Study Diplom in Business Information Systems

Table of contents

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

Program Content

In Business Information Systems, 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 electives. This will enable you to identify interdisciplinary problems and develop appropriate solutions.

Quick Facts (Overview)

Degree	Diplom (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 study fees, if applicable

Program Structure

A total of 300 credit points are awarded in the Business Information Systems diplom program. The standard duration of study is therefore 10 semesters as a full-time student, although 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 Basic Studies, which provides you with the substantive and methodological foundations in the various disciplines of the degree program, and
• the Main Course of Study, which builds on this foundation and includes a very broad range of electives as well as the diplom thesis.

Basic Studies

The Basic Studies 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 and
• General Qualifications.

You can learn more about each of these areas and their content by clicking on 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.

Main Course of Study

The Main Course of Study, 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 Course of Study is possible even without completing the introductory program. However, you must have passed its compulsory modules.

Compulsory Area

The small Compulsory Area 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 Area

The Elective Area 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 website Elective Area.

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 website Academic Affairs Office Civil and Environmental Engineering .

Thesis

With your thesis, you 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 completion of your degree program.

For methodological and thematic support, you will take the appropriate modules in the area of Research Design. 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 introductory 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 successful completion 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 Area, credits earned abroad can be easily transferred. Financial support is provided by programs such as PROMOS and the Prof. Endriss Prize, among others . You can find more information here.

Career Prospects

The strong and ever-growing interconnection between business and information technology, as well as the interdisciplinary focus of the degree program, 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 business 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 diplom, 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 Elective Area offers immense opportunities to develop your own academic profile. The six-semester core curriculum and the broader Elective Area 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.
• Regular top rankings in university rankings (CHE, Wirtschaftswoche) attest to the degree program’s great popularity among students and companies.
• Chairs, the Dean's Office, and the Academic Affairs Office Civil and Environmental Engineering 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 diplom program as it was offered prior to the 2024–25 winter semester. Some course titles were different back then, and a few 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 help 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.