Distance learning program Digital Business Innovation and Transformation (M.Sc.) – University of Duisburg-Essen

👉 The Master's degree programme Digital Business Innovation and Transformation is aimed at professionals and managers with a first degree in computer science, business informatics, economics, or related fields, as well as at least one year of work experience. In the four-semester blended learning format, you will study key topics in digital transformation, innovation management, as well as smart city and retail. The curriculum includes compulsory modules in computer science, business administration, and business informatics, elective areas, seminars, projects, and a master's thesis, comprising a total of 120 ECTS credits. The degree qualifies you to take on leading roles in digitalisation projects and transformation processes. The programme is fee-paying and takes place at the Essen campus.

At a Glance

🏫 Provider University of Duisburg-Essen, University based in Essen (Germany)
The University of Duisburg-Essen is a public research university located in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Known for its interdisciplinary strengths and international orientation, it is state-recognized and participates in European networks such as Aurora and Erasmus.
📋 Study Format Distance learning program
🎓 Field of Study Technology & InformaticsIT Management
📜 Degree Master of Science (M.Sc.)
⏳ Duration 4 Semesters
🎯 ECTS 120 Credit Points
🌍 Language of Instruction German
📖 Course contents Computer Science, Business Administration, Business Informatics, Academic Writing and Scientific Methods, Elective Area, Seminar Paper, Project Work, Master's Thesis
📚 Electives Smart City, Retail
📅 Enrollment Winter semester
💶 Fees
from 4500 € Semester fee
from 18000 € total
🔗 More Info View Vendor Profile

Who is the Master’s in Digital Business Innovation and Transformation suitable for?

The degree programme is aimed at specialist and managerial staff from the fields of computer science, engineering, natural sciences, business informatics, economics, or related disciplines who wish to acquire in-depth expertise in digital corporate development. You will particularly benefit from this Master’s if you lead digitisation projects in companies, organisations or public institutions, or want to actively shape digital transformation. The programme is also recommended for professionals who want to further qualify alongside their job and value a practice-oriented, scientifically sound distance learning course with attendance phases.

Admission requirements for the degree programme

To be admitted, you need:

  • A first professionally qualifying university degree (Bachelor or equivalent) of at least 180 ECTS in the following subjects: mathematics, computer science, engineering sciences, natural sciences, technology, business informatics, economics or comparable fields of study.
  • At least one year of relevant professional experience after completing your first degree.
  • Good subject-specific English skills, as part of the course content and relevant literature is taught in English.
A numerus clausus or admission procedure is not envisaged; the degree programme has open admissions.

In addition to the formal criteria, you should meet the following personal requirements:

  • Interest in digitisation, business model innovation and change management
  • Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to self-organise for the blended learning format with online and attendance components
  • Willingness to learn new digital tools and methods and apply them in your own environment
  • Communication and teamwork skills to support transformation processes interdisciplinarily
Experience in digitisation projects is helpful but not a prerequisite.

What content can you expect in the Master's programme „Digital Business Innovation and Transformation“?

In the Master's degree programme „Digital Business Innovation and Transformation“ at the University of Duisburg-Essen, you will systematically engage with the central topics of digital transformation in companies. You will develop interdisciplinary knowledge in computer science (24 ECTS), business administration (18 ECTS) and business informatics (24 ECTS). In doing so, you will learn how digital business models are created, introduced and managed. A special focus is placed on methods of academic work and scientific methods. In the elective area, you have the opportunity to specialise in current topics such as Smart City or Retail. The integration of project and seminar work (a total of 18 ECTS) allows you to apply theoretical knowledge practically and to set your own priorities. With the final Master's thesis (24 ECTS), you deepen your expertise in an individual research field.

  • Analysis and management of digital transformation processes in organisations
  • Strategies for innovation and change management in the digital economy
  • Modelling, development and implementation of digital business models
  • Use of IT solutions and technologies for process digitisation
  • Industry-specific specialisations: Smart City and Retail
  • Scientific project work, seminar paper and Master's thesis

How does the programme „Digital Business Innovation and Transformation“ work?

The programme is designed for four semesters in full-time mode and is conducted in a blended-learning format. The course content is mainly delivered through online-based modules. At the start of the semester, you take part in two-day on-campus sessions (Fridays and Saturdays). At the end of the semester, block events follow (Monday to Thursday), which consolidate the learned material and deepen practical applications. Over the course of your studies, there are compulsory and elective modules with a total of 120 ECTS. Assessment includes ongoing exams, seminar papers, a comprehensive project and the final Master's thesis. The programme starts at the winter semester each year and is specifically tailored to the needs of professionals and managers.

  • Start each winter semester
  • Full-time concept over four semesters (120 ECTS)
  • Combination of online modules and on-campus phases
  • On-campus sessions: start of semester (2 days), end of semester (block events)
  • Compulsory and elective modules, project work, seminar, Master's thesis

What career opportunities does the Master's programme „Digital Business Innovation and Transformation“ open up?

After graduation, you will be qualified to take on management and specialist roles relevant to digitalisation in companies and organisations. Your knowledge enables you to strategically shape digital transformation processes, manage innovation projects and develop digital business models. Career opportunities lie in industry, trade (retail), consulting firms, IT departments or start-ups focused on digitalisation. Graduates lead projects in the area of Smart City, are responsible for change management processes or build digital corporate divisions as „Digital Transformation Managers“. The programme is explicitly designed to meet the qualification needs of specialists and managers who want to act as drivers for innovation and transformation in their companies.

  • Specialist or management positions in digitalisation projects
  • Digital Transformation Manager in industry, trade or public institutions
  • Consultant or project leader in the field of digital innovation
  • Strategic development of digital business models and processes
  • Specialisation in Smart City or Retail initiatives

What costs do you have to expect for the programme and how do you finance it?

The total costs for the Master's programme „Digital Business Innovation and Transformation“ amount to €18,000 (€4,500 per semester over four semesters). In addition, there is the semester fee of the University of Duisburg-Essen, which must be paid separately. The fees can usually be paid per semester. There are various options available to finance your studies, including possibly scholarships, employer support or deductibility for tax purposes as income-related expenses. Support through further training programmes or education loans may also be possible.

  • Course fee: a total of €18,000 (4 semesters at €4,500 each)
  • Plus semester fees of the University of Duisburg-Essen
  • Funding: scholarships, employer support, education loan, tax deductibility possible

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