International Management and Information Systems (IMIS)

The Master of Arts degree in "International Management & Information Systems" (IMIS) prepares students for leadership roles in a globalised economy in which the intelligent use of IT systems is becoming a critical success factor.
This English-language degree course meets this demand by offering a two-fold qualification in which IT-related subjects such as Integrated Information Systems, Business Intelligence, Electronic Business and Management Information Systems are coupled with key Business Administration competencies including Marketing Management, Entrepreneurship, Innovation Management, Accounting and Finance.
State-of-the-art technologies allow for distance-learning opportunities in the form of an integrated study abroad or practical experience semester which provides students with additional career prospects.
Duration: three semesters

The Master's course "International Management & Information Systems" (IMIS) is a consecutive programme to the Bachelor's course "Business Administration with Informatics" (http://www.fh-swf.de/bba).

Educational organisation

The degree course follows a blended learning approach. Only the first semester (second semester for those who start in the winter intake) is designed as an on-site study experience.
The second semester (first semester for those who start in the winter intake) is designed as an off-campus experience. This means that the courses are organised entirely as online modules, allowing for distance-learning opportunities as a practical semester at a business organisation, or as pre-structured credit options (learning agreements) with international partner universities.
The third semester is devoted to the Master's thesis, which can be written either with a research-based focus or with a practice-oriented focus in cooperation with a partner business organisation.

Structure:
1) For students starting in the summer semester
First semester (on campus):

• E-Business (5 ECTS)
• Information Management (5 ECTS)
• Business Intelligence (5 ECTS)
• Business Marketing Management (5 ECTS) or Marketing Research (5 ECTS)
• Corporate Entrepreneurship & Innovation (5 ECTS)
• Journal Club (5 ECTS)

Second semester (online):

• Enterprise Resource Planning (6 ECTS)
• Accounting & Finance (7 ECTS)
• Virtual / Intercultural Communication (5 ECTS)

and

• two online electives (12 ECTS) or study abroad (12 ECTS) or practical experience (12 ECTS)

Third semester (in parts on campus):

• Research Methods (5 ECTS)
• Current Communication Issues (5 ECTS)
• Master's Thesis and Colloquium (20 ECTS)

2) For students starting in the winter semester
First semester (online)

• Compulsory Introduction to the IMIS programme on campus (approx. two weeks)
• Enterprise Resource Planning (6 ECTS)
• Accounting & Finance (7 ECTS)
• Virtual / Intercultural Communication (5 ECTS)
• two online electives (12 ECTS)

Second semester (on campus):

• E-Business (5 ECTS)
• Information Management (5 ECTS)
• Business Intelligence (5 ECTS)
• Business Marketing Management (5 ECTS) or Marketing Research (5 ECTS)
• Corporate Entrepreneurship & Innovation (5 ECTS)
• Journal Club (5 ECTS)

Third semester (in parts on campus):

• Research Methods (5 ECTS)
• Current Communication Issues (5 ECTS)
• Master's Thesis and Colloquium (20 ECTS)

Study abroad unit(s)

For the students starting in the summer semester, the second semester is designed as an off-campus experience. This means that the courses are organised entirely as online modules, allowing for distance-learning opportunities as a practical semester at a business organisation, or as pre-structured credit options (learning agreements) with international partner universities.
Important note: For students starting in the winter semester, only the online electives provide for a regular study schedule of three semesters, whereas choosing the practical semester at a business organisation or the study-abroad option would prolong the studies by at least one semester.

Internships

For students starting in the summer semester, the second semester provides the option of a practical semester at a business organisation while participating in the compulsory modules via E-learning.

Forms of assessment

Written exams, oral exams, presentations, term papers, Master's thesis with colloquium

Course objectives

The degree programme focuses on integrated acquisition of IT and leadership skills to address the increasing importance of information technology in (internationally) linked businesses. The degree course has two core objectives:

• support of international management through IT, and
• management of Information Technology systems across international boundaries.

Accordingly, the degree programme emphasises two core areas, each with their individually diverse applications and methods:

• IT competencies in Integrated Information Systems, Electronic Business, Business Intelligence and Information Management
• management competencies in Marketing Management, Entrepreneurship, Innovation Management as well as Accounting & Finance.

English-language, internationally focused course content as well as partnerships with universities abroad provide students with a truly international experience.

Language requirements

Applicants must provide proof of their English skills:

• TOEFL 575 (paper-based), 232 (computer-based), 90 (internet-based)
• IELTS 6.5

Academic requirements

Bachelor's or higher degree in business, business informatics or a similar field of study, grade better than or equivalent to the German grade 2.5 or ECTS grade "B"
Minimum study duration: seven semesters or 3.5 years
Proof of English language required, see "language requirements"

Enrolment fees

Currently: 220 EUR per semester (for social services fee, financial fee for student body organisations, ticket for public transport)

Costs of living

The average cost of living in Soest is approx. 680 EUR per month, including accommodation and student health insurance.

Job opportunities

Job opportunities cannot be guaranteed to prospective students. Participants have to verify that they can cover their costs without any additional income.

Arrival support

IMIS Office

Services and support for international students

International Office & IMIS Office

Accommodation

The IMIS Office helps to find accommodation either at the Soest campus halls of residence or through private landlords by providing contact information.