Sociotechnical Cybersecurity (M. Sc.)

Computergenerierte Personenporträts, Coding, Gesichtserkennung

Direct accesss to online presentation on November 27, 6p.m. CEST, here

Shaping Secure Systems for a Connected World

The English-taught Master's programme in Sociotechnical Cybersecurity at the Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt (THI, Technical University of Applied Sciences) prepares you specifically for a career in one of the most important future fields of our time: the protection of complex technical systems from attacks.

Interdisciplinary. International. Impact-oriented.

Cybersecurity has long been more than just technology – it affects people, organizations, and entire societies. Our programme combines technical excellence with a solid understanding of social science. You will learn how to prevent attacks on systems, how to develop security architectures, and how human behavior, management structures, and cultural factors influence security.

Technical depth meets industry focus

Unlike general cybersecurity programs, this Master's programme provides domain-specific security expertise in the three key sectors of mobility, industry, and healthcare.

For the cybersecurity of tomorrow

We train you today for the cybersecurity of tomorrow. You will explore technologies that will shape the future – such as post-quantum cryptography, quantum key distribution, and AI-based security mechanisms. Additionally, you will acquire scientific and analytical skills applicable to both research and industry.

Personal. Practical. Future-proof.

We actively encourage your involvement in the cybersecurity community through international projects, participation in competitions, and practical research. Thanks to small groups and individual support, you will develop into a professional who understands technology, people, and organizations equally – and can thus shape cybersecurity holistically.

Learning in a high-tech environment

You will study in one of Germany's leading mobility and technology regions in direct contact with partners such as Audi, Airbus, MBDA, and numerous innovative start-ups. THI offers an ideal learning environment with modern laboratories and innovative teaching methods.

The programme is taught in English and is primarily aimed at international students.

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

Language
English

In the first semester, three modules are offered as self-study courses with digital content. In addition, there is a weekly consultation hour to clarify any questions of understanding. Like all courses, the examination for these modules takes place in person at THI.

The fourth module takes place in person and can be taken in later semesters, if necessary.

Curriculum

1. Semester

Principles of Cybersecurity and Networks (online) (8 ECTS)

Principles of Computer Science and Programming (online) (8 ECTS)

Principles of Mathematics (online) (8 ECTS)

Information and Product Security Management and Communication (6 ECTS)

2. Semester

Human Factors (6 ECTS)

German Language Elective (6 ECTS)

Project „Sociotechnical Cybersecurity Engagement“ (semesterübergreifend 2. und 3. Sem.)7 ECTS)

Medical Cybersecurity (6 ECTS)

Industrial and IoT Cybersecurity (6 ECTS)

Cybersecurity for Mobility Systems (6 ECTS)

3. Semester

Sociotechnical Systems (6 ECTS)

Global Cybersecurity Strategy and Business (6 ECTS)

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

Advanced Cybersecurity (6 ECTS)

Scientific Elective (5 ECTS)

4. Semester

Master's thesis

Quick Info

Application

The English-language programme can be started in the summer and winter semesters (15 March and 1 October), starting in the summer semester of 2026.

Applications for the programme can be submitted online from 2 May until 15 July or from 15 November until 15 January.

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.

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

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

Link: Proof of language skills

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.

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: D021
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 asap.

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