Program Structure

Ph.D. Entry Paths

The program welcomes outstanding students from different academic backgrounds. Applicants can enter the Ph.D. program after completing either a Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree.

  • Bachelor’s degree entry

    • Preparatory phase to build advanced research foundations

    • In parallel, Fast-Track Ph.D. at RUB

    • followed by the doctoral research phase

  • Master’s (or equivalent) entry

    • Direct entry into the doctoral research phase

Preparatory Phase (Bachelor’s degree entry)

The preparatory phase lasts around 12 months (at least two full semesters) and provides the academic foundation and early research exposure needed for doctoral work. Formally, the preparatory phase comprises two parallel components: A) Academic & Research Foundations and B) Fast-Track Ph.D. at RUB.

At the end of the preparatory phase, students transition to the doctoral phase by selecting a dissertation advisor and establishing a Thesis Advisory Committee.

A) Academic & Research Foundations

Research immersion labs

  • All students participate in two research immersion labs introducing different program focus areas.

  • Each lab:

    • lasts about 3 months

    • provides hands-on research experience

  • Labs help students explore research topics, collaborate with faculty and peers, and identify a dissertation direction.

Scientific exchange

  • Students attend at least one scientific event (e.g., conference, workshop, or summer school) to gain early exposure to the international research community.

Community and mentoring

  • Regular events encourage interaction between students and faculty and strengthen the program’s research community.

  • Each student is supported by a faculty mentor who advises on courses, research interests, and academic planning.

 

B) Fast-Track Ph.D. at RUB

The preparatory phase is aligned with the fast-track Ph.D. program at the Computer Science faculty of Ruhr University Bochum (RUB).

Course requirements

  • Fast-track students are enrolled as Ph.D. students at RUB while completing additional coursework.

  • Students must complete at least 60 ECTS credits from the modules of a specific Master’s-program offered by the CS faculty.

  • Of these, at least 40 ECTS must come from mandatory or mandatory-elective modules of that Master’s program.

Available Master’s programs

Students can take courses from one the following programs:

Language and course availability

  • The Computer Science Master’s program is taught in English.

  • Overall, many Master’s courses at the CS faculty are offered in English, making them accessible to international students.

Dissertation Phase (Master’s or equivalent entry)

During the dissertation phase, students focus on conducting original, high-impact research in privacy and security. The doctoral project is an independent research endeavor that typically takes three to four years and leads to publishable scientific results. Students are enrolled at Ruhr University Bochum (RUB) and complete their Ph.D. under the supervision of a primary advisor, often with additional co-advisors from partner institutions.

Research and supervision

  • Students work closely with their advisor and research group on their dissertation project.

  • The program encourages collaborative research and co-advising across institutions, providing access to a broad network of expertise.

  • Many students build on research interests explored during the preparatory phase and research immersion labs.

Academic community and training

  • The IMPRS organizes regular joint events, including:

    • research colloquia

    • topical seminars

    • retreats during teaching breaks

  • These events promote scientific exchange, collaboration, and community building among students and faculty.

  • Students also have access to professional and soft-skills training.

Broadening research experience

Students are encouraged to gain experience beyond their primary research group:

  • Research visits to partner universities or research institutions

  • Internships in industrial research labs (typically 3–6 months)

  • A cross-disciplinary research project in another focus area of the program

    • typically lasting at least six weeks

    • designed to expose students to new methods, ideas, and research perspectives

These experiences help students expand their research network and professional development.

Thesis Advisory Committee

  • Each student is supported by a Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC) established early in the doctoral phase.

  • The TAC provides scientific guidance, feedback on research progress, and mentoring throughout the Ph.D.

Scientific exchange and dissemination

Students actively participate in the program’s research life:

  • Attend and present work at IMPRS research retreats

  • Participate in the IMPRS research seminar

  • Attend the Distinguished Speaker Lecture Series hosted by MPI-SP

  • Present their research at international conferences or workshops

Community engagement and teaching

Students are encouraged to contribute to the broader academic community:

  • Participate in outreach activities, such as blog posts, events, or public engagement

  • Support teaching activities, for example:

    • assisting in courses

    • leading tutorials

    • supervising Bachelor’s or Master’s theses

  • Take part in the IMPRS buddy program, supporting newly arriving students and strengthening the student community.

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