Applied Cyber Security (BSc)
Study cyber security in practice – Understand, protect, and defend digital systems!
Analyse cyberattacks, secure IT infrastructures, and decrypt digital traces: In the BSc Applied Cyber Security (ACS), you develop strategies through lab exercises, projects, and case studies to identify vulnerabilities and effectively protect systems. With focuses on cyber security, ethical hacking, forensics, and security management, you become a sought-after specialist supporting businesses and society in shaping a secure digital future.
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About the programme
Contents of the degree programme
The programme is interdisciplinary and combines technical IT expertise with organisational, legal, economic, and strategic competencies. From the outset, practice-oriented learning in realistic scenarios takes centre stage.
The study content is divided into six thematic foci:
1. Foundations of Computer Science and IT Systems
You establish the technical foundation for your later specialisation, including:
- Programming
- Operating systems and networks
- Databases and information systems
- Software engineering and agile development methods
- Introduction to computer architecture and IT infrastructure
2. Technical IT Security
Here you learn how to actively protect systems, networks, and applications:
- Cryptography and secure communication
- Penetration testing, vulnerability analysis, and forensics
- Security engineering and secure coding
- Network security and cloud security
- Incident response and security operations (SOC)
3. Organisational, Legal, and Economic Aspects of Cyber Security
Alongside technical skills, business contexts, compliance, and governance are crucial:
- Information security management (ISMS)
- Risk and emergency management
- Data protection, IT law, and regulatory requirements (e.g. NIS2, GDPR)
- IT governance, auditing, and certification
- Security strategies, organisational, and economic protection measures
- Fundamentals of entrepreneurial decision-making and operational value creation
- Business English
4. Artificial Intelligence and Modern Technologies in Security
You explore innovative tools and methods for detecting and countering digital threats:
- AI-supported threat analysis and cyber threat intelligence
- Anomaly detection and machine learning for security
- Automation and security orchestration (SOAR)
- Security in IoT, cloud, and Industry 4.0 environments
- Digitalisation of business processes and their security implications
5. Management, Communication, and Interdisciplinary Competencies
Cyber security is teamwork:
- Project management and agile methods
- IT service management
- Communication in crisis and threat situations
- Leadership and decision-making in security contexts
- Economic thinking and ethical responsibility
6. Practice and Specialisation
Practice is at the heart of the programme:
- Lab exercises, hacking challenges, real-world case studies
- Team projects with partners from industry, administration, and research
- Practical semester in a company or public authority
- Scientific working and Bachelor's thesis
From semester 5, you can set your own foci, e.g.:
- Cyber Defense & Incident Response
- Industrial & IoT Security
- Secure Software Development
- Digital Forensics & Threat Intelligence
Structure of the degree programme
The bachelor's programme ASC spans seven semesters and is structured in four progressive phases:
1. Foundations and Orientation Phase (semesters 1–2)
In the first two semesters, you acquire the subject-specific and methodological foundations in computer science, IT systems, and cyber security. This lays the groundwork for your later specialisation and teaches you to understand technical and economic interconnections.
2. Specialisation and Application Phase (semesters 3–6)
In this phase, you deepen your knowledge in technical, legal, and management aspects of cyber security. Practice-oriented projects, lab exercises, and real-world case studies enable you to apply and further develop your expertise directly.
3. Practical Phase (semesters 5–6)
During the practical semester, you gain valuable professional experience in a company, public authority, or research institution. Here, you can apply your acquired competencies in practice and gain insights into current fields of IT security.
4. Completion Phase (semester 7)
In the seventh semester, you complete your studies with the Bachelor's thesis and an accompanying scientific seminar. The thesis can be practice-oriented or research-focused, often in collaboration with a partner company or research institution.
Start of the programme
Winter semester
Special features
Strong practice orientation from the start
From the outset, the programme emphasises practice-oriented learning. Through project-based teaching, lab exercises, and realistic case studies, theoretical content is directly translated into practical applications. This creates a direct link to professional practice, optimally preparing you for future roles in cyber security.
Innovative technology integration
The programme combines classic IT security topics with current technological developments. Modern approaches and tools in artificial intelligence, automation, and digital transformation are continuously integrated into teaching and projects, reflecting the evolving cyber security landscape in practice.
Close collaboration with industry partners
Partnerships with companies, public authorities, and research institutions provide real insights into professional practice. Projects, internships, and final theses with direct practical relevance build valuable networks and facilitate your entry into the job market.
Internationality and networking
A semester abroad or short projects at partner universities allow you to gain international experience and expand your cyber security skills globally. English-taught modules and exchange programmes further enhance your international perspective.
Individual support and modern environment
The programme takes place in small, close-knit groups where you receive personal supervision from lecturers. An open learning atmosphere, modern teaching facilities, joint workshops, and projects foster both individual learning and teamwork.
Career perspectives
Cyber Security is one of the fastest-growing professional fields worldwide. The combination of practical experience, technical expertise, and management insight opens up a wide range of career paths.
Demand for qualified cyber security professionals is expected to remain high in the long term. Career opportunities exist in almost all business and public administration sectors, including:
- IT services, software development, and cloud providers.
- Industry, including mechanical engineering, automation, and automotive.
- Finance, healthcare, and energy supply.
- Public administration, security authorities, and critical infrastructure.
- Consulting and certification companies.
With a degree in Applied Cyber Security, excellent career and development opportunities open up in a dynamic, fast-growing, and future-relevant field. Possible roles range from technical specialist positions to leadership and management responsibilities. Typical career paths include:
- Cyber Security Manager.
- Cyber Security Architect.
- Cyber Security Analyst.
- Cyber Security Engineer.
- Cyber Security Consultant / Auditor.
With increasing professional experience, attractive career paths open up, from project leadership to strategic positions in security management:
- Chief Information Officer (CIO).
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).
- Security or Risk Manager.
- Project or team leader in IT and security departments.
In addition, the Bachelor's degree qualifies graduates for further Master's studies in Germany and abroad, for example:
- IT Security / Cyber Security (MSc).
- Artificial Intelligence and Data Science.
- Information Management or Systems Engineering.
The career fields and roles above align with current market demand and typical cyber security progression paths, including specialist, consultant, and leadership roles.
Practice and stay abroad
Practice relevance in studies
During the mandatory practical semester, you apply and deepen the knowledge gained in your studies at a company or public authority. It takes place in the fourth subject semester, lasts up to 6 months (minimum 100 attendance days), and can be completed in Germany or abroad. This provides valuable insights into professional practice and initial contacts with potential employers. HNU also assists with the search (e.g. via databases of possible placements or partner universities).
Study abroad opportunities
Periods abroad are not mandatory but recommended. Students can complete a study or practical semester abroad between the fourth and seventh semester.
Hochschule Neu-Ulm promotes stays abroad through partnerships with universities worldwide, and the International Office provides individual support for planning and organisation.
Language of instructions
German and English
Contributions and fees
There are no tuition fees. A semester fee (administrative fees and solidarity fee) is charged per semester. Information on this can be found on the page "HNU - Fees and Re-registration (opens in a new window)".
Study documents
Study and examination regulations
- Studien- und Prüfungsordnung (SPO) für den Bachelorstudiengang Angewandte Cyber Security (ACS) der Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften Neu-Ulm vom 24.03.2026 (ab WS 2026)
(opens in a new window)Studien- und Prüfungsordnung (SPO) für den Bachelorstudiengang Angewandte Cyber Security (ACS) der Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften Neu-Ulm vom 24.03.2026, gültig ab 01.09.2026
Allgemeine Prüfungsordnung
- Current general examination regulations
(opens in a new window)Current general examination regulations - Aktuelle Allgemeine Prüfungsordnung (gültig ab 10.02.2025)
(opens in a new window)Aktuelle Allgemeine Prüfungsordnung (gültig ab 10.02.2025)
Voices about the degree programme
Cyber Security thrives on practice, innovation, and responsibility. The Applied Cyber Security programme delivers exactly that: expertise needed for tomorrow.
Requirements & Application
Admission requirements
- At least an entrance qualification for higher education in universities of applied sciences in Bavaria
- For international applicants: German language skills on level B2
- The programme is approval-free
Application period
For the winter semester: 02.05. - 15.07. , extended until 31 .08.2026
Application
You can apply for the degree programme in our application portal within the application deadlines:
Kontakt
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