Our Curriculum

Our MBI programme is designed for a study duration of 3 - 4 semesters. It is only possible to start in the autumn semester, with HSG degree also in spring semester.

The MBI is characterised by a hybrid language model. One third of the core studies (18 ECTS) have to be completed in German language, another third of the core studies (18 ECTS) have to be taken in English language.

A total of 90 ECTS credits must be completed, which are structured as follows:

The core studies  in MBI are composed of

1. Compulsory subjects (15 ECTS)
2. Core electives (27-39 ECTS)
3. Electives (0-12 ECTS)

The MBI program begins with the "MBI Kick-off " in week 37 as an introductory event before the start of the program. Through four compulsory subjects you will gain a basic understanding of Business Innovation:

• Fundamentals in Business Innovation: Gain a common, multidisciplinary reference and knowledge base. (4 credits, to be taken in the first fall semester).
• Business Innovation I and
• Business Innovation II:
  Two consecutive basic modules will provide you with in-depth expertise as an analytical and reference framework for the program and for developing the MBI-specific mindset.  (4 credits, to be taken in the first fall semester).
• Research methods for business innovation:You will learn methods of application-oriented research as a basis for systematic problem solving. (3 credits, to be taken in the fall or spring semester).

The area includes three different vessels:

• «Methods course»: a methods course worth 3 credits is to be taken (maximal 15 Credits possible).
• «Research-, Practice- und Ventureprojects (RPV) /Issue Coverage courses (IC)»: Three courses, each worth 4 credits, are to be taken (12 Credits)
• «Core electives»: Minimum 12 Credits and maximum 24 Credits (normally a minimum of four and a maximum of eight course of 3 credits each) (12-24 Credits).

The core competencies of the MBI program are concentrated into five profiles in the core electives. Each MBI profile is described by a job outline and is equipped with a portfolio of courses from which you can, but do not have to, compile your core electives:

• Business Development
• Digital Channel & Customer Relationship Management
• IT Management
• Startup & Technology Entrepreneurship
• Supply Chain & Operations Management

See Downloads for an  overview with detailed descriptions and recommended core courses. Ensure that your chosen profile provides you with the necessary technical, methodological and practical competencies to be optimally prepared for future-oriented fields of activity:

In the electives, courses from other Master's degree programmes of the HSG can be taken. Alternatively, you can take other courses from the MBI's core electives instead, but none from the "FPV/IC".

 The contextual studies represent one of the most important unique selling points of the University of St. Gallen by strengthening the social and cultural competences of our students in a special way. Here, our MBI students can "think outside the box" and receive credit for courses in focus areas as well as in the skills area. The cultural and social science courses are very diverse and can be tailored to the MBI programme, while the skills area teaches essential competencies and practical skills for success in the corporate world. In focus areas such as "Technology", "Media" or "Responsibility" you will complete a total of 12 to 18 credits. In the optional area "Skills" you can take up to 6 credits. Up to 6 credits can also be substituted by practice credits or campus credits. The contextual studies complement the core studies and are compensated with 18 credits.

You can write the Master's thesis (18 credits) during your studies, whereby the topic of the thesis may originate from both the core and contextual studies.

Practice credits can be awarded for activities that have a close thematic relation to the Master in Business Innovation. Criteria for this can be found on StudentWeb.

Graduates hold the title "Master of Arts HSG in Business Innovation". Before the fall semester 2013, the program was called «Master of Arts HSG in Informations-, Medien- und Technologiemanagement».