Master Cyber Security (MSc)
The Master's degree program in Cyber Security investigates the security of computer systems and security-compliant interaction with computer systems. It analyses technical and organizational security aspects of computer systems, develops measures to detect and fend off attacks and researches human-centric, security-compliant software development and system operation. These fields of Cyber Security research have a strong intradisciplinary interaction with classical Computer Science as well as an increasingly important interdisciplinary connection to other areas of the natural sciences and the humanities, social sciences and law.
The courses offered in the consecutive Master's degree program in Cyber Security are closely linked to the research of our various working groups, making it particularly suitable for students who want to deepen their knowledge and develop their research skills.
We also work closely with internationally renowned research institutions and companies in and around Bonn in the field of IT security. This gives our students the opportunity to work on forward-looking projects and gives them a wide range of exciting topics for their research and graduation projects – a first step towards a scientific career.
Please note: The program is English- and German-spoken. It is possible to complete the program entirely in English if you select the appropriate elective modules.
You will complete your studies in Cyber Security with a nationally and internationally recognized Master of Science (MSc) degree, which opens the door to a doctorate.
Facts at a glance
Type of program
- Single-subject master's
Work load
- 120 ECTS
Standard form & duration
- Full-time (4 semesters)
- Part-time (6 semesters)
Language of instruction
- German (depending on electives)
- English (compulsory)
Size of the program
- About 10 students per semester
Master's in Cyber Security
Your future prospects
The Master's degree program in Cyber Security opens up a wide range of career opportunities:
- Scientist: As a scientist, you will research technical or interdisciplinary issues in the field of cyber security independently and make the world a little better as a result.
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO): CISOs are responsible for the entire security strategy and its implementation in a company and report directly to the management.
- Security Architect: Security architects design and implement comprehensive security solutions for complex IT infrastructures and systems.
- Penetration tester (ethical hacker): Penetration testers are experts in identifying vulnerabilities and security gaps by performing security tests and analyses.
Many other career opportunities are also open to you. In the Cologne-Bonn area and the Rhein-Sieg district in particular, you will benefit from a strong ecosystem characterized by IT security companies and research institutes.
At a Glance
Admission Requirements
-
University degree (domestic or foreign) in a relevant subject
-
Command of English (language level CEFR B2)
Start & Standard Duration
-
starts in winter or summer semester
-
4 semesters full-time
-
6 semesters part-time
Admission Limits & Application
Institution-specific admission restrictions (special selection procedure)
More About the Contents
The curriculum of our master's program is closely linked to ongoing research at our institute. This gives you the opportunity to gain a wide range of insights into current developments in information security technologies during your studies.
As part of the master's program, you can specialize in Cyber Security as well as in the four different computer science research areas: Algorithmics, Graphics/Vision/Audio, Information and Communication Management, Intelligent Systems.
Good to know
There are three compulsory modules in our master's degree program: the IT security lecture, the Cyber Security seminar and the Cyber Security lab. The master's thesis and the accompanying seminar are also a compulsory part of your degree program.
You can choose all other modules and content (69 ECTS in total) freely* from the available modules each semester, provided you have completed the following:
- 24 ECTS from the area of Cyber Security
- 12 ECTS from the area of Computer Science
- a further 18 ECTS from the above-mentioned areas
- a further 15 ECTS from the above-mentioned areas or from areas outside Computer Science
*but no more than one additional lab and seminar.
Contents and example study plan
- IT Security (6 ECTS)
- Elective cyber security: Secure Software Engineering (6 ECTS)
- Elective computer science: Cryptography (9 ECTS)
- Elective outside computer science (9 ECTS)
- Cyber Security Seminar (4 ECTS)
- Elective cyber security: Mobile Communication (6 ECTS)
- Elective cyber security: Malware Analysis (6 ECTS)
- Elective cyber security: Applied Binary Exploitation (6 ECTS)
- Elective computer science: Seminar Principles of Data Mining and Learning Algorithms – Ethics in AI (4 ECTS)
- Cyber Security Lab (9 ECTS)
- Elective cyber security: Tutorenpraktikum (9 ECTS)
- Elective computer science: Technical Neural Nets (6 ECTS)
- Elective outside computer science (8 ECTS)
- Master thesis (30 ECTS)
- Accompanying seminar for the Master's thesis (2 ECTS)
Subject to change
Examination Regulations, Forms, and Module Handbooks
Examination Regulations
The examination regulations for the Master's degree program in Cyber Security set out all the important rules and requirements for studying.
Forms
The forms contain applications and important documents for students to complete various administrative procedures.
Module Handbook
In the module handbook you will find detailed information on the learning objectives, content, teaching methods and organisation of the individual modules of the degree programme.
Contact
Dr. Matthias Wübbeling
Study counsellor
Office: 1.016
Office hours
by appointment.
Dr. Herman Haverkort
Programme manager
Office: 2.067
Office hours:
Mondays 11:00-12:30h in Room 0.022 and by appointment