Web Science (M.Sc.)

Studying Abroad

The program is aimed at an international audience of graduates in the fields of computer science, business administration, design, law, psychology or social science. With the exception of two on-site weekends in Cologne per semester, the course takes place online. It is therefore not necessary to provide students with an opportunity to spend a part of the program abroad.

Course Objectives

The main objective of the course is to expand students’ competencies and capabilities in terms of conceptual and practical achievements concerning web phenomena. The Master’s program also aims at expanding students’ decision-making and project management skills in complex situations. Analytical and holistic thinking is cultivated in order to manage and act in web projects.

Employment

Graduates of this program will find professional employment in a range of companies, scientific or public institutions and will manage projects related to the Web.

Program Outline

In this day and age, the term Web refers to the interconnection of people, services and systems (e.g. technical, economic, social and cultural interconnection). Web Science deals with phenomena in and of the Web and utilizes knowledge, concepts and methods from corresponding disciplines and perspectives (computer science, economics, business administration, law, design, social sciences, etc.). Web Scientists manage web projects and are capable of embracing holistic perspectives and out-of-the-box thinking on different web phenomena. The Master’s programme includes modules such as

• Foundations & Principles I,
• Foundations & Principles II,
• Decision & Management,
• Web Trust & Security,
• Web & Cooperation,
• Design,
• Web & Society,
• Web Project Development
• Master Thesis & Colloquium.

More information about the modules.

Organisation

Beginning of program: each winter semester (September/October) and each summer semester (March)

Duration of program: 5 semesters (2 ½ years), Masterthesis included

ECTS: 120 credits

Degree: „Master of Science (M.Sc.) “

Program Structure

The Master’s program is designed as a post-graduate program parallel to professional employment and makes extensive use of modern E-learning approaches, such as online lectures and seminars as well as computer-mediated communication and collaboration. This program is offered as a “Verbundstudium” (i.e. combined campus and distance learning).

Courses

• 1st semester: Foundations and Principles I & II
• 2nd and 3rd semesters: four modules to be chosen from Web Trust & Security, Decision & Management, Web & Cooperation, Web & Society or Design)
• 4th semester: Web Development Project
• 5th semester: the programme concludes with the Master’s thesis.

Projects

The curriculum puts great emphasis on project management skills by offering projects in nearly every phase of the program as well as on scientific and communication skills through seminar-based work.

Studying online and on-site

For the most part, courses are held as online lectures, online seminars and online project work. Students will participate in online sessions on approximately two evenings per week during each semester. At the beginning and end of each semester, students will convene for an on-site weekend in Cologne.

Forms of Assessment

Forms of assessment include written or oral examinations, presentations and group work.

Academic admission requirements

For admission to the Master’s program Web Science (M. Sc.), the applicant is required to have successfully completed his/her Bachelor studies in one of the following fields: computer science, business administration, design, law, psychology or social science. For graduates in other fields than computer science, the program board will decide on the approval.
In addition, applicants are to attest to their professional employment of at least one year after graduation (Bachelor’s program).

Language Requirements

Proficiency in English is expected.

Application

Applicants from Germany / with a German degree

Applications are possible for the summer term from beginning of december until 30.01. and for the winter term from the end of may until 31th July (deadline). The specific and detailed application process you find here.

International applicants

For all applicants with foreign certificates there is a special procedure: If you are an international candidate with a completed study abroad, a direct application to the University of Applied Sciences Cologne is not possible. Please apply in this case the external web site of Uni-Assist. Please find further details and a checklist at: Please find further details and a checklist at: https://www.th-koeln.de/en/academics/web-science-masters-program_7228.php

Application deadline

for summer term: October 30th
for winter term: April 30th

Tuition Fees

EUR 1,400 per semester additionally semester fee reduced by the public transport fee. More Information https://www.th-koeln.de/en/academics/fees_5908.php (as at November 2023).

Costs of Living

It is assumed that students reside in their respective home towns and travel to Cologne for two weekends each semester. Board and lodging for the weekends plus travel expenses are to be paid for by the students.