Sociotechnical Cybersecurity Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt

The programme is conducted in English. 

Shaping Secure Systems for a Connected World

The English-taught Master's programme in Sociotechnical Cybersecurity at the Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt (THI, Technical University of Applied Sciences) prepares you specifically for a career in one of the most important future fields of our time: the protection of complex technical systems from attacks.

Interdisciplinary. International. Impact-oriented.

Cybersecurity has long been more than just technology – it affects people, organisations, and entire societies. Our programme combines technical excellence with a solid understanding of social science. You will learn how to prevent attacks on systems, how to develop security architectures, and how human behaviour, management structures, and cultural factors influence security.

Technical depth meets industry focus

Unlike general cybersecurity programmes, this Master's programme provides domain-specific security expertise in the three key sectors of mobility, industry, and healthcare.

For the cybersecurity of tomorrow

We train you today for the cybersecurity of tomorrow. You will explore technologies that will shape the future – such as post-quantum cryptography, quantum key distribution, and AI-based security mechanisms. Additionally, you will acquire scientific and analytical skills applicable to both research and industry.

Personal. Practical. Future-proof.

We actively encourage your involvement in the cybersecurity community through international projects, participation in competitions, and practical research. Thanks to small groups and individual support, you will develop into a professional who understands technology, people, and organisations equally – and can thus shape cybersecurity holistically.

Learning in a high-tech environment

You will study in one of Germany's leading mobility and technology regions in direct contact with partners such as Audi, Airbus, MBDA, and numerous innovative start-ups. THI offers an ideal learning environment with modern laboratories and innovative teaching methods.

1. Applicants with a Bachelor's degree from outside of Germany must first apply via uni-assist from as soon as possible by 1 December for the following summer semester at the latest.

If you acquired your Bachelor's degree outside of Germany, uni-assist has to verify your eligibility to study in Germany and to convert your grades to the German grade system. You will have to submit all required documents to uni-assist online. The process takes four to six weeks.

2. PRIMUSS – THI application portal: from 15 November until 15 January for the following summer semester

You will have to apply online at the PRIMUSS university application portal. In case of admission, you will have to send all required documents by mail later on.

Please note: The application deadline might change. Please check the THI website to get up-to-date information regarding the application period.

Since winter semester 2024/25, THI charges fees of currently 500 EUR per semester for students from third countries (citizenship outside the EU and European Economic Area).

The fees are planned to increase to 1,200 EUR per semester (Master's programmes) from summer semester 2026 onwards. When more details are available, you will find further information on our homepage.

THI students who started their studies earlier are not affected by this reform.

Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt does not cooperate with recruitment agencies. Applicants will have to apply on their own. Apart from the uni-assist fee, there is no application fee.

To stay updated on the most recent study orientation dates, please visit www.thi.de/go/events-studyorientation.

Please refer to the table below for a comprehensive presentation of the detailed curriculum.

1,200 EUR

Since winter semester 2024/25, THI charges fees of currently 500 EUR per semester for students from third countries (citizenship outside the EU and European Economic Area).

The fees are planned to increase to 1,200 EUR per semester (Master's programmes) from summer semester 2026 onwards. When more details are available, you will find further information on our homepage.

THI students who started their studies earlier are not affected by this reform.

All students will have to pay a student union fee of 72 EUR per semester.

Student organisations estimate that the cost of living is approx. 990 EUR or more per month, depending on individual needs and expectations. Mandatory health insurance in Germany will cost a student around 145 EUR per month.

Usually, non-EU students will have to provide proof of financial means with a blocked account for visa purposes. It should contain approximately 992 EUR per month for up to 12 months.

• A Bachelor's degree in computer science or a Bachelor's degree with a high proportion of computer science (e.g. Bachelor's degree in artificial intelligence, Bachelor's degree in cyber security, Bachelor's degree in business informatics, Bachelor's degree in aviation and vehicle informatics, etc.) with 180 ECTS credits is required. For details, please refer to the statutes of the programme.
• The programme is conducted in English. A language level of B2 (official European reference framework) is required.
• To apply, you must have taken the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) and provide the SAT score.

The Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt can only make a legally binding decision about your eligibility for your desired study programme after reviewing the documents you submit with your application. We can’t provide a definitive assessment or evaluate your chances of acceptance until we have your full application, including your educational history.

Furthermore, it is possible to find out if you’re qualified to study in Germany before applying. Detailed information is available at the following link: www.uni-assist.de/en/tools/check-university-admission.

Additionally, you can find out about the qualification requirements via the study and examination regulations (in German: Studien- und Prüfungsordnung = SPO). Find these on the following page under the respective statutes: https://www.thi.de/en/university/university-profile/university-management/legal-department/.

Thank you for your understanding. You are very welcome to apply, and we will check your application documents.

Applicants applying for an English-language Master's programme must provide proof of sufficient English language skills at level B2. Proof of having passed the examination must be submitted by the time of enrolment at the latest. A list of all accepted certificates can be found here: https://www.thi.de/en/university/university-profile/university-management/legal-department/general-statutes/.

Proficiency in German at level A1 must be certified by the end of the first semester. We strongly encourage students to acquire a comprehension of the German language at an A2 level via a compulsory language course.

For your admission, there is no requirement to formally prove German language skills. You may start with little or no German language proficiency. However, German is the official national language in Germany. The transition from your home country to the German university system and everyday life will be made easier the more German you know. Furthermore, German skills will greatly increase your chances in finding a student job and or an internship at a German company.

1. Applicants with a Bachelor's degree from outside of Germany must first apply via uni-assist from as soon as possible by 1 December for the following summer semester at the latest.

If you acquired your Bachelor's degree outside of Germany, uni-assist has to verify your eligibility to study in Germany and to convert your grades to the German grade system. You will have to submit all required documents to uni-assist online. The process takes four to six weeks.

2. PRIMUSS – THI application portal: from 15 November until 15 January for the following summer semester

You will have to apply online at the PRIMUSS university application portal. In case of admission, you will have to send all required documents by mail later on.

Please note: The application deadline might change. Please check the THI website to get up-to-date information regarding the application period.

There are different scholarships available to enrolled students, such as the Deutschlandstipendium. All students will have to look and apply for specific scholarships by themselves! Most scholarship programmes are based on performance (grades, voluntary work, etc.). The economic situation of applicants is usually not taken into consideration. A certain level of German language skills (at least B2) is required for many scholarships.

The International Office also offers scholarships. Enrolled international students will be notified of the call once a year via the communication channels of the university.

International students at Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt (THI) are strongly advised to start gaining practical experience early to earn money during their studies and improve their job prospects. Besides looking for working student positions, students are also encouraged to seek low-level jobs in gastronomy or similar sectors to earn money and improve their German language skills. In addition to internship positions posted on the university platform, students should actively consider research and teaching assistant roles at THI. Please note that international students face legal limits on the number of working days allowed (see Study and work).

The International Welcome Center offers workshops and events in English to help international students prepare for their entry into the German market, especially in preparing for the internship search and applications.

Important: German employers expect students to take the initiative in applying for jobs and to have a good command of German. For internships, a minimum German language level of B1/B2 is required, while for entry-level jobs after graduation, B2/C1 is generally expected. Therefore, international students should start learning German as early as possible to increase their employability.

Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt does not run any student residence halls / dorms. You will have to start looking for accommodation on your own as soon as possible. At least 500 EUR per month should be budgeted for accommodation.

Here are some facts about finding accommodation in Ingolstadt or Neuburg.

• Service point and counselling
• Online info session for admitted degree-seekers
• Support with city registration and residence permits
• Orientation days and networking events
• Mentoring programme
• German courses and language support programmes
• Cultural events, excursions, and company tours
• Workshops to prepare for the German job market
• Student clubs, such as N.I.C.E. (Network & International Culture Exchange)

Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt (THI) is an institution that specialises in business and technology and is characterised by innovative study concepts and modern facilities. We are currently training over 8,000 students in more than 70 study programmes in engineering, computer science, business, life sciences and sustainability.
Our students will graduate as sought-after specialists and managers. An extremely dynamic and successful region with a distinctly strong economic structure provides for excellent framework conditions. The relatively small student body guarantees individual guidance, a familial atmosphere, and close cooperation between students and professors.
One of the core features of studying at our university is its orientation towards practical application. Internships and projects, as well as continuous cooperation with regional companies, are fundamental components of every study programme.
The Ingolstadt campus was completed in 1999, and a new tract of buildings opened in 2014. In 2021, the Neuburg campus opened its doors with its Faculty of Sustainable Infrastructure. Modern equipment and facilities create an atmosphere that adds to students' success and enjoyment. Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt is proud of its commitment to offer the highest possible level of quality in research and education. It is possible to explore Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt by visiting the interactive 360° THI campus tour.

The campus is only a short walk from Ingolstadt's appealing old city. The view from the lecture halls is of a castle and other medieval buildings. Ingolstadt lies in the centre of Bavaria, one of the most prosperous German federal states, and it is only an hour by car from the metropolitan areas of Munich and Nuremberg. The opportunities to take part in leisure activities in the area – which is close to the Alps as well as to the beautiful Altmühl valley – are unlimited. With the headquarters of Audi (the international automotive company) and a large number of innovative corporations in the city, Ingolstadt is proud to be one of the strongest economic regions in Germany. Opportunities to participate in sports activities are provided by the university as well as by various amateur and competitive sports clubs. Bavarian charm and the Bavarian way of life – including summer evenings in beer gardens and the diverse cultural events on offer – make daily life in Ingolstadt particularly attractive for students.