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.

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.

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

Study and Examination Regulations