← All universities

Ruhr-Universität Bochum

M.Sc. IT SecurityM.Sc. Mechanical EngineeringM.A. Religious Studies

Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum

Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB), founded in 1965, was one of the first newly established universities in postwar Germany and remains one of the country’s largest, with a broad range of disciplines spanning natural sciences, engineering, humanities, and social sciences. Its compact, centrally planned campus on a hill overlooking Bochum brings together nearly all faculties in one place, which makes interdisciplinary exchange easier. The university ranks 22nd in the referenced ranking and has built a strong international reputation, particularly in IT security, where its Horst Görtz Institute is one of the leading research centers in Europe.

Beyond cybersecurity, RUB has notable strengths in mechanical engineering, materials science, and religious studies, the latter benefiting from a dedicated Center for Religious Studies (CERES) that examines religion from historical, cultural, and comparative perspectives. The university’s engineering faculties maintain close ties with the industrial heritage of the Ruhr region, offering practically oriented and research-driven programs. Graduate programs are typically taught with a mix of German and English, with several international master’s programs, such as the M.Sc. in IT Security, delivered fully in English.

Bochum itself is a mid-sized city at the heart of the Ruhr metropolitan area, offering affordable living costs and excellent connectivity to nearby cities like Essen, Dortmund, and Düsseldorf. The wider region provides a dense network of universities, research institutes, and industry partners, making it an attractive base for students interested in applied research and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Highlights

  • Ranked 22nd among German universities
  • Home to the Horst Görtz Institute, a top European center for IT security research
  • Compact single-campus layout supporting interdisciplinary work
  • Strong engineering and materials science programs rooted in the Ruhr region’s industrial base
  • Dedicated Center for Religious Studies (CERES) offering comparative and historical perspectives