We are currently at full capacity for theses supervision.
Due to upcoming changes at the chair and limited future capacity, we are currently unable to guarantee supervision for new theses. Prospective students are welcome to inquire, but should be aware that supervision opportunities may be very limited.
Theses at our Chair:
We’re happy you’re interested in writing a thesis at HCS! Please note:
- If you already attended one of our courses, you are better prepared for writing a thesis in our field of research.
- You should try to arrange a topic early, as we are usually unable to support last-minute requests.
- If you have no explicit topic or question you could work on, do not hesitate to visit our website and look what our team members work on (see the list). You may, of course, also approach team members directly or via email.
- You can ask for literature or advice, if you are interested in a topic and want to inform yourself before you decide to write a thesis on that topic.
- Theses are usually written in English.
HOW TO APPLY FOR A THESIS AT HCS
To apply for a thesis at HCS or to express interest, please send an email of the format described below.
We do not accept applications via email to individual HCS staff members. Use the functional email address below and we will get back to you within 2 weeks.
Before we accept an application, we will usually ask you to write an exposé outlining your thesis, based on our input.
For the content of your application email, please copy the questions from the HCS Email Application Template and add your answers.
You may start the email with a short motivational text. You may also attach your ToR and other documents.
Send applications to hcs-theses@ruhr-uni-bochum.de only.
CURRENTLY OFFERED THESES
You can find a list of already scoped thesis projects here: HCS Thesis Offers
You can apply for these theses projects specifically. If there are none that suit you, you may still apply the general way, as described above.
OUR TEAM MEMBERS CONDUCT RESEARCH IN DIFFERENT AREAS
Peter Heubl supervises theses on security topics that include physiological measures (e.g. eye tracking, heart rate). Goal of his research is to identify signs that people are at risk by analyzing human behavior and physiological responses, and thus better protect them when using technology.
Jan Nold supervises theses on the topics of risk perception and changing behaviors or habits of citizens regarding IT security. The primary focus is on potential interventions and security measures that are easy to implement and have a lasting and significant impact on users‘ security posture. These measures span three main areas: improved communication, enhanced training programs, and the development of support systems like apps.
Jens Opdenbusch supervises final theses on the topic of IT security in organizations.
Felix Reichmann supervises theses on the topic of Software Bills of Materials (SBOM) and Cybersecurity in organizations.
Sangavi Shanthakumar supervises theses on the topic on game-based approaches for IT security training to form habits and achieve lasting secure behaviour. This includes topics requiring technical implementation.
Jan Tolsdorf supervises theses on human factors in trustworthy Artificial Intelligence (AI), as well as human-centered information privacy and security. Potential topics include understanding and measuring human perceptions of trustworthiness in generative AI, interventions and measurements related to organizational security and data protection, and investigations of GDPR-, DSA-, and EUDIW-related issues.