MSc in Business Intelligence & Data Science International School of Management (ISM)

Courses are held in English.

The Master of Science in Business Intelligence & Data Science at ISM combines two exciting disciplines: Business Administration and Data Science. It provides comprehensive methodological knowledge for well-founded data analysis as well as for intelligent and automatic data evaluation and usage.

The combination with consulting aspects is what makes the course so special. In addition to IT topics, students also have lessons in company analysis and practical consulting projects. Thus graduates can make important predictions for an enterprise and are significantly involved in achieving business goals more effectively.

This Master's degree programme is offered at our locations in Dortmund, Munich, Hamburg and Stuttgart.

The programme is also internationally AACSB accredited and includes: a semester abroad at a partner university in Europe or overseas, practical teaching by lecturers who are experts and IT managers in the real business world, twelve weeks of compulsory internships, workshops and company excursions to practice your learned skills and prepare you optimally for your future career. Optionally, students can receive a second, accredited double degree from a partner university of the ISM abroad.

This course of study is offered at our locations in Dortmund, Munich, Hamburg and Stuttgart.

The regular duration of four semester can be shortened to three semesters if, for example, you bring 210 ECTS from your Bachelor's studies (check the option Fast Track).

Applicants who require a visa for studying in Germany must submit their application documents by the following deadline:

• 15 July (The semester starts in September.)

For all other applicants, the admission period ends at the latest in August.

You can apply up to one year in advance (admission test result is valid for one year).

• 6,480 EUR per semester
• Monthly payments are also available upon agreement with university.

One-time enrolment fee

• EU & EEA (European Economic Area) students: 600 EUR
• Non-EU students: 1,500 EUR

Semester 1-2: Deepening business management knowledge and comprehensive methodological skills for intelligent data retrieval and analysis, including big data projects that focus on agile project management and scientific methods

Semester 3: Semester abroad at one of the ISM partner universities in Europe or overseas

Semester 4: Master's thesis

Practical projects and an integrated internship provide the necessary practical relevance and, in combination with a semester abroad and the possibility of an international double degree, create optimal conditions for entering the international job market.

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In order to fully prepare you for a career in international data science, in this Master's programme

• You’ll spend a semester abroad at one of the 190+ partner universities around the world.
• Optionally, you can opt for the Double Degree at a partner university and graduate with two degrees at the same time.

A twelve-week compulsory internship in an international context during the first semester guarantees a high level of practical relevance.

6,480 EUR

• 6,480 EUR per semester
• Monthly payments are also available upon agreement with university.

One-time enrolment fee

• EU & EEA (European Economic Area) students: 600 EUR
• Non-EU students: 1,500 EUR

Included in the tuition fee

On average, the cost of living for students in Germany is about 1,000 EUR/month. Depending on lifestyle and choice of accommodation, higher costs might incur in cities such as Munich or Hamburg.

• A successfully completed Bachelor's degree, with at least 180 ECTS points,
• or an equivalent course of study at a university or university of applied sciences or a foreign higher education institution of corresponding rank
• with at least 15 ECTS credits from the field of business (e.g. business administration, economics, business information systems; or related fields)
• of those credits or in addition to those credits at least 10 ECTS credits in quantitative courses (e.g. mathematics, statistics, computer science, technology, market research, econometrics; or related fields)
• Qualified professional experience both in business and in quantitative fields can be used to compensate for a lack of subject-specific ECTS points.
• submission of the online application form and uploading of certain documents (Bachelor's degree certificate (if available), transcript of records, CV, letter of motivation, English language certificate of level B2)
• participation in an online interview

Admission process:

The admission process consists of preparing a brief case study presentation and an online interview. You are expected to present the results of your case study on the day of the admissions test.

To the admission form

Applicants should provide proof of English proficiency through one of the following:

• TOEFL (at least a score of 80, Internet-based) or
• IELTS (at least 6.0) or
• Cambridge (FCE) or
• a degree in English studies or
• at least 30 ECTS in an English-language higher education programme or
• native speaker of English (assessed on a case-by-case basis)

Applicants who require a visa for studying in Germany must submit their application documents by the following deadline:

• 15 July (The semester starts in September.)

For all other applicants, the admission period ends at the latest in August.

You can apply up to one year in advance (admission test result is valid for one year).

ISM is a private university of applied sciences that is financed solely by tuition fees. It supports international students with the allocation of scholarships – usually partial scholarships of 25% to 50% of the tuition fee – to enable suitable, highly motivated students to study at the university.

More information on scholarships and study financing

As an international student in Germany, you can work part-time (20 hours per week) during the semester and full-time (40 hours per week) during the semester breaks. This means that over the course of a year, you can work a maximum of 140 full days or 280 half days without requesting approval from the German Employment Agency.

ISM does not have private dormitories and cannot offer student accommodation.

The Career Centre is the central service centre for student internship applications, career entry help and perspectives, and the set-up of a student's own network. It is the interface between students, alumni, and companies. The Career Centre offers the best possible support to students in order to help them get access to internships, prepare them for job interviews and find the best suitable career path.

Buddy Programme

International students can benefit from the start of their studies from the help of a fellow, older student, a so-called buddy, who will organise different activities and meet with them throughout the semester.

Also, study coaches will help assist students, answer their questions and make sure they have a great study experience.

Optional German language course before semester start

Students can take part in a three-week intensive German course prior to the beginning of each semester. There will be a course for beginners and, if there are enough interested students, we will also offer a course for advanced learners. This course can be booked for approx. 480 EUR. In addition, optionally, we also try to offer three different language courses during the semester for free: Beginners + Intermediate + Advanced Business.

Contact the International Office for more information.