MA International Management & Information Systems – Online (IMIS Online) South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences

Courses are held in English (100%).

The IMIS Online Master of Arts programme offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines expertise in information systems and business management, equipping students for leadership roles in today's globalised and technology-driven economy. Designed for working professionals, the programme provides a unique blend of technical knowledge and managerial skills, enabling students to leverage information technology for strategic business advantages and drive digital transformation within organisations.

Core Modules

Information Systems

• Business Informatics
• E-Business
• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
• Business Intelligence
• Information Management

Business Administration

• International Management 
• International Economics 
• Management Accounting & Finance
• Business Process Management
• Corporate Entrepreneurship & Innovation
• Business Marketing Management
• Leadership & Change Management
• Digital Product & Process Management

The curriculum is carefully crafted to provide a well-rounded education, covering essential aspects of information systems, business processes, and strategic management in a global context.

Flexible and Immersive Learning Experience

The programme is delivered through a state-of-the-art online learning platform, featuring e-lectures, web-based trainings, interactive virtual collaborative sessions, and consistent course coordination via a Learning Management System (LMS). Approximately 80% of the content is self-paced, allowing students to balance their studies with professional and personal commitments effectively.

To complement the online learning experience, the programme includes two on-campus phases: an introductory week and a summer camp, fostering networking, hands-on learning, and practical applications. These on-campus components can be attended virtually if physical presence is not possible, ensuring flexibility for working professionals.

For more information on the programme and the modules please visit our website: https://www.fh-swf.de/cms/imis-online/.

Are you not sure if online learning is right for you? Are you interested in exploring specific areas of the IMIS Online curriculum? Do you want to test the waters before committing to a full degree? No problem! We offer a selection of certificate courses from the IMIS Online programme, allowing you to acquire focused expertise in your area of interest without committing to the entire degree. 
https://www.fh-swf.de/cms/imis-certificate/

Beginning and Duration

The International Management & Information Systems – Online (IMIS Online) programme commences every winter semester in September/October. It is a part-time Master's degree designed for working professionals, with a standard duration of four semesters or two years.

Mode of Study

IMIS Online is primarily an online programme, allowing you to study from anywhere while continuing your professional career. The curriculum is delivered through a blend of e-lectures, web-based trainings, interactive virtual collaborative sessions, and consequent course coordination via a learning management system.

Two short on-campus phases supplement the online learning experience – an introductory week at the start and a summer camp. These face-to-face components foster networking and hands-on learning but can also be attended virtually if physical presence is not possible.

Pace of Study

Approximately 80% of the course content is self-paced, enabling you to learn at your own pace and convenience while balancing work and personal commitments. Online meetings and interactive sessions are scheduled outside of regular working hours to accommodate your professional schedule.

Assessments are conducted through portfolio examinations throughout the semester, eliminating the need for a designated examination period. This flexible approach allows you to acquire new knowledge and skills without disrupting your career progression.

31 July for the following winter semester

Sometimes the application periods are extended. You will find information on whether this applies to IMIS Online here.

Tuition fees include all study costs, including examination costs.

Course Structure

The IMIS Online programme is a part-time Master's degree designed for working professionals, with a total of 90 credits spread across four semesters for a reduced workload. The online format enables studying from anywhere, at any time.

Semesters One to Three: Online Learning (20 ECTS each)

The first three semesters are primarily online, with modules (5  ECTS each) delivered through e-lectures, web-based trainings, and virtual collaborative sessions, coordinated via the Learning Management System (LMS), Moodle.

Semester One Modules:

• International Management
• International Economics
• Management Accounting & Finance
• Business Informatics & Information Management

Semester Two Modules:

• Business Process Management
• Corporate Entrepreneurship & Innovation
• E-Business & Digital Transformation
• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) 

Semester Three Modules:

• Business Marketing Management
• Leadership & Change Management
• Business Intelligence 
• Information Management

On-Campus Phases

Two on-campus phases complement the online learning:

1. Introductory Week: An in-person week at the start, fostering networking and hands-on learning (virtual attendance possible)
2. Summer Camp: A one-week intensive session in the third semester, featuring a research methods seminar and interactive group activities (virtual attendance possible)

Semester 4: Master's Project (30 ECTS)

• Digital Product & Project Management module (5 ECTS)
• Master's Thesis (21 ECTS) – Students can collaborate with their companies on their theses, applying acquired knowledge to real-world challenges.
• Colloquium (4 ECTS) – A final oral defence of the Master's thesis.

Assessments are conducted through portfolio examinations throughout the programme, eliminating the need for a designated examination period on campus.

For more information on the programme and the modules, please visit our website: https://www.fh-swf.de/cms/imis-online/.

2,200 EUR

Tuition fees include all study costs, including examination costs.

None

It is assumed that students reside in their respective home towns and travel to Soest for the two on-campus phases. Board and lodging for these weeks plus travel expenses are to be paid for by the students, if they attend in person.

For admission to the Master’s programme IMIS Online, the applicant is required to prove the successful completion of a Bachelor’s programme, their professional expertise and their language skills.

Successful completion of a Bachelor’s programme

• of at least seven semesters with a volume of 210 credits or a diploma degree course in Economics (Business) or Business Informatics or a comparable degree course with an overall grade at least equal to the German grade "good" (2.5) or the relative ECTS grade A or B, OR
• of six semesters with a volume of 180 credits in Economics (Business) or Business Informatics or a comparable degree course with an overall grade at least equal to the German grade "good" (2.5) or the relative ECTS grade A or B, and
  • an additional qualification requirement defined by the examination board of the Master's programme, OR
  • proof of relevant qualified practical professional experience from a subject-specific project for at least six months in addition to 12 months of practical professional experience

Professional expertise

Proof of relevant, qualified practical experience of at least 12 months after completing a course of study qualifying for a profession

Applicants must provide proof of their English skills:

• IELTS 6.5
• TOEFL: 575 (paper-based), 232 (computer-based), 91 (Internet-based) for results obtained up to 20 January 2026, or
• TOEFL 4.5 for results obtained from 21 January 2026 onwards

As of 21 January 2026, TOEFL iBT results are reported on a new 1–6 score scale. During a transition period, score reports will include both the new 1–6 scale and the former 0–120 scale. Applicants may submit TOEFL results from either scale.

The burden of proof does not apply to applicants who have acquired their general or subject-linked higher education entrance qualification at a German institution.

Technical equipment: headset, computer, Internet
Platforms: Moodle (learning management system), Zoom (video conferencing)

31 July for the following winter semester

Sometimes the application periods are extended. You will find information on whether this applies to IMIS Online here.

No

Our programme is designed for professionals who wish to pursue further education without sacrificing their careers. We understand that maintaining a full-time job can be demanding, and therefore, we offer part-time and online study options that are accessible from anywhere in the world (also from outside of Germany).

The IMIS Online Office helps with finding accommodation in hotels during the on-campus phases if students attend in person.

South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences has campuses in Hagen, Iserlohn, Meschede, Lüdenscheid and Soest and offers a wide spectrum of studies in modern, trend-setting issues and subjects. This is not a "mass production" university. Studying here is application-oriented, group sizes are manageable, and teaching takes place in a face-to-face situation. In the 2024/2025 winter semester, 10,500 students were enrolled at all campuses.

The university focuses mainly on engineering, natural sciences, information and communication technology, business administration with informatics, and agriculture.

South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences maintains close contacts with industry, agriculture and trade. It is actively involved in working on solutions to current problems in the region, thus gaining experience for application-oriented study. At the university, companies can find expert advice on innovation and technology, and joint projects have often led to the development of product and process innovations. With many final theses being written in cooperation with companies, research and teaching are successfully linked. Several research institutes have been founded and thus the university has broken new ground in the area of cooperation with local industry.

For more details, please visit https://www.fh-swf.de/en/international_3/index.php.

The campus is located a few minutes' walking distance from the city centre. The cosy city of Soest offers everything from shopping to culture as well as historic buildings, traditional restaurants and trendy pubs. Although a thousand years old, it is not in the least antiquated. The surroundings provide all kinds of leisure activities, including water sports. Soest is conveniently located with regard to transport facilities, with regular IC and ICE train connections as well as two nearby airports, Dortmund and Paderborn-Lippstadt.

For a first impression of Soest, please visit https://www.so-ist-soest.de/de-wAssets/docs/service/medienbereich-downloads/WMS_Stadtrundgang_Flyer_englisch_20210224-final.pdf.