This MSc programme builds a foundation in industrial security from technical, organisational and legal perspectives during the first semester, enabling you to grasp the interdisciplinary security challenges of Industry 4.0. In the second semester you deepen that knowledge and apply it in a substantial interdisciplinary project. The final semester is dedicated to a Master's thesis on a security-related topic—frequently carried out in close cooperation with industry—and you may further tailor your studies with elective courses.
A distinctive feature of the programme is hands-on training in the “Industrial Security” lab, where students work with a networked automation and control system and experience realistic security incidents (for example, simulated large-scale cyberattacks on sensitive IT systems). Teaching and research staff from the THA_innos research group (IT security and digital forensics) and the THA_ops group (optimisation and operations management), together with researchers from the technology transfer centre in Nördlingen, are closely involved in the programme, offering strong links to applied research and the production industry.
From the summer semester 2025 an "International" specialisation aimed at international students is offered inside this MSc programme; lectures for that track are delivered in English only. For detailed curricular information see the study plan document. An annual information event about the programme takes place in November — details are published on the programme website: https://www.tha.de/en/Electrical-Engineering/Industrial-Safety-and-Security-MSc.html
Key points / entry information
Curriculum overview
This full-time Master’s program runs over three semesters and is worth a total of 90 ECTS credits. The study plan is structured from a curated list of compulsory, crossover (interdisciplinary) and elective modules, and culminates in a Master’s thesis plus a colloquium (15 + 5 CP). There is one annual intake each March at the start of the summer semester.
Course structure and focus
Students build their degree by selecting modules across core and elective areas, allowing a balance of mandatory foundations and personalized specializations. The final semester is dedicated to independent research and the written Master’s thesis, accompanied by a colloquium to present and defend results. From the summer semester 2025 onwards an International specialisation track is offered specifically for international students.
Key learning outcomes (what you can expect to gain)
Concise program facts
You should hold an above-average Bachelor's degree from a recognised university, with a final grade of 2.6 or better on the German grading scale. The degree must include at least 210 ECTS credits in engineering, technology or computer science subjects, or be a business-related programme with a clear technological focus. As an alternative equivalence, a full‑time degree lasting at least seven semesters (calculated as 30 ECTS per semester) is acceptable.
Applicants whose final grade falls between 2.3 and 2.6 will need to pass a selection interview. If your undergraduate degree comprises only 180 ECTS (six semesters), you may be required to complete additional courses or practical training before or during the Master’s programme; if such additional qualifications are required, the overall study period may be extended to four semesters. International applicants must obtain a uni-assist evaluation of their foreign degree — allow four to six weeks for this so you meet the application deadline of 15 December.
Key points (bullet summary)
Winter Semester (International)
15 Decemberfor the following summer semesterImportant notice: Applicants with a foreign degree certificate must provide auni-assistevaluation. To meet the application deadline, please allow for the uni-assist evaluation to take four to six weeks.
Summer Semester (International)
15 December 2026
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
15 December 2026
Graduates are prepared for operational and strategic roles in industrial IT/OT security, such as industrial security engineer, ICS/SCADA security specialist, risk and compliance officer, or consultant for production-sector security. The strong practical lab work and frequent industry cooperation also make alumni attractive to manufacturers, system integrators, operators of critical infrastructure and technology consultancies.
The programme also provides a solid foundation for roles in research and development or for continuing academic work (e.g. PhD) in IT security, digital forensics, operations management and related fields.
Hochschule der Bayerischen Wirtschaft (HDBW) — München
Hof University of Applied Sciences — Hof
Stralsund University of Applied Sciences — Stralsund
Technische Universität Braunschweig — Braunschweig