Education

This programme offers students with a Bachelor's or Master's degree advanced non-technical training in information management, with an emphasis on the efficient and effective application and management of information technology in various business contexts (e.g. finance, marketing, HR, production and logistics, etc.). Following basic training in technology, the programme explores specific management issues in greater depth, particularly in order to develop the skills required to analyse information needs, to design and manage information systems and to fine-tune an IT strategy as an integral part of an overall business strategy. The key focus is the preliminary design needed to develop and set up an information system. In completing your Master's thesis, you can apply these skills within a specific business context. Finally, a wide range of electives enables you to either explore specific areas in greater depth or to gain a broader understanding through a multidisciplinary approach.

The Master of Science in Information Management is an initial Master's programme. You can follow this programme on a full-time or part-time basis.

Profile

The ideal prospective student possesses knowledge of information technology (e.g. office applications, basics of database management, basics of computer hardware, basic knowledge of modelling, etc.), a sound background in mathematics and statistics and thorough English language skills (oral and written).

You should be familiar with and interested in the fundamentals of computer science and its business applications. Background knowledge of business economics is useful, but not strictly necessary. You will acquire basic knowledge of business information systems and will learn to develop an information strategy aligned with an organisation's corporate strategy. You will also learn to identify information needs and to translate these into an information system architecture. Upon successful completion of the programme, you will be able to develop, model and manage business processes. Moreover, you will be able to evaluate an information system, assess its economic merits and make appropriate technological choices.

For specific admission requirements, click on the desired programme in the 'Choose your courses of study' section.

Objectives

This programme presents a non-technical curriculum in information management. It focuses on the effective and efficient application and management of information technology in a business setting. First, a basic technological background is offered, after which the management aspects are elaborated in more detail. The programme aims at developing skills in analysing information needs, the modelling and management of information systems and the alignment of information technology strategy with business strategy. Hence, the main focus is on the early phases of the information system development cycle. By means of the master project, skills acquired throughout the programme are applied in a concrete business setting. Finally, the electives provide the opportunity to explore particular aspects in more depth or to broaden the scope by taking one or more multidisciplinary courses.

By the end of the programme, students will have acquired:
- a broad and general knowledge of business information systems;
- the skills to independently formulate a strategy concerning information systems management accompanying an existing company strategy (business, non-profit, government);
- the skills to analyse and model the needs concerning information systems and to follow up on the design, implementation and management of these systems;
- the skills to evaluate technology independently and to choose a technical solution in accordance with the company strategy;
- the skills to independently recognise the economic aspects of a choice for a particular system;
- the skills to judge and optimise the quality of data, processes and decisions;
- the skills to lead and manage projects on information systems in a multidisciplinary team of analysts, designers and users;
- a professional and scientific attitude in the field of information systems.

After graduation

In the business world, there is a great demand for IT specialists with highly developed management skills. Our graduates are trained to gain leverage within a company through the strategic use of technology. The analysis and management of information, knowledge, processes and systems, in line with an overall business strategy, play a bridging role between computer science and business. Qualities such as strong communication skills, teamwork and group management are therefore more essential than mere technological expertise. Our graduates pursue careers as information analysts, project leaders and information technology strategists.

Information sessions

KU Leuven organises a Verderstudeerbeurs each spring. In addition, faculties also organise information sessions for many of their bridging and graduate programmes.

All information sessions for (future) Master's students

(Inter)national

One of the faculty's most important assets is its vast national and international network. We maintain strong links with the business and financial community by organising regular workshops with industry leaders and the European Commission, situated only 30 minutes from our campus. Many of our alumni work at European institutions, and many of the department's staff members act as advisers to various European bodies and international companies. The student association, Ekonomika, is equally active via its Business-to-University lecture programme. Our Alumni network offers excellent communication channels and networking opportunities with leading figures in industry and politics.

We have a wide international student exchange network as well. Not only do we participate extensively in the (intra-EU) Erasmus programme (with 65 partners), we also have numerous agreements with leading universities outside the EU, e.g. the Wharton School of Business (University of Pennsylvania), the University of Chicago, Cornell University, the University of Illinois and Rochester University in the United States, the University of British Columbia, Queen's University, the University of Toronto and the Université de Montréal in Canada, the Indian Institutes of Management Calcutta and Bangalore in India, the Chinese University and the City University of Hong Kong, Beida, Tsinghua and Fudan in China, Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, National Taiwan University, Seoul National University in South Korea, Queensland University of Technology Brisbane and the University of Sydney in Australia, Stellenbosch in South Africa, Insper in Brazil, Esan in Peru, the University of Monterrey in Mexico and the Singapore Management University.

Spotlight

Why study information management at KU Leuven? Compared to similar one-year programmes offered at other universities, this programme is less technology-oriented and does not focus on 'user-centred information technology' to the same extent. Instead, it explores the strategic and economic aspects of information technology. The programme's strengths include the interplay between basic and applied research, a broad academic education, a multidisciplinary approach, excellent infrastructure, continuous quality assurance and close collaboration with the corporate world. For instance, it is possible to participate in a supplementary programme at one of the companies with which we collaborate. Additionally, in your Master's thesis, you will undertake a case study in a particular company, or with one of its clients. This will allow you to gain valuable practical experience and enhance your career prospects. Moreover, an attractive SAP sponsorship opportunity is also available. For more information on the selection procedure, please visit http://www.econ.kuleuven.be/research/LIRIS/display.aspx?URL=sap-en

Contact

Faculty of Economics and Business
tel. + 32 16 32 66 12

Students can ask questions through the webform on: www.econ.kuleuven.be/onderwijshelpdesk/

General
Study Advice Service
Naamsestraat 80 box 5415
3000 LEUVEN, Belgium
To contact us please complete the contact form on our website

Useful links

Vist website of the faculty.

Download this brochure

Download this Master's brochure.

Order this Master's brochure.