Introduction
About the Programme
The International Master in Anti-Corruption Compliance and Collective Action (IMACC) programme is the first master’s Programme specially designed for anti-corruption compliance and collective action professionals involved with the business sector. It is a practical, comprehensive answer to the ever-evolving regulatory environment and rising demand for specialized skills. The two-year Programme enables participants to upgrade their expertise and add value to their companies and organizations, while continuing to work, by:
implementing best practices in anti-corruption and compliance
identifying and mitigating various types of risks
initiating and managing collective action
conducting internal investigations
doing business based on the highest ethical standards.
Structure and Curriculum
Each of the seven IMACC online modules carries between 13 and 14 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits and the Master's Thesis carries 21 credits. The IMACC degree, therefore, comes with a total of 120 ECTS credits, thus ideal for enrolment into PhD programs.
The IMACC Programme runs over two academic years with seven modules and a Master Thesis. Each module runs in 11 to 13 weeks. The modules consist of various core-module and stand-alone courses, and practical compliance projects and labs. They are composed of self-study readings, interactive presentations, discussion forums, self-assessment, group works, live sessions, written assignments, webinars, etc. All modules as well as master’s thesis research and defence are conducted fully online. The Programme also offers an ongoing module on research methods and an ongoing course on facilitating virtual teams and learning process. A certification course under ‘projects’ has been built in this master Programme for the first time. Upon successful completion of modules and the master’s thesis defence, the graduation ceremony takes place at IACA campus, in Laxenburg, Austria.
IMACC students will also be eligible for an additional IACA Certificate of Auditor in ISO 37001 Anti-Bribery Management System and ISO 19600 Compliance Management System.
Four modules are completed in the first academic year. Three modules and the Master's Thesis are completed in the second academic year.
The programme also offers campus-based research and academic writing support and consultation (optional).
Admissions Requirements
Undergraduate degree, equivalent to a bachelor’s degree
Minimum of three years of relevant work experience or a proven history of academic research in areas related to anti-corruption and/or compliance, broadly understood. Candidates who do not have working experience yet and are applying directly from the bachelor’s degree should have their undergraduate degree qualification such as economics, law, political science, sociology, or any other filed related to IMACC studies
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
The Programme is open to working professionals from public, and private sectors, as well to those professionals from NGOs and civil societies. In addition, the online IMACC Programme is open for fresh graduates and candidates without prior working experience.
Admission Process
Submit an online application along with the required documents and the payment of the 100 EUR application fee (non-refundable).
Visit the programme page
Guidelines For Application Procedure
Participants are selected taking into account their professional and academic experience. IACA is committed to promoting diversity and strives to attract participants from various professional backgrounds and geographical areas. Bringing together diverse perspectives and practices learning better about and tackle corruption is essential to the quality of the IMACC program.
Fees & Scholarships
The overall Programme fee is EUR 8,450 per year. The Programme fee covers teaching, including certain teaching materials and other technical supports, and supervision and defence of master’s thesis. All other arrangements and associated costs, not covered by the above-stated fees, such as travel, medical insurance, books and licensed learning resources, accommodation, and subsistence for the graduation ceremony, are Student’ responsibility.
In some countries and jurisdictions, educational expenses can be tax-deductible. Please check with your national tax authority.
Application Fee
A non-refundable application fee of 100 EUR shall be paid by all applicants, including those who apply for a scholarship.
Scholarships
IACA offers a limited number of scholarships for students from Least Developed Countries as defined by the United Nations. These highly competitive scholarships are merit-based and fully or partially cover the Programme fee, travel, and accommodation expenses.
Discounts
IACA is offering discounts on the IMACC programme fee. For more information, please visit https://www.iaca.int/iaca-programmes/academic-programmes/imacc.html
Testimonials
"The International Anti-Corruption Academy once again demonstrates its innovative approach to ethics and good governance by announcing the start of the new master’s degree Programme in anti-corruption compliance and collective action. The curriculum for this Programme is designed for compliance and ethics professionals who want to increase their knowledge in areas such as best practices in compliance, ethics, risk management, internal investigations, and collective action".
Michael Hershman, Co-founder of Transparency International andChairperson of IACA’s International Senior Advisory Board
"Since its foundation, IACA's broad interdisciplinary orientation has been one of its great strengths. This has led to the design of programs that reach beyond disciplinary boundaries, placing IACA at a competitive advantage compared to many other programs around the world. The new IMACC master’s degree continues this tradition and promises to be a strong contribution to anti-corruption as well as an excellent opportunity for those seeking a career in anti-corruption in the private sector."
Johann Graf Lambsdorff, Professor of Economic Theory at the University of Passau, Germany
"In today’s rapidly changing world of regulatory complexity, the importance of values that openly and honestly live up to a culture of Responsible Business Conduct is now more relevant and significant than ever before. Fighting corruption and misconduct can never be tackled in silos, but rather through building alliances with companies, governments, and NGOs to enable level playing fields, and sustainable and fair market conditions. This is “Collective Action”. The International Master in Anti-Corruption Compliance and Collective Action (IMACC) offers compliance and anti-corruption professionals a unique opportunity to sharpen their skills and stimulate Collective Action thought leadership through a Programme that joins theory to practice. "
