Structure of the program

This page gives you an overview of the structure of the three-year program, the key qualifications, your elective options, and the bachelor's thesis. Further details about the program can be found in the module descriptions - an indispensable companion throughout your studies.

The bachelor's degree in Information Systems has a standard duration of six semesters (180 ECTS). Upon successful completion, you will be awarded a Bachelor of Science degree. The course is varied and covers four exciting areas: Information Systems, Computer Science, Quantitative Methods and Business/Economics. You will take modules in each of these areas, which are organized through lectures, seminars, tutorials or soft skills training. You can also expect computer-based exercises, practical projects and a project-based thesis - all key elements in making your studies practical and varied.

The curriculum provides a helpful overview of the compulsory and elective modules. The chronological order is only an example and can be adapted individually. For example, (project-) seminars are offered in both winter and summer semesters. Some courses are taught exclusively in English - a good command of English is therefore essential. See below for more information on course content.

Red: compulsory modules    Blue: elective modules

  • Compulsory modules in Information Systems (42 ECTS) 

    The compulsory modules in Information Systems cover all the important topics of Information Systems. In addition to the onboarding module Introduction to Information Systems, modules such as Data Management, Business Process Management, IT Law, Digital Work & Project Management, Digital Business and IT-Driven Innovation are offered. 
    • Introduction to Information Systems (6 ECTS): The module introduces Information Systems as an interdisciplinary discipline and lays the foundation for the entire Bachelor's degree programme by covering both theoretical and practical aspects. It teaches you scientific working methods, promotes critical reflection on the influence of information technologies on society and trains social and communication skills through presentations and group work.
    • Data Management (6 ECTS): The Data Management module provides you with the methodological foundations for the technical design, IT design and implementation of databases, which are crucial for the development of information systems. You will learn how to model data, create relational data models and use SQL for implementation in databases, while also understanding how to ensure data consistency in multi-user operation.
    • Business Process Management (6 ECTS): The Business Process Management module teaches you basic methods for modelling, analysing and designing business processes as well as their successful introduction and automation in companies. You will deepen your knowledge of business information modelling and acquire project management and change management skills to plan and implement new processes effectively.
    • IT-Law (6 ECTS): The ‘Information Technology Law’ module provides you with basic knowledge of legal aspects in the field of information technology, including distance selling law, IT contract law, data protection law, copyright law and liability law. You will acquire the ability to recognise specific legal problems and solve simple legal case constellations independently in order to be able to act in your future professional environment.
    • Digital Work & Project Management (6 ECTS): The module aims to develop a deep understanding of the digital transformation of work and the management of IT projects. It combines theoretical reflections on changes in work organization with practical applications of project management methods to equipt students with the necessary skills fornproducing IT projects.
    • Digital Business 6 (ECTS): The module provides an overview of the effects of digitalisation on the economy and society by covering the components and basic patterns of digital business models as well as key business management topics. You will develop and analyse digital business models, acquire knowledge of information security and learn to critically reflect on the economic and social consequences of digital transformation.
    • IT-Driven Innovation (6 ECTS): The module examines the innovative power of information technology from a technical perspective and its impact on business processes, scalability and value creation. You will learn to analyse different application systems and their development into platform ecosystems, while exploring current trends in hardware- and software-driven innovations and critically reflecting on their potential and challenges.
    A detailed description of the compulsory modules can be found in the module handbook at the bottom of this page. 

  • Compulsory modules in Computer Science (36 ECTS) 

    The compulsory computer science modules introduce you to the subject area of computer science. These include the modules Programming, Data Structures and Algorithms, Software Engineering, IT Systems and Security of Distributed System. 
     
    • Programming (9 ECTS): The module teaches basic knowledge and skills in programming that are required in several other modules, such as software engineering and the Bachelor's thesis. You will learn essential concepts of programming languages, in particular object-oriented and declarative programming, and develop skills for practical software development and teamwork in small groups.  
    • Data Structures and Algorithms (9 ECTS): The module provides basic knowledge of data structures and algorithms, which is required for several modules. You will learn to analyse, select and apply different data structures, as well as to develop new algorithms and evaluate their efficiency. 
    • Software Engineering (6 ECTS): The ‘Software Engineering’ module teaches you the systematic development of large software systems, whereby programming skills and knowledge of software engineering are a prerequisite. The course content covers the planning, definition, design, implementation and testing of software, with a particular focus on UML modelling, middleware, design patterns and common process models such as Scrum.
    • IT-Systems (6 ECTS): The module provides basic knowledge of IT systems, starting with the architecture of typical Von Neumann computers, through their management by operating systems to operation and cloud environments with virtualisation techniques. You will acquire a sound understanding of computer structures, operating systems and virtualisation, which will enable you to translate problems into Boolean functions, design functional units and discuss the architecture and components of modern IT systems.  
    • Security of Distributed Systems (6 ECTS): The model provides fundamental knowledge about IT security in distributed systems, starting with the structure of computer networks and the relevant security targets as well as ways of attacking networks. You will learn to recognise vulnerabilities and take effective measures to secure distributed systems, thereby developing a sound understanding of networked systems and their security mechanisms.

    A detailed description of the compulsory modules can be found in the module handbook at the bottom of this page. 

  • Compulsory modules in Quantitative Methods (33 ECTS)

    The compulsory modules in the area of quantitative methods deal with an introduction to business mathematics, operations research, data and probabilities, data analysis and system analysis and decision-making. A detailed description of the compulsory modules can be found in the module handbook.
    • Mathematics for IS (9 ECTS): The module teaches basic maths skills in linear algebra and analysis, which are essential for quantitative subject areas in economics. You will learn to set up and solve mathematical models for economic problems while strengthening your teamwork and presentation skills in small group tutorials.
    • Operations Research (6 ECTS): The Operations Research module provides you with mathematical and algorithmic tools to effectively solve business management problems. You will learn to model and solve problems, including graph-theoretical, linear and non-linear optimisation, and acquire skills in the computer-aided implementation of these methods.
    • Data and Probability (6 ECTS): The module provides you with basic skills in dealing with large amounts of data, including data modelling, data warehousing and data analysis, as well as the theoretical foundations of probability. After completing the module, you will be able to describe statistical data, model probabilities and carry out basic statistical analyses using statistical software such as R. 
    • Data Analysis (6 ECTS): The module builds on the ‘Data and Probability’ module and deals with fundamental statistical issues that are important for Information Systems, including the application of statistical software tools for data analysis. You will acquire knowledge of parameter estimation, hypothesis testing and basic regression and classification methods, which will enable you to select suitable statistical methods for specific application problems. 
    • Systems Analysis and Decision Making (6 ECTS): The module teaches you the basics of decision and game theory in order to model real-world problems and optimise decision-making processes. You will acquire skills in the abstraction of decision-making problems, the application of simulation models and the critical evaluation of decision-making methods.

    A detailed description of the compulsory modules can be found in the module handbook at the bottom of this page. 

  • Complusory modules in Business/Economics (27 ECTS)

    The compulsory economics modules offer you an insight into the fields of business administration and economics. These include the modules Introduction to Business Administration, Investment and Finance, Fundamentals of Accounting, Operations Management and Introduction to Economics. 
    • Introduction to Business Administration, Fundamentals of Finance (9 ECTS): The module consists of an introduction to business administration and a special focus on financing and investment and forms the basis for further studies in business administration and economics. You will acquire knowledge of key financial concepts, learn to evaluate investment decisions and analyse different financing options, while also incorporating ethical considerations into your analysis.
    • Foundations of Accounting (6 ECTS): The module provides you with essential knowledge of external and internal accounting, including the preparation of annual financial statements and the use of cost accounting as a controlling tool. You will learn how to record business transactions, analyse annual financial statements and make business decisions on the basis of account information, thereby developing a sound understanding of the ‘language of business’.
    • Operations Management (6 ECTS): The module provides an introduction to the management of production and service processes and teaches both qualitative and quantitative methods that can be applied in practice. You will learn to optimise various aspects of demand forecasting, location planning, process design, quality management, inventory management and production planning, enabling you to independently solve complex problems in operations management.
    • Introduction to Economics for IS (6 ECTS): The module provides a basic analytical understanding of the functional conditions of markets and their normative foundations, which are crucial for successful entrepreneurial action in the digitally networked economy. You will familiarise yourself with central concepts of micro- and macroeconomics as well as economic policy and develop the ability to apply these principles to practical decision-making problems.

    A detailed description of the compulsory modules can be found in the module handbook at the bottom of this page. 

  • Electives (30 ECTS)

    Over the course of your studies, the modules in the compulsory elective area offer you a wide range of options for specialisation and in-depth study.  
     
    • Project seminars: Time to get practical! Demonstrate what you have learnt during your studies and work in a team with fellow students together with a company or as part of a research project on real problems. This will train your skills in teamwork, project management, software architecture and presentation. You will automatically make valuable contacts for your future career. The experience gained from the project seminar can also be incorporated into your Bachelor's thesis. The project seminars offered vary each semester. This ensures that we can always provide you with an attractive and up-to-date range of topics. 
    • Specialisation module: As part of the specialisation modules, you have the opportunity to gain a deeper insight into various topics. The seminars offered vary every semester. This ensures that we can provide you with an attractive and up-to-date range of topics at all times. 
    • Approved Internship or Selected Topics in Business Administration/Computer Science: The module offers you the opportunity to either immerse yourself in in-depth topics of business administration or computer science, or to gain practical experience through an academically supervised internship in the field of Information Systems.  

    You can find a detailed overview of the compulsory elective modules on offer in the module handbook at the bottom of this page. 

  • Semester abroad (optional)

    You also have the option of spending a semester abroad. A semester abroad has numerous advantages. In addition to language qualifications and broadening your personal and professional horizons, you will strengthen your independence, expand your international network and acquire important soft skills. Currently, students of the faculty can apply for exchange places at partner universities in over 15 countries. You can find more information here. 

    Internships abroad are also possible. The Career Development Center offers you an initial consultation to discuss opportunities for an internship abroad and further steps. You can find more information here. 

    Whether it's an internship or a semester abroad, you can be sure that your intended stay abroad will fit in perfectly with your studies. The flexible study plan, numerous positive experiences of our students and our many years of cooperation with the various universities speak for themselves. 

  • Bachelor Thesis (12 ECTS)

    The Bachelor's thesis enables you to apply the content from the previous modules by independently working on a complex problem using scientific methods and presenting the results in a 40-page paper. You will not only acquire specialist skills in scientific realisation, but also key qualifications such as time management, while independently familiarising yourself with the relevant literature.

    Would you like to write your Bachelor's thesis in a practice-relevant area in cooperation with a company? No problem! Our lecturers will support you with the realisation. 

Important documents

Here you will find important documents for the Bachelor of Science in Information Systems to help you organize your studies: