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Cybersecurity (English) (B.Sc.)
Saarland University regularly ranks among the best places to study cybersecurity in Germany and is one of the first German universities to offer a bachelor's degree program completely taught in English. In the field of cybersecurity, it cooperates with the CISPA Helmholtz Center for Information Security, the world's leading research center for cybersecurity, which contributes current research content to the teaching at Saarland University.
Cybersecurity has gained enormous social and political importance in recent years. The targets of cyberattacks are as diverse as the attackers themselves. For example, infrastructures important for basic services, such as energy and water supplies, are attacked, or criminals infiltrate companies to cripple their IT infrastructure in order to subsequently extort money for its restoration. The potential misuse of personal data on the web and social media poses a major threat to users. Therefore, there is an immense need for cybersecurity professionals in industry and in research and science.
At Saarland University, the new B.Sc. Cyber Security (English) degree program can be studied entirely in English starting in the winter semester of 2021/22. Here, from the first semester onwards, the fundamentals of cybersecurity will be taught alongside the fundamentals of computer science. Special mention should be made of the cooperation with the CISPA Helmholtz Center for Information Security, which is located on the Saarbrücken campus. This world-renowned research institution offers students the opportunity to gain an early insight into current research. The large number of researchers working at the Cispa being associated with teaching at the same time ensure a unique variety of research topics.
The standard period of study for the 'Bachelor of Science' degree is six semesters. At the beginning of the program, the fundamentals of both a regular computer science degree and those of cybersecurity are laid. In the further course of the study there are various elective options whose topics are always inspired by the research of the CISPA. In addition to these in-depth cybersecurity and computer science courses, there are practical elements such as the Cybersecurity Lab and supplementary elective courses. A German course is also offered early in the program for English-speaking students and an English course for German-speaking students.
Details:
A total of 180CP is earned in the program, i.e. 30CP per semester. The following courses are compulsory:
1. Mathematics for Computer Scientists 1 (9 CP) Mathematics for Computer Scientists 2 (9 CP)
2. Compulsory area of the Fundamentals of Computer Science (54CP):
a) Programming 1 (9 CP)
b) Programming 2 (9 CP)
c) Fundamentals of Data Structures and Algorithms (6 CP)
d) Introduction to Theoretical Computer Science (9 CP)
e) System Architecture (9 CP)
f) Statistics Lab (6 CP)
g) Elements of Machine Learning (6 CP)
3. Compulsory practical training (15 ungraded CP):
a) Practical Training "Software Engineering Lab" (9 CP)
b) Practical Training "Cyber Security Lab" (6 CP)
4. Specialized compulsory area of Cyber Security (24 CP):
a) Foundations of Cyber Security 1 (9 CP)
b) Foundations of Cyber Security 2 (6 CP)
c) Cryptography (9 CP)
In the elective courses, students attend lectures on core and complementary topics of cyber security as well as a proseminar and seminar on cyber security topics (total of at least 36 CP). Furthermore, 6CP each are earned from the area of language courses as well as the free elective. Finally, the program is completed with the bachelor thesis and the associated seminar.
A sample study plan can be found in the study program documents further down on this page, sample plans for individual specialization in cybersecurity topics here.
The English-language bachelor's program is subject to an admission restriction and is only offered with a start date in the winter semester. The regular application deadline is July 15.
An optional application for early admission is possible by January 15 and by June 15.
The central requirement for an application is the proof of a university entrance qualification enabling for direct access to undergraduate degree programme at German universities.
There are also additional qualifications required.
Dependingon your ability to provetheseadditional qualifications you can choose one of the following three application tracks:
- olympiad track
You can provide a documentation of having successfully participated in a recognized science/informatics/mathematics olympiad, and results from an English test (IELTS or TOEFL or another accepted test result). - aptitude track
You can provide the results of a recognized standardized aptitude test, and the results froman English test. - interview track
You cannot provide either an aptitude test or proof of participation in an olympiad or English test results. Then you can still apply for an interview, which will however be held exclusively onsite.
If you intend to apply via the interview track, please note the following:
The number of seats for the onsite interview may be limited and you must have submitted your application via this track latest by June 15.
Please also note:
You cannot apply by multiple tracks. You will have to choose one track when you apply. Once the application has been submitted, a change between the application tracks is no longer possible.
For information on which entrance tests and proof of English language skills are accepted, please refer to these FAQs.
In case of admission to Saarland University, you will receive a letter of admission, which regulates the further procedure.
From the beginning of December, applications for the winter semester can be submitted via the SIC application portal, which you can find here.
Please note the following instructions for applying to a higher semester.
| Standard period of study | 6 semesters for full-time students Part-time studies are possible |
| Degree qualification | Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) |
| Languages of instruction | English |
| English language requirements | CEFR: B2 advanced (recommended) |
| Restricted entry | Yes |
| Application deadline | For winter semester: Regular deadline:15 July Deadline interview track: 15 June |
| Possibility for an optional application for early admission | 15 January and 15 June „interview track“ |
| Tuition fees | Not applicable |
| Semester fee | See current fee structure |
| Web page | Website of the Bachelor programme |
Zentrale Studienberatung
Campus Saarbrücken
Campus Center, Geb. A4 4, EG
Tel.: 0681 302-3513
studium(at)uni-saarland.de
www.uni-saarland.de/studienberatung
Central Student Advisory Service
Saarbrücken Campus
Building A4 4, Ground floor
Phone: +49 681 302-3513
studienberatung(at)uni-saarland.de
Central Student Advisory Service
Accredited study programmes
Saarland University was one of the first universities in Germany to achieve Quality Assurance Accreditation and has held the Accreditation Council's official quality mark continuously since 2012.
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