The four-semester master's programme has a modular structure and consists of ten compulsory modules and three elective modules in the first three semesters. In addition, there is a practical phase and the completion of the master's thesis in the fourth semester.
The courses of the first semester deal with:
- Hazard identification
- Safety management in social systems
- Legal basics in the field of safety management
- Dangerous goods and hazardous substances
The second semester deals with:
- Vulnerability of processes and facilities
- Risk analysis and assessment
- Emergency management
- Psychological basics
The courses of the third semester deal with:
- Crisis management
- Public relations and risk communication (internal and external risk communication)
The lectures and seminars are accompanied by in-depth case studies on crisis management in companies and case studies on risk communication.
Safety and Security Managers are in demand
Companies and public authorities increasingly depend on the expertise of safety and security managers to recognise the risks that may arise as a result of malicious attacks or accidental incidents in order to develop and establish measures to safeguard against them, but also to safely manage crises and emergencies in the event of an actual incident. Our increased dependence on technology – not least due to advancing digitalisation – the rising incidence of natural disasters and the constantly changing dangers posed by terrorism and other forms of criminal activity require holistic security systems that include both safety and security measures. In line with this holistic understanding of security, students in this interdisciplinary, consecutive master's programme learn to safeguard the security of an organisation or a socio-technical system with regard to both insider and outsider threats, whether intentional or unintentional.
Why choose this programm
Hand-in-hand with real-worls practice
The course content is taught in close cooperation with government bodies and emergency response organisations.Closely meshed research and teaching
The strong ties between the Institute for Safety and Security Studies (ISaSS) and the study programme allow students to be involved in the latest research projects on a continuous basis.
Prospects for graduates
Activities, research and professional profile
Students who have completed the master's programme often later work
- as safety managers in industrial companies
- in public administration institutions
- in companies in the field of occupational health and safety
- in safety management at logistics companies
- in media and public relations work
Facts about the study programme
Degree of Studies
Master of ScienceStudy Form
Full-time studyTerm of Admission
admission-freeTerm of Admission
Winter and Summer semesterMain Course Language
GermanStandard Period of Study
4 Semester
Unlock your potential
The standard length of study for the consecutive master's programme is four semesters. The study programme is designed as a full-time, face-to-face programme, but it can also be studied part-time alongside employment. The first semester of the programme focuses on the fundamentals of safety and security management. In the second semester, students delve more deeply into content concerning risk analysis and assessment, the mathematical methods of risk analysis and emergency management in companies. In the third semester, the knowledge acquired is applied in practice. The programme concludes with a professional practice phase and completion of the master's thesisin the fourth semester. The study content is taught through lectures, group and project work, a professional practice phase and, if possible, a practice-based final thesis. The lectures and seminars are flanked by in-depth case studies and exercises on crisis and emergency management as well as case studies on risk communication.
Programm overview
The ISSM master’s programme guarantees practical relevance. The contents of the program are taught in close cooperation with emergency response authorities and organizations. In this context, close cooperation is maintained with the Bremerhaven Fire Department, the Bremerhaven Police Department and the Havariekommando in Cuxhaven. The curriculum also includes crisis management exercises in industrial companies, which are regularly carried out with Dow and DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences.
Another special feature is the close integration of research and teaching, which is ensured by the close connection of the course to the Institute for Safety and Security Studies (ISaSS) at Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences. The task of the ISaSS is to conduct and promote both fundamental research and practice-oriented research and the development in the field of safety and security. Over the past years, the ISaSS acquired special knowledge and know-how in the areas of maritime security and infrastructure resilience by conducting several projects. The Institute's various projects allow students to participate in research activities at an early stage, while feeding the curriculum with current findings from relevant research.
The curriculum of the master’s programme includes a practical phase in the form of an internship in the fourth semester. The internship should last at least eight weeks. Afterwards, an internship report has to be submitted.
The the master’s programme allows a flexible course of study, for example by making the sequence of courses more customized. This has also expanded the possibilities for part-time study while working. It is possible to study abroad - preferably starting in the winter semester. Cooperation with the university in Stavanger facilitates the recognition of various academic achievements.
Admission and application
Formal admission requirements are regulated in the admission regulations for the master's programme ISSM at Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences. A diploma or bachelor's degree with at least the overall grade "satisfactory" is required.
This degree can be proven
a) in the study programme Transportation/Logistics at the Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences
b) in another study program with relevant subject areas for the Master's programme and a degree with at least
the overall grade "good" as well as a scope of study and examination achievements of at least 180 CPs
c) good English language skills (level B2)
d) language skills in German at level C1 for non-native speakers
A letter of motivation must be enclosed with the application.
The study places will beassigned according to a ranking of the grades of the first professional qualification.
Further details are provided in the admission regulations.
The Integrated Safety and Security Management (ISSM) study programme accepts students every semester. The application deadline for the winter semester is 15 September, while the deadline for the summer semester is 15 February. The application deadline for the winter semester 2024/25 has been extended to September 27. Please apply online through our ecampus application portal where you can upload all the necessary documents.
The Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences is a member of UNI-ASSIST (Application Services for International Students). Prospective students who have gained their university entrance qualification or bachelor’s degree outside the European Union (EU) can therefore submit their application directly to UNI-ASSIST. To ensure adequate processing time, the application for the winter semester should be submitted to UNI-ASSIST by 30 June for the winter semester and 31 December for the summer semester. Following a successful review, this is forwarded on to the Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences. UNI-ASSIST charges applicants a fee to process the application.
You can find further information on the application procedure on the Registration and Examination Office’s website.
Learn more about the study programme
Integrated Safety and Security Management