-language proficiency is a mandatory requirement. You can not be accepted into the course without proof of language proficiency. The applicant also fulfills the English-language proficiency requirements if English is their native tongue, or if they completed their Bachelor degree in an English-speaking country. This must be demonstrated with a certificate from the university at which the Bachelor course was completed.

    Note: If a student has studied a course in English, but the course of study was not in an English-speaking country, they must still provide other evidence to demonstrate their English-language proficiency. 

    The certificate must not be older than 2-years. Language certificates such as the following are accepted:

    Certificate   TOEFL (iBT)   UNIcert   DAAD   IELTS
    Level >= 90 pts A, B, C C1, C2 >= 6.5 pts

    Note: The above table is not exhaustive. Other certificates that rate the applicant’s English-language skills at Level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages are also accepted. 

    Our TOEFL institution code is 4740. We are also registered for IELTS.

    Average grade:

    You need to have an average grade of 2.9 or better according to the German grading system. In order to transfer a grade from another grading system into the German system, the so-called modified Bavarian formula can be used. You may use this excel file for your convenience. Grade_Conversion.xlsx

    Analysis of Curriculum:

    For admission you need to have completed at least 18 credits (ECTS) in each of the four subject areas relevant for the Master of Science in Information Systems (Information Systems, Computer Science, Quantitative Methods, and Business Administration). Based on their content, you need to assign the courses of your first degree to the four subject areas and also indicate their credits. This information needs to be part of your application.

    • Assigning courses to subject areas: You will find an exemplary list and assignment of courses/ content here. Please note that this is of course not an exhaustive list.
    • Translating credits from abroad into ECTS: A Bachelor degree in Germany typically consists of 180 credits (ECTS) over the course of 6 semesters. Hence, one semester typically consists of 30 credits. One credits equals 25-30 hours of workload. This includes time you spend in class, for exams, or for preparation at home. Here are two examples:
      • Example 1: The foreign bachelor's degree programme comprises of 120 CP  in 8 semesters (1 semester = half-a-year). Hence, 1 semester comprises 15 CP. The conversion factor from CP to ECTS is then 30/15=2, i.e. ECTS=2*CP.
      • Example 2: The foreign bachelor's degree programme comprises of 8000 per annum over the course of 10 semesters (5 years). Hence
        1 semester has a workload of 800 hours.  The conversion factor from hours to ECTS is then 30/800=0,0375 i.e. ECTS=0.0375*hours.
    • Please use the following filling aid: Curricular Analysis.pdf Please use the standard pdf-Reader to fill out the form. Insert all courses that fall into one of the aforementioned subject areas. Once complete, you can upload it to the Application Portal.

    Detailed Course Description:

    The transcript of records provides only a list of courses. It does not contain information as to the contents of the courses. Your admission needs to contain a document that provides content details of the courses that are falling into the four subject areas (Computer Science, Information Systems, Quantitative Methods, and Business Administration). Please look at these examples of course descriptions and use the template. 

  • (2) Complete Online Application

    • Wait for the start of the application period that applies to you (see above).
    • Follow the link to the application portal (the link is only active during the application periods).
    • Fill the online application form and upload all the required documents in digital form.

     

  • (3) Wait for Response

    Wait for your result. After the application periods for the term have ended, we will look through all applications. You will be notified via the application system or directly by us.

  • (4) React (!)

    In this phase, these situations might occur:

    1. You are immediately accepted into our Master program (congratulations).
    2. Before you get a definitive answer, you might be invited to an interview with representatives of our department to learn more about you.
    3. You have, sadly not been selected for our program and have received a rejection letter.

    In case of:

    1. >> Feel free to enrol in our study program. See process step (5)
    2. >> Get ready for your interview. Don't worry, we don't bite ;).
    3. >> We nonetheless wish you all the best for your future career! 

  • (5) Enrol

    After you have been accepted into the program, you have to enroll via the online portal. More information on the documents needed to complete university registration will be sent after your acceptance to the program.

Contacts

The following contact details are only for matters relating to the M.Sc. in Information Systems and are not relevant to the application process.
 

Master Coordination 
Department of Information Systems 
Leonardo Campus 11
D-48149 Münster, Germany
 

Email: info.master@wi.uni-muenster.de 
Please also read the FAQs.