The part-time computer science/IT security program comprises a total of nine semesters. The program starts in the winter semester. You will receive a Bachelor of Science degree.

For flexible and location-independent learning, you can expect a special concept as part of the blended learning format. You will receive study letters during your studies. These study letters contain the learning material in the form of didactically prepared study texts with exercises for self-monitoring and submission. We also offer online seminars to support you. In these, you can listen to lectures, for example, but tools are also presented and exercises discussed. In general, you can discuss current issues with lecturers or tutors in the online seminars. As a rule, 8 online seminars are offered per module. Participation in the online seminars is generally not obligatory. All online seminars are recorded and are subsequently available via a learning platform. In addition to the online seminars, most of the modules also offer a face-to-face event, which generally takes place on a weekend during the semester. The attendance phases serve to apply and deepen the acquired knowledge in lectures, exercises and group work.

FAU runs the program together with several partner universities. The attendance weekend for a module takes place at the respective university offering the course, i.e. in Erlangen, Bochum, Darmstadt, Berlin or Offenburg. A good third of the attendance weekends take place in Erlangen, but this does not give Erlangen a significant advantage as a place of residence.

At the end of each semester, the final module examinations take place. If they are written examinations, these are also conducted in presence. Exams can usually be written at the following locations: Berlin, Bochum, Darmstadt, Erlangen, Kiel and Offenburg. You can choose the location that is most convenient for you at the moment.

In terms of content, you can expect various modules in the field of computer science and IT security, a project, two seminars and the bachelor thesis.

In this part-time bachelor’s degree program, you have the opportunity to set individual content priorities in the field of IT security within the elective area. In this way, you already set the direction for your subsequent professional career during your studies. Twelve elective modules are regularly offered, six of which you must complete. The range of elective modules is dynamic, i.e. new elective modules may well be added if interesting topics arise in the field of IT security:

• Mobile phone forensics
• Further topics of computer forensics
• Network forensics
• Mobile systems security
• Spam
• Cryptographic protocols
• Block chain and cryptocurrencies
• incident management
• Ethical Hacking
• Anonymity on the Net
• Open Source Intelligence & Espionage Prevention
• Machine Learning and Security

The part-time degree program is just right for you if you are interested in IT security or IT in general, or if you are already working in the IT field and want to obtain an academic university degree part-time. An optimal learning mix of online and face-to-face phases as well as study letters for self-study makes it easier for you to combine your studies with your job and family. With this know-how under your belt, you can immediately apply what you have learned in your professional life and identify and solve practical problems – in short, a career as a sought-after expert in IT security awaits you.

Of course, you can also study the course „classically“, e.g. immediately after your Abitur. Work experience is not a necessary condition for participation in the degree program. The reasons for choosing a part-time course of study can vary greatly from person to person.