International Master of Research and Innovation (M.Sc.)

Study Modes

Full-time, Part-time

Degree

Master of Science

Start of Studies

Every Semester

Normal Duration of Studies

3 semesters
6 semesters in part-time

Language

English

Admissions

Assessment Test

Programme Overview

The International Master of Research and Innovation (IMRI) 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 at the human-technology intersection, enabling them to develop an 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. This enables them to deepen their competencies and to build a coherent academic 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.

Structure of the Degree Programme

In the first two semesters, students combine disciplinary specialization, methodological and analytical training, and key competencies such as teamwork and entrepreneurship, alongside continuous project work. In the third semester, students complete their master’s thesis.

To pursue the Business Psychology, Business Information Systems, or Human-Technology Interaction track, students are required to select a field-specific project as well as a corresponding master’s thesis. Appropriate elective modules are offered for each track to support individual specialization.

Projects

A defining feature of the IMRI programme is its emphasis on project-based learning. Students engage in a continuous research or innovation project, either individually or in small teams. This allows 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) or develop their own project idea.

Outcomes

Each project leads to a tangible result, such as:

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

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.

Career Expectations

Graduates of the IMRI programme will develop a set of skills, which can be applied across a wide range of industries and domains. While individual career paths depend on personal interests and specialization, typical roles include:

Research and academic careers
PhD programs, research institutions, and corporate research environments– designing and conducting applied research projects, e.g., as a PhD Candidate or Research Analyst
Innovation and Product Development
Innovation management, product development, and R&D – translating research insights into market-ready solutions, e.g., as an Innovation Manager or Product Manager
Consulting, Strategy and Expert Roles
Strategy and transformation consulting – developing evidence-based solutions for complex business challenges, e.g., as a Transformation Expert or Strategy / Innovation Consultant

International

The programme includes a focus 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). These programmes involve short international collaborations, either through a brief period abroad or through exchange with visiting international students.

Depending on individual interests, students may further enhance their international experience through:

working on projects with international partners
completing internships or research placements abroad
studying abroad for a semester
completing the master’s thesis abroad

This flexible approach enables students to tailor their international profile while developing the skills required to operate in global research and innovation environments.

Information about admission requirements

The International Master of Research and Innovation is intended for applicants with a degree in Business Psychology or Information Systems. The examination committee decides on the equivalence of other academic degrees.

Admission Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree

Applicants must have successfully completed a degree in Business Psychology or Information Systems with 210 ECTS credits.

If you have already completed, or almost completed, your degree but do not yet have your Bachelor’s certificate at the time of application for formal reasons, you may still apply for a place in the programme. In this case, please submit confirmation from your examinations office, such as a grade transcript or Transcript of Records, indicating:

the number of credits achieved at the time of completion: 210 or 180 ECTS,
the individual grades from the modules completed, and
the current average grade.

Please note: If no certificate or confirmation showing the final grade/current average grade and the ECTS credits achieved is submitted, the application cannot be included in the selection procedure.

If you are not yet able to submit the grade for your Bachelor’s thesis, your application documents must include confirmation from the first examiner that the thesis will be assessed with at least a passing grade.

Applicants holding a Bachelor’s degree comprising 180 ECTS credits are required to provide evidence of, or complete, the missing 30 ECTS credits within the first two semesters. As a general rule, this requirement may be fulfilled through evidence of relevant practical experience. This may include an internship equivalent in scope and content to a 20-week mandatory internship in a degree programme at a University of Applied Sciences, or professional employment in an area relevant to the degree programme.
Proof must be provided in the form of an internship certificate or employment reference, specifying the duration of the activity, the department or area of work within the company, and the nature and content of the tasks performed.
Alternatively, the missing credits may be obtained by successfully completing modules at TH Augsburg in the fields of business informatics, business psychology, or research-related subjects.

Language Skills

Most modules in the degree programme are taught in English; therefore, an English language level of at least B2 is recommended. Individual courses may be taught in German. For admission to the programme, applicants must provide proof of German language proficiency at level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Further information on accepted proof of German language proficiency can be found here.

Additional Application Documents

The following documents are required and must be submitted by the end of the application period:

Letter of Motivation

Please explain your motivation for applying to the programme, as well as the competencies you already possess and would like to further develop in a targeted manner. Existing skills should be substantiated by relevant experience, activities, or projects.

Curriculum Vitae Including Project and Research Experience

Please submit a tabular CV that clearly presents your educational and professional background, including relevant project and research experience.

Abstract of the Bachelor’s Thesis

200–250 words

Please provide a concise summary of your Bachelor’s thesis, focusing on the research question, methodology, and key findings.

Outline of a Project Idea

approx. 2 pages

Please develop an initial project idea that you would like to pursue during the programme.

The outline should include the following aspects:

title and brief introduction, including the problem statement
positioning within the current state of research and theoretical framework
objective or research question
methodological approach
expected contribution, scientific and/or practical
potential practice or research partners
optional: proposed supervisor for self-developed project ideas

Here you will find an overview of the current research projects for the upcoming winter semester 2026/27. The projects are located either in Business Psychology (WIPSY), Information Systems (WI), or at the interdisciplinary interface of Human–Technology Interaction (HTI).

Note on self-developed project ideas: In addition to the topics listed here, you are welcome to propose your own project ideas, provided they fit the thematic scope of the programme. Please contact [Bitte aktivieren Sie Javascript] for WIPSY and HTI or [Bitte aktivieren Sie Javascript] for WI in order to clarify the thematic fit and possible supervision.

Aptitude Assessment and Admission

As part of the procedure for determining programme-specific aptitude, your application documents will be reviewed by the admissions committee and evaluated according to the scoring scheme specified in the Study and Examination Regulations.

The number of study places is limited. Therefore, after the qualification requirements have been reviewed, offers of admission will be made to those applicants who achieve the highest scores in the scoring procedure, with a maximum of 105 points.

Application Period

The programme can be started either in the summer semester or in the winter semester. The application periods are usually:

15 November to 15 December for the summer semester
2 May to 15 June for the winter semester

For the winter semester 2026/27, the application period begins on 30 April 2026. The application deadline has been extended to July 15, 2026.

Applications must be submitted to the Department of Student Affairs at Augsburg University of Applied Sciences:
www.tha/Bewerbung

Further information on the application and admission procedure at Augsburg University of Applied Sciences, as well as answers to frequently asked questions, can be found on the THA website under “Questions about Applications”:

Fees

There are no tuition fees. Students are only required to pay a regular semester fee, which is due upon enrolment and re-registration.

You will find detailed information on:

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

Downloads

Study and Examination Regulations

Academic Counseling

Contact Prof. Dr. Simone Kubowitsch
School of Business
Phone:	+49 821 5586-2935
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Contact Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Kratsch
Computer Science
Phone:	+49 821 480400-40
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Programm Coordinator

Dott.ssa Karen Grando
School of Business
Phone:	+49 821 5586-2948
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School of Business