IT Security, Bachelor of Science

Studying IT Security as a Dual Degree: Who is the Bachelor’s Programme Suitable For?

The dual Bachelor’s degree programme in IT Security at the Leibniz University of Applied Sciences Hannover is aimed at high school graduates as well as graduates from Universities of Applied Sciences who are looking for a combination of computer science, security topics and practical experience. You particularly benefit if you are interested in the security of IT systems, enjoy learning hands-on within a company and appreciate teamwork. The programme is ideal for school leavers who do not want to study purely theoretically but wish to gain practical insights and experience real company projects early on.

Admission Requirements for the Dual IT Security Degree

You must meet the following formal requirements:

• You need a valid university entrance qualification. Accepted are:
  • General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur)
  • University of Applied Sciences entrance qualification (Fachhochschulreife)
  • Or an equivalent qualification recognised according to Lower Saxony Higher Education Law
• You require a training or study contract with a partner company. This means:
  • You apply directly to one of the partner companies or proactively to a company of your choice.
  • The partner company usually covers the tuition fees and pays a salary.

The following documents are usually requested when applying to the partner company:

• Brief cover letter or informal application
• Curriculum vitae
• Most recent school report

These personal skills will help you succeed in your studies:

• Interest in computer science and IT concepts
• Basic programming knowledge is helpful but not mandatory
• Enjoyment of logical thinking, mathematics and solving puzzles
• Resilience and stamina, especially during intensive practical and theoretical phases
• Ability to work in a team and willingness to communicate, as many tasks are worked on collaboratively

What expertise does the IT Security degree at Leibniz University of Applied Sciences teach?

The dual study programme IT Security (B.Sc.) at Leibniz University of Applied Sciences Hannover covers the following topics:

• Fundamentals of Computer Science and Mathematics: Scientific working, analysis, linear algebra, theoretical computer science, statistics, algebra and number theory.
• Programming and Technical Skills: Algorithms and data structures, programming and applications in C++, operating systems, databases (SQL-based data organisation and management).
• Network and Software Development: Computer networks, digital technology, requirements engineering, software engineering, software technology.
• IT Security Specialisation: Cryptology, IT security, IT risk, fundamentals and defence against IT attacks, secure software, digital wargaming, cryptanalysis, IT forensics, IT law and security law.
• Artificial Intelligence and Data Analysis: Artificial Intelligence, big data analytics, fundamentals of cloud computing and application-oriented specialisation.
• Specialist Tracks:
  • Systems Engineering: Focus on programming languages and technical development, cloud and field communication, mobile software development, cryptanalysis.
  • Security Management: Focus on security management, ITIL, IT process management, social engineering, computational trust and accountability.
• Project Management: Methods of classical and agile management with practical implementation in multi-semester company projects.
• Economic and Leadership Aspects: General business administration, value creation, business management, personnel management.

All content is taught in a practice-oriented manner and deepened through projects with business partners. Students learn to plan IT security strategies, implement technical security solutions and independently manage project work.

How is the structure and organisation of the dual study programme designed?

The IT Security programme is organised as a dual, practice-integrated course:

• Duration: 6 semesters (3 years), degree: Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), 180 ECTS credits.
• Study format: Alternating between theoretical phases at the university in Hannover and practical phases at the partner company, each in three-month cycles.
• Teaching concept: On-site classes with blended learning components and supervision by specialised lecturers in manageable small groups (maximum 40 persons).
• Project work: Over at least three semesters, students work on practice-relevant IT projects from the business world and apply various project management methods.
• Structure: Modular structure with systematic competence development – from methodological fundamentals through advanced specialist knowledge to the bachelor thesis and colloquium in the third year.
• Start: Annual start in September.
• Language: German, with partial English-language courses.
• Location: On-site at Hannover.

The practical phases (in the company) and theoretical phases (at the university) ensure direct knowledge transfer between academic teaching and operational application. The final thesis and elective courses complete the individual specialisation.

In which professional fields can you work after graduation?

Graduates of the IT Security degree have diverse career opportunities:

• Technical Specialisation (Systems Engineering): Development of secure software and hardware solutions, implementation and optimisation of IT security measures, security consulting in companies.
• Management-oriented Tasks (Security Management): Development of IT security strategies and concepts, planning and controlling security projects, leading IT security teams, IT governance and compliance.
• Other Professions:
  • IT security officers and consultants
  • IT forensic experts
  • Specialists for digitalisation and cloud security
  • Project managers in IT security
  • Business analysts in the IT sector

The growing demand for IT security experts offers long-term job security and diverse development opportunities – both in IT service companies as well as in business, industry and administration.

What costs arise and how does the financing work?

The dual study model offers special advantages for students in terms of financing:

• Tuition fees: The full tuition fees are covered by the cooperation company (partner company).
• Training remuneration: In addition, students receive a salary throughout their studies from their partner company.
• Additional costs: There are no further fees for students with regard to university charges.

The remuneration allows you to fully concentrate on your studies without bearing any financial burden from fees. Most graduates already benefit during their studies from social security and initial professional networks within the partner company.