Applied IT Security

Program overview

This distance-learning Master of Science in Applied IT Security is taught in English and delivered through a collaboration between the university’s computer science faculty and the isits AG International School of IT Security. The programme was jointly developed with the university’s Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology and the Horst Görtz Institute for IT Security (HGI), combining strong academic research and industry-oriented continuing education.

The hosting university is one of Germany’s largest comprehensive universities with about 43,000 students and a broad interdisciplinary structure that supports wide-ranging research and teaching — an asset for a rapidly evolving field like IT security. The HGI is one of Europe’s largest and most respected university research centres in IT security, with over 200 academics and around 1,000 students. isits AG, founded in 2001 as part of eurobits e.V., is an established provider of international training, conferences and consultancy in information security.

This six-semester, remote master’s programme gives a broad and practice-oriented grounding in IT security. Core topics include cryptography, discrete mathematics, network security, system security and software engineering, while a variety of elective modules lets you specialise further. Throughout the course, engineering principles are applied to real-world problems—often derived from industry consultations—to develop practical problem-solving and development skills relevant to professional IT-security roles.

Key facts / requirements

• Mode: distance learning (remote)
• Degree: Master of Science (MSc)
• Duration: six semesters
• Language of instruction: English
• Collaboration: Faculty of Computer Science; Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology; Horst Görtz Institute for IT Security (HGI); isits AG International School of IT Security
• Teaching focus: cryptography, discrete mathematics, network security, system security, software engineering, plus electives
• Learning approach: applied engineering projects and industry-derived problems to build development and problem-solving skills

Overview This master's curriculum is divided into three parts: a set of compulsory modules, an elective module pool, and a final Master’s thesis. The programme targets contemporary topics in IT security and balances theoretical foundations with applied learning; some units include in-person sessions to deepen understanding.

Core modules and what you will gain The required modules build foundational expertise in cryptography, network security and systems security, ensuring you understand the mathematical and engineering basics of protecting data, networks and computing platforms. A dedicated "IT Security Management" module also covers non-technical competencies—communication, risk management and other soft skills—so you can coordinate security measures across teams and organisations. Together, these courses aim to enable you to assess vulnerabilities, design protective measures and communicate security decisions to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Electives, industry links and the thesis Elective courses—some offered in collaboration with industry partners—allow you to tailor the programme toward hands-on or specialised topics within information security and information management. These options emphasize practical skills and up-to-date challenges in the field. The programme culminates in a Master’s thesis, which gives you the opportunity to pursue a research question or applied project that integrates the technical and managerial skills developed during the coursework.

Key learning outcomes (summary)

• Solid understanding of cryptographic principles and their practical application
• Ability to analyse and secure networks and system architectures
• Competence in managing IT security processes and communicating risk to stakeholders
• Experience with current, practical security problems through electives and industry-linked modules
• Completion of an independent Master’s thesis demonstrating applied or research capability

Curriculum components / requirements (concise)

• Compulsory modules: cryptography, network security, systems security, IT Security Management
• Elective modules: wide choice in information security and information management; some courses run with industry partners
• Master’s thesis as the capstone project
• Focus on current IT security issues, with occasional face-to-face sessions for deeper exploration

Graduates acquire a combination of advanced technical knowledge and practical engineering skills that prepare them for roles across the information security sector, such as security engineer, security analyst, vulnerability analyst, security consultant, and positions in secure software development. The programme’s industry-linked electives and problem-focused assignments are intended to enhance employability in both corporate IT departments and specialised security firms.

Because the MSc is tailored for professionals, many students continue working while studying and can directly apply new methods and tools in their workplaces. The degree also provides a foundation for further research or doctoral study for those interested in academic or advanced R&D careers.