Englisch 
Deutsch 
Media informatics is an exciting course of study that combines fundamental knowledge in design and aesthetics, as well as UX design, with media psychology and computer science. Despite high demand for media informatics professionals, the availability of part-time distance learning courses is currently very limited. Here, I present all the bachelor's and master's programs in the field of media informatics, comparing them in terms of tuition fees, admission requirements, and course content.
Overview of all Courses
We have a total of 12 courses in the field of Media Informatics.
Game Development
- Wilhelm Büchner University
- 6 Semester
- German
The bachelor's degree program in Game Development combines fundamental knowledge in the field of game development with a solid technical IT expertise, enabling you to implement scientific methods and techniques …
Applied Computer Science
- Wilhelm Büchner University
- 7 Semester
- German
This course offers you a wide range of specializations such as media informatics, business informatics, app development, and IT security to advance your career in the digital world. Over 7 …
Digital media
- Wilhelm Büchner University
- 6 Semester
- German
The Bachelor's degree programme in Digital Media is an interdisciplinary distance learning course that deals with the planning, conception, design, technical implementation and evaluation of interactive, multimedia application systems both …
Media informatics
- oncampus GmbH
- 6 Semester
- German
- Including but not limited to: Linear Algebra, Analysis, Basics of Programming, Introduction to Computer Science, Database Technology, Operating System…
Media informatics
- Berlin University of Technology
- 6 Semester
- German
- Computer Architecture and Operating Systems, Introduction to Computer Science, Fundamentals of Programming 1, Communication, Leadership and Self-Manag…
Media informatics
- IU International University
- 6 Semester
- German
The aim of the distance learning programme is to train you in all areas of computer science that are relevant for the design and implementation of interactive applications, apps, and …
UX Design
- IU International University
- 6 Semester
- German
In the Bachelor's programme UX Design, you will receive a solid education in the field of Interaction and Experience Design. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to specialise in highly …
Media informatics
- Berlin University of Technology
- 4 Semester
- German
- Information architecture, user experience, coding of multimedia data, probability theory and cryptography, scientific seminar, founding management, pr…
Media informatics
- Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- German
- Basics of Programming 1, Introduction to Informatics, Linear Algebra, Media Design 1, Communication, Leadership and Self-Management, Computer Architec…
Web and Media Informatics
- SRH Distance Learning University - The Mobile University
- 6 Semester
- German
- Programming, computer structures and distributed systems, web design and web ergonomics, databases and software engineering
Media informatics
- Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences
- 4 Semester
- German
- Information architectures, User Experience, 4 customization modules (focus on Media Informatics, Computer Science or Media), 6 specialization modules …
Human-Computer Interaction
- Wilhelm Büchner University
- 3 Semester
- German
The master's programme in Human-Computer Interaction at Wilhelm Büchner University is a distance learning course specialised in designing user-friendly technologies. Students acquire profound knowledge in computer science, design, and psychology, …
Typical Course Content
In the media informatics distance learning program, typical modules from computer science and business informatics programs are complemented with topics such as design or web design, media psychology, and basic media studies. Media informatics is therefore suitable for anyone who wants to work in the development field, but prefers frontend development.
For example, here are the contents of a Bachelor's distance learning programme, the B.Sc. Media Informatics at IU:
- 1st Semester: Basics of industrial software engineering, digital media formats, introduction to academic work, basic mathematics, object-oriented programming
- 2nd Semester: Basics of design: seeing and understanding, requirements engineering, media platforms and systems, design and ergonomics of user interfaces, project: user interface design, programming web application interfaces
- 3rd Semester: Programming industrial information systems with Java EE, introduction to the internet of things, operating systems, computer networks and distributed systems, statistics, design of interactive media, data modeling and database systems
- 4th Semester: Design thinking, IT project management, quality assurance in the software process, digital business models, media engineering, data analytics and big data
- 5th Semester: Seminar on society and digital media, media law, 1 elective subject, media informatics project, digital media production
- 6th Semester: 1 elective subject, IT law, media psychology, bachelor's thesis
Also very flexible in the field of media informatics are the study contents in the M.Sc. Human-Computer Interaction at Wilhelm Büchner University, which can be designed very freely:
- 1st semester: Research methods and project management, psychological basics, human-computer interaction, user-centered design, elective module core area 1
- 2nd semester: Elective module from the area of interdisciplinary skills, research work including subject seminar, project work, elective module core area 2, elective module core area 3
- 3rd semester: Master's thesis including colloquium
As elective modules, you choose one module in the area of interdisciplinary skills and a total of three modules for professional deepening from the three core areas - computer science, human-computer interaction, and psychology.
Requirements
To study media informatics, you should have an eye for design and aesthetics and not be afraid of mathematics. To successfully complete a distance learning program, you must also be able to discipline and motivate yourself in the long run.
For the bachelor's programs compared here, a high school diploma, a technical college entrance qualification, or a specialized higher education entrance qualification are usually required. However, access is often possible even without a high school diploma, for example, for those who have completed an advanced training course such as a state-certified business administrator and can demonstrate about 2 years of work experience.
For the Master's distance learning program in Media Informatics, a first university degree in the field of computer science is required, such as a Bachelor of Science. Here are the admission requirements for the individual master's programs:
| Master's Program | University | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Human-Computer Interaction | Wilhelm Büchner University |
|
| Media Informatics | Berlin University of Technology |
|
| Media Informatics | Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences |
|
Costs and Tuition Fees
You can currently study media informatics through distance learning quite affordably, as many of the programs are offered by state universities. For example, at Beuth Hochschule für Technik, you would pay about 3,000,- Euros for the entire course, similarly low-priced are the programs organized through oncampus GmbH at FH Lübeck.
In contrast, private universities, such as Wilhelm Büchner Hochschule, charge a total of almost 15,000,- Euros in tuition fees, but are highly renowned in the field of distance technology studies. Similarly, at IU International High Schools, you would pay almost 13,000,- Euros for a full-time bachelor's program – in return, you would receive a mix of printed and digital study materials, can attend webinars, have access to podcasts and online lectures, and can also take exams from home as online exams.
The following table compares the total costs of the Bachelor's distance learning programs in the field of media informatics:
| Course | University | Duration | Course contents | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Web and Media Informatics, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | SRH Distance Learning University - The Mobile University | 6 Semester | Programming, computer structures and distributed systems, web design and web ergonomics, databases and software engineering | from 299 € total from 13968 € monthly | |
| Media informatics, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | oncampus GmbH | 6 Semester | Including but not limited to: Linear Algebra, Analysis, Basics of Programming, Introduction to Computer Science, Database Technology, Operating Systems, Media Design, Authoring Systems, Web Programmin… | from 3288 € total | |
| Media informatics, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences | 6 Semester | Basics of Programming 1, Introduction to Informatics, Linear Algebra, Media Design 1, Communication, Leadership and Self-Management, Computer Architecture and Operating Systems, Basics of Programming … | from 3288 € total | |
| Media informatics, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | Berlin University of Technology | 6 Semester | Computer Architecture and Operating Systems, Introduction to Computer Science, Fundamentals of Programming 1, Communication, Leadership and Self-Management, Linear Algebra, Media Design 1, Fundamental… | from 5220 € total | |
| Digital media, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | Wilhelm Büchner University | 6 Semester | Foundational studies in the fields of: Computer Science, Digital Media, Mathematics, and Technology, Interdisciplinary Skills, Specialized Computer Science Practice Core and Concentration Studies in t… | from 12201 € total from 237 € monthly | |
| Applied Computer Science, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | Wilhelm Büchner University | 7 Semester | Mathematics basics for Computer Scientists, Theoretical Foundations of Computer Science (Part 1), Basics of object-oriented programming, Operating systems and computer architecture, Introductory proje… | from 14193 € total from 237 € monthly | |
| Media informatics, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | IU International University | 6 Semester | Foundations of Industrial Software Engineering, Digital Media Formats, Scientific Working, Mathematics Basics I, Object-Oriented Programming, Foundations of Design, Requirements Engineering, Media Pla… | from 15063 € total from 259 € monthly | |
| UX Design, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | IU International University | 6 Semester | User Experience, Introduction to Scientific Work, Design Principles: Seeing and Understanding, Introduction to User Research, Product Development 4.0, Design of Interactive Media, Human Computer Inter… | from 15063 € total from 259 € monthly |
A Master's distance learning program in Media Informatics is similarly affordable if you study at a state university.
Here are the tuition fees for the Master's programs in Media Informatics:
| Course | University | Duration | Course contents | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Media informatics, Master of Science Distance learning program | Berlin University of Technology | 4 Semester | Information architecture, user experience, coding of multimedia data, probability theory and cryptography, scientific seminar, founding management, project and quality management, scientific project, … | from 2280 € total | |
| Media informatics, Master of Science Distance learning program | Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences | 4 Semester | Information architectures, User Experience, 4 customization modules (focus on Media Informatics, Computer Science or Media), 6 specialization modules (Mobile Computing, Software Engineering and Web Bu… | from 2300 € total | |
| Human-Computer Interaction, Master of Science Distance learning program | Wilhelm Büchner University | 3 Semester | Foundations of Computer Science, Foundations of Software Engineering, Multimedia Applications, Design and Creativity, Design of Interactive and Cooperative Systems, Research Methods and Project Manage… | from 10015 € total from 351 € monthly |
Universities
Bachelor's and Master's distance learning programs in media informatics are offered by both private universities and public universities. Here is an overview of the most important universities:
Wilhelm Büchner University: The WBH - 'Mobile University of Technology' - is a private university of applied sciences that mainly offers distance learning programs in the fields of computer science, engineering, and industrial engineering. The university is based in Pfungstadt, with possible exam locations spread all over Germany. The university was founded in 1996, with 5984 students enrolled in the winter semester 2018/2019.
IU International University: IU is a private university of applied sciences based in Bad Honnef (North Rhine-Westphalia), with an additional campus in Berlin. The university's program includes on-campus courses, part-time courses, dual degree programs, and more than 50 distance learning programs. In the IT sector, the university currently offers more than 10 bachelor's and master's programs, ranging from media informatics and business informatics to UX design and IT management. The university has been operating since 1999, with about 27,000 students enrolled in the summer semester 2019, of which around 20,000 were enrolled in distance learning programs.
Berlin University of Technology: Berlin University of Technology is a public university of applied sciences. It offers courses in engineering disciplines such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, business and civil engineering, as well as courses in media informatics, biotechnology, medical physics, food technology, screen-based media, geoinformation, or theatre and event technology. 11 of the programs are distance learning programs, such as media informatics and industrial engineering. The university has been in existence since 1971, with 12,957 students enrolled in the winter semester 2018/2019, including about 500 at the distance learning institute.
Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences: Located in Lower Saxony, the university offers programs in the fields of technology/information technology, media, design, social work and healthcare, as well as business and law. Currently, the university offers distance learning programs in media informatics, business informatics, and business administration. The university was founded in 1971, with a total of 12,751 students enrolled in the winter semester 2018/2019. The university is part of the 'virtual university of applied sciences' network, which organizes a range of distance learning programs at German universities of applied sciences.
Oncampus GmbH: Oncampus GmbH is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Lübeck University of Applied Sciences and was founded in 2001. The company markets the distance and online programs of several German universities of applied sciences, such as Ostfalia University, Jade University, or HAWK Hildesheim/Holzminden/Göttingen. It offers about 11 bachelor's and master's programs, ranging from media informatics to business administration.
Job Opportunities and Career
As a media informatics graduate, you have excellent job prospects and much more opportunities than with a degree in computer science or business informatics. Media informatics professionals often work in IT and advertising agencies or in IT departments of larger companies, such as media companies and publishing houses.
Typical professions for media informatics professionals:
- Online Marketing Manager: As an online marketing manager, you work at the interface of business administration or management and oversee campaigns in areas such as search engine marketing (SEO and SEA) or affiliate marketing. You organize the development of APIs and analyze data and important KPIs.
- App Developer: As an app developer, you design and develop web apps or mobile apps for operating systems such as Android or iOS. You design user interfaces and implement predefined designs.
- IT Project Manager: As a project manager, you plan and organize the development of apps or websites. You mediate between management, clients, and developer teams, monitor the quality of products, and ensure that predetermined goals are achieved.
- Web Developer: As a web developer, you implement web designs for websites, build websites and web apps in a team, and are responsible for optimal user experience as a frontend developer.
Salary: How much does a media computer scientist earn?
It is hardly possible to answer how much media computer scientists earn in a blanket way, as income depends on many different factors, such as work experience, federal state, business size, and of course, skill in salary negotiations.
According to gehalt.de, permanent employees in computer science earn an average of between €64,300 and €81,800 gross. App developers can expect a salary between €50,100 and €62,300. As a frontend developer, you will probably earn between €38,900 and €55,100, depending on the federal state, career level, and company.
On average, as a media informatics specialist, you are estimated to earn between €52,800 and €67,700, which is between €4,250 and €5,460 gross per month.
Media Computer Science vs. Computer Science vs. Business Informatics
As a computer scientist, you will most likely work more in software development, as a backend developer, as a system administrator, or even as a data scientist. Computer science as a study programme or distance learning programme suits you well if numbers, code, various programming languages, and operating systems like Linux are your world. With your bachelor's degree in computer science, you can also freely specialize in a master's programme in media computer science, applied computer science, or even media computer science.
As a business informatics professional, you combine a computer science degree with a degree in business administration. As a business informatics professional, you will not only work as a developer or programmer but also as a project manager.
Media computer science is your field if you also want to design, if you want to develop apps and web apps, if you are interested in web design and UX design. As a media computer scientist, you have the broadest range of opportunities, so depending on the course of study, you also have basic knowledge of business administration — and work, for example, as a frontend developer or as a project manager.
The following table lists a range of bachelor's or diploma distance learning courses from the fields of computer science and business informatics:
| Course | University | Duration | Course contents | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business informatics, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | IU International University | 6 Semester | Introduction to Business Informatics, Business Administration, Introduction to Scientific Working, Fundamentals of Mathematics I, Requirements Engineering, Fundamentals of Object-Oriented Programming … | from 15063 € total from 259 € monthly | |
| Business informatics, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | Wilhelm Büchner University | 6 Semester | Among other things, from the study fields of computer science and business economics, mathematics and technology as well as business informatics, special computer science practice, scientific work/org… | from 12201 € total from 237 € monthly | |
| Business informatics, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | University of Hagen | 6 Semester | Introduction to Economics, Introduction to Business Informatics, Basics of Business Mathematics and Statistics, External Accounting − Bookkeeping, Financial Statements, Taxes, Introduction to Object-O… | from 2229 € total | |
| Business informatics and digital transformation., Bachelor of Science Part-time distance learning program | University of Applied Sciences Schmalkalden | 8 Semester | Introduction to Business Informatics, Fundamentals of Economics, Mathematics I, Project Management, Mathematics II, Financing and Investment, Marketing and Customer Relationship Management, Academic W… | from 12600 € total | |
| Computer Science, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | IU International University | 6 Semester | Introduction to Computer Science, Introduction to Scientific Work for IT and Technology, Fundamentals of Object-Oriented Programming with Java, Requirements Engineering, Project: Introduction to Web P… | from 15063 € total from 259 € monthly | |
| Computer Science, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | University of Hagen | 6 Semester | Mathematical foundations, Introduction to imperative programming, Computer systems, Introduction to the scientific methodology of computer science, Algorithmic mathematics, Introduction to object-orie… | from 1954 € total | |
| Computer science, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | Wilhelm Büchner University | 6 Semester | Among others, mathematics for computer scientists, computer architecture, information technology, theoretical foundations of computer science, operating systems, basics of programming, software engine… | from 12201 € total from 237 € monthly |
About the Author Christian Wolf
Study Advice
Questions on the topic? Use our study advice, we are happy to help.
or post as a guest