Cybersecurity (M.Sc.)

The degree programme comprises modules associated with the different sections of the programme listed below:

• 27 graded credits from the core lecture courses offered. In this section, the two core lectures 'Cryptography' and 'Security' are compulsory, provided that no earlier academic coursework from previous studies can be accepted as equivalents.
• At least 30 and at most 34 graded credits shall be earned from the core lectures, the advanced lectures on cybersecurity or the seminars on cybersecurity. A maximum of one additional seminar and one additional core lecture may be included in this section.
• 7 graded credits from the seminars offered on cybersecurity.
• 12 graded credits from the Master’s seminar.
• 30 graded credits from the Master's thesis.
• At least 14 ungraded credits from selectable modules from the following areas: (a.) Master’s level practical assignments or projects, (b.) Selectable modules from the area of the core lectures, advanced lectures in Cybersecurity or seminars in Cybersecurity or the corresponding modules of the Master's programme in Computer Science, (c.) Tutoring and supervising undergraduate students in exercise and problem-solving classes (d.) Language courses, (e.) Soft skills seminar, (f.) Work placement or internship in industry for which an application was submitted to and approved by the Examination Board, (g.) Modules for which an application has been submitted to and approved by the Examination Board, for example student activities (particularly assistance with university-related administrative services) or attendance at courses teaching as key career skills.

The completion period for the Master's thesis is six months. Students are awarded 30 ECTS credits for completing their Master’s thesis. Students must have successfully completed a Master's seminar directly related to the topic of their Master's thesis before completing their Master's thesis. Students shall register their thesis project with the Examinations Office no later than one semester after successfully completing the Master’s seminar.

For more information, please refer to the study regulation.

Interested? If you like this degree programme but are not sure if it is really the right one for you, take a look at our Master's programme Entrepreneurial Cybersecurity.

Students can tailor this Master’s degree programme to match their personal academic interests and strengths from their first semester onwards, as, for example, the mandatory elective courses can be chosen to accommodate individual academic interests. Furthermore, students can set their own focal points by selecting language courses, work-integrated learning phases or tutoring students. The acquisition of key career skills such as communication skills and teamwork skills are also part of the degree programme. In addition, students can tailor the Master’s programme to their needs depending on whether they have a Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity or in computer Science. Our sample timetables show how students could organize their studies.

The Master's programme prepares students for a challenging position as a developer in the field of cybersecurity. However, the degree programme also focuses on research and lays the foundation for advanced doctoral research. Computer scientists in general, but especially graduates from this degree programme, are thus prepared for an immense variety of careers, both in the field of research and at industrial companies. For example, graduates can work as a software architect specializing in security, as a security analyst or penetration tester, as a data protection officer or as a chief security officer. However, graduates who wish to pursue further study are well set to undertake doctoral research. A doctorate in this field allows graduates to choose from an even wider range of career opportunities.

Admission requirements:

• A Bachelor's degree from a German university or an equivalent qualification from a foreign university in computer science, informatics or a related field. (Note: Prospective students do not need to have a Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity.)
• Advanced proficiency in English (typically level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)
• Proof of knowledge and skills equivalent to those taught in the core area 'Computer science' of Saarland University’s Bachelor's programme Cybersecurity, in particular in the following areas: (1) Mathematics (discrete mathematics, linear algebra, stochastics, statistics) (2) Theoretical informatics (complexity theory, computability), (3) Practical informatics (functional and object-oriented programming, data structures and algorithms, system architecture)
• To demonstrate their particular interest in the subject, applicants must also submit supporting documents and two academic references from referees who know the applicant academically.

For more information, please refer to the subject-specific regulations.

Students can begin the M.Sc. programme at the beginning of the summer or winter semester. Applications should normally be received by 15 May for students seeking to begin studying in the winter semester and by 15 November for students looking to start their studies in summer. Applicants who apply by May 15th for the following summer semester are expected to receive a letter of admission by mid-July if the respective Master's commission makes a positive decision. Applicants who apply by November 15th for the following winter semester are expected to receive a letter of admission by mid-February if the respective Master's commission makes a positive decision.

Applications should be submitted via the online application portal managed by the Department of Computer Science, find here further information about application and admission procedures.

Regulations

• Study regulations
• Examination regulations
• Subject-specific regulations
• Expiring regulations

Study plan and more information

• Module handbook
• Study plan (currently available in German only)