The International Master in Anti-Corruption Compliance and Collective Action (IMACC) is a modular postgraduate academic degree programme delivered over two academic years. Designed as an “in–career” programme, IMACC has a compact structure, accommodating working professionals primarily from the business sector (encompassing public and private entities) as well as regulators. The programme offers a series of interdisciplinary modules which concentrate on concepts and practical tools for preventing and countering corruption through the establishment of solid anti-corruption compliance programmes as well as engaging in collective action against corruption.

The programme includes subjects and cross–cutting themes relating to economics, behavioural science, ethics, law, compliance, investigations, and collective action. The programme utilizes lectures, case studies, interactive sessions, group work, and stakeholder discussions to identify best practices in anti–corruption compliance and collective action. IMACC modules are complemented by panel discussions, study visits, and other special events. Programme delivery combines distance learning with in–class sessions, ensuring effective knowledge transfer and the immediate applicability of the knowledge and skills acquired. Classes for at least one of the IMACC modules may take place outside Austria in cooperation with one of IACA’s international partner institutions. The programme is completed with the successful submission and defence of the Master’s Thesis or Final Project for which a supporting course in research methods is incorporated into the modules.

Admission

The IMACC programme brings together professionals from all regions of the world and from diverse professional backgrounds. The minimum requirements for admission include:

• Undergraduate degree equivalent to a Bachelor degree from a recognized institution
• A minimum of three years of professional experience involving, in whole or in part, functions and activities related to anti–corruption, compliance, and/or collective action, primarily in the business sector or regulatory bodies
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.

IMACC Programme Modules

The IMACC programme runs over the period of two academic years and consists of an optional Pre-Master’s course, six modules, and a Master’s Thesis or Final Project. Each module has a seven to ten-day in-class phase taking place at approximately three–month intervals. Most of the in-class phases take place at IACA’s campus in Laxenburg, Austria, but one or more of these phases may be held at other locations worldwide. In addition to an in-class phase, each module also has a pre-module and a post-module self-study (distance learning) phase.

The optional pre-Master’s course and four modules are completed in the first academic year. Two modules and the Master’s Thesis/Final Project are completed in the second academic year.

Module Structure

1. Pre–Module Phase

The pre–module phase is designed to prepare students, through self-study, for the challenges of the in-class phase by providing a common standard of familiarity with terminology and the relevant academic contents and perspectives.

During the pre–module phase, students will complete written assignments testing the required knowledge before the classes begin.

1. In–Class Phase

The in–class phase expands and utilizes the knowledge acquired in the pre–module phase. Students are guided by lecturers who provide more in-depth knowledge and practical tools.

The in-class phase involves interactive lectures and other teaching methods such as group work, case studies, presentations, simulation exercises, and panel discussions to enhance knowledge and practical skills and apply them through practical exercises and interactions with peers and other professionals.

1. Post–Module Phase

During the post–module phase, students work on assignments that reflect the overall learning outcomes of the module and provide them with the opportunity to apply and review the newly acquired knowledge and skills.

Modules Overview

The following topics and themes are representative of the IMACC modules: