English 
Deutsch Who is the dual study programme in Business Informatics at Rheinische Hochschule Köln suitable for?
The dual Bachelor's degree programme in Business Informatics is aimed at school graduates with an advanced technical college entrance qualification or university entrance qualification who want to explore the interface between computer science and business administration. It particularly addresses individuals interested in digital business processes, IT systems and economic workflows who wish to gain practical experience in companies early on. The study offer is suitable for analytically and solution-oriented people who aim to work in IT consulting, data analysis, software development, IT management or business analysis after graduation. Career starters with initial experience in business or IT who want to deepen their skills through dual study will also find a suitable study option.
What formal admission requirements apply for the dual Business Informatics programme?
For admission, you need one of the following qualifications:
- General university entrance qualification (Abitur), subject-specific university entrance qualification or advanced technical college entrance qualification
- Or: qualification through vocational training according to the applicable Vocational Training University Entrance Regulation (e.g. master craftsman’s certificate, specialist, state-recognised advanced training)
- Or: an educational qualification recognised as equivalent according to the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs
- Proof of sufficient German language skills at level C1, if you hold a foreign university entrance qualification
- For the dual study mode: an employment contract or practical training place at a cooperating or partner company (this practical place must be bindingly confirmed before enrolment)
Further admission possibilities exist for professionally qualified applicants under the current state regulations. The complete details are governed by the General Admission Regulations of the university.
You should bring analytical thinking skills and an interest in the combination of business and IT. Important personal prerequisites are solid mathematics knowledge (corresponding to upper secondary level), a structured way of working as well as a willingness to learn new technologies and methods. Communication skills and teamwork are particularly important, as many projects and tasks are solved interdisciplinarily. Enthusiasm for digitalisation and problem-solving skills will help you get started and actively contribute in the dual study programme.
What content can you expect in the Bachelor’s degree in Business Informatics at RH Cologne?
The Bachelor’s degree programme in Business Informatics at the Rheinische Hochschule Köln provides you with comprehensive knowledge at the interface of business administration and computer science. The course is characterised by a strong practical focus and numerous projects with companies from the region. You acquire methodological and analytical skills to optimise business processes using digital technologies and IT systems.
- Fundamentals of Business Administration: General business administration, accounting, cost and revenue accounting, business mathematics, commercial law
- Computer Science Competences: Application development, database systems, software engineering, web development, IT architectures
- Digital Trends & IT Management: IT security, data protection, IT law, business information systems, digital business and innovation management
- Analytical Skills: Statistics, data analytics, data science (introduction to artificial intelligence)
- Soft Skills & Communication: Teamwork, business communication, business English
- Project Management: Preparation for project leadership and change processes, including optional certification (e.g. project management, SAP)
- Practical Projects & Specialisation: IT research projects, case studies, elective modules with special focus (e.g. IT business solutions, digital business, artificial intelligence)
You learn to analyse complex problems and develop solutions – complemented by practical transfer projects where you implement your own ideas and work closely with partner companies. Elective modules enable you to specialise individually – for example in Digital Business, AI or operational IT solutions.
How is the course structure organised in the dual Business Informatics degree?
The dual Business Informatics degree is designed for a standard period of study of 6 semesters and combines practical phases in a company with academic qualification at the university. You are simultaneously part of a partner company and can apply what you have learned directly in real projects.
- Study and practical phases alternate at regular intervals – allowing you to link theory and practice directly.
- Teaching takes place mainly as face-to-face study in Cologne; flexible models are offered (e.g. day or evening study).
- Small learning groups allow for personalised support.
- You benefit from interactive teaching methods as well as additional qualifications (e.g. certificate courses in SAP, project management).
- From the 5th semester onwards, you can choose specialisation modules according to your interests and specialise further.
- Central examination components are practical transfer projects, project works and the final bachelor thesis.
The dual study variant is based on a close collaboration with practical partners. Already during your studies, you establish contacts with regional companies – from insurance firms to municipal administration – and are prepared for a seamless career entry.
What career opportunities does the Bachelor’s degree in Business Informatics open up for you?
With the Bachelor of Science degree in Business Informatics, you qualify for a wide range of sought-after positions at the interface of IT, business, consulting and digitisation. The job market offers excellent prospects for business informatics professionals – regardless of sector and company size.
- IT consulting and management consulting: Analysis, optimisation and digitisation of business processes
- Business analysis and data analysis: Evaluation of company data, derivation of recommended actions
- Project management in IT projects: Leading and managing digital transformation processes
- Software development and web development
- Database administration and IT architecture
- IT security and data protection management
- Business intelligence, ERP implementation and process optimisation
- Digitisation expert in companies and public administration
Typical industries include insurance (e.g. AXA), technology consulting (Capgemini, Sopra Steria), retail (e.g. REWE Systems), industry, municipal administrations or start-ups. Additionally, the programme enables you to advance to consecutive master programmes – for example in Business Informatics, Project Management, Digital Transformation Management or General Management.
How is the study programme organised spatially and administratively at the Cologne location?
The course takes place at the Rheinische Hochschule Köln – a traditional, state-recognised university of applied sciences with over 6,000 students in Cologne.
- Four locations in Cologne: main administration and seminar rooms (Schaevenstraße), large campus with engineering labs (Vogelsanger Straße), library (Lindenstraße), POOLHAUS (Vitalisstraße)
- Face-to-face teaching in modern seminar rooms and laboratories
- Close supervision by professors and tutors
- Access to cooperating companies for projects and practical phases
The strong networking with industry and business in the Rhine metropolitan region Cologne offers excellent opportunities for internships, networking and practice-oriented project work.
What are the costs and what financing options are available to you?
The tuition fees for the dual Business Informatics degree at the Rheinische Hochschule Köln currently amount to €549 per month. Over the total standard period of study of six semesters (three years), this results in a total sum of €19,764.
- The tuition fees are usually fully or partially covered by the practical company (your employer).
- In individual cases, a personal contribution may be required – depending on the agreement with your employer.
- There are numerous funding options such as BAföG, scholarships, education loans and tax deductibility.
- Special scholarship programmes of the university and external partners support committed students.
- The university offers advisory services on study financing and individual support in selecting suitable models.
Investing in the dual Business Informatics degree usually leads to a rapid career start with attractive salary prospects and excellent development opportunities thanks to the parallel practical experience.
Advisory Service
Have questions about Academic Programs Business Informatics? Ask your question here, even anonymously. An employee of the institution RH Cologne – University of Applied Science or the editorial team will answer you.