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Deutsch Which target groups does the Master’s in Cyber Security address?
The Master’s programme in Cyber Security is aimed at graduates of technical or business-related disciplines who want to specialise in protecting digital systems. The programme specifically targets professionals from computer science, business informatics, engineering or related fields who have already gained some practical experience and wish to deepen their knowledge in IT security, forensics and attack detection. Relevant target groups include both career starters and individuals with a few years of professional experience who aspire to work as cyber security architects, IT forensic experts or ethical hackers, or who want to take on responsibility within complex IT infrastructures. The dual study model also makes the programme attractive for those interested in gaining practical experience in a company alongside their studies.
Formal admission requirements for the programme
To be admitted, you need a university degree (Bachelor, Diploma, Magister) in a subject-related or similar field with at least 180 ECTS credits – typically from computer science, business informatics or engineering. Alternatively, a comparable foreign degree is recognised. A related degree is possible provided that at least 90 ECTS come from relevant computer science or business informatics content. If you have fewer than 210 ECTS, additional qualifications, such as a preparatory course or recognition of a practical semester, are required. A specific Numerus Clausus (NC) is not required. The language of instruction is German.
Solid basic knowledge of information technology methods as well as practical experience from studies, vocational training or relevant employment are expected. For the dual studies, you additionally need a cooperation contract with a partner company, which you can conclude with the support of the university.
Personally, you should bring analytical thinking skills and a pronounced affinity for IT. Important are interest in information security and digitalisation, problem-solving skills as well as the willingness to continuously engage with new threat scenarios. You should be able to work in a structured way, be a team player and open to interdisciplinary tasks. Independent project work, strong self-organisation and a high willingness to learn are advantageous – as well as a sense of responsibility when handling sensitive data and enthusiasm for practice-oriented work in laboratories or on real case studies.
Which professional skills does the Cyber Security degree at HAM impart?
In the Master's programme Cyber Security at the Hochschule für angewandtes Management (HAM), you develop a broad and practical qualification for all areas of IT security. Programming and scripting are just as much in focus as the analysis of log files and large data sets, enabling you to identify attack patterns or secure forensic traces. You will learn to create your own security concepts and proactively protect digital systems against cyberattacks.
- IT forensics: You will be enabled to secure digital evidence, conduct data analyses and evaluate IT-criminalistic traces.
- Cryptology & network security: The focus is on modern encryption methods and protection mechanisms for networks.
- Cyberlab practical work: In the virtual lab, you will train attack and defence techniques using realistic scenarios.
- Data protection & IT law: You will engage intensively with legal frameworks, various data protection laws and IT compliance.
- Management skills: Topics such as digital transformation, change management and leadership complement the IT know-how with economic and social skills.
- AI & future skills: Artificial intelligence is systematically integrated into all modules to familiarise you with current AI applications in IT security and enable their use.
You benefit from a close interlinking of expert knowledge, practical experience and personal development. Over the course of the programme, you acquire methodological competence for problem-solving, pronounced communication skills and confident teamwork in agile, technical environments.
How are organisation and practical components arranged in the Cyber Security degree?
The degree is organised as a dual Master’s over 3 semesters and combines virtual teaching with regular practical phases in a company environment. You attend a total of 5 two-day attendance workshops (9:00 am–6:00 pm) as well as 5 two-day virtual presence sessions, so you work interactively both in person and online.
- Practical integration: In the Dual Plus model, you spend up to 32 hours per week at the partner company, applying what you have learned directly.
- Own projects: You work on real cyber security cases and set focuses in current research and practical projects.
- Group work & supervision: Small study groups with strong individual support promote collaborative learning and continuous knowledge transfer.
- Blended learning: Videos, digital learning platforms and practical workshops support maximum flexibility.
- Transfer and future skills: Modules on “Design the Future” and global challenges complete the methodological toolkit.
The Master’s thesis in the 3rd semester typically takes place in cooperation with the practical partner and allows for research- or solution-oriented handling of a professional topic.
What career prospects do graduates of this Master’s have?
With the Master of Science in Cyber Security, you open up challenging careers centred on the protection of digital infrastructures and data. Especially sought-after are experts who can demonstrably prove competence in IT forensics, network security and cyber defence in practice. Typical fields of deployment are:
- Cyber Security Architect: Planning and implementation of complex security architectures in large companies, banks, healthcare and authorities.
- IT Forensics expert: Analysis of security incidents, reconstruction of attacks, trace analysis and support in investigations in industrial environments.
- Ethical Hacker (Penetration Tester): Identification and exploitation of vulnerabilities in systems, simulation of attacks to harden systems.
- Security Consultant: Development of tailored protection concepts for companies and public institutions.
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO): Strategic management and control of security infrastructures in corporations or organisations.
Salary prospects typically range from
How and where does the degree take place? What role does the study location play?
The central study location is Munich/Ismaning. Attendance workshops are offered at the Ismaning campus as well as other HAM locations including Berlin, Frankfurt am Main, Hamburg, Hannover, Mannheim, Nuremberg and Stuttgart. Virtual components and online learning allow for the degree to be pursued independently of the place of residence, enabling a flexible combination of work and study.
- Attendance dates: Five two-day seminars at the Ismaning/Munich campus or one of the additional study centres
- Virtual workshops: Ten interactive online events per semester
- Practical experience in companies: Integration into operational processes through the dual model
The Hochschule für angewandtes Management is state-recognised and system-accredited. You thus benefit from recognised degree quality and modern learning infrastructure.
What are the tuition fees and what financing options are available?
In the dual Dual Plus model, the partner company covers the entire tuition fees of €595 per month. Additionally, as a working student or dual student, you receive a monthly salary from the company. In the Studium Plus (part-time) model, fees amount to €595 per month (36 months, total €21,420).
- Dual Plus: €0 tuition fees; salary paid by the partner company
- Studium Plus (flexible part-time): €595 monthly
Possible financing options also include instalment payments, government funding (e.g. BAföG for Master’s, education loans, scholarships) and individual support by the university. The dual model in particular significantly reduces the financial burden through cost assumption and simultaneous income.
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