Information Systems (German: Wirtschaftsinformatik) is an interdisciplinary, applied subject that combines research and teaching from the fields of Business and Economics (and Business Administration in particular) with that of IT. At the point of intersection between these two subjects, it is occupied with the application of information and communication technology in companies and administrative bodies. Information systems experts design and develop application programmes, implement them in companies and administrative bodies, and observe the effects these systems have. Important ancillary disciplines relevant to Information Systems include Mathematics, Statistics, Corporate Research and Law. 

Business and Economics, IT, and the independent methods and instruments of Information Systems are described as the three pillars of Information Systems. Information systems specialists are in the unique position of knowing the possibilities and problem-solving techniques of IT, on the one hand, and having an in-depth knowledge of the field of application – namely the functions and processes within companies and administrative bodies – on the other hand. The IS course therefore focuses on the design and implementation of information systems to support processes.

• IS offers excellent career opportunities

  The aim of the course is to provide an education that is relevant to the professional market, which qualifies graduates to work on the user side, on the development side, or in a mediation role in the field of operational information processing. Information systems specialists are employed in roles such as information managers, system analysts, DP analysts, software developers and database specialists. They are also in increasing demand in operational areas such as marketing, manufacturing, controlling and materials management. Business consulting is another common career option. 

  There is always a huge demand for information systems graduates, i.e. professionals who have the business and IT expertise that is required to use IT support to design the processes in companies and administrative bodies more efficiently and economically.

• Münster’s IS Department is an outstanding research and education institution

  The Department of Information Systems sees Information Systems as an independent discipline that has links to IT, Business Administration and other social sciences. Münster’s Department of Information Systems has been among the top-placed departments in the CHE university rankings for many years. Our structured curriculum and excellent reputation set our graduates up for success in their careers.

• Münster is a unique university city

  Münster University has 37,000 students and a further 10,000 study at the Fachhochschule Münster. That means that almost one in five of the city’s 280,000 residents is a student. This large proportion of students has a noticeable effect on the environment in Münster and on the lifestyles of its residents. It can be seen and felt in the numerous student cafés and pubs, as well as the huge number of concerts, readings and other events held in the city.

• Münster is a very compact city

  No matter where you are in Münster, nothing is very far away. If you have a bike, then you’re really perfectly equipped to explore the city – Münster is known as the bicycle capital of Germany and almost everyone owns a bike here. There are numerous cycle paths that allow you to cycle around the city safely and easily, and there are several popular sights and attractions, including the moated castles, which are easy to reach by bike. However, you can also get around Münster in other ways. As a Münster University student, you get the “NRW Ticket”, which allows you to use public transport in the city and across the whole of North Rhine-Westphalia for free. The buses will take you anywhere you want to go in Münster. And since the city is an important transport hub in Westphalia and is located right at the heart of Europe, it’s easy to travel around. The Ruhr region, Cologne and the Netherlands are just a short distance away. Berlin, Hamburg, Amsterdam, and the North Sea and Baltic Sea can all be reached by train within three hours, and it is only 6 hours to Paris and 8 hours to London by train.

• Münster – a liveable city

  Münster is one of the best places to live and the city even won the UNEP LivCom Award for the “most liveable city in the world” in 2004. Münster belongs to North Rhine-Westphalia and is the cultural centre of the Westphalia region. Münster’s historic centre was carefully rebuilt after being destroyed in the Second World War and it offers a wealth of excellent museums, theatres, cinemas, pubs and shops. 

  Münster also has several wonderful green areas such as the Botanic Garden behind the castle (which has housed the head office of Münster University since 1954). Other popular meeting points include the Aasee (lake) and the Promenade, an avenue that circles the city centre and whose green spaces are a popular place for barbecuing, jogging and socialising. 

  Because Münster is a university city, it has plenty of pubs and parties. Münster students frequent the various pubs, cafés and nightclubs throughout the semester but especially at the beginning. Wednesday is traditionally the most popular night out for students. Many faculties have their own parties at the beginning of each semester; these are advertised on flyers and posters. 

  For those who can’t bear to leave Münster after they graduate, the city offers excellent entry-level job opportunities for information systems specialists. Consultancy companies such as zeb and viadee, IT service providers such as GAD, and large insurance companies based in Münster such as Provinzial and LVM are just a few examples of potential employers during and after your studies.