In the laboratory industrial safety and security, you receive practical training on a networked automation and control system. Here, we will simulate security-critical situations in companies like large-scale hacker attacks on sensitive IT data. In addition, you will work closely with researchers at the Institute for Innovative Safety and Security (THA_innos).

You learn about security from a business and management perspective. For example, you will evaluate the risks within the company's organizational structure and leadership of employees, and use these insights for measures that enable or support security concepts. These include escalation paths, assignment of rights, guidelines (for communication), business rules, or training.

With your knowledge of functional security, you will be able to protect users of products and systems from the consequences of failures or malfunctions. To this end, you will design models for hazard and threat analyses or specifications of the security of subsequent hardware and software development. You will also be an expert in the security lifecycle of products and ultimately responsible for decommissioning.

This degree program is one of its kind in Bavaria. The faculties of Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, and Business offer an interdisciplinary program built for graduates of bachelor programs in technology, computer science, and business specialized in tech. Over three semesters, students acquire the skills to create interdisciplinary solutions to safety and security problems in industrial automation, control systems, and critical infrastructure. This practical degree program focuses on various subjects, including IT security, data protection, functional security, IT law, and employee management.

Study Plan

The first semester of this M.Sc. program covers the basics of industrial safety and security from a technical, organizational, and legal point of view, allowing students to understand crucial interdisciplinary aspects of safety and security in Industry 4.0. In the second semester, students acquire more in-depth knowledge, strengthened by carrying out a large-scale project. In the third semester, the students then write their Master's thesis on a complex topic from the field of safety and security, often in close cooperation with a company. They also have the option to specialize even further by taking an elective.

The extraordinary thing about this degree program is that students are given practical training in using a networked automation and control system in the industrial safety and security lab. Safety and security problems that may arise in companies, such as a large-scale hacker attack on sensitive IT data, are simulated directly in this lab. The students also cooperate closely with researchers from the THA_innos and other research groups at the Augsburg Technical University of Applied Sciences.

Up-to-date Study Plans can be found in our Downloads area.

Are complex production networks in the industry safe from hacker attacks? What security loopholes exist in remote maintenance in plant and machine construction? How do you protect companies from spear phishing and social engineering? These are just some questions professionals may encounter in their careers. After completing this degree program, graduates can take on positions with a high level of responsibility, such as security analyst in the IT sector, developer of secure production and assembly lines, and “Safety and Security Consultant” at management and process consulting firms.

Start of studies: Please note that students are only admitted once per academic year and that you can start only in the summer semester

Application period: November 15 to December 15 for the following summer semester; prospective students should use our application portal

Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information prior to your application. Your contact is Prof. Helia Hollmann. 

Target class size: 15-20 students

Admission requirements:

• An above-average Bachelor's degree (grade average of at least 2,6 in accordance with the German grading system) from a recognized university with at least 210 ECTS / Credit Points in technology and computer science or a business-related degree programm with a focus on technology.
• Applicants with a foreign degree certificate must provide a uni-assist evaluation (please note that the evaluation may take four to six weeks)
• Degree holders with degrees of at least 180 Credit Points (or equivalent, i.e. university degrees comprising of six semesters) may be required to complete additional qualifications (i.e. additonal lectures or practical training)
• Depending on the final grade (grade averages of 2,3 - 2,6), admission requires a successfully completed selection interview
• The specialization "safety and security" of this program is taught partly in German and partly in English (each 50 Percent). The specialization "international" is tought entirely in English. However, students need a B1-level of German and B2-level of English (CEFR). Plus, students needs to complete a mandatory German language course each semester

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Language requirements for the specialization "International"

For the specialziation "International", proof of language proficiency, at a minimum level of B1 for German and B2 for English (in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, CEFR), is required. Language of instruction is English only. Each semester, students must complete a German language course (wit 5 ECTS). At the end of their studies, graduates will be able to demonstrate German language skills at C1-level and are therefore well-equiped for the German job market.

English

Accepted proof of English language proficiency at B2-level:

• TOEFL (iBT) score: 80 – 94
• TOEIC score: listening 430 - 485; reading 400 - 450
• IELTS: at least 6.5 overall (with at least 5.5 in each band)
• TELC: B2
• PTE Academic score: 65 - 75
• Cambridge English Language Assessment: B2: First Certificate in English (FCE; at least Grade C); C1: Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)
• CET: College English Test (CET-6, min. 500)
• DAAD English language test: min. 4
• Native speaker (evidenced by passport)
• Abitur (confirming level B2/C1)
• University entrance qualification completed in English (evidenced via transcript or confirmation letter by the respective institution)
• Successful completion of a university degree, from a recognized university, in English (language of instruction evidenced via diploma supplement, transcript or confirmation letter by the respective institution)

German

For the specializations Safety or Security, recognized B2-level German language certificates for non-native speakers are:

• DSH: at least level 2
• TestDaF: at least level 4 in all exam parts and a minimum of 16 points overall

For the specialization "International", the following certificates are accepted proof of B1-level German language proficiency for non-native speakers:

• Goethe Zertifikat B1
• telc Deutsch B1
• Kultusministerkonferenz Deutsches Sprachdiplom - Erste Stufe DSD I Niveau B1
• ÖSD Zertifikat B1
• Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer (DTZ) B1

Further information can be found at the following links:

• FAQ Page
• Document "Recognized German language tests"

Please note:

Your test results must be less than two years old. Proof of language proficiency has to be submitted togehter with the official application.

Additionally, we can only accept official certificates (as listed above). We kindly ask for your understanding that we cannot accept course certificates from individual language schools.