Industrial Safety (M.Sc.)
Course Content
This degree program, which is unique in Bavaria, is offered on an interdisciplinary basis by the faculties of Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, and Business Administration, and is aimed at graduates of bachelor programs in engineering and information technology, as well as business programs with a technical focus. Over the course of three semesters, students acquire the skills to solve security problems in the field of industrial automation and control systems as well as in critical infrastructure through an interdisciplinary approach. The key topics of this highly practice-oriented program range from IT security and data protection to functional safety, IT law, and leadership.
Program Structure
The first semester of the master program focuses on the fundamentals of industrial security from technical, organizational, and legal perspectives. These courses ensure that students can establish interdisciplinary connections, which are essential for addressing security aspects in the context of Industry 4.0. In the second semester, students deepen their specialized knowledge and consolidate what they have learned through a large-scale interdisciplinary project. Subsequently, in the third semester, they write their master’s thesis—often in close collaboration with a company—on a complex topic in the field of safety. In addition, they have the opportunity to further specialize in their field through an elective module.
What makes this program unique: Students receive hands-on training in the “Industrial Safety” laboratory using a networked automation and control system. There, safety-critical situations that can arise in companies—such as a large-scale hacker attack on sensitive IT data—are directly simulated. In addition, they work closely with researchers from the Institute for Innovative Security (HSA_innos) as well as with the HSA_ops research group (Optimization and Operations Management). Researchers from the Technology Transfer Center in Nördlingen, who conduct research on a wide variety of aspects of the manufacturing industry, are also involved in the new degree program, which has been offered at Augsburg University of Applied Sciences since the summer semester of 2017.
International Specialization
Starting in the summer semester of 2025, we will offer the “International” specialization as part of the Industrial Safety and Security (M.Sc.) program. This specialization is designed for international students, and the language of instruction is exclusively English. The standard duration of study for this program is 3 semesters on a full-time basis. For the “International” specialization, German language proficiency at the B1 level and English language proficiency at the B2 level (CEFR) are required. Each semester, students must complete a German language course (worth 5 ECTS credits). Upon graduation, students will demonstrate German proficiency at the C1 level, making them well-prepared for the German job market.
Future. Career. Industry. With confidence!
Germany is digitizing its manufacturing sector—which is why experts in the secure integration of Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) in industry are in high demand. This is because connected factories and facilities require special protection against hackers and other cybercriminals.
The Master’s in Industrial Safety and Security prepares you for leadership positions and research projects in this field. That’s why the program covers a variety of topics that will prepare you for your role in the real world.
These are your new skills
IT Security
In the “Industrial Security” lab, you’ll receive hands-on training on a networked automation and control system. There, safety-critical situations that can occur in companies are simulated—such as a large-scale hacker attack on sensitive IT data. In addition, you’ll work closely with researchers at the Institute for Innovative Security (THA_innos).
Leadership
You’ll view security from a business management perspective. For example, you’ll assess risks within the organizational structure and employee management. You’ll incorporate these insights into measures that enable or support security concepts. These include escalation procedures, access rights, guidelines (for communication), business rules, and training.
Functional Safety
Using your knowledge of functional safety, you protect users of products and systems from the consequences of failures or malfunctions. To this end, you design, for example, models for hazard and threat analyses or security specifications to ensure the safety of subsequent hardware and software development. In addition, you are an expert in the security lifecycle of products and are ultimately also responsible for decommissioning.
"Industrial Safety" Laboratory
State-of-the-art equipment for the best possible education in the Industrial Safety Lab
In the “Industrial Safety” laboratory at the Institute for Innovative Safety (THA_innos), students in the Master’s program in Industrial Safety have access to unique equipment. Here, they can test and practice safety and security measures in a variety of realistic scenarios.
Career Prospects
Are complex industrial production networks secure against hacker attacks? What security vulnerabilities arise during remote maintenance in plant and machinery engineering? How can companies be protected against spear-phishing and social engineering? These are just a few of the questions you’ll face in real-world practice. Upon completing this program, you will be able to take on independent roles as a security analyst in the IT sector, as a developer of secure production and manufacturing lines, and as a “safety and security consultant” with management and process consulting firms.
Balancing work and studies—guaranteed with us
The program was designed specifically for working professionals. You can continue working while earning your master’s degree—and take the next step in your career.
With us, you’ll study:
- an interdisciplinary curriculum (electrical engineering, computer science, business)
- practical and up-to-date
- part-time
Downloads Related to Your Studies
syllabus and examination regulations
Industrial Safety (M.Sc.), Admission starting in the 2025 summer semester (SPO 20252)
Questions About the Master Program in Industrial Safety and the International Office
Academic Advising and Questions About the Industrial Safety Program
Questions regarding credit recognition and applications to the Industrial Safety Examination Board
Questions for the International Office