The International Master of Research and Innovation (MRI) is a research-oriented master’s program that combines Business Psychology and Business Information Systems in an interdisciplinary and international context. Students have the opportunity to specialize either in one of these fields or in human-technology-interaction, bringing both disciplines together, Thus, students are enabled to develop a unique individual academic profile.

A central element of the program is the ability to independently work on complex research questions and real-world challenges. Students develop innovative solutions by combining scientific methods with practical application - often in collaboration with international partners, research institutions, or companies.

The program follows a project-based approach: students work on their own research or innovation project throughout their studies, either individually or in small teams. Publication of projects’ results as well as research paper-oriented master’s theses in renowned journals and conferences is strongly encouraged. This enables students to deepen their competencies and to build a coherent academic track record and professional profile.

Graduates are prepared for careers in research, innovation, and consulting, as well as for further academic paths such as a PhD. The program is primarily taught in English and can be studied in full-time or part-time formats, with a possible start in both winter and summer semesters, offering flexible opportunities for international experience and engagement.

The program is designed as a structured progression that guides students from subject-specific depth to advanced methodological skills and ultimately to independent research and innovation. In the first semester, students deepen their knowledge based on their bachelor’s background (Business Psychology or Information Systems), ensuring a shared academic foundation. In the second semester, Human Technology Interaction introduces an interdisciplinary perspective on designing and evaluating technology in human and organizational contexts.

Methods and Principles of Scientific Practice and Advanced Data Analytics provide the methodological backbone of the program, equipping students with the skills to conduct independent research and to develop data-driven solutions. Global Teamwork & Leadership focuses on collaboration in international and intercultural settings, as well as the development of leadership and communication skills. Entrepreneurship & Innovation emphasizes the creation of new ideas, business models, and the active shaping of innovation processes.

A defining element of the program is its strong emphasis on continuous project work. From the outset, students engage in a research or innovation project that they develop throughout the program, often in collaboration with external partners. The program concludes with the master’s thesis, where theory, methods, and application are integrated, resulting in a tangible outcome such as a research contribution, prototype, or applied solution.

During the IMRI program, students:

• acquire advanced research and analytical skills
• gain experience in independent project work
• develop the ability to work in international and interdisciplinary teams
• build competencies in innovation, data analysis, and problem-solving
• strengthen their communication and leadership skills

The program prepares students for career paths that require both scientific expertise and the ability to develop and implement innovative solutions in practice

Your career opportunities

The MRI program opens up a wide range of career paths across academia, industry, and consulting. Typical fields of activity include:

Research and Academia

Activities at universities and research institutions or the pursuit of a PhD

Innovation and Product Development

Involvement in the development and implementation of innovation processes in companies and start-ups

Consulting and Expert Roles

Advisory and evaluation activities in organizations, including data-driven analysis and strategy development

Data and Technology-related Roles

Application of analytical and technological competencies in areas such as data analytics or artificial intelligence

Projects are at the core of the IMRI program. Students work on a continuous research or innovation project throughout their studies—individually or in small teams—allowing them to develop their own profile.

Project Types

Students can choose between different project formats

• Research projects (e.g., studying trust in AI systems)
• Innovation projects (e.g., developing digital solutions or prototypes)
• Industry projects in collaboration with companies

They can either select a proposed topic (see available topics here – Verlinkung) or develop their own project idea.

Outcomes

Each project leads to a tangible result, such as:

• a publication or research paper
• a concept or framework
• a prototype or applied solution

This ensures that students graduate with a portfolio of demonstrable work.

Why it matters

The project-based approach is essential for competence development. Students build key skills in research, critical thinking, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration—competencies that are highly demanded in academia, industry, and consulting.

The program places a strong emphasis on international experience and intercultural competence. Almost all modules are taught in English, creating an international learning environment and preparing students for global academic and professional contexts. Students engage with diverse perspectives through modules such as Global Teamwork & Leadership and through opportunities to participate in international conferences as well as Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs), which are short international collaborative programmes with a brief period abroad or involving visits from international students. Depending on individual interests, students may further enhance their international experience through project work in diverse teams, internships or research placements abroad, or by completing a semester or their master’s thesis in an international context. This flexible approach enables students to tailor their international profile while developing the skills required to operate in global research and innovation environments.

There are no tuition fees. The semester fee is 150,63 euros per term and is collected upon enrolment or re-registration. This sum is made up of the student services fee of 72,00 euros and the fee for the semester ticket of 78,63 euros. You will find detailed information on:

https://www.tha.de/Rueckmeldung.html