Study Diplom in Business Information Systems

Table of contents

1. 1. Program Content
   2. Quick Facts (Overview)
   3. Program Structure
      1. Foundation Phase
      2. Advanced Studies
      3. Required Courses
      4. Elective-Compulsory Area
      5. Courses/Timetable
      6. Academic Documents
      7. Thesis
   4. Study Abroad
   5. Career Prospects
   6. Why TU Dresden?
      1. What Students Say
   7. Contact and Advising
      1. Academic Advising
      2. Program Coordination
   8. More Insights & Stories on Social Media

Program Content

In Business Informatics, you will explore how information and communication systems are designed and implemented in business and public administration. In this program, which lies at the intersection of business and information technology, you will first acquire a broad foundation in business administration, economics, Business Information Systems, computer science, and research methods. Building on this foundation, you will deepen your knowledge in your areas of individual interest through a broad range of required electives. This will enable you to identify interdisciplinary problems and develop appropriate solutions.

Quick Facts (Overview)

Degree	Diploma (Dipl.-Wi.-Inf.)
Standard Duration of Study	Full-time: 10 semesters (5 years), Part-time: up to 20 semesters (10 years)
Language of Instruction	German (some elective modules are taught in English)
Start of Studies	Winter semester
Application period	June 1 – July 15 via the application portal
Costs per semester	Semester tuition, as well as second-degree and long-term tuition fees, if applicable

Program Structure

A total of 300 credit points are awarded in the Business Information Systems diploma program. The standard duration of study is therefore 10 semesters as a full-time student, though a flexible part-time program is also available. Please visit our Part-Time Study webpage for more information.

In general, the degree program is structured as follows

• the introductory phase, which provides you with the substantive and methodological foundations in the various disciplines of the degree program, and
• the advanced study phase, which builds on this foundation and includes a very broad range of required electives as well as the diploma thesis.

Foundation Phase

The introductory phase lasts 4 academic semesters and comprises 120 credit points. Here, you will acquire fundamental knowledge in

• Business Administration and Economics,
• Business Information Systems,
• computer science,
• methods and procedures, as well as
• general skills.

You can learn more about each of these areas and their content by following the respective links. This semester plan shows exactly how the modules are distributed across the first semesters of the program—with modules from Business Administration and Economics in light blue, Business Information Systems in green, computer science in dark green, methods and procedures in yellow, and general qualifications in orange.

Advanced Studies

The advanced studies phase, comprising 180 credit points, is structured over 6 semesters. With an interdisciplinary focus, it offers a broad and in-depth education in Business Information Systems, computer science, Business Administration and Economics, and more.

Admission to the main program is possible even without completing the introductory program. However, you must have passed its core required modules .

Required Courses

The small required component of the advanced studies phase (20 credit points) includes the professional internship and a research course.

The professional internship ensures that you apply the theoretical knowledge you have acquired during your studies to professional practice. The research course introduces you to research in Business Information Systems through a project.

Elective-Compulsory Area

The required-elective track is significantly more extensive, comprising 140 credit points. Thanks to its open structure, it offers you plenty of opportunities to delve deeper into the topics that interest you. You can find out which modules and profiles are available and how to select them on the Required-Elective Track webpage.

Courses/Timetable

You can access an overview of the courses for the current semester and the class schedule via our Class Schedule webpage.

Academic Documents

You can find the current versions of academic documents (academic, examination, and other regulations) here.

You can also find these documents in the form of official announcements on the websites of the Office of Academic Affairs for Civil Engineering and Environmental Studies.

Thesis

With your thesis, you will demonstrate that you can independently address a research question in the context of Business Information Systems using scientific methods. The thesis takes 16 weeks to complete and is worth 20 credit points. The thesis typically marks the conclusion of your degree program.

For methodological and thematic support, you will take the appropriate modules from the Research Design track. There, you will learn about relevant research methods, present the interim results of your thesis, and discuss them.

Prerequisites: You must have passed all modules of the foundational phase and earned at least 120 credit points in the advanced phase, including at least 5 credit points from the area of “Presenting and Discussing.” In addition, you must begin your thesis no later than the semester following the passing of your last module exam.

Important: Topic assignment, registration, and formal requirements vary by Chair. Therefore, please check the respective Chair websites for details.

Study Abroad

Want to study abroad for a semester or longer? The faculty offers you numerous opportunities—with over 60 Erasmus partner universities and other collaborations worldwide.

The International Office supports you from the initial idea through your return to Germany. Thanks to the flexible elective requirement, credits earned abroad can be easily transferred. Financial support is available through programs such as PROMOS and the Prof. Endriss Prize. You can find more information here.

Career Prospects

The strong and ever-increasing interconnection between business and information technology, as well as the degree program’s interdisciplinary focus, open up a vast job market with many opportunities for graduates of Business Information Systems.

As a systems analyst, project and knowledge manager, software developer, IT administrator, software consultant, or communications specialist, you can work in companies and institutions that use IT-based application systems, as well as at software development firms. High-achieving graduates also have the option of pursuing not only careers in the business world but also academic careers through a doctoral program.

Why TU Dresden?

It’s simple—the Business Information Systems program in Dresden stands out from the competition in many ways:

• With your diploma, you’ll earn a globally recognized degree that gives you an advantage over competitors with master’s degrees when entering the workforce.
• You’ll study without the interruptions that are common when transitioning from a bachelor’s to a master’s program.
• The required elective track offers immense opportunities to develop your own academic profile. The six-semester core curriculum and the extensive required elective track provide better opportunities for specialization than a four-semester master’s program.
• Internships and study abroad programs can thus be integrated into the course of study more easily and seamlessly than elsewhere.
• Business Information Systems are covered in their entirety and complemented by Computer Science.
• Consistent top rankings in university rankings (CHE, Wirtschaftswoche) attest to the degree program’s great popularity among students and companies.
• Studying on Campus: Your studies will take place centrally on the main campus of TU Dresden in the Südvorstadt district. The chairs, the Dean's Office, and the Academic Affairs Office are housed in the historic Georg-Schumann Building and the adjacent Hülße Building. Many courses are also held here.

What Students Say

Here, Luzia, a student in the Business Information Systems Diplom program, shares her experiences with her studies.

A quick note before we begin: Luzia studied the Business Information Systems diploma program as it was offered prior to the 2024/25 winter semester. Some course titles were different back then, and one or two of the courses she mentions no longer exist. Nevertheless, her statement still gives a good impression of what it’s like to study there today!

Contact and Advising

Academic Advising

Do you have any questions about the program or the application process? Our academic advisors will be happy to assist you.​ ​

Program Coordination

Have any suggestions or ideas for improvement? Please feel free to contact your program coordinators.

We’ve compiled additionaladvice and support services on our​“Advising and Services” webpage.

More Insights & Stories on Social Media

On YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn, you’ll find even more glimpses into campus life, information on current research topics, and interesting events at the faculty. See you there.