IT security starts with people
"The biggest vulnerability sits in front of the screen" is a common statement made by IT experts who specialize in information technology security. Users often take the opposite view: they believe that technical IT security measures—such as virus scanners and encryption—should be sufficient to protect us from attacks and errors. In reality, however, a holistic approach is needed: one that includes both a technical analysis of the system and an examination of the "human factor".
This is exactly where the "Human Cyber Security" study program comes in: It combines IT security and psychology into a unique, interdisciplinary program that steps in where technology alone is no longer enough. During the program, you’ll learn the technical fundamentals of IT security—from protection mechanisms to security architectures. At the same time, you’ll delve into the psychological mechanisms of human behavior: Why do people fall for social engineering? What motives, cognitive biases, and behavioral patterns do attackers specifically exploit? You’ll learn to analyze and understand these attacks, and in doing so, you’ll learn how to improve technical systems.
That's What “Human Cyber Security” Is All About
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Interdisciplinary
The study program thrives on its interdisciplinary approach: engineering and social science perspectives come together—with different methods, ways of thinking, and communication cultures. This is precisely where your strength as a graduate lies: you become the bridge, the "translator" between technology and people. During your studies, you’ll work on interdisciplinary projects that address real-world issues in IT security—in a practical, team-oriented, and solution-focused manner.
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Active, outgoing, modern
Teaching methods are also active and modern: project work, the flipped classroom, co-teaching, and peer learning promote not only subject knowledge but also independence, communication skills, and personal responsibility. You actively shape your own learning process, developing important interdisciplinary skills along the way.
Your study progress
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1. Foundational Phase (Semesters 1–3)
During the first three semesters, you will acquire fundamental knowledge in the fields of IT security and psychology. This includes both technological topics (e.g., network security, cryptography) and psychological and social science fundamentals (e.g., human behavior, decision-making). In addition, you will develop methodological skills such as research methods, foundational knowledge in mathematics and information technology, as well as ethics, governance, and compliance.
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2. Interdisciplinary Specialization Phase (Semesters 4–7)
Starting in the fourth semester, you’ll choose from a wide range of mandatory elective modules that lie at the intersection of IT security and psychology. Depending on your interests, you can focus on either IT security or psychology and specialize in specific subject areas. Through project-based teaching and learning methods, interdisciplinary skills are fostered by working on real-world scenarios that integrate both technical and behavioral security measures. The internship semester or exchange semester in the fifth semester serves to deepen your understanding and provide your first opportunities to apply what you’ve learned in your studies.
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3. Thesis
The bachelor's thesis marks your graduation and gives you the opportunity to carry out an independent research or practical project that highlights the connection between the technical and psychological aspects of IT security.
Your Future with a Bachelor's Degree in "Human Cyber Security"
The "Human Cyber Security" study program aims to provide you with interdisciplinary vocational training by combining technological and behavioral science approaches to IT security. Upon graduation, you will be able to:
- independently acquire knowledge in the fields of IT security and psychology and recognize the practical relevance of these disciplines
- analyze human factors in IT security, particularly with regard to social engineering and other psychological attack vectors
- develop interdisciplinary, practical solutions that take into account both technical and behavioral science aspects
- communicate and present scientifically sound solutions tailored to specific audiences
- think and act in a networked and interdisciplinary manner to identify and close technical and behavioral security vulnerabilities
Your Career Opportunities: Quick & Concise
What kinds of jobs can you do?
- Information Security Officer
- IT Compliance Manager
- IT Risk Manager
- IT Forensic Specialist
- Cybersecurity Engineer
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Cybersecurity Manager
- Cybersecurity Instructor
- Security Penetration Tester
- IT Security Specialist
- IT Security Consultant
- IT Security Auditor
- Digital Transformation Consultant
- and more
In which industries can you work?
- IT and software companies
- Telecommunications industry
- Financial services
- Healthcare
- Industry and manufacturing
- Public administration
- Educational institutions
- E-commerce and retail
- Consulting firms
- Research institutions
- Media and publishing
- Data protection consulting firms
- and many more
What tasks can you expect?
- Expanding existing IT security offerings
- Developing new technical security measures
- Considering the human factor in security
- Creating and conducting training sessions
- Teaching employees to recognize social engineering
- Raising employee awareness
- Providing consultation on holistic IT security
- and more
Get in touch
Are you interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree in "Human Cyber Security"? Here you’ll find all the information you need about the application and enrollment process. The study program will launch for the first time in the 2027/28 winter semester.
You might also be interested in these study programs:
Intelligent Systems Design
Intercultural Business Psychology
Do you have any questions? Please contact us!