MSc Cyber Security
- Leiden, Netherlands
- The Hague, Netherlands
MSc
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
EUR 12,800 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* The tuition fee* for all students (Dutch, EU and non-EU citizens alike) is €12.800 per year**.
Key Summary
The executive master’s programme in cybersecurity takes a multidisciplinary approach that helps you develop effective and sustainable solutions for cyber risks and threats.
This programme is designed for highly educated professionals (computer scientists, lawyers, policymakers) with several years of professional experience in and/or affinity with issues in the field of cyber security.
We offer three options to follow this Executive master programme:
1. Follow the full Cyber Security programme
2. Follow introductory courses as a contract student
3. Follow introductory courses as a non-examination student
Why study cybersecurity?
Our programme will teach you to make connections between technical, legal and social scientific aspects of cyber security, so you can come to effective and sustainable solutions for cyber risks and threats. Subsequently, you will be able to contribute effectively to sustainable strategies for digital defensibility and security of society as a whole, including organisations and citizens.
During this programme, you will learn to:
- Identify the complexities and interdependencies in cyberspace
- Contribute solutions to cyber risks, both from a technological and a policy and administrative approach
- Relegate cyber threats to acceptable risks
- Build a bridge between largely technical and more administrative-oriented professionals in organisations
- Translate technical and operational issues to a strategic level
- Reflect critically on new developments and results of research into cyber security
- Offer independent contributions to cyber security research
As a student in the Cyber Security programme, you will benefit from:
- Expert instructors: The programme is taught by top experts from Leiden University, TU Delft and The Hague University of Applied Sciences. You will also have guest lectures from professionals such as management consultants (KPMG, VKA, KPN) and technical specialists (NFI, ENCS, FOX-IT)
Why Leiden University?
The executive master’s programme in Cyber Security is unique in its integral approach and its professional ties and focus.
Reasons why you should study Cyber Security at Leiden University
- Expert instructors: The programme is taught by top experts from Leiden University, TU Delft and The Hague University of Applied Sciences. You will also have guest lectures from professionals such as management consultants (KPMG, VKA, KPN) and technical specialists (NFI, ENCS, FOX-IT).
- Multidisciplinary approach: You will gain a thorough understanding of the broad technological, legal, administrative, economic and psychological aspects of digital security.
- Fits into your work schedule: The programme is designed so you can continue working while you study.
- Opportunity to specialise: You can choose to specialise in the technical or governance aspects of cyber security.
- Extracurricular learning: The programme offers extracurricular learning activities on the latest developments in the field.
- Build your professional network: You will be in the classroom with professionals who are working in all areas of cyber security and will have close interactions with the staff and guest lecturers.
Is Cyber Security the right program for you?
- Are you a professional who deals with cybersecurity issues in the public or private sector?
- Do you have a background in administration, law or IT?
- Would you like to further your expertise in cyber security, improving your ability to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow?
Leiden University has a number of scholarship programmes for international students. There are also a range of scholarships offered by Dutch governmental and EU organisations.
The program consists of four phases: conceptualization, specialization, electives, and thesis.
For detailed information on the courses and curricula, see the e-Prospectus. Please note that this guide applies to the current academic year, which means that the curriculum for next year may differ slightly.
1. Conceptualisation
- In the first phase, you will get a general introduction to cyber security based on the bowtie model.
- In the first module (Introduction to Cyberspace) you will explore what cyberspace entails by conceptualizing cyberspace and analyzing several definitions of it. The three-layer model for conceptualizing cyberspace forms the guide for this course. In addition, fundamental concepts that are central to understanding and reasoning about cyberspace are covered, as well as the link to cyber security and related risks.
- In the second module (Introduction to Cyber Security) relations between safety, security, cyber security, and cyberspace are explored in depth. Special attention is paid to regulation and how this relates to cyber security. The notion and functioning of cyber norms complete this introduction to cyber security governance. The course also zooms in on the governance of ICT systems – including critical infrastructures – and the Internet.
- You will finish the first semester with Cyber Risk. This module complements the second module and provides students with a broader understanding of risk as conceived in the social sciences and helps students understand the strengths and limitations of common risk management approaches.
2. Specialisation
The second semester starts with the compulsory modules Legal Perspectives on Cyber Security (capita selecta on legal aspects) and Cyber Security Economics (on the relation between economic theory and practice and cyber security).
After this compulsory module, you choose a specialization: 1. the technical track or 2. the governance track.
3. Electives
You can choose two of the four electives that are offered. Examples of electives in previous years are:
- Actors & Behaviour in Cyberspace
- Data Mining
- Industrial Control Systems & Critical Infrastructures
- Cyber Crisis Management & Communication
The number of electives can vary, depending on the number of participants and their interests and backgrounds. The subjects of the electives can also vary, depending on current issues. For some electives, admission may depend on prior education and knowledge.
4. Thesis
The program concludes with a thesis. You will identify a complex issue or case from practice in the field of digital security. You will then individually research a partial aspect that connects to your prior knowledge and interests and will include your insights and reflections in the thesis.
The program is aimed at professionals with a relevant master’s degree from a university (of applied sciences) and several years of professional experience who wish to broaden or deepen their knowledge of cybersecurity
Graduates work in the field of Cyber Security either in private or public and semi-public companies.