"Information Systems is one of the most important disciplines of the 21st century. It is young with an interdisciplinary orientation and is essential in order to master the challenges of an increasingly networked global economy and world of work", says course director Prof. Dr. Stephan Zimmermann. After their qualification as international experts in computer science and information systems, a wide range of career options will be open to the students – whether in internationally active companies, in science and research, or as founders of their own start-ups.

Broad foundation and individual focus selection

In terms of contents, the program offers practice-oriented knowledge in the fields of software development and modeling, in addition to the business know-how required for configuring and implementing application-oriented IT solutions.

Practical relevance is a top priority: In the fifth semester, students apply what they have learned during a practical semester. After this, in the last two semesters – the so-called intensification phase – they can choose modules from a range of elective courses to suit their capabilities and future career expectations.

International orientation and intercultural competence

A key aspect of the study program is intercultural exchange and improvement of foreign language skills. Through courses held in English and training on intercultural skills, the students learn to successfully manage projects in an international environment and to handle themselves confidently in intercultural work environments. Furthermore, they have the opportunity to improve their intercultural skills and foreign language competence in the context of a semester abroad at various partner universities in other countries. Not least, the interaction between students from different cultural backgrounds should contribute to preparing the students for exciting tasks in a globally networked world.  

The program is also aimed explicitly at international students. During the first three semesters, classes will be held exclusively in English. In this time, international students will learn German and German students will learn a second foreign language from the range offered by the Language Center at the Augsburg University of Applied Sciences. From the fourth semester onwards, lectures and classes will take place either in English or in German.

Aligned to the needs of the region: gP_2025

The study program was created as part of the gP_2025 future program of the Augsburg University of Applied Sciences and the Swabian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The concept was introduced in October 2019 and is supported by more than 200 companies from the Bavarian-Swabia region. The aim is to create a total of 2,000 new study places in six future-oriented study programs – one of which is the International Information Systems program – at the Augsburg University of Applied Sciences.

Dr. Marc Lucassen, Chief Executive Office of the Swabian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has taken on patronage for the study program. He says: "International IT specialists for information systems are in greater demand than ever before, also here in our region. A wide range of career options will be open to the students after they obtain their qualification, especially at the many companies in the Bavarian-Swabia region that are globally active. The University of Applied Sciences is thus making a decisive move to counter the shortage of skilled workers in the region by introducing this study program."

Prof. Gordon Thomas Rohrmair, President of the Augsburg University of Applied Sciences, explains: "Through close cooperation with the Swabian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, we were able to specifically address the needs of companies in the region when designing the study program. But we won't stop there: We will continue to involve companies in the design of the study program and remain in constant contact with them to continuously adapt the study program." For example, regional companies will delegate leading experts from the field of IT to a committee. This committee is to develop proposals on further development of the study program, provide inspiration on applied research, and convey company contacts.

Application to begin the program in the fall of 2021 is expected to be possible from
2 May 2021. (The application period could be postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic – please refer regularly to the website for information). Interested parties can find up-to-date information on the study program and on applying at:

• www.hs-augsburg.de/en/iis