The Master's Program Entrepreneurial Cybersecurity teaches advanced techniques and state-of-the-art research in Cybersecurity and enables students to apply and put this knowledge into practice by developing a cybersecurity project, write a proof of concept, and develop a market-ready product.
Thus, it combines our strong research at Saarland Informatics Campus, top-ranked in CHE rankings, especially in the area of Cybersecurity with a market-oriented application. Students will work in close collaboration with Cyberecurity researchers at CISPA − Helmholtz Center for Information Security on campus, who will support and guide students in finding and developing their project ideas.
Students are admitted to our program twice per year. Due to the close supervision by our mentors, especially during the Cybersecurity project, we can only accept 30 students per year. For any winter term starting in October, please apply via the Online Application Portal of Saarland University until July 15. For any summer term starting in April, please apply until January 15.
Saarland University is the first university to combine Cybersecurity Research with the foundation of a startup leading to a degree of „Master of Engineering (M.Eng.)”. 50% of the program is dedicated to lectures and seminars in „Cybersecurity” and „Computer Science” complemented by courses in „Business Administration” teaching you the basics to found a successful company. The other 50% of the program consist of a „Cybersecurity Project” which is developed in small groups of 3 students, closely supervised by our mentors. Finally, your contribution is summarized in your „Master's Thesis”.
By combining these three parts, the course of study prepares for demanding, innovative, and responsible activities in transferring recent research results in the areas of cybersecurity and computer science towards users and markets. While the course of study primarily aims towards creating a startup, the acquired capabilities will allow for research and development activities in a multitude of work contexts.
Lectures in Cybersecurity, related areas of Computer Science, optional courses (30 ECTS)
Lecture Series "Perspectives of Cybersecurity" on current research topics
Find your scientific mentor and form small groups of 2-4 students.
Lectures in Cybersecurity, related areas of Computer Science, optional courses (15 ECTS)
Cybersecurity Project: first prototype, internal sales pitch (15 ECTS)
Lectures in Cybersecurity, related areas of Computer Science, optional courses (15 ECTS)
Cybersecurity Project: Refine your prototype, sales pitch in front of an external audience (15 ECTS)
Master's Thesis: based on your project, typically, a description of your contribution to the proof of concept. (15 ECTS)
Cybersecurity Project: Proof of Concept, Business plan, Sales pitch in front of investors and supporters. (15 ECTS)
The CISPA − Helmholtz Center for Information Security is a German national Big Science Institution within
the Helmholtz Association. Its research agenda comprises all aspects of Information Security.
With its ongoing growth, CISPA will have the critical mass of researchers (500+) to provide a comprehensive,
holistic treatment of the pressing grand cybersecurity and privacy research challenges that our society faces
in the age of digitalization. CISPA seeks to play a prominent international role on research, transfer, and
innovation by combining cutting-edge, often disruptive foundational research with innovative
application-oriented research, corresponding technology transfer, and societal outreach.
Thematically, it strives to cover the full spectrum from theory to empirical research.
It is deeply grounded in computer science and works interdisciplinarily with researchers in adjacent fields
such as medicine, law, and the social sciences.
CISPA is part of the Saarland Informatics Campus, home to other well-renowned institutes such as the Max Planck Institutes for Informatics and for Software Systems, the German Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI), etc. CISPA is located in Saarbruecken, in the greater region neighboring France, Luxemburg placing the center in an ideal location for both cross-border and local collaborations with other research institutes. The „Saarland Informatics Campus“ (SIC) offers Study, Research, and Careers in the Heart of Europe. 1,800 students from 81 countries study in 15 informatics-related programs on the Saarland Informatics Campus (SIC) at Saarland University, within three established departments. More than 800 scientists, in two graduate schools and six internationally renowned research institutes, are researching the complete spectrum of informatics topics, thus particularly enriching the areas of IT security, artificial intelligence, visual computing, bioinformatics, and the Semantic Web – from the foundations to innovative applications. The SIC works together with international corporations such as Google, Microsoft and Facebook, and supports numerous spin-offs through its IT Incubator (ITI). Thus it acts as a driver for further industry, research, and development laboratories to locate in the area. The full potential of the site is leveraged to generate scientific publications and win prizes, as well as to put forth patent applications and technological innovations. Thanks to its excellent expertise and competitiveness, joint success is guaranteed at the Saarland Informatics Campus.
I do not speak any German. Will that be a problem for my studies?
The Master's Program is fully held in English. No knowledge of German is required for your studies.
What are the study fees?
There are no general study fees in Germany. Current administrative and social student fees are around 300 EUR per semester. Please find more detailed information on study fees here: https://www.uni-saarland.de/en/study/current/record-data/fees.html
I did not study Cybersecurity. Am I eligible for this program?
Entrepreneurial Cybersecurity requires a BSc in Cybersecurity, Computer Science or a related subject; with a BSc in Electronics and Communications Engineering,or such, you may have to take extra courses with us, depending on the courses you already took.
How can I learn more about the structure and details of the course?
You can find more detailed information on program details, requirements, and useful documents here.
What is the average of working hours per week?
Our courses assume a working time of 40 hours/week including courses, exercises, reading, and studying.
Can I apply to the program and get accepted before I got my bachelor certificate?
Yes, if you do have a letter from your university confirming that you passed your exams and that your BSc will be awarded before the lectures start (i.e., mid October).
What are the required degrees and/or skills?
Our MSc in Entrepreneurial Cybersecurity is a very competitive program that requires strong technical skills in Cybersecurity and Computer Science. If you do not hold a strong degree in these fields and still want to apply, be sure to demonstrate your capabilities appropriately. On top, activities that indicate entrepreneurial skills are very welcome.