MA International Management & Information Systems (IMIS)

Overview This English-taught master’s program combines business administration with applied information systems and current IT trends to prepare graduates for the demands of a globalised economy. The curriculum emphasizes academic excellence, diversity and equality and is delivered to an international student body, creating a multicultural learning environment.

Learning goals and outcomes Over three semesters students acquire a dual qualification that blends IT-focused subjects with core business administration competencies. The program develops both theoretical knowledge and practical skills so graduates can independently analyse complex information systems and business problems, apply scientific methods to derive practical solutions, and assume responsible, critical leadership roles in international organisations. It also promotes lifelong learning and strengthens international, multicultural and social competencies.

Learning environment and opportunities An international cohort encourages intercultural exchange, intensive teamwork and language development. State-of-the-art technologies support blended and distance-learning elements; study pathways may include integrated internships or semesters abroad to broaden practical experience and improve career prospects. This is a consecutive master’s program designed to follow the Business Administration with Informatics bachelor’s degree. For applicants who already have at least 12 months of relevant professional experience and need to study alongside work, a professional online master’s variant is offered.

Key facts and admission-related points

• Study language: English (exclusively)
• Duration: three semesters (full master's program)
• Intended for graduates of a relevant bachelor’s degree (e.g., Business Administration with Informatics) or an equivalent qualification
• Consecutive program—follows the Business Administration with Informatics bachelor’s course
• Online professional variant available for applicants with at least 12 months of relevant professional experience who wish to study while employed

Overview

This interdisciplinary MA is delivered in a blended-learning format that combines on-campus and online study. The first semester is campus-based (held on the Soest campus) with face-to-face teaching and intensive team work. The second semester is fully online, giving students flexibility to complete courses remotely, undertake an internship with a business organisation, or study abroad at an international partner university. The third semester centres on the Master’s thesis and includes a Research Methods seminar; the thesis may be research-focused or completed in cooperation with a company for a practice-oriented project.

Key modules and what you will learn

• First-semester modules (on campus) introduce core topics such as E‑Business & E‑Commerce, Information Management, Business Intelligence & Analytics, Business Marketing Management, Innovation Management and Management Communication (each 5 ECTS). These build foundational capabilities in digital business models, information handling, analytics-driven decision making, marketing in business contexts, managing innovation processes, and professional management communication.
• Second-semester online modules cover Enterprise Resource Planning, Management Accounting & Finance, and Business Informatics (6 ECTS each). In addition you choose two online electives (12 ECTS), or complete an exchange semester abroad (12 ECTS), or a practical internship (12 ECTS). These options allow you to deepen technical systems knowledge (ERP, business informatics), strengthen financial and managerial control skills, or gain applied experience within German or international organisations.
• Third-semester work includes a Research Methods block seminar (5 ECTS), Digital Transformation (5 ECTS) and the Master’s thesis with colloquium (20 ECTS). This phase develops your ability to design and execute independent research or company-based projects, and to articulate findings in both written and oral formats.

Concise curriculum (modules & ECTS)

• First semester (on campus, each 5 ECTS)
  • E-Business & E-Commerce — 5 ECTS
  • Information Management — 5 ECTS
  • Business Intelligence & Analytics — 5 ECTS
  • Business Marketing Management — 5 ECTS
  • Innovation Management — 5 ECTS
  • Management Communication — 5 ECTS
• Second semester (online)
  • Enterprise Resource Planning — 6 ECTS
  • Management Accounting & Finance — 6 ECTS
  • Business Informatics — 6 ECTS
  • Plus one of:
    • Two online electives — 12 ECTS, or
    • Study abroad — 12 ECTS, or
    • Practical experience / internship — 12 ECTS
• Third semester (partially on campus)
  • Research Methods — 5 ECTS
  • Digital Transformation — 5 ECTS
  • Master’s thesis and colloquium — 20 ECTS

Typical learning outcomes

• Integrate management and information systems concepts to analyse and design digital business solutions.
• Use business intelligence and analytics to support evidence-based decision making.
• Understand and apply ERP and business informatics principles in organisational contexts.
• Communicate management ideas effectively and manage innovation processes.
• Carry out independent research or practice-based projects, and present results in academic and professional settings.
• Gain practical exposure (via internships or company collaborations) that can facilitate entry into German and international companies.

Graduates are prepared to analyse and solve complex information systems and business problems using scientific methods, and to take on responsible roles in international organisations. The programme’s focus on digital transformation, ERP, business intelligence, e-business and analytics equips students for positions such as IT/business analyst, ERP consultant, digital transformation specialist, product/ project manager, or roles in management consulting and technology-driven business units.

Integrated internships and industry collaboration enhance employability in German and international companies; the practice-oriented thesis option further supports direct entry into corporate R&D or applied roles. The international cohort and English instruction also suit graduates targeting careers in multinational firms or cross-border teams.