Digital Leadership in Information Management (MSc) Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences

The DLI programme is built around an 18-month research challenge — this is not a side topic, but the very core of your studies. Three tracks run through all three semesters, seamlessly interlinked: you will develop analytical depth in tackling real-world IT challenges, build the strategic foundation for modern IT management, and develop into a leader who does not just accompany change, but actively shapes it.

Digital Leadership in Information Management is purposefully designed as a Future Skills Accelerator — academic depth and immediate practical impact aren’t opposites, but the core principle. It’s the combination of five distinctive features that sets it apart:

Think in Systems: You will not learn recipes, but thinking tools. Fundamental mental models and theories help you structure any complex challenge — not just those with ready-made answers.

Learn by Doing Research: Your studies are an applied research project. Over the course of three semesters, you work on a real challenge from an industry partner, developing your skills directly through application.

Decide with Evidence: You learn to base decisions on a solid foundation of theory and empirical evidence — and make impacts measurable. This will happen not with gut feeling, but with reasoned judgement.

Lead from Day One: Leadership at DLI is not an add-on programme. Alongside your specialist training, you develop leadership and communication skills — from self-management to steering complex transformations.

Impact by Design: Your results are designed to land in practice. As a bridge-builder between academia and industry, you will actively contribute to knowledge transfer in the region.

Track 1 - Research Projects: From the beginning, you will tackle a real, complex challenge from an industry partner — not a case study but a real-world challenge. The process follows the design-oriented Business Information Systems model: from problem analysis (Understand), through solution design (Design), to evaluation in your Master’s thesis (Transform). Tailored domain modules provide the challenge-specific expertise exactly when you need it.

Track 2 - IT Management: You will build the strategic foundation to lead IT organisations — from structural analysis and evidence-based decision-making to shaping digital transformation.

Track 3 - Leadership: You will develop into a true leader: mastering self-management, stakeholder communication, and steering complex change processes.

Digital Leadership in Information Management (MSc) combines structured knowledge delivery in management modules with student-centred, needs-based teaching in research projects — knowledge you will not just understand but will apply immediately.

Winter semester: 2 May to 15 July

Summer semester (international students with 180 ECTS Bachelor’s degree, see more info in academic admission requirements)

• Applicants holding a Bachelor’s degree worth 180 ECTS credits must complete the four-semester programme (120 ECTS credits). The first semester comprises six modules: German for Academic Studies, Integrated Skills: Academic English, Intercultural Skills, Research Skills, and two subject-specific modules.
• Applicants with a 180 ECTS Bachelor’s degree from a higher education institution within the Lisbon Convention may, alternatively, have at least six months’ professional experience relevant to the programme recognised following the award of their Bachelor’s degree.
• minimum grade: 2.5 or better
• English language level: minimum B2
• for international applicants: German A2
• Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree from an institution outside the Lisbon Convention must provide a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test.

The administration fees for enrolment are around 100 EUR per semester.

You will be informed of the exact amount with your letter of acceptance.

Taking all aspects of daily life into account, students have to expect expenses of approximately 1,000 EUR per month.

There are some job opportunities within the university (e.g. as a tutor for undergraduates). Moreover, student trainee positions ("Werkstudent") offer you very good opportunities to gain professional experience. Numerous job offers in the region (Ulm, Stuttgart, and Munich) are available in English.

Graduation scholarship "STIBET" (scholarship for Bachelor's and Master's students in need, only in the last semester while writing the Master's thesis), DAAD Prize (award for one outstanding international student per year)

The success of Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences (HNU) is based on close cooperation with the regional economy. Professors with practical experience, practical projects through cooperation with industry and collaborative studies are focal points of the university.

The HNU is an international business school for innovation, sustainable entrepreneurship and digital transformation.

We educate

• internationally experienced,
• solution-oriented thinking,
• responsibly acting

shapers of the future.

Two federal states – Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg – and two different mentalities converge in Neu-Ulm and Ulm. This interplay promotes exchange and creates dynamism: people usually perceive Ulm and Neu-Ulm as one city in their everyday lives.

Located exactly halfway between Munich and Stuttgart, both cities are very well situated and can be reached quickly.

The countryside and leisure opportunities around Neu-Ulm and Ulm account for a great part of the region's special charm. The Danube connects both cities and offers cyclists and rowers the chance to pursue their sports to their heart's content. The Swabian Alb region boasts inviting medieval towns and natural monuments. The foothills of the Alps and the Allgäu as well as Lake Constance are nearby and are easy to reach by rail.

Anyone interested in culture can choose between various theatres (Ulm's is the oldest municipal theatre in Germany), cinemas, and exhibitions.

There are two key factors that drive the region economically: growth and innovation. Many companies in the electronics, information, and automotive sectors have their headquarters or branches in Ulm and Neu-Ulm.

Students have the chance to take up internships there and often find work there when they graduate.

Universities and companies work closely together to develop commercial ideas and foster junior talents.