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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.

  • 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 timetables

    Programme 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 credits

    Elective 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 credits

    Alternative 1 and 2:
    Mandatory courses 2 x 7,5 credits

    Introduction to Information Security 7,5 credits
    Information Security in Organisations 7,5 credits

    2nd 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 credits

    Year 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 studies

    Mandatory 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 credits

    4th Semester

    Master thesis 30 credits

  • 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 criteria

    The 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.

  • 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:

    Cyber Security

  • 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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