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The Central State Office for Distance Learning (ZFU) has approved the course Computer Science under the number 1133722c. Who this Master fits – and what you need to be admitted
This online Master is designed for experienced tech talent who want to deepen their expertise while studying from anywhere. Typical profiles include: full-time software engineers aiming to specialise in cyber security, AI or cloud; network or systems professionals transitioning into data engineering or distributed systems; STEM graduates with solid coding practice who want a research-oriented CS Master they can complete remotely alongside work.
Admission requirements
To enrol you need a first degree and, for international applicants, proof of German language skills for this German-taught programme. Key requirements at a glance:
- Completed Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a closely related field, comprising at least 180 ECTS.
- Degree must be from a state or state-recognised university; minimum final grade “Befriedigend” (satisfactory).
- If your first degree is not clearly CS-related: admission via a Master entrance route by successfully completing two specified CS modules within 12 months (fully credited towards the programme).
- If your Bachelor grade is “Ausreichend” (3.5–4.0): alternative access is possible with additional, relevant higher education achievements (e.g. ≥ 40 ECTS from a matching Master/MBA), an appropriate completed Master/MBA, or recognised extra-university qualifications at DQR7-level (≥ 40 ECTS equivalence).
- Recognition of prior learning is possible; accredited credits can shorten the programme and reduce fees per recognised ECTS.
- Language for admission (German-taught): provide one of the following German certificates (typically issued within the last five years): TestDaF (min. 3 in all parts), DSH-1, telc Deutsch B2, or ÖSD B2. Comparable B2 (GER) proofs may be accepted.
International qualifications are welcome. Degrees and diplomas are assessed for equivalence; ensure your transcripts clearly show credit scope, grading scale and the awarding institution’s recognition status.
Personal requirements
Distance learning at Master level demands consistent self-management. Plan with a realistic weekly workload depending on your pace: about 40 hours/week (24-month track), 25 hours/week (36-month), or 20 hours/week (48-month). You should be comfortable with independent study, academic writing in German, and sustained work on programming and theory-heavy topics such as algorithms, advanced mathematics, IT security and AI.
- Strong self-organisation, reliable schedule and the perseverance to learn continuously from abroad.
- Solid programming experience (e.g. Python) and confidence with Linux/CLI and developer tooling.
- Stable internet, suitable study space for online teaching, group work and remote assessments.
- Clear German communication skills to follow materials, seminars and exam tasks; technical English remains useful for literature and documentation.
If you work full-time, choose a time model that matches your capacity and set fixed, repeating study blocks each week. Break modules into milestones, track progress, and use the university’s tutoring and coaching offers proactively to stay on course.
What will you study in the Computer Science (M.Sc.) at IU International University of Applied Sciences?
This Master’s is taught in German. You need proof of German at about B2 level, accepted certificates include TestDaF (TND3, at least 3 points in all parts), DSH1, telc Deutsch B2 or ÖSD B2. Over 120 ECTS and 4 semesters you build advanced skills in software engineering, AI, security and governance, concluding with a Master’s thesis. IU is a private university of applied sciences (Fachhochschule – practice-oriented institution) and is staatlich anerkannt (state-recognised).
Software engineering and programming – You deepen professional development practice from analysis to release: Programming with Python, Software Engineering: Software Processes, and Secure Software Development. Project: Software Engineering trains workflows, teamwork and documentation that scale to real-world systems.
Mathematics, algorithms and AI – Advanced Mathematics and Algorithmics provide the formal basis for building efficient solutions. Artificial Intelligence focuses on modern methods and their safe, responsible integration into products and services.
Security, networks and privacy – You learn to design and protect distributed systems: Networks and Distributed Systems, IT Security and Data Protection, plus the hands-on Project: Network Topology. Legal and organisational aspects are addressed early to bridge tech and compliance.
Research, society and governance – Research Methodology strengthens academic writing and empirical work. In Seminar: Computer Science and Society you reflect on ethical, social and economic impacts. IT Governance, Compliance and Law links information security, risk and regulation to corporate processes.
Electives – You choose two specialisations to sharpen your profile, for example Advanced Cyber Security and Cryptology, Machine Learning and Deep Learning, Cloud Computing, Mobile Software Engineering, Advanced Web Technologies, Data Architectures, Database Querying, UI/UX Expert, Computerkriminalität, or options like Advanced Robotics 4.0, Data Engineer, Project Management with PRINCE2, E-Commerce, or Digitalisierung in Medizin und Pflege.
Practical application and thesis – Multiple projects and seminars ensure applied learning, culminating in the Master’s thesis (30 ECTS) and a colloquium. The distance-learning format is approved by Germany’s ZFU (state authority for distance learning, approval no. 1133722c). The programme is accredited until 14 August 2030.
How does studying in the Computer Science (M.Sc.) work?
You study fully online with flexible pacing. Learning takes place on IU’s digital campus with on-demand materials, live formats and 24/7 online exams. You can choose a full-time or part-time model and start any time. No classroom attendance is required; assessments run online or at an exam centre.
The teaching language is German – plan your B2 certificate early
German is the sole language of instruction. IU accepts common B2-level proofs such as TestDaF (TND3 with at least 3 in all parts), DSH1, telc Deutsch B2 or ÖSD B2. Certificates generally must be valid at enrolment. Studying complex topics such as governance and AI in German means you should be comfortable with technical vocabulary and academic writing.
Study model: distance learning with a nationwide exam network
The programme is an online distance-learning degree. You study independently from any location and use IU’s online campus for content, communication and support. Examinations are available online around the clock or at the nearest exam centre. Full-time takes 24 months; part-time options extend to 36 or 48 months to fit work and family.
Learning formats, group sizes and support
You combine structured self-study with interactive elements. Expect multimedia content, recorded and live sessions, discussion forums and coaching. You have access to an online library, MS Office and LinkedIn Learning. Group sizes vary by module and format; guidance is available through lecturers, the study office and career services.
Assessments: flexible and practice-oriented
Assessment formats include proctored online exams, programming and project work, presentations, written assignments and seminars. The programme ends with the Master’s thesis and colloquium. The high exam flexibility supports steady progress alongside a job.
What does the Computer Science (M.Sc.) cost?
Tuition depends on your time model. As guidance: €549 per month (24 months), €409 per month (36 months), or €329 per month (48 months). Over the standard 24 months, this corresponds to around €13,176 in tuition; extending to 36 or 48 months spreads payments with a higher total. You pay in monthly instalments; recognised prior learning can reduce fees by €30 per ECTS.
There are no mandatory on-site phases, so you avoid relocation and commuting costs. Plan for optional expenses such as specialist literature, software tools and, if you choose a test centre, occasional travel. As a distance learner studying from abroad you can keep living costs in your home country; if you live in Germany, typical monthly expenses in many mid-sized cities range widely by lifestyle and housing.
What careers and recognition does the Computer Science (M.Sc.) offer?
The programme awards 120 ECTS under the Bologna framework. IU is a staatlich anerkannte (state-recognised) private university of applied sciences; the degree is accredited until 2030. ECTS credits, Bologna compliance and state recognition support international portability for employment and further study, including eligibility for doctoral tracks at institutions that accept professionally oriented Master’s degrees.
With a practice-focused M.Sc. you can step into advanced roles across Europe and beyond. Typical paths include:
- Software Developer or Software Architect – end-to-end design of complex backend, web or mobile systems
- IT Security Engineer or Security Consultant – threat modelling, hardening, cryptography and incident response
- Data Engineer or Data Architect – data pipelines, distributed processing and platform design
- Cloud Engineer or Cloud Architect – migration, scalability, reliability and cost governance in public clouds
- IT Consultant or Technical Product Owner – requirements, solution design and stakeholder alignment
Specialisations such as Machine Learning, Advanced Cyber Security or Cloud Computing can accelerate entry into high-demand sectors like finance, healthcare, industrial IoT and SaaS. Salaries vary by country, sector and experience; in Germany and other EU economies, Master’s-level IT roles generally start above national medians and increase substantially with responsibility and certifications.
Who is the Computer Science (M.Sc.) right for – and who not?
This programme targets graduates who want to deepen computer science with high flexibility. It suits professionals combining study with work, and those seeking a state-recognised, accredited Master’s delivered fully online in German.
- You want a German-taught Master’s and can document B2-level German with an accepted certificate.
- You value flexible pacing, 24/7 online exams and study entirely without mandatory on-site attendance.
- You aim to specialise in areas like Cyber Security, Machine Learning, Cloud or Data Engineering via targeted electives.
- You prefer applied learning with projects and a clear path to roles in development, security or data.
It is not the best fit for everyone. The format and language choice set clear boundaries you should consider before applying.
- You need an English-taught Master’s – this programme is conducted in German and requires B2-level German certificates.
- You want an on-campus experience in Germany with labs, fixed timetables and daily in-person classes – this degree runs online.
- Your budget only allows minimal semester fees as at public universities – private tuition here is higher, even if paid in instalments.
- You prefer mandatory, supervised lab work on site – the curriculum is project-based but has no compulsory on-campus lab phases.
Lade…
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