Requirements and Target Group for the Master's in Business and IT

With your MSc in Business and IT, you could work, for example, as an IT service manager, IT project manager, or IT consultant.

The Master's programme in Business and IT at IU International University is aimed at graduates who want to pursue a career at the intersection of business administration and information technology. It is particularly targeted at individuals who have already completed a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and wish to specialize in IT management, IT project management, or digitalisation of business processes. This programme is ideal for those aiming for managerial roles in the IT sector, those passionate about digital business models, or those seeking advanced knowledge in areas such as Business Intelligence, Cloud Computing, or agile management techniques. The flexible online study organisation makes this programme suitable for working professionals or individuals with family commitments who wish to learn independently of time and location.

Admission Requirements

University Degree: A completed undergraduate degree (Bachelor or Diploma) comprising at least 180 ECTS credits, preferably with a focus on economics or information technology. The degree must be from a state-recognised or state-accredited university.

Subject-Specific Alternative Entry: Applicants holding a first degree in a different field can be admitted through a master's entrance examination (successful completion of two specific modules within 12 months).

Programming Skills: Evidence of basic knowledge in at least one programming language (evidence e.g. through university certificates, certificates, or a pre-study introductory course at IU).

Professional Experience (especially for the 60 ECTS variant):

• Bachelor's degree with 180 ECTS: Evidence of at least two years of relevant work experience or obtaining an additional 30 ECTS credits plus at least one year of relevant work experience.
• Bachelor's degree with 210 ECTS: At least one year of qualified work experience after completing the degree.
• Bachelor's degree with 240 ECTS: At least one year of qualified work experience in addition to studies.
• Alternative for applicants without a bachelor's degree: (Advanced) secondary school leaving certificate and completion of a relevant vocational training (DQR 4) lasting at least two years. Additionally, at least 6 years of relevant work experience, including at least 3 years in a leadership position or as a subject matter expert. In this case, a special preparation module with seminar work and an oral examination must be completed.

Grade: At least a grade of "Satisfactory" (3.0). For a bachelor's degree with a grade of "Sufficient" (3.5-4.0), relevant study achievements (minimum 40/20 ECTS from a comparable master's/MBA programme) or completed relevant further education equivalent to at least 40/20 ECTS at DQR-7 level are required.

German Language Proficiency: International applicants must provide evidence of German language skills (e.g. TestDaF, DSH, Telc or ÖSD at least at level B2). The certificate must generally have been obtained within the last five years.

Personal Requirements for Academic Success

• Interest in Digitalisation: You should have enthusiasm for innovation processes at the interface between IT and business.
• Analytical Thinking: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are advantageous for working with complex systems.
• Self-organisation and Motivation: Independent time management and self-motivation are indispensable in a flexible distance learning environment.
• Communication Skills: The ability to clearly communicate technical matters is particularly important for future managerial positions.
• Basic Technical Knowledge: A basic understanding of IT systems and openness to using modern technologies and digital tools will significantly facilitate your studies.

With these prerequisites and personal motivation, you have optimal starting conditions for the Master's in Business and IT at IU and can effectively prepare for coveted positions in IT management and the digital economy.

Your Master's in Business and IT at IU: Content, Skills, and Specializations

The master's programme in Business and IT at IU International University provides you with advanced skills at the interface of information technology and business. The programme is designed as a consecutive distance learning course and offers you a solid and broad-based basic education with a wide range of options for individual specialization.

• Foundations and Focus Areas:
  • You will engage with central topics such as requirements management, IT services and architectures, as well as digitalization.
  • You will acquire in-depth knowledge in areas such as mobile software engineering, business intelligence, or cloud computing.
  • Modules like information and knowledge management, IT governance and compliance, as well as strategic management, will strengthen your analytical and processual understanding.
• Elective Modules and Specializations:
  • During your studies, you can choose several specializations - such as in UI/UX, data engineering, project management, digitalization in healthcare, cybersecurity, e-commerce, or techniques and methods of agile software development.
  • Specializing allows you to specifically expand either technically oriented or business/management-oriented knowledge.
• Practical Orientation:
  • You will work on concrete case studies and projects, e.g., within IT management case studies or the practical project "Cloud Service Concept Study."
  • A special highlight is the seminar on current topics in IT management - where the latest developments and challenges are discussed.
• Artificial Intelligence and Digitalization:
  • An AI module provides you with profound competencies in the field of artificial intelligence - including practical insights into modern tools and applications.
• Master's Thesis:
  • As part of the thesis, you will develop a practical or scientific question related to Business and IT.

Overall, with a Master's in Business and IT, you will build a broad knowledge of interfaces, making you a sought-after specialist or manager for digital business models and IT transformation.

How Distance Learning in Business and IT at IU Works

The distance learning programme is designed to offer maximum flexibility and self-determination. You decide whether to study full-time (24 months), part-time model I (36 months), or part-time model II (48 months). Switching between models is possible during the course of study.

• Modular Structure:
  • The programme is divided into individual modules that you can largely complete at your own pace.
  • Virtual lectures, interactive scripts, podcasts, and short explanatory videos prepare all essential content in a multimedia format.
• Digital Learning:
  • All study materials are available to you in both print and digital formats - the IU Learn app offers interactive books with quiz questions and access to the digital online library.
  • If you have any questions, the AI assistant Syntea is available to help you around the clock.
• Examinations:
  • You can choose to take exams as online exams (available 24/7) or - if desired - in one of the nationwide examination centres.
  • In addition to traditional exams, you will also have to complete assignments, projects, presentations, and transfer tasks.
  • The programme concludes with the master's thesis and subsequent colloquium.
• Support and Community:
  • Tutors and professors support you in your studies, while study coaches accompany your learning process individually.
  • Through the online campus, you connect with fellow students and access numerous support services.

Career Opportunities and Job Prospects with a Master's in Business and IT

With your degree, you have a sought-after skill set in the field of digitalization, IT system development, and data analysis. Potential industries range from technology companies and consulting firms to user companies and public administration.

• Typical positions for graduates:
  • IT Consultant, e.g., in the implementation of digitalization projects or new IT systems
  • Technology manager: Managing digital transformation projects and evaluating new technologies
  • Business analyst or process manager, especially for designing and optimizing business processes
• Special perspectives:
  • Project management in the IT field (e.g., software implementation, cloud solutions, data management)
  • Specialist and managerial tasks in areas such as IT architecture, business intelligence, e-commerce, or cybersecurity
• Success factors:
  • Interdisciplinary interface knowledge makes you a valued mediator between management, IT, and users.
  • The range of elective subjects allows you to work towards individual career goals.

Costs and Financing of the Master's in Business and IT at IU

The monthly tuition fees depend on the chosen study model:

• Full-time (12/24 months): from €829 or €599 monthly
• Part-time I (18/36 months): from €649 or €449 monthly
• Part-time II (24/48 months): from €499 or €359 monthly
• A one-time graduation fee of approximately €799 is due at the end of the programme.

Includes digital learning materials, access to the learning platform, use of the AI-supported learning aid Syntea, virtual live events, online library, study and career coaching, sabbatical semesters, flexible extension of studies for up to 12 months.

Financing options:

• IU discount promotions to reduce fees (e.g., with promo codes or enrollment within specific deadlines).
• Study financing through BAföG (if applicable), student loans, or education funds.
• Under certain conditions, tuition fees can be tax deductible.
• By recognizing previous achievements (education or training, work experience, previous studies), you can further shorten and reduce your study and fees.