In an increasingly connected and digital economy, experts are needed who operate at the intersection of business and IT. The MSc in Business Information Systems prepares you to strategically leverage information systems and drive innovation within organisations.
Factsheet
- Degree
- Master of Science FHNW in Business Information Systems
- Study mode
- Full-time, Part-time, Part-time/work-study and Flexitime
- Learning mode
- Onsite
- ECTS credits
- 90
- Next start
- 14.9.2026
- Duration
- 1.5 to 2.5 years
- Teaching language
- English
- Place
- Olten and optional Muttenz
- Stay abroad
- Possible
- Application fee
- CHF 200
- Semester fee
- CHF 750 for residents of Switzerland (for details see fees)
At a glance
- International focus: Entire programme taught in English with optional study abroad opportunities.
- Flexible study model: Full-time or part-time options with individually chosen specialisations.
- Strong career prospects: High demand for professionals at the intersection of business and IT.
- Practice-oriented and innovative: Applied projects and up-to-date content on digitalisation and innovation.
- PhD option: Possibility to pursue a doctorate in cooperation with partner universities.
Why study this?
In the MSc Business Information Systems, you deepen your expertise at the intersection of business and IT. You learn how to strategically use information systems to develop business models, optimise processes, and drive innovation. In practice-oriented modules and projects, you work on real-world challenges and develop solutions that can be directly applied in companies. Your Master’s thesis allows you to explore a topic of your choice in depth – often in cooperation with a company or in an international context.
The programme has an international focus. All courses are taught in English, and you have the opportunity to complete a semester abroad or pursue a double degree with a partner university.
What skills will you acquire?
- Interdisciplinary expertise: You will deepen your knowledge in key areas of business information systems – from business process management and business intelligence to strategic innovation – combining business thinking with technological implementation.
- Practice-oriented learning: Through real-world projects, case studies, and your Master’s thesis, you will apply what you have learned directly and develop solutions to current challenges in the digital economy.
- Tailored specialisations: You select elective modules based on your interests – for example, in artificial intelligence, agile business analysis, or data-driven innovation – and design your studies accordingly.
- International environment: The entire programme is taught in English and prepares you for global work environments. Opportunities for exchange semesters and double degrees with partner universities are available.
What career opportunities are available after graduation?
With the MSc in Business Information Systems, you are well prepared for demanding roles in the digital economy. Whether in consulting, IT management, business analysis, or innovation, your interdisciplinary expertise makes you a sought-after professional. You are ready to take responsibility at the interface between technology and management and to actively support organisations in their digital transformation. A career in academia is also possible – for example, by pursuing a PhD.
- Business Analyst
- IT Project Manager
- Enterprise Architect
- Digital Innovation Manager
- IT Consultant / Strategy Consultat
- Product Owner / Requirements Engineer
- Chief Digital Officer (CDO)
- Leadership in IT or Business Development
- Academic Career / Doctorate
Structure and programme contents
In the Master’s programme in Business Information Systems, you learn how to actively shape the digital transformation of organisations. You combine business thinking with technological expertise and develop innovative solutions that make a real impact in practice. The core modules cover topics such as business process management, business intelligence, and strategic business development. Elective modules like artificial intelligence, agile business analysis or data-driven innovation allow you to tailor your studies to your individual interests.
Through applied projects and your Master’s thesis, you work on real-world challenges and demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems with practical relevance.
Practice orientation
In the MSc Business Information Systems, practical experience is not just taught – it is lived. You work on real business cases, apply cutting-edge tools and methods, and develop implementable solutions. Many elements of the programme are developed in direct collaboration with companies – including your Master’s thesis, which often addresses concrete industry needs. This gives you valuable hands-on experience and builds a strong professional network while you study.
- Real project work: You tackle current issues from the business world – often in close cooperation with industry partners.
- Practice-oriented Master’s thesis: Your thesis is directly linked to real-world problems and delivers tangible value to companies.
- State-of-the-art tools and methods: You apply technologies and frameworks that are widely used in the field.
- Lecturers from practice: You learn from professionals who are active in the industry and share their insights directly.
- Build your network: During your studies, you establish connections with companies and professionals – a real advantage for launching your career.
Study structure
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. Deepen your interests: With a wide range of elective modules, you can tailor your study plan to your personal goals and dive deep into the topics that matter most to you.
Full-time study (3 semesters)
Part-time study (5 semesters)
Flexible study model
Structure and modules
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
Elective Modules
Research and Innovation Projects
International
Double Degree and international exchange opportunities
One of the critical steps in developing a global mindset is familiarity and comfort with non-home country settings. Understanding other countries’ economic, social, political and cultural systems and imprints is key. We offer the opportunity to enhance the Master of Science in Business Information Systems with additional degrees.
University of Camerino (Italy)
In cooperation with the University of Camerino, you can complete an exchange semester and additionally earn a Master's degree in Computer Science.
Institut Teknologi Bandung (Indonesia)
Together with the School of Business and Management at the Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), you can obtain a Master's degree in Management.
Additional Degree in International Management at FHNW (Switzerland)
After completing your degree, you can transfer ECTS credits and pursue an additional Master's degree in International Management at FHNW.
Additional Degree in Medical Informatics at FHNW (Switzerland)
As a further option, you can transfer your ECTS credits to pursue a Master's degree in Medical Informatics at FHNW after completing your degree.
Partner universities
A semester abroad at one of our partner universities allows you to combine your studies with international experience. Research projects or your Master’s thesis can often be realised in cooperation with partner universities and local companies.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (South Africa)
We have established a successful partnership with the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in Cape Town, South Africa.
University of Pretoria, Department of Informatics (South Africa)
The Department of Informatics at the University of Pretoria is another one of our partner universities and offers many opportunities for international experience.
International field trips
Our international study trips take you to places where digital innovation and economic transformation are a lived reality – for example:
- Silicon Valley (USA)
- Shenzhen (China)
- South Africa
You’ll visit companies, meet with senior leaders, take part in cultural activities and apply your knowledge in a final analytical paper. These field trips give you in-depth insights into global markets, systems and ways of thinking.
You will receive ECTS credits for participating in a field trip.
Requirements and admission
Entry requirements
Organisational matters
Fees
Application
Location
Downloads & Regulations
Advising and information events
Info-Events
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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
Master of Science Business Information SystemsSeptember 2026
- Date
- 14.9.2026
- Duration
- 1.5 to 2.5 years
- Place
- Olten and optional Muttenz
- Application start
- 3.11.2025
Master of Science Business Information SystemsFebruary 2027
- Date
- 22.2.2027
- Duration
- 1.5 to 2.5 years
- Place
- Olten and optional Muttenz
- Application start
- 3.11.2025
FHNW Campus Olten
FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland
Von Roll-Strasse 10
4600 Olten

