The International Master of Research and Innovation (IMRI) is a master’s programme in Business Psychology and Information Systems with an international orientation. It is designed to support either a focused specialization in one of the two disciplines or an integrative focus at the dynamic and future-oriented interface of both fields, particularly in human-technology interaction.

A defining feature of the program is the opportunity to specialize in human–technology interaction. Building on the combined strengths of Business Psychology and Information Systems, students deepen their expertise in analyzing, designing, and evaluating human-centered technologies and socio-technical systems. This integrative perspective enables them to actively shape technologies that influence how people live, work, and interact — ensuring that digital innovation remains aligned with human needs, capabilities, and well-being.

Another central element of the program is a project-based approach captured in the idea of “Your project – your profile.” From the very beginning, students take ownership of their own research- or innovation-oriented project, working either individually or in small teams. These projects address real-world challenges or complex research questions and span a continuum from application-oriented work, often in collaboration with companies, to more research-focused projects. Regardless of their orientation, they integrate scientific foundation with practical relevance.

Beyond deepening their disciplinary expertise, students develop key competencies such as entrepreneurial thinking and collaboration in international teams. The program actively fosters international exchange and experience through its structure, teaching, and partnerships. Developed in close collaboration with industry and research partners, it ensures strong alignment with real-world challenges and future career paths. Graduates are thus well 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 is offered in both full-time and part-time formats, with entry possible in both winter and summer semesters. This flexibility supports international mobility and engagement while also enabling students to gain professional experience alongside their studies.

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.

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

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.

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.

The admission requirements for the International Master of Research and Innovation program are as follows:

• A completed bachelor’s degree in Business Psychology or Information Systems from a domestic or international university, with a minimum of 210 credit points (CP) according to the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). The examination board will determine the equivalence of other degrees as part of the eligibility assessment process.
• An additional requirement is the successful completion of an aptitude assessment to determine program-specific suitability. This assessment is based on the applicant’s final grade, a CV outlining project and/or research experience, a letter of motivation, and a project or research proposal.

Admission is granted based on the total score achieved in the program-specific aptitude assessment. 

There are no tuition fees. The semester fee is 177,25 euros per term and is collected upon enrolment or re-registration. This sum is made up of the student services fee of 85,00 euros and the fee for the semester ticket of 92,25 euros. You will find detailed information on:

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

The module description and the study and examination regulations will be published here shortly.