International Master of Research and Innovation (M.Sc.)
Answer research questions, carry out innovation projects
Students have the opportunity to specialize in the fields of business psychology and business informatics. Alternatively, they can focus specifically on Human-Technology Interaction (HTI) as the connecting interface between people and technology. This allows them to develop a personalized academic profile.
A central element of the program is the independent exploration of real-world problems and complex research questions. In doing so, students develop innovative solutions by combining scientific methods with practical applications—often in collaboration with international partners, companies, or research institutions.
The program follows a project-based approach: Throughout the entire duration of their studies, students work on their own research or innovation project, either individually or in small teams. In doing so, they deepen their skills and build a professional and academic profile.
Graduates are prepared for careers in consulting, innovation, and research, as well as for further academic pursuits, such as a Ph.D. The program is taught primarily in English and can be pursued on either a full-time or part-time basis. Students can begin the program in either the winter or summer semester, which offers flexible opportunities for international experiences as well as for internships or professional work.
What makes this degree program special?
The project-based approach forms the foundation of skills development. Students develop key skills in research, critical thinking, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration—skills that are in high demand in academia, industry, and consulting.
Course Content
In the full-time track, students combine subject-specific specialization with methodological and analytical training during the first two semesters, while also acquiring key competencies, such as teamwork and entrepreneurial thinking. This coursework is complemented by ongoing project work. In the third semester, students write their master’s thesis.
Depending on their chosen track—Business Psychology, Business Informatics, or Human-Technology Interaction (HTI)—students work on a subject-specific project and base their master’s thesis on it. In addition, each track offers relevant elective modules designed to support individual specialization.
In the part-time track, the program is structured over six semesters. The academic focus areas correspond to those of the full-time track but are spread out over a longer period.
Here you will find the syllabus and examination regulations for the master program: SPO.
Projects
A key feature of the IMRI program is its project-based approach: Students work continuously on their own research or innovation projects—either individually or in small teams—and in doing so develop a clear academic profile.
Project Types
Students can choose from various project formats:
- Research projects (e.g., investigating trust in AI systems)
- Innovation projects (e.g., developing digital solutions or prototypes)
- Industry projects in collaboration with companies
You can either choose a predefined topic (see available topics here) or apply with your own project idea.
Results
Each project leads to a concrete result, such as:
- a scientific publication or research article
- a conceptual approach or framework
- a prototype or a practical solution
Downloads
Curriculum
| Semester | Modules in the Master’s Program in Sustainability Management (starting in the summer semester) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Applied Theories of Business Psychology / Applied Theories of Information Systems (4 SWS, 5 CP) | Methods and Principles of Scientific Practice (4 SWS, 5 CP) | Global Teamwork & Leadership (4 SWS, 5 CP) | Compulsory Elective Course (4 SWS, 5 CP) | Project Work (2 SWS, 10 CP) |
| 2 | Human-Technology Interaction (4 SWS, 5 CP) | Advanced Data Analytics (4 SWS, 5 CP) | Entrepreneurship & Innovation (4 SWS, 5 CP) | Compulsory Elective Course (4 SWS, 5 CP) | Project Work (2 SWS, 10 CP) |
| 3 | Master’s Seminar (5 CP) | Master’s Thesis (25 CP) | |||
Is this degree program right for me?
What You Should Bring
- Curiosity & Thirst for Knowledge
- Analytical Thinking
- Ability to Work Independently
- Critical thinking
If you enjoy tackling technical challenges, take initiative, and are well-organized, the International Master of Research and Innovation offers you a creative and flexible environment. Participating in research projects fosters independent work, creative thinking, and the independent acquisition of knowledge. This allows you to gain valuable practical experience and optimally prepare for your future career.
Do you have any more questions?
Our general student advising office takes the time to provide you with personalized, no-obligation advice.
Click here to go to the academic advising page: Academic Advising.
For questions specific to the program, please feel free to contact the program director, Prof. Dr. Simone Kubowitsch. You’ll find her contact information at the bottom of this page.
Your perspective afterward
Graduates of the IMRI program acquire skills that are in demand across a variety of industries and fields of work. Specific career paths depend on individual interests and chosen areas of specialization. Typical fields of work include:
Research and Academic Careers
Positions in doctoral programs, research institutions, or corporate research—such as designing and conducting applied research projects, for example as a doctoral candidate or research analyst.
Innovation and product development
: Roles in innovation management, product development, or research and development—with the goal of translating scientific findings into marketable solutions, such as an innovation manager or product manager.
Consulting, Strategy, and Expert Roles
: Positions in strategy and transformation consulting—focused on developing evidence-based solutions for complex business challenges, for example as a transformation expert or a strategy or innovation consultant.
Your Application
The International Master of Research and Innovation master program is designed for applicants who hold a degree in Business Psychology or Business Informatics worth 210 ECTS credits. The Admissions Committee will determine the equivalence of other degrees.
If you have (almost) completed your degree but, for formal reasons, do not yet have a bachelor’s degree certificate at the time of application, you may still apply for a spot in the program. In this case, submit a confirmation (grade report, transcript of records, etc.) from your registrar’s office that
- the credits earned at the time of graduation (210 or 180),
- the individual grades from the completed modules, and
- your current grade point average
.
Please note: If you do not have a diploma or confirmation stating your final grade, current grade point average, and ECTS credits earned, your application cannot be considered in the admissions process.
If you are also unable to submit the grade for your bachelor’s thesis at this time, your application materials must include a confirmation from your primary thesis advisor stating that the thesis will receive a grade of at least “satisfactory.”
For a bachelor’s degree requiring 180 ECTS credits, the remaining 30 ECTS credits must be submitted or earned during the first two semesters. This consists of an internship equivalent to a 20-week mandatory internship required by a degree program at a university of applied sciences, or professional work experience in a field relevant to the degree program. In each case, an internship or employment certificate must be submitted, including information on the duration, company division, and nature of the work. Another option is the successful completion of course modules related to Business Informatics, Business Psychology, or research-related fields at the Augsburg University of Applied Sciences.
The required application documents, which must be submitted by the end of the application period, are:
- Letter
of Motivation: Explain your motivation for pursuing this degree program as well as the skills you already possess and wish to further develop. Existing skills should be substantiated by relevant experiences, activities, or projects. - Resume with project and research
experience: A tabular resume that clearly outlines your career history to date, including relevant project and research experience. - Abstract of your bachelor’s thesis (200–250 words)
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 your studies.
The formal aspects of the project outline include:
- Title and a brief introduction outlining the problem statement
- Context within the current state of research and theoretical framework
- Objectives or research question
- Methodological approach
- Expected contribution (scientific and/or practical)
- Potential industry or research partners
- Optional: Proposal for a supervisor (for your own project ideas)
Most modules in the program are taught in English; therefore, a minimum English proficiency level of B2 is recommended. Some courses may be taught in German. To be admitted, you must provide proof of German proficiency at the B2 level (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). Further information on the required German language proficiency can be found here.
Assessment of Suitability and Admission
As part of the process to assess your suitability for the program, your application materials will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee and scored according to the criteria set forth in the syllabus and examination regulations.
The number of available spots is limited. Therefore, after the qualification requirements have been reviewed, offers of admission are extended to those applicants who achieved the highest scores in the scoring process (max. 105 points).
Applications from abroad are welcome! If you have completed your previous education abroad, please be sure to note that you must submit a preliminary review documentation (VPD) from “uni-assist e.V.” along with your application to the Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg. Processing your application through uni-assist can take up to 8 weeks. To ensure your application is not jeopardized, please submit your application to uni-assist well in advance so that you can also meet the application deadline for the master program itself. Further important information can be found in the guide for applying to master programs from abroad.
Applications from abroad are welcome! If you have completed prior education abroad, please note that you must submit a preliminary review documentation (VPD) through “uni-assist e.V.” along with your application to the Augsburg University of Applied Sciences. It can take up to 8 weeks for uni-assist to process your application. To ensure that your application is not jeopardized, submit it in a timely manner so that you can also meet the application deadline for the master’s program itself. For further important information, please read the guidelines for applying to master’s programs from abroad.
Students may begin their studies in either the summer or winter semester. The application periods are generally: November 15–December 15 for the summer semester and May 2–June 15 for the winter semester. For the winter semester 2026/27, the application period begins on April 30, 2026. The application deadline has been extended to July 15, 2026.
Applications should be submitted to the Office of Academic Affairs at the Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg: www.tha/Bewerbung
Further information on the application and admission process at the Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg, as well as a list of answers to frequently asked questions, can be found on the THA website under “Questions About the Application.”