Theses at our Chair
We’re happy you’re interested in writing a thesis at HCS! We usually try to find thesis topics that fit a student’s interests.
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 Theses 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.
Marco Gutfleisch supervises final theses on the topic of Developer Centred Security, with a particular focus on Usable Security. Theses typically investigate the behaviour of developers in their work.
Stefan Horstmann supervises theses on privacy and data protection in software development. Topics include organizational factors, as well as support for software developers through tools or information sources on privacy.
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.
Markus Schöps supervises final theses on the topic of Security and Psychology. The focus of research is the influence of psychological factors on behaviour in IT security, particularly the interaction between stress and behaviour. Stress is measured using subjective measures (questionnaires) and physiological measures (cortisol).
Sangavi Shanthakumar supervises theses on the topic of IT security serious games, game-based learning and gamification. This includes topics requiring technical implementation.