Master Degree Programmes
International Master in
Anti-Corruption Compliance and
Collective Action (IMACC)
Next class
28 Sep 2026 - Dec 2028
APPLICATION DEADLINE
30 August 2026
This programme will start upon meeting minimum student enrolments
Language
English
format
Online and Hybrid
About
Our specialized master’s programme focusing particularly on compliance and Collective Action in the private sector.
- Interdisciplinary two-year programme with 120 ECTS credits, enabling enrolment into PhD programmes
- Offered in both Hybrid and Online formats
- Consists of a blend of academic and practical activities
- Has seven modules and a master thesis
- Part-time and flexibly designed for working professionals
- Small classes, global faculty, and interactive teaching methods.
The programme offers a rigorous, diverse, and innovative anti-corruption compliance and Collective Action curriculum. It reflects a variety of academic disciplines necessary for providing comprehensive insight into corruption, anti-corruption, compliance systems, and Collective Action schemes while offering the practical know–how and expertise from non–academic fields through Compliance Labs and other innovative tools. Students and their employer’s benefit from both the academic and practitioner focus of the programme.
The programme is delivered online and it is part-time. The programme can be completed in a minimum of two years, while students can pause their studies if their work or personal commitments require so.
Benefits
- Earn an internationally recognized Master of Arts degree with 120 ECTS credits while building/continuing your professional career.
- Learn through synchronous and asynchronous methods with maximum flexibility.
- Deepen your knowledge of business sector anti-corruption compliance and collective action using ethics, law, economics, behavioural sciences, audit, and compliance management, anti-money laundering, procurement etc.
- Implement global best practices in anti-corruption and compliance within domestic and transnational regulatory frameworks, for both private and state-run businesses.
- Enhance your skills in identifying and mitigating various types of risks, and conducting internal investigations.
- Strengthen your practical skills through methodologies and tools provided during the compliance labs.
- Share and learn with business sector peers from across the globe.
- Develop new ideas for initiating and managing collective action initiatives against corruption.
- Contribute to your organization and sector through a practical expert-guided final thesis.
Structure
and curriculum
The IMACC programme runs over two academic years with seven modules and a Master Thesis. Each of the seven IMACC modules carries between 12 to 15 European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) credits, and 21 credits for the Master's Thesis. In total the programme has 120 ECTS credits that can lead to a PhD programme enrolment.
Each module runs for 12 weeks and comprises of core and stand-alone courses, composed of self-study readings, interactive presentations, discussion forums, self-assessment, group work, on campus and instructor-led virtual classes, written assignments, webinars, etc. Four modules are completed in the first academic year. Three modules and the Master's Thesis are completed in the second academic year.
The IMACC modules are structured in three phases as shown below:
The IMACC programme is completed with the successful submission and defence of a Master’s Thesis. The Master’s Thesis is an academic paper of about 25,000 words demonstrating conceptual and analytical approaches to a topic related to corruption and anti-corruption compliance preferably in the business sector, and Collective Action against corruption, with focus on applying knowledge to practice.
Each IMACC student of this class is assigned an experienced faculty supervisor to guide her/him in the research and writing of his/her Master’s Thesis. Master’s Theses are due in September of the second year of studies. Defence of the Master Theses takes place online mid-November of the second academic year, followed by graduation on IACA campus, on or around 9 December, the International Anti-Corruption Day.
Curriculum
The following topics are covered in the IMACC modules. IACA may change the sequence of the modules and/or modify the module themes and courses.
Admission
Requirements
- Undergraduate degree, equivalent to a bachelor’s degree
- 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.
- 100 EUR application fee (non-refundable) / 50 EUR only for nationals of IACA Parties contributing to the general budget of the organization, listed under 15% and 20% discount scheme. Please refer to the discount scheme for more information.
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 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 non-refundable application fee. After the admissions office has received all required documents and the application fee, it will review your application and notify you of the outcome within three to four weeks of submission of your application. It may also contact you earlier if additional documents are needed and invite you for an interview when necessary to verify your English language proficiency and other information based on the application.
Guidelines for application
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 is essential to the quality of the IMACC programme.
Fees
Programme Fee
The programme fee for the online format is EUR 17,900.
The programme fee for the hybrid format is EUR 22,400.
The programme fee covers teaching, including teaching materials and ICT, and supervision and thesis defence. All other arrangements and associated costs, not covered by the above stated fees, such as, travel, medical insurance, accommodation and subsistence for the graduation ceremony, are the student’s responsibility.
In some countries and jurisdictions, educational expenses can be tax deductible. Please check with your national tax authority.
Fees can be paid in two equal instalments: 50% before programme start and the other 50% mid programme.
Please review the projected programme costs document for payment deadlines.
Students are recommended to plan their payments in advance and to consult the admissions and finance office for any payment related questions.
Discounts
Discounts Under the Preferential Treatment Scheme
Under the Preferential Treatment Scheme for IACA Parties contributing to the general budget of the organization, IACA offers the following discounts on the programmes/trainings tuition fees:
- 10 % - for nationals of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cambodia, Cote D'Ivoire, Finland, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Morocco, Republic of Korea, Slovenia, Thailand
- 15 % - for registered IACA Alumni
- 20 % - for nationals of Austria, China
In addition, nationals of the countries listed under 15% and 20% discount scheme are eligible for a 50% discount on the application fee payment*.
This scheme remains valid until revocation. It may be modified or superseded by later schemes at any time. More information can be found here.
*Applicable only for programmes/trainings for which application fee is mandatory.
Projected programme costs
Application Fee
To make the application fee payment please click below.
Individual Sponsorship
IACA encourages applicants to arrange with their companies, organizations, and public-sector entities for financial support or grant educational leave.
SCHOLARSHIPS
MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME
Lecturer Experience
“The IMACC course is a rigorous and intensive programme of study. There is a breadth of material covered and highly effective use of practical exercises to embed learning. The students are exposed to teaching of the highest caliber and from a broad spectrum of experts. The cohorts of students comprise diverse and dedicated professionals from across the world. Upon completion of the Master’s programme, many experienced significant progresses in their professional lives. It is a pleasure to be part of the teaching faculty on this excellent programme of study.
“Come study at the world’s leading anti-corruption academy. Learn with inspiring peers and global experts. Build skills—and friendships—that will last you a lifetime.
“Whether for a student or a professor, IMACC creates the rarest of opportunities: an intimate group of students who, despite or even because of their diverse backgrounds, find commonality in their desire to learn, their years of professional experience, and their shared commitment to an ethic of anti-corruption compliance. I've had the good fortune to teach anti-corruption law all around the world, and I've never seen anything like it.
