Web Science (Master’s program) – Advice and Support

The term “Web Science” was coined by Tim Berners Lee at the beginning of this millennium. It refers to the necessity of a paradigm change from “Computer Science” to a more interdisciplinary approach and of focusing on the possibilities of the “Web” as the interconnection of people, services and systems.

The term “Web” nowadays refers to the interconnection of people, services and systems (e.g. technical, economical, social, cultural). “Web Science” deals with phenomena in and of the Web and uses knowledge, concepts and methods from corresponding disciplines and perspectives (informatics, economics, business administration, law, design, social sciences etc.). Therefore the course of studies in Web Science comprises all these perspectives.

Web Scientists manage web projects and are capable of embracing a holistic, out of the box perspective on web phenomena.

Graduates of this programme will work in a range of companies, scientific or public institutions and manage projects that are concerned with the web.

Further details concerning Web Science may be found at the Web Science Trust Site.

It is not uncommon that we receive documents by email accompanied by the question, whether the sender is eligble for the programme. Please have a look at the admission requirements. In case you are an international student with foreign certificates, you have to apply via uni assist. Uni-assist will check the application documents and convert foreign notes in the German system. After reviewing, the applications of certifiable candidates will be passed on to us. So please understand, that I cannot confirm your eligibility.

Good news: You do not have to submit a certificate for your English proficiency! As many applicants are not sure, if their English skills are sufficient, we do provide the following levels as an orientation:

• TOEFL with at least 550 points on the paper-based test, 213 points on the computer-based test or 80 points on the internet-based test.
• IELTS with 6.5 points.
• alternative language test with a test score equivalent to those of TOEFL or IELTS.

Work experience gather during your bachelor studies are not sufficient to fulfil the requirement of a “professional employment of at least one year after graduation” (i.e., Bachelor’s programme). This applies both to activities in terms of a vocational training as well as practical semester or similar during your studies. The masters programme Web Science is not a consecutive, but a further education master programme. This assumes already that experiences have been gained from a qualified and relevant professional activity. This professional experience is then taken into accound in the design of the further education programme (e.g., in terms of workload, content, etc.).

Unfortunately, the Web Science programme does not fulfill the requirements for a study to which a residence permit according to § 16 (1) of the Residence act is granted. A “visa for the purpose of study” requires that the study must be the main purpose of the stay. We have been informed by embassies that these requirements are not sufficiently met if only an evening, weekend, or distance study is planned. The Web Science programme consists mainly of online and only two on-site sessions per term. Therefore it is advisable to apply for a visitor visa to attend the on-site weekends.

The tuition fees for this Master’s programme are 1400 € per semester. The training master course is offered outside the capacity of on-campus courses, so it is not funded by the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia and must be self-sustained.

In addition to the tuition fee, students enrolled in Master’s programmes parallel to professional employment are required to pay a semester fees (reduced by the public transport fee).

Since the programme is conducted primarily online, no increased cost of living is expected. Only the accommodation costs during the two on-site weekends should be considered.

There are two different application processes. If you have German nationality or a degree from a German university, you can apply directly via the TH Köln online application platform. Otherwise, please apply via uni-assist. The deadlines vary for the two systems:

Further information you find here.

Each semester starts with an on-site weekend in Cologne. The scheduled on-site weekends are listed here.