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Deutsch Who is the part-time Cyber Security degree course at FOM suitable for?
The Bachelor’s degree programme in Cyber Security at FOM University is aimed at working professionals, trainees and young people interested in IT security who want to specifically qualify for strategic and technical tasks in the field of Cyber Security. The degree is suitable for anyone seeking to enter the digital security sector alongside an existing job, in parallel with vocational training or as part of a dual study model. It addresses both career starters with a (technical) university entrance qualification and experienced professionals with completed vocational training and practical experience who are aiming for an academic qualification in IT security.
What formal admission requirements apply?
You can enrol in the Cyber Security degree course if you meet at least one of the following requirements:
- General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) or advanced technical college entrance qualification (Fachabitur)
- Professionally qualified: completed recognised vocational training and at least three years’ professional experience thereafter
- Further vocational training such as specialist business administrator or master craftsman
In addition, you must be employed at the start of your studies (full-time or part-time), or be completing vocational training, an internship, a trainee programme or a voluntary social year. Entry without current employment is also possible under the “Study into the Job” model following individual assessment – please contact the FOM student advisory service directly for this.
On a personal level, you should have an interest in IT systems and digital technologies. You need analytical thinking skills, a careful working style and enjoyment in solving technical problems. Since practical projects and group work play a central role, teamwork and communication skills are important. Initial knowledge or practical experience in the IT field, for example through training, internship or private commitment, is helpful but not essential. Commitment and the ability to learn independently alongside your job are prerequisites.
What content does the Cyber Security degree cover in detail?
In the part-time bachelor's degree Cyber Security (B.Sc.) at FOM University, you build comprehensive knowledge for protecting digital systems and IT infrastructures. The course content combines sound technical expertise with practical security concepts:
- IT infrastructure and network security: Construction, monitoring and protection of secure networks, including basics of IT systems and operating systems.
- Cryptography and data security: Procedures for encryption, authentication and data integrity.
- Cyber defence and attack detection: Methods for prevention, detection and defence against cyberattacks as well as penetration testing (pentesting).
- Web and software security: Protection against vulnerabilities in web applications and software – from programming to securing during operation.
- IT forensics and incident response: Analysis and evaluation of digital traces in security incidents for clarification and follow-up.
- Data protection & social engineering: Legal frameworks and responsible handling of personal data as well as protection against manipulative attacks.
- Big Data Security and Edge Computing: Security in distributed systems and mass data processing.
- Project management and innovation processes: Planning, implementation and evaluation of security architectures in companies.
After completing your studies, you will be qualified to develop, implement and regularly review security policies and architectures. In addition, you will train important skills such as analytical thinking, problem-solving and teamwork – abilities that are highly sought after in the labour market.
What is the course structure of the part-time Cyber Security bachelor’s degree?
The degree is designed as a digital live course and normally lasts 7 semesters (3.5 years) with a workload of 180 ECTS credits. You attend live-streamed lectures broadcast from the FOM studios:
- Virtual attendance: You learn online but live and interactively – the lectures are streamed in real time.
- Flexible scheduling: Lectures take place on evenings and Saturdays, so the course can be optimally combined with work and everyday life.
- Recordings included: All lectures are recorded and are available to you at any time in the media library.
- Hybrid modules: Individual modules or exams can also be completed at one of the nationwide university centres.
- Start dates: The course begins each year in March for the summer semester or September for the winter semester.
Additional offerings include preparatory courses before the start of studies, block seminars during semester breaks, and the possibility to set individual focuses through elective modules.
Which careers does the Bachelor in Cyber Security lead to?
As a graduate, you are a sought-after specialist in IT security and can work in various fields, especially given the increasing demand for digital protection measures across all economic sectors. Typical professional fields include:
- Security management: Development, introduction and monitoring of IT security concepts in companies and public authorities.
- IT forensics: Analysis of security incidents and tracing cyberattacks.
- Network protection and cyber defence: Planning and monitoring firewalls, intrusion detection systems and other protective measures.
- Penetration testing: Carrying out security tests to identify and eliminate vulnerabilities.
- Consulting and auditing: Supporting organisations in complying with legal requirements and security standards.
- Software and web security: Developing secure applications and reviewing software architectures.
With the bachelor’s degree, further master’s programmes are also accessible. This qualifies you for both operational and strategic positions in the field of cybersecurity.
Where does the course take place and how is it organised?
The Cyber Security degree at FOM is offered nationwide as a digital live course. This means:
- Location-independent learning: You attend live lectures online from any location – a classic campus visit is not required.
- Virtual interaction: Direct exchange with lecturers and fellow students takes place via digital tools and chats.
- Optional attendance: On request, individual modules can also be attended on campus at one of the FOM university centres nationwide.
The flexible concept enables you to perfectly adapt your studies to your place of residence and personal situation.
How high are the tuition fees for Cyber Security – and what financing options are available?
For the Bachelor Cyber Security at FOM, tuition fees of €475 per month apply (payable in 42 monthly instalments). The total costs thus amount to €20,450, plus a one-off examination fee of €500 at the end of the studies.
- Tax deductibility: Tuition fees can usually be claimed for tax purposes, as well as examination fees, specialist literature and travel costs.
- Recognition of prior achievements: Previous training or completed study modules can be credited – significantly reducing time and costs.
- Individual support: In case of personal or financial difficulties, FOM offers flexible payment models and individual solutions – up to a free leave of absence for up to two semesters.
- Scholarships and funding: Various funding opportunities exist, e.g. through scholarship programmes or educational funds.
Since FOM University is a non-profit organisation, all revenues are reinvested in teaching and infrastructure. Your tuition fees thus directly benefit the quality of studies and the support of all students.
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