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M.Sc. Information Systems

M.Sc. Information Systems

Degree awarded Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Duration and credits 4 semesters; 120 ECTS credits
Starts in April (summer semester) and October (winter semester)
Language of instruction English

AI, Data-Driven Business and Information Systems Management: rocket fuel for your career trajectory

Information Systems specialists combine technical know-how with business acumen, making them experts at developing, implementing, and managing digital technologies to create benefits for businesses and society.

As part of our Master’s programme, we offer a major in Artificial Intelligence and Data-Driven Business and a major in Information Systems Management. You can choose which of the two majors you want to focus on - or you may even decide to complete both!

You’ll be able to customise your knowledge profile by choosing from a broad variety of minors, covering subjects ranging from sustainability via entrepreneurship to business taxation. The curriculum was developed in close consultation with employers, preparing graduates for successful careers in businesses and organisations.

For details, please consult the Academic Advice Service's infosheet (German).

The postgraduate Information Systems degree you can tailor to your interests

The Information Systems programme at the University of Passau is characterised by a challenging, interdisciplinary, highly customisable syllabus. The programme has been designed by academics who are leading researchers in their fields together with industry leaders looking to equip graduates with the right skillsets to prepare their organisations for the future. It is up to you to decide which aspects are most aligned with your career plans.

  • Choice and flexibility: In the master's programme, you choose your major and minors to create your individual competence profile. Your choices are not even limited to business or computer science: you can even sign up for classes from the entire range of master's courses at the University of Passau that match your chosen profile. This is unique for a degree programme in Information Systems.
  • Outstanding teaching quality and student experience: in Germany’s CHE University Rankings, the Master Information Systems at the University of Passau has been rated in the “top tier” of national ranking results. Meanwhile, in Germany's StudyCheck web portal for university degrees, students have given the University of Passau the best reviews score in Bavaria (1st in Bavaria, 6th in Germany), resulting in Passau being awarded a "Top University Award 2025".
  • Topical and research-oriented: Our professors and lecturers are distinguished researchers at the forefront of their fields. You’ll learn about the latest developments. You’ll be able to participate directly in research projects when you join the seminars and write your thesis.
  • Excellent staff-student ratio: Courses at the University of Passau are not overcrowded. Professors can therefore respond to the students individually and are available to answer questions and other student concerns. With a total of four Information Systems Chairs and one teaching unit, the programme offers one of the best staff-student ratios in Germany.
  • Internationality and double degree options: You can complete the Master’s programme entirely through English-taught classes if you wish, and there are two double degree options available, in Turku, Finland and Chennai, India.

Career prospects

Demand for digital skills is soaring. Our graduates often secure jobs even before finishing their studies. Gain cutting-edge expertise in IT project management, data analytics, and more, for example with SAP certification and hands-on workshops from industry leaders.

At the University of Passau, staff can put you in touch with a number of leading companies and start-ups. During your studies, you'll acquire practical skills that can be applied across a wide range of tasks. You'll be able to launch your career in SMEs, global corporations - or even start your own business with support from our Start-up Coach and our Digital Technology and Entrepreneurship certificate.

Interested in research? Our master’s programme prepares you for academia, with opportunities to publish, collaborate internationally, and explore the latest tech trends.

Programme details

The programme comprises two module areas, a compulsory seminar and the master's thesis:

A: Methodological Foundations

In this module area, you will acquire basic methodological knowledge of information systems.

B: Majors and Minors

You will have to choose at least one Major to focus your studies on. For the remaining credits, you can decide between the following options:

  • You can complete the second major.
  • You can choose up to two minors to specialise in.
  • You can pursue general studies (selecting modules at Master's level from the entire course catalogue of the University). There is a limit on how many credits you may attain outside the Information Systems syllabus.
  • You can take subject-specific language classes. There is a limit on how many credits you can attain for language courses.

Majors

Within each major module group, there is a selection of modules you can choose from.

  • Major Artificial Intelligence and Data-Driven Business
  • Major Information Systems Management

Your degree certificate will state which major you focused on. If you decide to complete both majors, both will be listed accordingly.

Minors

Within each minor module group, there are several modules you can choose from.

  • Minor Artificial Intelligence and Data-Driven Business
  • Minor Business Taxation
  • Minor Economics
  • Minor Entrepreneurship
  • Minor Finance
  • Minor Information Systems Management
  • Minor Marketing
  • Minor Reporting and Controlling
  • Minor Sustainability

If you attain sufficient credits within a minor module group, the minor will be listed on your degree certificate.

General Studies and Languages

You can choose freely from the entire range of modules offered by the University of Passau.

You can take foreign language courses offered by our Language Centre. However, completing modules from this area is not compulsory to successfully complete the programme. You can choose from any language offered as a subject-specific language programme.

Seminar Information Systems

You'll have to take a seminar in the subject of information systems.

Master's thesis

You'll have to write a thesis in the subject of information systems.

Your thesis should demonstrate your ability to independently carry out academic research by applying scientific methods to a clearly defined subject matter.

Academic requirements

To apply, you need a university degree (Bachelor, Master, Diplom, State Examination or equivalent) from a domestic or international institution, based on at least three years of study in information systems or a related field. The degree must include at least 60 ECTS credit points (or equivalent) in information systems subjects. Of these 60 ECTS credit points, up to 40 ECTS credits may be in economics subjects and up to 40 ECTS credit points may be in computer science subjects.

You must have completed your degree with a minimum overall grade of 2.7 (or equivalent) or be among the top 50% of graduates in your respective examination period.

Applicants who have not obtained their university degree in a signatory state of the Lisbon Convention must additionally prove their suitability for the M.Sc. Information Systems degree programme by passing the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) with a score of at 600 points (10th Edition) or 565 points (Focus Edition).

Starting your studies before completing your prior undergraduate degree

You can begin your studies before obtaining your first university degree if you have earned at least 140 ECTS credits in your first degree programme by the start of the first semester of your master's degree programme in Passau. To do so, you must be able to show that you have successfully attained 60 ECTS credits in information systems subjects.

Please submit a transcript of records showing the number of semesters studied, the coursework and examinations completed to date and the ECTS credit points earned, as well as the provisional final grade (2.7 or better).

You will also have to provide evidence of English language skills at level B2 CEFR at the time of your application.

If you are enrolled in this manner, you will have to submit the degree certificate and final transcript for your prior undergraduate degree to the Student Registration Office by a set deadline:

  • If you start your studies in October, you must submit the documents by 20 September the following year
  • If you start your studies in April, you must submit the documents by 31 March the following year.

This deadline stands, even if you take official leave of absence during your studies.

Language requirements

This degree programme can be completed entirely in English. However, to be able to get by in Germany, students are nonetheless required to have German language skills at level A1 CEFR (beginner's level). If you do not meet this requirement at the time of your application, you will be offered a free beginner's German course during your first year of study. By the end of that year, you have to be able to present a German language certificate at level A1 CEFR.

 

English language requirements

You must be able to provide proof of English language skills equivalent to level B2 CEFR.

Application periods and deadlines

Application period for the winter semester:

  • 15 April - 15 July (direct applications)
  • 1 April - 30 June (applications via uni-assist e.V.)

Please use the interactive application guide to find out which application method you should use.

Application period for the summer semester:

  • 1 November - 15 January (for all applicants)

What our students say

Anna Tabea Foppa

Student Information Systems

I really like the courses offered. In addition, students can study languages alongside their degree programmes and the language courses are related to their disciplines.

Philipp's experience

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