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Computergenerierte Personenporträts, Coding, Gesichtserkennung

Sociotechnical Cybersecurity

Sociotechnical Cybersecurity

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.

Apply now
Degree
Master of Science (M. Sc.)
Duration
4 semesters
Start of studies
Summer
Main teaching language
English
Admission restricted
Yes
Location
Ingolstadt
Type of degree program
Full-time
ECTS
120

Application period for the summer semester 2027: Oct. 15, 2026 to Jan. 15, 2027

Curriculum Sociotechnical Cybersecurity

Presentation of curriculums
Semester
1st Semester
  1. Principles of Cybersecurity and Networks (online)

    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.

  2. Principles of Computer Science and Programming (online)

    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.

  3. Principles of Mathematics (online)

    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.

  4. Information and Product Security Management and Communication

    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.

Principles of Cybersecurity and Networks (online)

<p>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.</p>

Principles of Computer Science and Programming (online)

<p>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.</p>

Principles of Mathematics (online)

<p>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.</p>

Information and Product Security Management and Communication

<p>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.</p>

  1. Human Factors

    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.

  2. German Language Elective

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

    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.

  4. Medical Cybersecurity

    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.

  5. Industrial and IoT Cybersecurity

    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.

  6. Cybersecurity for Mobility Systems

    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.

Human Factors

<p>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.</p>

German Language Elective

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

<p>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.</p>

Medical Cybersecurity

<p>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.</p>

Industrial and IoT Cybersecurity

<p>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.</p>

Cybersecurity for Mobility Systems

<p>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.</p>

  1. Sociotechnical Systems

    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.

  2. Global Cybersecurity Strategy and Business

    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.

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

  4. Advanced Cybersecurity

    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.

  5. Scientific Elective

Sociotechnical Systems

<p>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.</p>

Global Cybersecurity Strategy and Business

<p>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.</p>

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

<p>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.</p>

Advanced Cybersecurity

<p>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.</p>

Scientific Elective

  1. 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.

Master's thesis

<p>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.</p>

Curriculum Sociotechnical Cybersecurity — Overview of all semesters and modules
1. Semester
  • Principles of Cybersecurity and Networks (online)
  • Principles of Computer Science and Programming (online)
  • Principles of Mathematics (online)
  • Information and Product Security Management and Communication
2. Semester
  • Human Factors
  • German Language Elective
  • Project „Sociotechnical Cybersecurity Engagement“ (semesterübergreifend 2. und 3. Sem.)
  • Medical Cybersecurity
  • Industrial and IoT Cybersecurity
  • Cybersecurity for Mobility Systems
3. Semester
  • Sociotechnical Systems
  • Global Cybersecurity Strategy and Business
  • Project „Sociotechnical Cybersecurity Engagement“ (s. 2. Sem., übergreifend 7 ECTS)
  • Advanced Cybersecurity
  • Scientific Elective
4. Semester
  • Master's thesis

Interesting Facts

  1. Proof of language skills

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

  2. Important information for Master’s applicants from India

    With immediate effect, applicants from India holding bachelor’s degrees in the fields of Engineering, Commerce / Accounting / Finance / Economics, or Business / Management must, in addition to the VDP from uni-assist, provide evidence of having taken the Digital Master Test (dMAT) aps-india.de/dmat/ in order to obtain an APS certificate or a visa. The test costs €150. Please check whether this applies to you based on your Bachelor’s degree. THI does not answer any questions regarding the test procedure or its impact on an offer of admission from our university!

  3. Please note the following for international shipments from outside the EU/EEC

    THI charges tuition fees of 1,200 euros per semester (Master’s programmes). We are committed to providing our students with the best possible conditions to develop their skills and personalities for the working world of the future. At our International Welcome Centre, you will find excellent services and support. Our degree programmes offer the best possible study conditions. 

  4. Important Notice on Application Agencies

    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 via agencies for application purposes and only sends emails from @thi.de. THI will never ask for money before you receive your letter of admission. If you require 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.

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/.

Questions

Any questions?

Do you have any questions about applications, admission, enrolment, student finance, accommodation or other general topics? If so, please use our contact form and select the relevant topic. This will ensure your enquiry is sent directly to the relevant contact person(s) and can be answered quickly and effectively.

People

Academic Advisor

Sociotechnical Cybersecurity

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.

Apply now
Degree
Master of Science (M. Sc.)
Duration
4 semesters
Start of studies
Summer
Main teaching language
English
Admission restricted
Yes
Location
Ingolstadt
Type of degree program
Full-time
ECTS
120

Application period for the summer semester 2027: Oct. 15, 2026 to Jan. 15, 2027

Curriculum Sociotechnical Cybersecurity

Presentation of curriculums
Semester
1st Semester
  1. Principles of Cybersecurity and Networks (online)

    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.

  2. Principles of Computer Science and Programming (online)

    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.

  3. Principles of Mathematics (online)

    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.

  4. Information and Product Security Management and Communication

    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.

Principles of Cybersecurity and Networks (online)

<p>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.</p>

Principles of Computer Science and Programming (online)

<p>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.</p>

Principles of Mathematics (online)

<p>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.</p>

Information and Product Security Management and Communication

<p>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.</p>

  1. Human Factors

    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.

  2. German Language Elective

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

    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.

  4. Medical Cybersecurity

    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.

  5. Industrial and IoT Cybersecurity

    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.

  6. Cybersecurity for Mobility Systems

    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.

Human Factors

<p>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.</p>

German Language Elective

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

<p>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.</p>

Medical Cybersecurity

<p>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.</p>

Industrial and IoT Cybersecurity

<p>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.</p>

Cybersecurity for Mobility Systems

<p>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.</p>

  1. Sociotechnical Systems

    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.

  2. Global Cybersecurity Strategy and Business

    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.

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

  4. Advanced Cybersecurity

    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.

  5. Scientific Elective

Sociotechnical Systems

<p>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.</p>

Global Cybersecurity Strategy and Business

<p>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.</p>

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

<p>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.</p>

Advanced Cybersecurity

<p>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.</p>

Scientific Elective

  1. 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.

Master's thesis

<p>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.</p>

Curriculum Sociotechnical Cybersecurity — Overview of all semesters and modules
1. Semester
  • Principles of Cybersecurity and Networks (online)
  • Principles of Computer Science and Programming (online)
  • Principles of Mathematics (online)
  • Information and Product Security Management and Communication
2. Semester
  • Human Factors
  • German Language Elective
  • Project „Sociotechnical Cybersecurity Engagement“ (semesterübergreifend 2. und 3. Sem.)
  • Medical Cybersecurity
  • Industrial and IoT Cybersecurity
  • Cybersecurity for Mobility Systems
3. Semester
  • Sociotechnical Systems
  • Global Cybersecurity Strategy and Business
  • Project „Sociotechnical Cybersecurity Engagement“ (s. 2. Sem., übergreifend 7 ECTS)
  • Advanced Cybersecurity
  • Scientific Elective
4. Semester
  • Master's thesis

Interesting Facts

  1. Proof of language skills

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

  2. Important information for Master’s applicants from India

    With immediate effect, applicants from India holding bachelor’s degrees in the fields of Engineering, Commerce / Accounting / Finance / Economics, or Business / Management must, in addition to the VDP from uni-assist, provide evidence of having taken the Digital Master Test (dMAT) aps-india.de/dmat/ in order to obtain an APS certificate or a visa. The test costs €150. Please check whether this applies to you based on your Bachelor’s degree. THI does not answer any questions regarding the test procedure or its impact on an offer of admission from our university!

  3. Please note the following for international shipments from outside the EU/EEC

    THI charges tuition fees of 1,200 euros per semester (Master’s programmes). We are committed to providing our students with the best possible conditions to develop their skills and personalities for the working world of the future. At our International Welcome Centre, you will find excellent services and support. Our degree programmes offer the best possible study conditions. 

  4. Important Notice on Application Agencies

    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 via agencies for application purposes and only sends emails from @thi.de. THI will never ask for money before you receive your letter of admission. If you require 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.

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/.

Questions

Any questions?

Do you have any questions about applications, admission, enrolment, student finance, accommodation or other general topics? If so, please use our contact form and select the relevant topic. This will ensure your enquiry is sent directly to the relevant contact person(s) and can be answered quickly and effectively.

People

Academic Advisor

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