Master
Cyber Security

IU International University of Applied Sciences’ study programme in M.Sc. Cyber Security will turn you into a professional threat hunter. Detect attacks on IT systems and successfully ward them off. 

Programmierung. Mann arbeitet auf Computer im IT-Amt
Programmierung. Mann arbeitet auf Computer im IT-Amt
Online Studies

Master
Cyber Security

The online study programme in Cyber Security will turn you into a professional threat hunter. Detect attacks on IT systems and successfully ward them off.

Programmierung. Mann arbeitet auf Computer im IT-Amt
Programmierung. Mann arbeitet auf Computer im IT-Amt
Online Studies
QS Stars
WES
FIBAA
AACSB
CHE
Wissenschaftsrat
UNESCO

End 2024 right: invest in your career

Apply by January 5th and get a discount of up to €1,444!

Commit to improving your future today and make 2025 your year. Join us on campus in Berlin, study in English, and graduate with an internationally recognised degree. 

End 2024 right: invest in your career

Apply by January 5th and get a discount of up to €1,444!

Commit to improving your future today and make 2025 your year. Join us on campus in Berlin, study in English, and graduate with an internationally recognised degree. 

Overview

Online M.Sc. Cyber Security: what you’ll learn

With digitalisation, cyber-attacks on software and systems are on the rise. To ensure the confidentiality, availability and integrity of their data, just about every company, organisation and government agency requires competent cyber security professionals. There is now a tremendous and unprecedented demand for security experts who are able to identify and provide protection against cyberattacks.

With the IU International University of Applied Sciences online Master in Cyber Security, you will acquire all the skills you need to protect data and ensure top security measures for systems used by companies worldwide. You’ll become a specialist in securing infrastructures against attacks, risks or malware using statistical and digital forensic methods.

This study programme is offered as a consecutive 120-ECTS credits programme.

M.Sc. degree in Cyber Security: what you’ll learn

With digitalisation, cyber-attacks on software and systems are on the rise. To ensure the confidentiality, availability and integrity of their data, just about every company, organisation and government agency requires competent cyber security professionals.  

There is now a tremendous and unprecedented demand for security experts who are able to identify and provide protection against cyberattacks. 

With the IU International University of Applied Sciences Master’s programme in Cyber Security, you will acquire all the skills you need to protect data and ensure top security measures for systems used by companies worldwide.  

You’ll become a specialist in securing infrastructures against attacks, risks or malware using statistical and digital forensic methods. 

This study programme is offered as a consecutive 120-ECTS credits programme. 

This study programme is completely taught in English!

Your degree summed up

All the facts and figures about your study programme at a glance
OnlineCampus Study Model Degree
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
120 ECTS credits

Language
English
Accreditation & Recognition
Accreditation
Accredited in line with German and European standards
ZFU 1116921
120 ECTS credits - English

Recognition
Your degree is Internationally recognised and can easily be transferred to another country
Tuition Fees & Discounts
Tuition Fees
Starting from € 299 (US$ 316)* per month
*based on the exchange rate from 30.11.2024 12:00 AM (CET)

Online application
No application fees
Study Duration
Study start
any time

Duration
24 - 48 months (depending on time model)
OnlineCampus Study Model Degree
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
120 ECTS credits

Language
English
Accreditation & Recognition
Accreditation
Accredited in line with German and European standards
ZFU 1116921
120 ECTS credits - English

Recognition
Your degree is Internationally recognised and can easily be transferred to another country
Tuition Fees & Discounts
Tuition Fees
Starting from € -13 (US$ -16)* per month
*based on the exchange rate from 30.11.2024 12:00 AM (CET)

Online application
No application fees
Study Duration
Study start
April, July, October, January

Duration
24 months

Start your career in Germany
As a graduate of this programme, you’ll be eligible for an 18-month visa to Germany - so you can look for your first job in peace.
100 % flexible

You decide where and when you want to study

Modernised learning

Access our unique learning app and AI tutor 

Award-winning education

First-class learning: 96% recommended 

German quality promise

All programmes are state accredited and recognized internationally. That's why 100,000+ students have put their trust in IU.

Kickstart your career in Europe

Benefit from 18-month post study job seeker’s visa as an IU student learning on campus and begin your career in Germany.

100% Flexibility

With IU you choose what, how and where you study. And depending on your preferred study format you can even start your first step towards your new career right away.

94% Job success

Our practice-oriented study programmes prepare you for your future career. This is why 94% of IU graduates find a job within 3 months after graduation.

Study contents

Online course overview

A cyber security expert masters the basics of modern operating systems, and is also familiar with distributed applications in the cloud, as well as methods of software forensics and data analysis. In our practice-oriented online study programme for cyber security, you will be trained to detect cyber threats and successfully defend against them.

The order of courses presented below is for the online studies model of this programme.

Course overview

A cyber security expert masters the basics of modern operating systems, and is also familiar with distributed applications in the cloud, as well as methods of software forensics and data analysis.  

In our practice-oriented Cyber Security Master’s study programme, you will be trained to detect cyber threats and successfully defend against them. 

Semester 1

Module

ECTS credits

Corporate Governance of IT, Compliance, and Law

5

Advanced Mathematics

5

Cyber Security and Data Protection

5

Advanced Research Methods

5

Seminar: Advanced Cyber Security

5

Cryptology

5

Semester 2

Module

ECTS credits

Cyber Risk Assessment and Management

5

IT Systems: Software

5

IT Systems: Hardware

5

Cyber Systems and Network Forensics

5

Secure Networking

5

Theoretical Computer Science for IT Security

5

Semester 3

Module

ECTS credits

Seminar: Standards and Frameworks 

5

Project: Current Challenges of Cyber Security

5

Electives A

10

Electives B

10

Semester 4

Module

ECTS credits

Master Thesis & Colloquium

30

Electives overview

Elective A

In your 3rd semester, you'll need to choose an elective module, which you can choose from one of the following modules:

Module

ECTS credits

Cyber Criminality

10

Blockchain and Quantum Computing

10

Secure Software Development

10

Elective B

In your 3rd semester, you'll need to choose an elective module, which you can choose from one of the following modules:

Module

ECTS credits

Organizational Transformation

10

IT Law for IT Security

10

Audit- and Security Testing

10

Business Analyst

10

Continuous and Lifecycle Security

10

Data Science and Big Data Technologies

10

Industrial Automation and Internet of Things

10

Artificial Intelligence

10

All the support you need, any time of day

With this programme, you’ll have access to human and AI-powered tutoring. 

Your tutors will be available to answer any questions, and you’ll have recurring appointments where you can discuss course topics with them and other students. 

Syntea, IU’s AI-powered tutor, will be available 24/7 to guide you through your courses and prepare you for exams. 

Study your way, and master working with AI at the same time. 

Admission

Entry requirements

The admissions documents must be provided in English or German. If they were not issued in one of these two languages, a translation is required. If you need to translate your documents, we can help refer you to our trusted translation partners. You can find more details here

General admission requirements

Admission Requirements for 120-ECTS credits: 

  • Completed, undergraduate degree with 180 ECTS credits with a focus on computer science, IT security, business informatics, theoretical computer science, applied computer science, computer engineering, media informatics or an information science related subjects with at least 180 ECTS credits and at least 30 ECTS credits explicitly in the field of computer science 
  • Your degree must be from a state or state-recognised higher education institution/university  
  • You must have achieved a final grade of at least “satisfactory” or Grade C equivalent in your previous undergraduate degree 

Further admission opportunities

If you have completed a non-subject-related undergraduate degree programme, you can still apply for admission. By successfully completing 2 specific modules of the Master's degree programme, you can gain admission to your desired 120 ECTS credits Master's degree programme.

The recognition of knowledge and skills acquired outside of higher education is generally possible.

The further admission opportunities represent individual cases to the above-mentioned general admission requirements and ensure the existence of a corresponding qualification for Master's degree programmes. Admission is at the discretion of the university.

Additional specialist knowledge

For admission, a minimum of 30 ECTS credits in Computer Science must have been achieved additionally in undergraduate study programmes. For applicants who do not meet this requirement, modules from the university's Bachelor's degree programmes are offered as bridging courses for free 

Fee Reduction Programme

Apply for the Fee Reduction Programme and receive a discount on your tuition fees. 

Please get in touch with our Study Advisory Team for more details. 

English language skills

Depending on your personal circumstances, you might be required to provide proof of your English language proficiency. Your skills would need to match the B2 level of the Common European Framework (CEF). 

We accept the following English language skills certificates*: 

  • TOEFL (minimum 80 points)* or 
  • IELTS (minimum Level 6)* or 
  • Duolingo English Test (minimum 95 points)*
  • PTE Academics (minimum 59 points)* or
  • Cambridge Certificate (minimum Grade B)* 

Is English your native language, or have you graduated from an English-speaking school or university? Then you do not need to prove your English language proficiency. 

Get in touch with our study advisors for more details. 

*Proof must be provided before the start of the study and must not be older than five years. 

APS Certificate

If you are from India, China or Vietnam, you might need the APS certificate to study in Germany, regardless of if your programme is 100% online or on-campus. Learn more about the APS certification here.  

On campus

Start your career in Berlin

Our German campus in Berlin is in the best position for IU graduates to gain access to labour market.

IU Berlin

Study in Germany’s capital city, home to some of the world’s biggest and well-known companies. Berlin boasts a thriving community of expats, a relatively cheap cost of living, and an energetic start-up scene that’s ideal for creatives and the self-employed. The redevelopment of Tegel Airport into a science and technology park will also create 20,000 new jobs in R&D for the tech, sustainability, and engineering

What does it mean studying on Campus?

  • A mix of online self-study and on-campus learning (2-3 days per week) in Germany
  • Full time only
  • 2-4 intakes per year – programme dependent
  • Pre-set study sequence with some flexibility online
  • All programmes taught in English

Other perks:

  • Free online German language course
  • Online career services, job listings platform & virtual networking events
  • Internship module (optional)
  • 18-month post-study visa eligibility
Careers

Your Cyber Security career outlook

After completing your online Master’s programme in Cyber Security, you will be a highly sought-after expert who is best qualified for responding efficiently to cyber incidents, as well as for forensic methods of identification and defence.

You will have the necessary hard and soft skills required to take responsibility over central security architectures, as well as for confidently advising companies and teams on how to optimise cyber security. As an expert in your field, you will have excellent opportunities to lead your employer’s security measures as a future manager. You may also be responsible for digital transformations of teams and companies based on ‘security by design’, and work with external agencies to detect and deter criminal activities.

Your Cyber Security career outlook

After completing your Master’s degree in Cyber Security, you will be a highly sought-after expert who is best qualified for responding efficiently to cyber incidents, as well as for forensic methods of identification and defence. 

You will have the necessary hard and soft skills required to take responsibility over central security architectures, as well as for confidently advising companies and teams on how to optimise cyber security.  

As an expert in your field, you will have excellent opportunities to lead your employer’s security measures as a future manager.  

You may also be responsible for digital transformations of teams and companies based on ‘security by design’, and work with external agencies to detect and deter criminal activities. 

Frau arbeitet an Desktop an Programmcode

IT Security Architect

Be responsible for any company’s IT security for technical architectures. As an IT security architect, you’ll set in place the protocols and work systems regarding data protection and information security, and support IT departments in security-by-design planning and execution.

Frauen arbeiten an Programm

Security Manager

Protect digital systems in IT from potential threats. Ensure that security measures are up-to-date, and locate possible gaps that might leave IT systems exposed to threats. As a security manager, you can decide if you want to focus on a more preventive or proactive approach to cyber security, and build your and your company’s own path towards reducing and managing the potential risks of attacks.

Mann und Frau beim Hacken

Cyber Forensics Analyst

Build IT forensic reports for inner company uses, cyber security audits, or even court cases. As a cyber forensics analyst, you’ll investigate and expose all manners of digital criminal activity, from software piracy to manipulations of data. 

Your career enabler

94% of current IU graduates find a job within 3 months. Our practice based degrees stand out from the crowd and prepare you for a job at industry-leading companies.

Student reviews

This is what our students say

  • “With the IU Master, I was able to acquire valuable strategic-global leadership skills that are very much in demand in today's jobs.”

    Doreen Richter

    Graduate

  • “In my view, the flexibility makes a compelling case for learning online at IU. The wide range of elective modules to choose from also won me over. It means you can specialise in what you really want to do.”

    Philipp Kleingrothe

    Graduate, Germany

  • “Despite already having two other degrees, I realised that IT offers great potential – so I took on a third degree at IU!”

    Patrick Schott

    Online student

Personal counselling
Have any questions?

Visit our FAQ page or get in touch with our Study Advisors.


Tuition fees

Online Study models & fees for your Master degree in Cyber Security

On campus study model and fees for your Master degree in Cyber Security

Depending on your personal or professional circumstances, you may wish to complete your studies as quickly as possible, or you may prefer a more flexible study programme that is less time-consuming. That’s why we offer part-time options for all our study programmes. This allows you to study alongside professional or personal commitments. We adjust your study fees based on your chosen time model.

Are you unable to finish your programme within the given time? No problem! If you realise that you need more time, you can simply switch to another time model with one months’ notice before the end of the month.

No registration or administration fees are charged when you apply for studying – you’ll only be charged once your studies have started, and the trial month has ended.

Your trial month begins when you receive your login credentials. This will give you the opportunity to test our courses for one month without obligation, before being charged. During that month, you can then take your first courses and start learning right away!

Once the trial month is over, your studies continue. You’ll pay your tuition fees according to your contract.

At IU, we believe in full transparency – so there are no hidden fees. You only pay for your tuition and the one-time campus registration fee of €1,500.

No registration or administration fees are charged when you apply for studying – you'll only be charged once your studies have started. If you won't be admitted to a programme because you do not meet the admission requirements, no fees will be charged.

Full-Time

Duration 24 Months

US$ 588
US$ 524 /mth* Apply now
* € 496 based on the exchange rate from 30.11.2024 12:00 AM (CET)

Part-Time I

Duration 36 Months

US$ 441
US$ 399 /mth* Apply now
* € 377 based on the exchange rate from 30.11.2024 12:00 AM (CET)

Part-Time II

Duration 48 Months

US$ 348
US$ 316 /mth* Apply now
* € 299 based on the exchange rate from 30.11.2024 12:00 AM (CET)
Full-Time
Duration 24 Months
US$ 588
US$ -16 /mth* Apply now
* € -13 based on the exchange rate from 30.11.2024 12:00 AM (CET)

All our study programmes include the following benefits

  • Teaching and study material
  • Marking of your end-of-module exams
  • Monthly live and recorded tutorials
  • Use of the online campus
  • Individual study coaching
  • Online exams
  • Career coaching
  • Learn German and English for free
  • 4-week money back guarantee
  • Teaching and study material
  • Marking of your end-of-module exams
  • Individual study coaching
  • Online exams
  • Career coaching
  • Learn German and English for free
  • On-campus tutorials, 2-3x week
  • Access to all on-campus services
Recognition

Recognition of previous achievements

  • Save time: Skip individual modules or whole semesters!

Even before you apply for a study programme, we’ll gladly check whether we can take your previous achievements into account: 100% online, no strings attached. Simply fill in our recognition application form, which you can find under the content section of each study programme's webpage, and upload it via our upload section. You can also e-mail it to us, or send it via post.

Send an email to study@iu.org to find out which previous achievements you can get recognised. You can get your previous achievements recognised during your studies.

Do you need help with your application for recognition? Our student advisors will be happy to help. Simply arrange a personal call-back appointment.Arrange a personal video consultation appointment to discuss recognition

Why IU International University of Applied Sciences is the best choice

Your Studies Are Flexible and 100% Online

Schedule when you want to learn and study 100% online. At IU you have the possibility to complete your degree fully from home, whether full-time or part-time. You can even take your exams online whenever it suits you. 

Accredited & Globally Recognised

IU is accredited and certified with a seal of approval from the German Accreditation Council. All IU study programmes, materials, and services meet high internal and external quality standards, which are regularly reviewed and updated. We can also provide you with an official Europass Diploma Supplement once you graduate, to ensure that your degree is recognised anywhere in the EU.

You Gain Full Support

We provide you with innovative learning tools, digital study material, tutorial videos, live teaching sessions, student advice and support. You also have 24/7 access to our large online library. Your tutors are always available to answer your questions. Our study coaches are also available to help at any time. 

The Ideal Mix of Theory & Practice

Our programmes provide you with essential theoretical knowledge and focus, above all, on practice-oriented studies designed to best prepare you for your future career. Thanks to our great variety of electives you can specialise in the specific areas that match your personal goals.

Accredited & Globally Recognised

IU is accredited and certified with a seal of approval from the German Accreditation Council. All IU study programmes, materials, and services meet high internal and external quality standards, which are regularly reviewed and updated. We can also provide you with an official Europass Diploma Supplement once you graduate, to ensure that your degree is recognised anywhere in the EU.

The Ideal Mix of Theory & Practice

Our programmes provide you with essential theoretical knowledge and focus, above all, on practice-oriented studies designed to best prepare you for your future career. Thanks to our great variety of electives you can specialise in the specific areas that match your personal goals.

Hybrid Studies = More Flexibility

By combining in-person tutorials 2-3 times per week with 24/7 access to online study materials, you get to benefit from a more flexible study schedule. This allows you to work alongside your studies, or combine other activities, with relative ease. 

You Gain Full Support

We provide you with innovative learning tools, intimate campuses, easy access to lecturers, live teaching sessions, student advice services, and career support. You also have 24/7 access to our large online library. Your tutors are always available to answer your questions – and so are our study coaches.