In today’s data-driven and AI-powered economy, organizations need leaders who bridge the gap between business strategy and technology. Our graduates rapidly understand the core business challenge and immediately know how to leverage IT and AI to solve it.
Factsheet
- Degree
- Master of Science FHNW in Business Information Systems
- Study mode
- Full-time, Part-time/work-study
- Learning mode
- Onsite
- ECTS credits
- 90
- Next start
- 22.2.2027
- Duration
- 1.5 to 2.5 years
- Teaching language
- English
- Place
- Olten
- Stay abroad
- Possible
- Application fee
- CHF 200
- Semester fee
- CHF 750 for residents of Switzerland (for details see fees)
At a glance
- Three specializations: Build a focused professional profile in AI & Cybersecurity, Applied Data Science, or Project and Process Management.
- Flexible study model: Choose from Fast, Regular, and Flex study tracks for a work-life-study balance.
- Flexible start: Begin your studies in February or September.
- Practice-oriented and innovative: Work on applied projects and use digital technologies and AI to develop innovative solutions for real business challenges.
- Strong career prospects: The vast majority of our students receive job offers already during their degree.
- International opportunities: Pursue a double degree, study abroad and join an international field trip.
- Pathway to a PhD: Build on your master’s degree and take the next step toward a doctorate.
Why study this?
Learn how to use information systems and AI strategically to develop business models, optimise processes, and drive innovation. Apply your knowledge to real business challenges in practice-oriented modules and projects. Tailor your degree based on your interests and choose one of three specialisations (AI & Cybersecurity, Applied Data Science and Project & Process Management) and various elective modules. In your master’s thesis, you explore a topic of your choice in depth, often in cooperation with a company or international partner.
Broaden your international experience through a double degree, a semester abroad at one of 130 partner universities worldwide, or an international field trip to innovation hubs in the United States, China, or South Africa.
What career opportunities are available after graduation?
Your chosen specialisation shapes your career profile and prepares you for specialist roles and future leadership responsibilities. Potential career paths include:
AI & Cyber Security: Chief Information Security Officer, AI Governance Specialist, Senior AI Engineer, IT Risk and Compliance Manager, or Cloud Security Consultant
Applied Data Science: Senior Data Scientist, Business Analytics Specialist, Business Intelligence Consultant, or AI Specialist
Project & Process Management: Business Analyst, IT Project Manager, Process Manager, or Digital Transformation Consultant
With professional experience, these career paths can lead to senior leadership positions such as Chief Digital Officer (CDO), Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), or Chief AI Officer (CAIO).
Structure and programme contents
The 90-ECTS programme combines core modules, specialisation modules, electives, research components. Depending on your academic background, you may also be required to complete up to 9 ECTS of convergence modules.
The programme can be completed in one of three study tracks: fast, regular or flex.
Study mode
The MSc Business Information Systems adapts to your life – not the other way around. You can study full-time or part-time and structure your programme flexibly. This allows you to successfully balance studies, work and personal life.
Fast track: study & work (3 semesters)
Regular track: work & study (5 semesters)
Flexible track (custom pace)
Module groups
The MSc in Business Information Systems is structured in a modular format and offers you plenty of flexibility to shape your individual focus areas. You combine solid theoretical knowledge with practical application – and design your studies in a way that aligns with your interests and career goals.
Core Modules
Specialisation Modules
Elective Modules
Master's Thesis
International
Double degree options
Earn a second master’s degree and expand your academic profile through one of three double-degree options.
University of Camerino (Italy)
Complete an exchange semester at the University of Camerino and earn an additional master’s degree in Computer Science.
Institut Teknologi Bandung (Indonesia)
Study at the School of Business and Management at Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) and earn an additional master’s degree in Management.
Additional Degree in International Management at FHNW (Switzerland)
After completing the MSc in Business Information Systems, transfer eligible ECTS credits and earn an additional master’s degree in International Management over two additional semesters.
International field trips
During the field trip, you visit companies, meet senior leaders, and take part in cultural activities. You apply your insights in a final analytical paper and earn 6 ECTS.
The International Field Trip module takes you to an innovation hub in one of the following destinations:
Shenzhen (China)
Silicon Valley (USA)
Bambanani (South Africa)
Partner universities
Spend a semester abroad at one of around 130 partner universities worldwide. Research projects and your master’s thesis may also be completed in collaboration with a partner university and, where appropriate, a local company.
The program has established partnerships in South Africa with:
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology in Cape Town
- Department of Informatics at the University of Pretoria
Requirements and admission
Applicants should hold a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in one of the following fields or a comparable discipline:
- Business Informatics, Business Information Technology, or Information Systems
- Business Administration, Management, or Economics
- Computer Science, Information Technology, or Information Science
- Industrial Engineering
Applicants should also have:
- Good to very good English proficiency
- Work experience
Please note: Admission to the programme is competitive, as the number of available places is limited. Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not automatically guarantee acceptance.
If your previous studies do not fully cover the required subject areas, the selection committee may require you to complete convergence module(s).
Organisational matters
Fees
Application
Compensation for disadvantages
Mandatory notebook requirements
Downloads & regulations
Location
Advising and information events
Info-Events
Loading...
Contact
Nida Sheikh
- Phone
- +41 62 957 29 61
- nida.sheikh@fhnw.ch
Prof. Dr. Uri Nahum
- Phone
- +41 62 957 21 91
- uri.nahum@fhnw.ch
Registration
Places are limited. Please apply early in order to secure entry: until April 30 (start in September) or October 31 (start in February)
FHNW Campus Olten
FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland
Von Roll-Strasse 10
4600 Olten