Medical Informatics, Bachelor of Science

What should you bring for the Bachelor's in Medical Informatics?

The Bachelor's programme in Medical Informatics at Wilhelm Büchner University is aimed at all those who want to actively shape digitization in the healthcare sector. Whether you already work in the medical field, in IT, or at an interface, or come from another field: This degree programme is for you if you are fascinated by technological innovations, data analysis, and the application of medical information systems. Flexible, part-time, and practice-oriented learning makes this degree particularly attractive for professionals, career changers, and experts with ambitions in a growing industry of the future.

Admission requirements overview

• General university entrance qualification (A-levels)
• Subject-specific university entrance qualification
• Technical college entrance qualification
• A university admission qualification recognized as equivalent by the Hessian Ministry of Science and Art
• Successfully passed university entrance examination (HZP) after 2 semesters of study

Alternative access routes - Studying without A-levels is possible:

• Master craftsman's certificate, business administrator degree or technician examination (without additional aptitude test)
• Professionally Qualified: At least three years of completed vocational training with a final grade of 2.5 or better, intermediate school leaving certificate, and at least two years of full-time professional activity

Recognition of previous achievements: Previously completed academic or non-academic qualifications can be credited towards the degree, shortening the duration of the study.

Note: There are no admission restrictions (no NC). The start of studies is possible at any time. The university individually assesses whether your qualifications (e.g. degrees from abroad or professional qualifications) can be recognized.

Important personal requirements for successful studies

• Mathematical understanding: Good knowledge of mathematics is required - but a math preparatory course is offered.
• Technical and analytical interest: You should enjoy computer science, data processing, and technical systems.
• Interest in medicine and healthcare: A basic understanding of medical contexts is helpful but not mandatory.
• Self-organization and self-motivation: Distance learning offers maximum flexibility but requires structured and independent work.
• Team and communication skills: Exchange and collaboration are particularly important at the interface between IT and health.
• English language skills: As many scientific publications and specialist literature are available in English, basic knowledge is useful.
• Suitable for part-time study: The degree programme is particularly suitable for professionals.

Conclusion: You are part of the target group if you are interested in digital transformation, interdisciplinary exchange between IT and medicine, and solving socially relevant challenges. If you bring curiosity, basic knowledge, and organizational talent, the doors to the Bachelor's in Medical Informatics at WBH are open to you.

What to expect in the distance learning programme Medical Informatics at Wilhelm Büchner University?

The Bachelor's degree programme in Medical Informatics (B.Sc.) at Wilhelm Büchner University provides you with comprehensive knowledge at the interface of computer science, medicine and healthcare. You will receive a practice-oriented, scientifically founded education that prepares you for the challenges of digital transformation in healthcare.

Study contents - What competences will you acquire?

• Basic areas: Informatics, software development (e.g. Python, Java), databases, operating systems, mathematics, networks and software engineering form the technical foundation.
• Healthcare and medicine: You will learn medical basics, medical information systems, fundamentals of the German healthcare system and relevant aspects of healthcare law.
• Digitalization & Data Science: Topics such as digitalization in healthcare, Artificial Intelligence (AI) in medicine, Big Data and Data Science are covered in depth.
• IT security: You will learn how IT systems are operated securely and in compliance with data protection regulations in the healthcare sector.
• Practice & project management: Projects, agile methods, in-depth practical phases as well as final theses ensure the transfer to the real working world.
• Elective areas: You can set individual priorities - e.g. in medical technology (signal and image processing, health technologies), IT management, human-system interaction or general medical informatics.
• Interdisciplinary competences: Communication, leadership, innovation, service and change management will be strengthened for future leadership positions or consulting activities.

Practical learning materials - such as digital anatomy platforms (Kenhub) or the AI learning assistant KILEA - complement the modern learning concept.

Course structure - How does the distance learning programme work?

The programme is modular and offers you maximum flexibility:

• Standard period of study: 6 semesters (36 months; extension of up to 18 months possible free of charge).
• You can start anytime - without fixed enrolment deadlines.
• Learning takes place through distance learning: study materials, online learning platforms, webinars, digital tools (such as AI learning assistance), tutorials and seminars.
• Module examinations consist of written assignments, exams (some of which are possible online), oral examinations or practical work.
• You will complete a professional practical phase (BPP), which can be combined with existing professional activities.
• Through elective modules and specialisations, you can individualise your studies.

The concept is designed to be optimally organised alongside work and private commitments. An optional mathematics preparatory course ensures a smooth start to your studies.

Career opportunities & job prospects - Where will you work later?

• Medical informaticians are sought-after intermediaries between IT, medicine and the healthcare industry.
• Typical fields of activity can be found in:
  • Medical information systems and medical technology companies
  • IT departments of hospitals, health insurance companies and healthcare facilities
  • Consulting companies for the healthcare sector
  • Public administration (e.g. health authorities, associations)
  • Research institutions or start-ups in the eHealth and telemedicine sector
• Typical tasks: Development and implementation of digital health solutions, application consulting, IT and project management, quality assurance and process optimisation.
• With a bachelor's degree, you can start directly or specialise with a master's degree in computer science, medical technology or business informatics.

Study location - How and where will you study?

• The study takes place entirely through distance learning. This means: you learn independently of location, with flexible timing, and can start anytime.
• A modern online campus provides you with access to all study materials, forums, webinars and personal support.
• Wilhelm Büchner University is Germany's largest private university for technology and design based in Darmstadt - all degrees are nationally recognised and accredited.

Costs and financing - What do you need to invest?

• The tuition fees for the distance learning Bachelor's programme in Medical Informatics start from €378.31 per month (depending on the chosen pricing model and duration of studies).
• An extension of up to 18 months is possible free of charge.
• Wilhelm Büchner University offers a credit transfer guarantee: For every 5 ECTS recognised, approximately one monthly rate is waived.
• Possible funding: BAföG (under certain conditions), education loans, tax deductibility of costs, support from employers or education vouchers.

The programme can be tested free of charge for four weeks.