Welcome to the Master’s in Cybersecurity, a programme designed to address one of the most critical challenges of our time: protecting digital systems and infrastructures from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. As the global annual cost of cybercrime is projected to reach an astounding €9.5 trillion this year, cybersecurity has become both a business and societal imperative, extending far beyond traditional IT concerns. The proliferation of connected devices, cloud computing, and remote work has expanded attack surfaces, while advancements in AI and machine learning have enabled adversaries to deploy more complex and adaptive threats.

In response to this evolving landscape, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals has surged dramatically, with an estimated 3.5 million positions projected to remain unfilled worldwide by 2025. Organisations across industries are seeking experts capable of safeguarding sensitive data, securing critical infrastructures, and ensuring compliance with increasingly stringent regulations. Beyond professional roles, research in traditional areas such as networking, distributed systems, database systems, and information systems — as well as in quantum-resistant cryptography, AI-driven defence mechanisms, and zero-trust architectures — is vital for staying ahead of emerging threats.

Objectives

The Master’s in Cybersecurity not only prepares students to meet this growing demand but also empowers them to contribute to innovative solutions that protect our digital future. With this programme, you will gain the expertise needed to thrive in a field where your skills are indispensable and your impact is profound.

Learning outcomes

The programme aims to produce professionals who are not only technically proficient but also capable of addressing cybersecurity challenges from multiple perspectives, including technical, organisational, and societal angles.

To that end, the learning outcomes of the Master’s in Cybersecurity are designed to ensure graduates possess a comprehensive skill set that includes:

  • Assessing Vulnerabilities and Threats. Students will be able to evaluate the security of computer and information systems, including networks, operating systems, applications, processes, and organisational operations, ensuring they can identify potential risks and weaknesses effectively.

  • Building Security Solutions. Graduates will gain the ability to design and implement solutions by selecting and applying cryptographic protocols, techniques, and tools to mitigate risks associated with information security.

  • Understanding Cryptographic Fundamentals. The programme emphasises developing knowledge about the theoretical underpinnings of cryptographic techniques and the complex problems that support their security. This prepares students for both practical applications and advanced research in cryptography.

  • Evaluating Security Systems. Students will learn to assess existing systems and solutions for their ability to prevent vulnerabilities and withstand threats, ensuring robust security measures are in place.

  • Collaborating in Multidisciplinary Teams. The programme prepares students to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams to evaluate and resolve complex cybersecurity issues, fostering collaboration skills essential for professional environments.

  • Applying Complementary Skills. Beyond technical expertise, students will apply their knowledge to related areas such as legal frameworks, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of cybersecurity’s broader implications.