Sociotechnical Cybersecurity (M. Sc.)

Computergenerierte Personenporträts, Coding, Gesichtserkennung

Direct access to German-speaking online presentation on November 12th, 5pm CEST, here

How can we design cybersecurity that effectively integrates technology, people and the organisation?

Do you want to rethink cybersecurity and secure the systems that keep our connected world running? Then the Master’s in Sociotechnical Cybersecurity is the right programme for you. You will not only learn how to build secure architectures or fend off attacks, but also how human behaviour, organisational structures and cultural factors influence cybersecurity, and how to take the human factor into account appropriately. Technical knowledge is combined with social science perspectives to form a skill set that is indispensable for modern cybersecurity.

The programme focuses on cybersecurity in the fields of mobility, industry and healthcare. The curriculum is complemented by cutting-edge topics such as post-quantum cryptography, quantum key distribution and AI-supported security mechanisms. International projects, competitions and practical research will help you develop your skills further. Small groups, personalised support and strong industry partnerships create an ideal environment for you to develop into a specialist who shapes cybersecurity with confidence, innovation, collaboration, effectiveness and a human touch.

Degree
Master of Science (M. Sc.)
Duration
4 semesters
Start of studies
Summer
NC
Yes

Dual Study
Yes
Main teaching language
English

Location
Ingolstadt

Content of the security master programme include:

- principles of security

- principles of networks

- principles of mathematics

- principles of computer science and programming

- information security management

- product security management

- Human Factors of security

- Healthcare security

- Industrial security

- IoT security

- practical security project

- automotive security

- security for sociotechnical systems

- security strategy

- security business planning

- advanced security

Curriculum

1. Semester

Principles of Cybersecurity and Networks (online)
8 ECTS

Advanced concepts of network and system security are covered. The focus is on threat modeling, risk management, and security architectures such as zero trust. This is complemented by protocols, intrusion detection, authentication mechanisms, and technologies for securing modern networks.

Principles of Computer Science and Programming (online)
8 ECTS

Programming and computer science fundamentals are developed in a practical way. Topics include variables, control structures, functions, object-oriented concepts, data structures, and algorithms. This is complemented by UML modeling, design principles, patterns, and professional practices such as Git, testing, and code reviews.

Principles of Mathematics (online)
8 ECTS

Mathematical and computer science fundamentals are covered, including number theory, cryptography, statistics, and logic. The focus is on graph theory with key concepts, algorithms, and applications. The aim is to analyze and solve structured problems.

Information and Product Security Management and Communication
6 ECTS

Cybersecurity management and governance approaches are covered in a corporate context. The focus is on frameworks, risk assessment, maturity models, and business continuity. This is complemented by awareness, incident management, and strategies for product and security management.

2. Semester

Human Factors
6 ECTS

Psychological and cognitive aspects of cybersecurity are examined. The focus is on perception, decision-making, human error, and social engineering. This is complemented by topics such as trust, cultural differences, and empirical research methods to analyze human behavior.

German Language Elective
5 ECTS

Project „Sociotechnical Cybersecurity Engagement“ (semesterübergreifend 2. und 3. Sem.)
2 ECTS

The focus is on designing and planning a non-profit cybersecurity project. This includes stakeholder identification, goal definition, and project structuring. Communication, ethical aspects, and documentation are considered to develop an impactful and sustainable project concept.

Medical Cybersecurity
6 ECTS

In this seminar, students independently work on a topic in medical cybersecurity. They conduct literature research, write a scientific paper, and present their findings. Structured discussions foster academic exchange and strengthen analytical and argumentation skills.

Industrial and IoT Cybersecurity
6 ECTS

Security concepts for industrial and IoT systems are explored in cyber-physical environments. The focus is on resource-efficient security mechanisms, OT architectures, and threat models. This is complemented by edge computing, secure communication, and technologies such as blockchain.

Cybersecurity for Mobility Systems
6 ECTS

Security and safety concepts for modern mobility systems are addressed. The focus is on connected and autonomous architectures, V2X communication, and threat models. This is complemented by embedded security mechanisms, secure software updates, and regulatory requirements.

3. Semester

Sociotechnical Systems
6 ECTS

Sociotechnical foundations of cybersecurity are explored from both user and system perspectives. The focus is on usability, secure interaction design, and resilient systems. This is complemented by risk and error analysis, teamwork, and the use of AI to support human decision-making.

Global Cybersecurity Strategy and Business
6 ECTS

Cybersecurity strategies are developed in a corporate context. The focus is on economic implications, risk assessment, supply chain security, KPIs, and trend analysis. This is complemented by communication strategies, leadership, and building a sustainable security culture.

Project „Sociotechnical Cybersecurity Engagement“ (s. 2. Sem., übergreifend 7 ECTS)
6 ECTS

Advanced Cybersecurity
6 ECTS

Advanced cybersecurity technologies are examined with regard to future application areas. The focus is on modern cryptography, formal verification, and AI-supported security methods. This is complemented by technology foresight and case studies from mobility, industry, and healthcare.

Scientific Elective
5 ECTS

4. Semester

Master's thesis

Students independently work on a complex scientific research question within the program. The focus is on applying research methods, project planning, and in-depth study. Results are documented in writing and presented and defended in a colloquium.

Quick Info

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in computer science or a bachelor's degree with a high proportion of computer science (e.g. bachelor's degree in artificial intelligence, bachelor's degree in cyber security, bachelor's degree in business informatics, bachelor's degree in aviation and vehicle informatics, etc.) with 180 ECTS credits is required. For details, please refer to the statutes of the programme.
The programme is conducted in English. A language level of B2 (official European reference framework) is required.
By the end of the first semester, students must provide evidence of basic knowledge of German (Level A1).

Find more information on applying for a place on the Master's programme.

Important Information for Applicants from Third Countries

Please take note of our Statutes for International Orientation and Selection Procedures

Link to Procedural elements Master Sociotechnical Cybersecurity (pdf)
In addition to a curriculum analysis, academic aptitude is determined by SAT scores. The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is a standardised test offered worldwide by CollegeBoard. For more information about the test and test centres in your area, see https://www.collegeboard.org/.

Please note that the programme is taught in English and therefore sufficient knowledge of English is essential.

Link: Proof of language skills

Our international full-time students can gain a foothold in the German labour market after completing their studies at THI. To do this, it is important that they have a good knowledge of German and soft skills in regional studies and intercultural communication. We offer our international students the following programmes in these areas:

Intercultural seminars:In intercultural workshops and training courses, our international students familiarise themselves intensively and practically with the special features of German culture. This enables them to move confidently and self-assuredly in intercultural situations.
General and specialised German courses:We offer our international students German courses at all levels - both general language and subject-specific. Our courses at the THI Language Center are tailored to the needs of students and prepare them for both their studies and their future careers.
Regional events and excursions:Whether our international students are studying in Ingolstadt or Neuburg, we help them to get to know their university city better. Our international students quickly get a good orientation during numerous city tours and learn a lot of interesting facts about history, culture and traditions. It is also important to us that international students quickly come into contact with German-speaking students. At events such as Bavarian evenings, Germany evenings or country and cultural exchange evenings, each focussing on a specific country, our international and German students have numerous opportunities each semester to get to know each other in a relaxed atmosphere. We also give our international students an insight into important German holidays such as the Day of German Unity (bank holidays) or Easter with joint events. Our exciting excursions for international students with an intercultural or regional focus round off our intercultural learning programmes. Our international students get to know other Bavarian cities, visit museums, memorials and other important places in order to understand Germany and German culture.
Mentoring programme:In our mentoring programme, German or multilingual mentors (dedicated students) accompany our international full-time students with advice and exchange during their time at university. For example, they welcome the new internationals at the train station, accompany them on visits to the authorities, show them the city or help with necessary errands such as a visit to the bank. They also answer questions about life in Germany from a student perspective.

A wide range of support options in the form of scholarships are available to students at THI.

We recommend that single students budget at least 700-900 EUR per month to meet personal expenses (accommodation, health insurance, stay, books, semester contribution)

For German and EU citizens, as well as other interested parties with German university entrance qualifications under certain conditions, studying at THI is free of charge; only a semester fee payable to the Erlangen-Nuremberg Student Services Association is required.

Applicants from outside the EU/EEA should note the following

Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt intends to charge tuition fees of 1.200 euros per semester (Master studies) from the summer semester 2026 onwards. At THI, we are committed to offering our students the best possible conditions to develop their skills and personalities for the professional world of the future. In our International Welcome Center you will find excellent services and support.

Please note: No service fees for exchange students, visiting students, participants of summer school!

For in-depth information, please follow the link to our International Welcome Center-Website on Service fees.

If you have any questions, please go to Contact for prospective students

THI is currently receiving an increasing amount of information about fraudulent activities in connection with student applications to THI, particularly from abroad. It is therefore important that you are aware of the following:

THI does not work with agencies. Please apply directly to THI via the uni-assist application portal for international applicants.
THI never asks for money for application purposes via agencies.
THI only sends emails from @thi.de.
THI never asks for money before you receive your letter of admission. If you need a VPD from uni-assist, you must pay a processing fee to uni-assist. However, uni-assist only checks certain documents and does not grant admission to THI.

Applies to applications for summer semester 2027 and beyond

With immediate effect, applicants from India with Bachelor’s degrees in the following fields

Engineering
Commerce / Accounting / Finance / Economics
Business / Management

must, in addition to the VDP from uni-assist, provide evidence of having passed the Digital Master Test (dMAT):

https://aps-india.de/

in order to obtain an APS certificate relevant for your visa.

Please check whether this applies to you based on your Bachelor's degree:

Programmes requiring dMAT (pdf)

The test costs 150 €. Registration is now open.

Timetable for applications for the 2027 summer semester:

September 15, 2026: deadline registration for dMAT
September 26, 2026: dMAT test date at 10 locations in India
October 12, 2026: certificate available

Full details can be found at: https://aps-india.de/dmat/

Please note: THI does not answer any questions regarding the test procedure or its impact on an offer of admission from our university!

Application period at THI for English-taught Master programmes for the summer semester 2027: 15 October 2026 to 15 January 2027

Contact options for prospective students

Apply online

Academic Advisor

Vice President for Teaching and Students
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Hans-Joachim Hof
Phone: +49 841 9348-2526
Room: L314
E-Mail: Hans-Joachim.Hof@thi.de

Module Handbook

The course description contains information on prerequisites, contents, learning outcomes, ECTS points, duration, work load, literature, references of the offered modules and lectures. It will be published here by January 30, 2026.

Module handbook Master Sociotechnical Cybersecurity

Study and Examination Regulations

Study and examination regulations (SPO) (German and English versions) deal with judicial matters concerning your study course. Please turn to the pages of the legal department for Statutes Sociotechnical Cybersecurity.

For any questions on requirements, exams regulations and more, please turn to the Service Center Study Affairs