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 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 Do Research in Different Areas
Annalina Buckmann supervises theses on Digital Security and Society, Security Cultures and Inclusive and Accessible Security. How do Security and Privacy play out in the everyday life of different people, from expert users to at-risk users? What are their Security and Privacy Requirements, their needs and threat models? How to address them to enhance Security in Society?
Konstantin Fischer supervises theses on the topics of End User Adoption of Secure Technologies, as well as Usability and Correct Use of Secure Technologies. Examples are Email Security, Encrypted Chat Apps, Password Managers, FIDO Authentication.
Jennifer Friedauer is currently not open for supervising final theses. Her research focuses on Security Education, Awareness, and Self-efficacy in IT Security.
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.
Jonas Hielscher supervises final theses on various topics related to IT security in organizations. Possible research areas include Productive Security, Security Friction, and Security Communication between Experts and Non-Experts. Studies are conducted either within organizations or with groups of employees and experts.
Jens Opdenbusch supervises final theses on the topic of IT security 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).
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.