Theoretical Master's theses address questions from academic literature and are often based on current publications.

As part of the application process, students can suggest desired topics and planned methodological approaches. The specific topic will be determined by the supervisor after the application has been accepted.
 

Practical Master's theses are conducted in cooperation with companies. Students can apply directly to our partner companies for advertised topics. These topics have already been coordinated with us; acceptance by the partner company automatically includes a commitment to supervision from us.

Topics of our industry partners are listed here

Alternatively, students can also independently contact companies where they would like to write their practical Master's thesis (e.g., companies where they have already completed an internship). In this case, you specify the company and the intended topic area in your application. The specific topic will be determined by your supervisor after your application has been accepted.

Students in the CEMS MIM program can also write their Master's thesis with us. Due to the shortened processing time of three months, we recommend writing a theoretical thesis. The application process is the same as for other Master's theses.

We recommend applying in English. It is however not necessary to translate official documents that were issued in German into English (e.g German school reports).

The thesis as well as the presentation should be in English.

Yes. Our industry partners advertise their thesis topics independently. Please apply as described in the subsections above.

Each company has their own selection process. In most cases this includes an interview. The company will then inform you if your application was successful. Topics for master theses with our industry partners can be found here

Please inform us once you have been accepted and forward us the application documents you sent to the company. You will then receive confirmation from us that you will write your thesis at our chair.

Independent of your application you can also apply for a theoretical or practical theses in the Supply Chain Area. Please follow the instructions in the relevant subsection above.

The supervisors will be communicated via email approx. 2 weeks after the application deadline.

No, please just state your preferences and interests in the application form. Your final thesis topic will be discussed in the first meetings with your supervisor.

The topics for a master thesis with one of our industry partners can be found here

No!

After the topic has been determined by the topic proposer, you and the topic proposer will fill out a form, which will then be sent immediately by the chair to the Examinations Office. Please note that the processing period begins no later than the day on which you learn of the topic of the thesis. After receipt of the notification by the Examinations Office, it will be determined whether you can be admitted to the thesis. After this, you will receive written notification from the chairperson of the examination board regarding admission to the thesis and the end of the deadline for completion. The notification of the topic, topic submitter and second examiner is made by posting in the Campus Management System (KLIPS).

The procedure is also described here in point 2:
https://wiso.uni-koeln.de/en/faculty/managing-board/examination-office/2015-2021-examination-regulations/final-theses