Modernising business processes, managing projects, implementing innovative information and communication systems – this is the world of business information systems.
Enterprises are under increasing pressure to use IT more efficiently. It takes people who understand both business and IT to make the right decisions about this. The Wirtschaftsinformatik (Business Information Technology) programme offers a unique education in both areas. The programme consists of the core subjects of business administration and IT, and includes marketing, corporate finance, software engineering, e-business and databases. Communication skills are of particular importance.
As the business world is becoming increasingly international, we also offer our programme in Basel in English (BSc Business Information Technology) and in Olten in German (BSc Wirtschaftsinformatik).
Our students take centre stage at the FHNW
Robin is studying Business Information Technology
Career profile and career opportunities
As a bridge builder between business and IT you will have a wide range of professional opportunities, with many varied tasks in the IT sector, in consulting or in the IT departments of companies or in the public sector.
As a project manager you will design application systems for different platforms and advise on their use. In your role as a leader, you will be responsible for the IT strategy and its implementation in IT infrastructure and IT operations.
Knowledge of business administration and technical knowledge will permit you to design and optimise both internal and external business processes and provide support by employing the information systems most suited to users’ requirements. You will be able to assess potential technical and organisational solutions based on cost, benefit and risk factors. Important is communication with future users and developers of the systems.
Study programme
The key characteristic of the programme is the close connection of IT to business topics. We analyse issues related to business practice using case studies and elaborate different ways of using information systems to provide support.
The programme is based on a four-pillar concept:
Contact hours in class
Complex subject input is explained by lecturers and applied to case studies. Forms: group teaching, moderation, case studies, simulation games.
Self-study
You will prepare for the contact sessions in guided self-study with selected literature and exercises. Self-study includes working on class material after class, preparing for seminars, project work and exams.
Electronic media
Learning materials are available on the e-learning platform. You will exchange ideas with lecturers and other students in virtual workshops. Online tests will help you check your progress.
Practice
Student projects with partners from business and the public sector, coached by experienced lecturers guarantee the practical relevance of the programme. Case studies enrich the classes. Student projects.
Module group
Standard programme*
Minimum number
Foundation
35
30
Business Administration
35
30
Information Technology
35
30
Business Information Technology
35
30
Student Work
35
35
Electives
5
5
*recommended
180 credits must be obtained to successfully complete the course. The modular structure provides you with the opportunity to focus on specific module groups in accordance with your future career goals.
In your practice project, you will work in groups on a concrete task provided by a company. This gives you the opportunity to develop your methodological skills and social competence, in particular in the skills of project management, change and conflict management. The project is guided by lecturers from a range of subject areas.
Your bachelor’s thesis (carried out alone) will complete your studies. Student projects.
The full-time programme can be completed in six semesters and the part-time programme in eight semesters. The part-time model is designed for people who have a job, participate in a sport or care for others.
Students who can evidence that they worked at least 50% throughout their studies as qualified commercial employees will be awarded up to 15 credit points if they submit an additional paper related to their employment. They can either be salaried employees or self-employed.
Our good connections with universities abroad paves the way for a semester abroad. Credits obtained at a university abroad can be counted towards your degree if proof of performance is provided.
Buddy programmes, summer schools und study trips provide further opportunities to prepare for the challenges of the modern working world in an international environment. Interested?
The Bachelor of Science degree provides an initial qualification for the workplace. For students who wish to go into their subject in more depth and at the same time get involved in academic research, our master’s programmes is an excellent alternative to going straight into the world of work.
The MSc in Business Information Systems is taught solely in English and offers the opportunity to integrate a semester abroad into your studies. Graduates who undertake this can at the same time obtain a second degree qualification from our partner universities.
We recommend that you register until April 30, in order to guarantee your place of study. Registration (PDF in German). There are still a few places available on the course. Enrolments are still possible, until further notice.
