International Information Systems (IIS)

Overview The Master of Science in this programme prepares students to drive digital transformation in international business settings. It combines strong academic training with practical, work-oriented conditions so graduates are ready to manage information systems across borders and industries. Instruction is delivered in English, and the curriculum emphasizes the managerial and technological aspects of information systems in a global context.

Who it’s for The programme is suitable for students from any undergraduate background who are interested in information technology and its role in today’s business environment. Students gain skills that position them for international careers in companies, research institutions, or entrepreneurship, with a particular emphasis on the management of international information systems.

Career outcomes Alumni have begun careers at multinational firms such as Accenture, Siemens and adidas, entered research roles, or launched their own start-ups — reflecting the degree’s combination of industry relevance and options for academic or entrepreneurial paths.

Requirements / suitability

• Open to graduates from any academic discipline who want to work at the intersection of IT and business
• Interest in information technology and how it shapes modern organisations
• Aimed at those seeking an international career with a focus on managing information systems
• Programme language: English

The programme begins with a tailored first semester that levels students’ prior knowledge. Those who come from management or business backgrounds take an Informatics Introduction, while students with an IT/informatics background follow a Management Introduction. These foundation courses are mandatory and designed to close knowledge gaps so everyone is prepared for the technically and conceptually demanding core curriculum.

In the second and third semesters students study interdisciplinary courses that bridge information systems and informatics. These courses total 30 ECTS and are built from compulsory elective modules drawn from three thematic tracks: Data & Knowledge, Digital Business, and Architectures & Development. At the end of the third semester students take part in seminars that expose them to real international business problems and guide them through designing, executing and documenting a research project—key preparation for the Master’s thesis.

The fourth semester is reserved for the Master’s thesis, which is completed in collaboration with an international company or an academic partner. A study-abroad period of at least one semester is strongly encouraged to strengthen the international orientation of the degree; it is compulsory for all students who did not receive both their high school and undergraduate degree in a country where German is not an official language. Graduates leave the programme with integrated managerial and technical competencies, hands-on experience tackling international business challenges, and demonstrated ability to conduct independent research in international information systems.

Key requirements and components

• Mandatory first-semester foundation course: Informatics Introduction for business/management entrants or Management Introduction for IT entrants.
• 30 ECTS across second and third semester interdisciplinary compulsory electives (choose from Data & Knowledge, Digital Business, Architectures & Development).
• Third-semester seminars focused on real international business challenges and on planning/conducting/documenting a research project.
• Fourth semester devoted to a Master’s thesis carried out with an international company or academic partner.
• Minimum one-semester study abroad strongly encouraged; compulsory for students who did not receive both their high school and undergraduate degrees in a country where German is not an official language.

Graduates are prepared for international careers managing information systems in industry, consulting, and technology firms. Typical roles include IT/business analyst, IT project or product manager, systems architect, and management consultant, often within multinational enterprises or digital transformation teams.

Many alumni have joined large international companies (e.g., Accenture, Siemens, adidas), pursued research careers, or launched startups. The programme’s industry-linked thesis opportunities and mandatory study-abroad experience further enhance employability across consulting, enterprise IT, and entrepreneurial paths.