International Information Systems (IIS)

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: German English
Deadline: May 31, 2024
StudyQA ranking:3840 Duration:2 years

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The Master's programme is a four-semester programme for students interested in information technology and its role in today's business environment. Offered jointly by the School of Business and Economics at the Faculty of Business, Economics, and Law situated in the city of Nuremberg and the Department of Computer Science at the Faculty of Engineering in Erlangen, the programme's curriculum includes courses in the fields of international information systems management, data management, and software engineering. The international nature of the programme is fostered by its participants, who come from many different countries, as well as the mandatory study abroad period and courses focusing on the international aspects of information systems management. Graduates of the programme are ideally suited for leadership roles at the interface between management and IT in global companies.
The salient features of the programme are:
  • open to students with a Bachelor's degree in business administration, management, economics, computer science, information systems or an IT-related engineering course
  • joint offering of the School of Business and Economics and the Department of Computer Science
  • teaching languages both German and English
  • clear focus on international aspects of information systems
  • 120 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System)
  • the programme begins each winter semester
  • modular structure permits up to two semesters abroad (one semester abroad is mandatory)

Educational organisation

The first semester starts with a customised introduction to International Information Systems. Students with a background in management take the informatics module, whereas students with an IT background take the management module. The introduction helps students to gain competencies not covered in their previous studies which are required for successful completion of the rigorous curriculum awaiting them in the later part of the programme. The first semester also includes the foreign languages module, which allows students to take different language courses.
The courses in the second and third semesters integrate interdisciplinary perspectives across the fields of management and computer science.
Topics covered in the curriculum include, among others:
  • IT-enabled innovation and value creation
  • IT-enabled processes and services
  • business analytics
  • IT management
  • project management
  • data management
  • software engineering
  • agile and open source software development
In addition, seminars with different focuses offered in the third semester prepare students for their Master's thesis, which is to be completed in the final semester. The Master's thesis can be completed in cooperation with an international corporate or academic partner.
It is mandatory for students to study abroad for at least one semester during the course of the programme.

Study abroad unit(s)

It is mandatory for students to study abroad for at least one semester during the course of the programme. The modular structure of the programme allows students to find appropriate courses at foreign universities that match the curriculum. The modular structure also permits students to spend up to two semesters abroad.
Four possibilities are accepted for study abroad:
  • an exchange semester at one of our partner universities (e.g. ERASMUS)
  • an exchange semester at any recognised university as a free mover
  • completion of the Master's thesis in cooperation with one of our academic partners located outside Germany (limited number of possibilities)
  • completion of the Master's thesis in cooperation with a company located outside Germany
We encourage our students to do internships abroad during the semester breaks, but these do not count as a study abroad semester.

Internships

An internship is not an integral part of the course of studies. However, students are encouraged to do an internship in order to gain practical insights.

Forms of assessment

Written exams and/or oral exams and/or team presentations and/or homework

Course objectives

The Master of Science in International Information Systems is a four-semester programme for young talents who are aiming for challenging management positions in globally operating high-tech companies.
An IIS graduate has developed the following competencies:
  • expertise in information systems management
  • expertise in computer science, e.g. in data management, software engineering and IT security
  • academic skills
  • project management experience
  • strong capacity for teamwork
  • presentation skills
  • language skills
  • cross-cultural competency

Language requirements

Proof of your English language skills (TOEFL, IELTS or CPE) is required if English is not your first language.
Minimum required iBT (internet-based test) TOEFL score: 95
Minimum required IELTS score: 7.0
Proof of your German language skills (DSH, TestDaF, Goethe etc.) if your education has been conducted in a language other than German. At the time of their application students must provide an A1 certificate. If accepted, students will have up to one year after beginning their studies to provide an A2 certificate.

Required DSH / TestDaF

Yes

Academic requirements

Applicants must have successfully completed an undergraduate degree in business administration, management, economics, computer science, information systems, or an IT-related engineering course.

Enrolment fees

The contribution to student services currently amounts to 42 EUR per semester. An additional charge of 65 EUR per semester covers the mandatory basic "semester ticket", a transit pass that provides students with unlimited access to public transport in the metropolitan region of Nuremberg from 7pm to 6am on weekdays and at all times at weekends. (For an additional optional charge, the validity of the pass can be extended to 24 hours a day, seven days a week.)

Costs of living

The cost of living can only be approximated very generally, as the needs and living conditions of every student are different.
Rent: 250-600 EUR per month
Health insurance, doctor, medicine: approximately 70 EUR per month
Food: approximately 165 EUR per month
Study materials: approximately 30 EUR per month (depending on the subject)
Transport: minimum 65 EUR per semester
Student services: 42 EUR per semester
For more information, see: http://www.fau.eu/study/prospective-students/financing-your-studies/costs-of-studying
General information on the average cost of living in Germany is available online: http://www.internationale-studierende.de/en/prepare_your_studies/financing/costs_of_living

Job opportunities

International students have a variety of possibilities to find a part-time job. For example, they may work as a working student at one of the companies in the Nuremberg area or at the university as a student/research assistant.

Funding opportunities within the university

The Central Office for International Affairs offers scholarships from Bavarian state funding to allow highly qualified international students in Master's, "Diplom", and State Exam degree courses to complete their degrees.
http://www.fau.eu/international/international-applicants/bachelors-masters-state-examinations/during-your-studies/scholarships-for-international-students-about-to-graduate/

Arrival support

Students joining the Master in International Information Systems programme benefit from a number of information sessions and social activities. Prior to their arrival in Nuremberg, they receive an information package including information about studying and living in Nuremberg. Students are also provided with additional information via e-mail and can seek support via e-mail at any time.
After their arrival in Nuremberg, students may participate in a welcome week organised by the faculty's International Office, which takes place in the week before the lecture period. The welcome week not only helps students clarify administrative matters, they also have the opportunity to take part in social events such as a guided walk around Nuremberg, pub crawls, and trips to companies. At the end of the welcome week, we organise a welcome evening for all new students in the Master in International Information Systems programme, which allows them to get to know each other. In the first week of the lecture period, we provide further information sessions and social events.

Services and support for international students

The Student Advice and Career Service (IBZ) will provide you with detailed information on all important topics relating to your studies (study courses, subject combinations, application requirements, support with organising your study programme and complying with all assessment/examination requirements) and on settling in at the beginning of the semester (coping with particular difficulties, changing subjects or suspending studies). For more information, see http://www.fau.eu/study/prospective-students/student-advice.
The Career Service of FAU will provide you with information on career opportunities and the specifics of an application procedure in Germany. For information, see: http://www.fau.eu/study/current-students/career-service.
The Student Service Centres (SSC) and student advisers in the faculties will provide you with further advice on your particular course of study. Programme coordinators organise subject-related orientation events and guide you through the entire study period.
The Central Office for International Affairs (RIA) will provide you with detailed information on accommodation, visa issues, and scholarship possibilities. In cooperation with the IBZ, it also organises information events and general orientation courses for first-semester-students.
See: http://www.fau.eu/international/international-applicants.
The Alumni network provides students with many topics and events for professional advancement. See: http://www.fau.eu/alumni.

Accommodation

Erlangen and Nuremberg are attractive cities with a historic flair and modern infrastructure. Therefore, the housing market is quite tight. FAU will do its best to assist new students in finding accommodation.
Student halls in Erlangen and Nuremberg can only provide accommodation for a small number of students. Another option is the private housing market. If you extend your search to neighbouring towns, such as Fürth and Forchheim, your choice of accommodation is much larger and rents are lower, while the well-developed local public transport system ensures that you're never far away from the university. In addition, there is the option to sublet a room, or you can share a flat with other students. This option not only saves you money but also helps you settle in quickly and make friends in your new home. You can find information to help with your housing search on specialised websites and the university's notice boards.
Detailed information on finding accommodation is available at http://www.fau.eu/international/international-applicants/important-information.
If you need further assistance, you can also turn to the Accommodation Service of the Central Office for International Affairs (RIA). E-mail: accommodation@fau.de.
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Study mode:On campus Languages: English
Local:$ 9.17 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 13.8 k / Year(s)
801–1000 place StudyQA ranking: 4439