Overview
In a rapidly changing VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous) world, employers increasingly seek graduates who combine interdisciplinary and intercultural skills. This Master of Science links management, business information systems and applied computer science so graduates can bridge the gap between business needs and technology. The curriculum is built so that future managers acquire practical IT skills (for example, programming and working with ERP systems) while computer scientists deepen their business and managerial understanding to develop market-relevant, profitable solutions.
The programme is delivered as a double-degree offering through an international consortium between the University of Zwickau and partner universities in the Caucasus and Central Asia. Students earn two degrees—one from Zwickau and one from a partner institution—and are required to spend at least one semester abroad at one of the consortium universities. The consortium partners reflect long-standing institutional relationships and growing economic relevance of their regions (e.g., through initiatives such as the “New Silk Road”); partnerships of this kind between European and Central Asian universities remain relatively rare, with Zwickau taking a pioneering role. The programme’s development was supported by the DAAD under the HAW.International initiative.
This course is aimed at students who enjoy traveling, learning new languages and cultures, and who want to pursue international careers. Graduates typically move into roles such as managers, entrepreneurs, IT managers, software engineers, business analysts and project managers in national and international companies. The degree also opens pathways to doctoral study, including possibilities for research in cooperation with the partner universities.
Key facts and requirements
This interdisciplinary double-degree Master’s combines three complementary fields — Management, Business Information Systems and Computer Science — to develop graduates who can bridge business strategy and digital technology. In the first semester students build a common foundation (20 ECTS) with compulsory modules such as Training of Scientific and Intercultural Skills, an Applied Programming Project, Risk Management and Management Control, and Business Information Systems. These courses introduce multiple programming languages, refresh core management theory, and teach how management and IT intersect so students gain the mixed skillset needed to operate in the digital economy.
In the second semester the curriculum links managerial decision-making with data-driven methods: compulsory subjects cover Machine Learning, Business Analytics and Financial Management (15 ECTS), while another 15 ECTS come from elective modules that deepen topics such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Mining, Digital Business Models and Project Management. There is also structured support for English-language proficiency and scientific working and writing, and students may opt for a voluntary semester abroad at partner universities. The third semester is the mandatory exchange period required to obtain the double degree; it follows the same 15/15 ECTS split (compulsory/elective) and offers international coaching, Strategic Management, Digital Business Modelling and Software Systems alongside partner-university electives to broaden practical and global perspectives.
The programme concludes in the fourth semester with the Master’s thesis and a series of practitioner-led lectures ("Titan Talks") to connect research outcomes with industry application. Overall learning outcomes include interdisciplinary problem-solving across management and IT, applied programming and analytics skills, competence in risk and management control, the ability to design digital business models, and international experience through the required study-abroad component — all aimed at producing “business all-rounders” ready to lead in digitally transforming organisations.
Key curriculum facts and requirements
Applicants must hold a prior degree that corresponds to at least 180 ECTS credits (or an internationally recognized equivalent if earned outside the EU). This degree should come from economics, business informatics, computer science, or a closely related area that provides a suitable foundation for an interdisciplinary MSc in Management and Information Technology.
“Related” backgrounds are interpreted broadly to reflect the programme’s interdisciplinary focus. This includes interface disciplines that combine management and computing skills, as well as professional domains that overlap with business and IT topics.
Winter Semester (International)
Please check the following link for the current application deadlines:https://www.fh-zwickau.de/english/study/incomings/application/international-full-time-study/.
Graduates are prepared for international careers that bridge business and technology—typical roles include managers, entrepreneurs, IT managers, software engineers, business analysts and project managers. The interdisciplinary training (programming, ERP understanding, business analytics, machine learning, digital business models and strategic management) equips alumni to lead digital transformation projects, design market-relevant IT solutions and work as business‑oriented technologists in multinational firms and SMEs.
The compulsory international semester and consortium ties provide strong intercultural competence and regional expertise (Central Asia/Caucasus), improving employability in companies engaged with those markets. The degree also permits continuation to doctoral studies, including possible cooperation with partner universities.
Trier University of Applied Sciences — Birkenfeld
Technische Universität Braunschweig — Braunschweig
Furtwangen University — Villingen-Schwenningen
University of Siegen — Siegen