Master's Programme in Cybersecurity
120 ECTS credits
Study programme
In computer science, development is advancing rapidly. Therefore, the programme at Karlstad University focuses on equipping students with the ability to continuously acquire and apply new knowledge. The education also aims to provide students with in-depth competence in the field of computer science, with a specialization in cybersecurity.
Education level:
Master's level
Prerequisites
General entry requirements. Upper-secondary school English 6 or equivalent, Degree of Bachelor 180 credits and 90 credits in computer science, including the following courses:
Programming techniques, 7.5 credits
Software development methodology, 7.5 credits
Operating systems, 5 credits
Computer networking I, 7.5 credits
and
Mathematical statistics, 7.5 credits
(or equivalent courses)
While studying
Education
The programme starts in the autumn every year. The first semester provides both a solid foundation in advanced computer networking and cyber security, as well as fundamental courses in advanced computer science. The second semester reinforces the focus on networked systems and cyber security, with advanced courses on, e.g., wireless systems and ethical hacking. During the third semester the student may choose which elective path to follow. The student may choose between options such as research or industry oriented electives, study abroad or a broader approach involving another subject area. The last semester is devoted to thesis work. The thesis may be done within one of the department's research projects or at a company.Form of Instruction
This is full-time course of study. Throughout the program instruction is given in the form of lectures, exercises, case studies, seminars, project work, and oral and written presentations. Students are expected to participate actively in class and study extensively on their own.Examination
Examination usually takes place at the end of each course, module or unit. The fulfillment of the learning outcomes is specified in the study plans for the obligatory courses.Study Abroad
During the programme it is possible to arrange for a period of study abroad.Professional Contact
During the programme it is possible to arrange for placements with external organisations.Course of study
| Semester 1 | ECTS credits |
|---|---|
| Advanced Communication Networks (Obligatory) | 5 |
| Systems modeling and simulation (Obligatory) | 5 |
| Internet Architectures and Protocols (Obligatory) | 5 |
| Internet Security and Privacy (Obligatory) | 7.5 |
| Methods in Computer Science (Obligatory) | 7.5 |
Total ECTS credits:
30
| Semester 2 | ECTS credits |
|---|---|
| Ethical hacking (Obligatory) | 7.5 |
| Distributed Systems and Cloud Computing (Obligatory) | 7.5 |
| Software Architectures of Distributed Applications (Obligatory) | 5 |
| Wireless Systems (Obligatory) | 5 |
| Distributed Applications: Development Project (Obligatory) | 5 |
Total ECTS credits:
30
| Semester 3 | ECTS credits |
|---|---|
| Privacy Engineering (Obligatory) | 7.5 |
| Usable Security and Privacy (Obligatory) | 7.5 |
| Research Project in Computer Science (Elective) | 15 |
| Optional course (Elective) | 15 |
Total ECTS credits:
30*
| Semester 4 | ECTS credits |
|---|---|
| Computer Science - Master´s Thesis (Obligatory) | 30 |
Total ECTS credits:
30
*Full-time study always equals 30 ECTS credits per semester (20 weeks).
Future prospects
Employment Market
The programme offers a wide range of possibilities, from a research track for students wishing to continue with PhD studies to more practical applications, both of which may include an international aspect. You may combine for example the final dissertation in the fourth semester with more industry oriented choices in the third semester, if aiming for employment in industry. The programme provides a good foundation in current developments in the area of networked systems and cyber security, and as such should enhance your employability.Degree
Degree of Master of Science (120 credits)Main field of study: Computer Science
Specialisation: Cybersecurity
Further Studies
After completion of the Master's Degree the student may continue with further studies to earn a PhD. In the third and fourth semesters of the programme, the student has the possibility to start studying research topics and may if they so choose spend this year on research related topics.Tuition fees
- Total fee: 310,000 SEK
- Per semester / First payment: 77,500 SEK
You do not have to pay tuition fees if you are an exchange student or a citizen of a country within the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland.
Choose occasion
Campus (Karlstad), 100%
Options
- Start Autumn 2027
- Mode of study Campus (Karlstad)
- Language English
- Application code KAU-80917
- Study pace 100% (Day)