Master´s Programme in Information Security
Information Security is certainly one of the most exciting and ever growing areas within IT. Global IT security spending is projected by business magazine Forbes to possibly increase tenfold in the coming decade. This type of growth will have far reaching impacts on the job market for graduates from advanced studies in information and cyber security.
Information security is primarily concerned with the protection of information assets. Today, most of the information resides in - and is communicated via IT systems. Hence, these systems need to be protected from various threats and attacks. The goal of information security is to protect with respect to the information its confidentiality, integrity and availability. Naturally, it all depends on the business needs and legal requirements. The area of information security is both exciting and overreaching since it also entails the protection of the essential and critical cyber infrastructure, trying to prevent or solve a wide range of computer crimes and other illicit activities, as well as protecting human rights, freedom and democracy. One of the many objectives is to devise new methods and strategies for cyber readiness and defence.
The demand for educated information security specialists is already very high, almost always among the first top jobs in IT and in the coming years it is expected to continue its growth almost exponentially.
Graduates of this programme are ready to work in the area of information security and related fields in both private and public sector organisations as managers, advisors and specialists providing professional and expert know-how.
Stockholm University pioneered academic research and education in information security in Sweden in the 1960s. The university has since then turned out thousands of graduates who are now part of academia and industry around the globe.
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Programme overview
You will find detailed course information, list of course literature, schedule and start date on the course information page at "Courses and timetables". Select semester in the drop-down menu and search by course name.
Courses and timetablesProgramme outline
We approach the subject area from both the business side and the technical side. This master’s programme includes courses such as:• Introduction to Digital and Information Security
• Secure Software
• Information Security in Organisations
• Network Security
• Information Security Project Management
• Cyber Security
• Legal aspects of information security
• Cyber Forensics
The programme also includes studies relative to scientific communication and research methodology for computer and systems sciences, leading up to the independent thesis work in the final term before the graduation.Year 1
1st Semester
Two alternatives, depending on the student’s previous background.
Alternative 1:
For students that do not have 90 credits in computer and system sciences, informatics or equivalent:Mandatory course 1 x 15 credits
Supplementary course in Computer and Systems Sciences 15 credits
Alternative 2:
For students with 90 credits in computer and system sciences, informatics or equivalent:Mandatory course 1 x 7,5 credits
Digital Forensics 7,5 creditsElective courses 1 x 7,5 credits
One from the following three courses:
Advanced Requirements Engineering of IT-systems 7,5 credits
Data Mining in Computer and Systems Sciences 7,5 credits
Enterprise Computing and ERP Systems 7,5 creditsAlternative 1 and 2:
Mandatory courses 2 x 7,5 creditsIntroduction to Information Security 7,5 credits
Information Security in Organisations 7,5 credits2nd Semester
Mandatory courses 4 x 7,5 credits
Scientific Communication and Research Methodology 7,5 credits
Network Security 7,5 credits
Cyber Forensics 7,5 credits
Cyber Security 7,5 creditsYear 2
3rd Semester
For this semester, you have the possibility to apply for exchange studies.
Note that, you must read the course Research Methodology for Computer and Systems Sciences 7,5 credits (or a similar course) during your exchange period to be able to write your thesis when you return.
Exchange studiesMandatory courses 4 x 7,5 credits
Research Methodology for Computer and Systems Sciences 7,5 credits
Software Security 7,5 credits
Legal Aspects of Information Security 7,5 credits
Information and IT-security Management 7,5 credits4th Semester
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How to apply
This program starts each autumn semester.
Please note that it is only possible to apply for this programme in the first admission round (mid-October to mid-January). The programme is not open for admission in the second admission round.
Find answers to the most common questions regarding application, requirements and study format (distance or campus). FAQ Master's programmes
Selection process
Additional eligibility criteriaThe merit rating is based on the following selection criteria. Please note that the motivation letter is mandatory.
Selection criteria:
- Grades of academic courses.
- Motivation letter – motivate why you want to study this programme. Maximum one A4. Submit the letter together with your supporting documents at universityadmissions.se. Please note that the motivation letter is mandatory.
The Admission board will not consider recommendation letters or CV.
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More information
Degree
Find the degree awarded for this programme in the syllabus, either in the right sidebar (desktop) or below (mobile device).
Please note, that you can only be awarded one bachelor’s degree, one master’s degree (60 credits) and one master’s degree (120 credits) in computer and systems sciences from our department.
Research
Research subject at the department with relevance to the program:
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Career opportunities
The job market for information security professionals is very good. Information security graduates from Stockholm University work, among other, as information security managers (CISO), information security consultants, cyber security specialists, cyber and digital forensics professionals. Some graduates choose to pursue their careers in research education that eventually leads to a doctoral degree in this exciting field.
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