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Cyber Security

Master

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

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Online Studies

Start your career's next successful chapter with a 5-star education from IU

Get your application in before December 15 and you can save up to US$1,399.

Apply now

Choose a fully accredited study program and set yourself up for success. At IU, you’ll join over 100.000 students from all over the world. And the best part? You’ll develop job-ready skills in a practical setting — so you’ll have a real advantage in your industry.

*You can start any time.
*This discount is only available for the online studies model.

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 programme.

Your online degree summed up

All the facts and figures about your study programme at a glance
Study model
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
120 ECTS
Language: English
Study duration & extension
24 - 48 months (depending on time model)
Free of charge extension period
Start online studies: any time
Tuition fees
Starting from € 289 (US$ 300)* per month

*based on the exchange rate from 15.11.2022 09:04 AM (CET)
Accreditation
120 ECTS - English
Accredited in line with German and European standards
ZFU 1116921
Past education recognised
Save time and earn your degree faster by having your previous achievements/experience recognised
100 % flexible

You decide where and when you want to study

Versatile & Innovative

Your digital learning journey with personal support!

Top-Level Education

First-class study programmes with a recommendation rate of 96 %

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.


Semester 1
ModuleECTS

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
ModuleECTS

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
ModuleECTS

Seminar: Standards and Frameworks 

5

Project: Current Challenges of Cyber Security

5

Electives A

10

Electives B

10

Semester 4
ModuleECTS

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:

ModuleECTS

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:

ModuleECTS

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

Module guide

Module guide (120 ECTS)

Course schedules

Online Course schedule

On campus course schedule

Admission

Entry requirements

How To Start Your Degree with the Online Degree Saver Programme:

Once you've enrolled and started on your studies, you'll have access to a part of your courses, based on the time model you choose. You will be registered as a student only after 50% of the total ECTS have been successfully completed. Then you will gain access to the rest of your courses, and will be able to finish your degree.

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: 

  • Completed, undergraduate degree with 180 ECTS 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 and at least 30 ECTS 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

Is your undergraduate degree not in the required subject field for this programme's 120 ECTS points variation admission requirements? You can still apply! You'll have to take 2 specific courses at the start of your studies, and pass them successfully in order to continue with your studies. That way, you don't have to take an entrance examination, and can prove your skills while earning ECTS points as part of your studies. 

Additional specialist knowledge

For admission, a minimum of 30 ECTS points 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 

English language skills

At IU, we teach in English to prepare you for the international work market. Therefore, we ask you to provide us with a proof of your English language skills. 

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 skills. 

You can prove your English skills with an English B2 level certificate (no older than 5 years). Don’t have this at hand? No problem! You can quickly get your English certified with Duolingo. 

  • Take the online test in just 45 to 60 minutes 
  • Receive your certified results within 2 days 
  • Save valuable money and time 

Find out if the Duolingo test is suitable for you. Click here to try it for free. In order to be accepted to your study programme, a minimum of 95 points in the Duolingo exam is required. 

Did you take the test and not get the 95 points required? Don’t worry! We’re offering a free English course. By successfully completing the course in 3 months, you'll prove that you have the required level of English proficiency.

We also accept the following English language skills certificates: 

  • TOEFL (minimum 80 points) or 
  • IELTS (minimum Level 6) or 
  • Cambridge Certificate (minimum Grade B) or 
  • Equivalent proof, such as a B2.2 Certificate from the free IU English course - further information can be requested from our student advisors.* 

*Proof must be provided before the start of the study and must not be older than five years.
*Please note that course isn't accepted as a language certificate for on campus study programmes

Start your career's next successful chapter with a 5-star education from IU

Get your application in before December 15 and you can save up to US$1,399.

Apply now

Choose a fully accredited study program and set yourself up for success. At IU, you’ll join over 100.000 students from all over the world. And the best part? You’ll develop job-ready skills in a practical setting — so you’ll have a real advantage in your industry.

*You can start any time.
*This discount is only available for the online studies model.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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 model & 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. 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

Perfect for students who want to hit the ground running and shorten the period of study by increasing their studying pace.

US$ 557
US$ 497 /mth* Apply now
* € 479 based on the exchange rate from 15.11.2022 09:04 AM (CET)

Part-Time I

Duration 36 Months

Excellent for talented all-rounders who want to give their studies everything they’ve got while holding down a job and keeping down their monthly costs at the same time.

US$ 412
US$ 372 /mth* Apply now
* € 359 based on the exchange rate from 15.11.2022 09:04 AM (CET)

Part-Time II

Duration 48 Months

Ideal for students who would like to take their time completing their courses on top of their job and everyday life and keep down the monthly costs of their studies.

US$ 330
US$ 300 /mth* Apply now
* € 289 based on the exchange rate from 15.11.2022 09:04 AM (CET)
Additional charges

All our study programmes include the following benefits

  • Teaching and study material
  • Marking of your end-of-module exams
  • Free 4-week trial
  • Online tutorials and guidance from tutors
  • Use of the online campus
  • Individual study coaching
  • Online exams
  • Career coaching
  • Learn English for free
Recognition

Recognition of previous achievements

Have you already completed a training course, studied at a university or gained work experience? Have you completed a course or a learning path through IU LinkedIn Learning, and earned a certificate? Then you have the opportunity to get your previous achievements recognised, and complete your studies at IU sooner.

  • Save time: Skip individual modules or whole semesters!

Even before you apply for an online 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. Make sure you send your application before the end of your 1-month trial. 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
Recognition files

Guide to recognition

Individual application for 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, 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.

Start your career's next successful chapter with a 5-star education from IU

Get your application in before December 15 and you can save up to US$1,399.

Apply now

Choose a fully accredited study program and set yourself up for success. At IU, you’ll join over 100.000 students from all over the world. And the best part? You’ll develop job-ready skills in a practical setting — so you’ll have a real advantage in your industry.

*You can start any time.
*This discount is only available for the online studies model.

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