Englisch 
Deutsch Is the combined degree course in Business Informatics suitable for you?
The Bachelor's degree programme in Business Informatics in the combined degree format is aimed at working professionals, trainees, and people on family leave who wish to acquire or deepen sound knowledge at the interface of business and IT. The programme is ideal if you want to study alongside your job or training and are seeking a qualification for activities in the development, analysis, and application of information and communication systems.
What formal requirements do you need to meet?
Access usually requires a university of applied sciences entrance qualification (Fachhochschulreife). Studying without this qualification is possible if you go through a special application procedure. You can obtain more information from the student office at TH Köln. The programme starts each winter semester; payment of the semester fee as well as a media and service fee per semester is also mandatory.
Personally, you should have an interest in business administration and computer science issues, organisational talent, and a high degree of independence. Since the combined degree includes attendance dates (mainly on Saturdays in Dortmund and Gummersbach) as well as intensive self-study, the ability to work independently, time management, and willingness to engage in continuous learning are particularly important. Initial experience with computers, analytical thinking skills, and strong communication abilities are advantageous to be able to act in an interdisciplinary manner in a professional environment.
What content and skills does the Bachelor’s degree in Business Informatics impart?
In the Bachelor’s degree in Business Informatics, you gain in-depth knowledge at the interface of computer science and business studies. The curriculum includes classic fundamentals such as mathematics, algorithms, and programming, complemented by business-related modules in business administration, economics, and law. Key focuses are on the analysis, design, and development of operational information and communication systems. You learn to map business processes using software, implement IT systems, and evaluate existing structures. In addition, you systematically develop interdisciplinary key qualifications in self-organisation, methodological, and social skills.
- Business Informatics and Business Process Management
- Algorithms, Programming and Software Development
- Databases and Operational Information Systems
- Business Administration, Economics and Accounting
- Legal Fundamentals
- Quantitative Methods, Mathematics and Business Mathematics
- Project Management and Application Systems
- Foreign Language (English)
- Project Work and Bachelor Thesis with Colloquium
In the 8th semester, you have the opportunity to deepen your knowledge in an elective module such as Mobile Communication, Business Simulation, or Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence. Through practical projects, you gain insights into real application fields and train scientific-methodical working.
How is the structure of the joint degree programme in Business Informatics organised?
The programme is designed for a standard period of study of 9 semesters (4.5 years) with a total of 180 ECTS credits. The combined joint-study model connects self-study with regular attendance phases, offering you high flexibility for work and everyday life. Attendance sessions take place on approximately eight Saturdays per semester (about 8 hours each) alternating between the locations Dortmund and Gummersbach. During self-study, you complete written learning units, while the attendance sessions focus on exercises, discussions, and the application of acquired knowledge.
- Start of studies each winter semester
- Organisation alternating between FH Dortmund and TH Köln (Campus Gummersbach)
- Each semester: two to three compulsory modules, plus optional specialisations
- Examinations in the form of written exams, oral exams, term papers or presentations
- Completion with project work, Bachelor thesis and colloquium
Attendance at the presence sessions is recommended; a certain proportion is compulsory. Scientific and organisational support is provided by the Institut für Verbundstudien NRW as well as by the lecturers from the partner universities.
What perspectives and career opportunities does the degree open up for you?
After successfully completing your Bachelor of Science in Business Informatics, you will have application-oriented qualifications for various roles at the interface between IT and business. With your broad specialist knowledge, you can solve business problems using modern information technologies and act as an intermediary between the IT department, specialist departments, and management. In particular, career paths open up in the following areas:
- IT sector and software companies
- Information and communication technology
- Management positions in industrial enterprises
- Senior civil service of the public administration
- Research and science
Typical fields of activity include the analysis and optimisation of business processes, project management, development and introduction of application systems as well as consultancy regarding IT-supported solutions. Graduates can also pursue a subsequent Master’s degree or qualify for leadership positions in digitalised corporate areas.
What are the costs of the distance learning course and what financing options are available?
The costs for the joint degree in Business Informatics amount to a semester fee of currently around 430 euros, plus a media and service fee of approximately 110.88 euros per semester. For the entire standard period of study of 9 semesters, this results in a total of about 3,870 euros (plus any respective fee increases, status December 2025). In addition, the usual enrolment and re-registration fees at TH Köln apply. Funding options exist, for example, through education bonuses or professional development programmes. The costs can be claimed as tax-deductible work-related expenses or special expenses, provided the individual requirements are met. Many employers also financially support part-time degree programmes.
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