University of Turku

Master's Degree Programme in Information and Communication Technology: Cyber Security

Program Structure

• The scope of the Master of Science in Technology (DI) degree is 120 ECTS credit points, and the degree is divided into the following modules for the Cyber Security track:
• Joint advanced studies of the ICT degree program, 20 ECTS;
• Studies in Communication and Cyber Security Engineering, 20 ECTS;
• Advanced studies in Communication and Cyber Security Engineering, 10 ECTS;
• Master’s thesis, 30 ECTS;
• Thematic module or minor subject, 20-25 ECTS;
• Elective studies, 15-20 ECTS.

Master's Thesis & Topics

In the master’s thesis in Technology, you will prove your ability to perform scientific work, skillfulness in research methods, knowledge of the research field, and skill in scientific writing. To complete the master’s thesis, you will need to apply your technological skills and abilities. You will identify an engineering problem, study its relevance to the field, propose and design a solution, test and analyze it, and evaluate its merit.

The thesis is often commissioned by a company, meaning that you may have the chance to get directly employed by the company commissioning the thesis, potentially leading to a successful career in the industry. On the other hand, an academia-oriented student might seek a thesis topic in a research group at the university and target a Ph.D. candidate position upon completion of an academically merited master’s thesis.

Topics of recently completed master’s theses include:

• Mitigating Modern Organization-Wide Network Threats and Data Leakages
• Evaluation of Machine Learning Classifiers for Mobile Network Intrusion Detection Systems
• Software-Based Malware Analysis and Mitigation in Virtual Machines
• Frequent Attack Dictionary Decision Tree Method for Advanced Signature-Based Intrusion Detection
• Security requirements in tradable IoT ecosystems
• An Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) Framework for Online Investigations
• Applying Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Model to Improve Information Security Policy Compliance among Employees
• Experimental Penetration Testing Teaching and Learning for High School Students Using Cloud Computing
• Access Control Process for a SaaS Provider
• A SystemC Simulator for Secure Data Transfer in Healthcare Internet of Things

Competence Description

After completing the Master’s degree in Cyber Security, you will have achieved:

• good knowledge of the cyber security of communication systems and their applications;
• the ability to define the requirements for secure data transmission for future services in different telecommunication solutions;
• understanding of the integration challenges of the Internet of Things (IoT) and autonomous systems/robotics;
• understanding of IoT system architectures and their cyber security requirements and solutions;
• the ability to analyze essential communication protocols, network technologies, and cyber security technologies, the ability to make the right system design solutions for essential applications;
• ability to define, design, manage, and analyze network security solutions based on commercial and open-source firewall technologies and intrusion detection systems;
• ability to select appropriate cyber security solutions for the desired applications;
• ability to identify cyber security risks and, through careful cyber security planning, the ability to prevent them from materializing; and to manage the problems the risks may cause.

Job Options

The expertise profile may lead to a career title of, for example:

• Network security specialist
• Information security specialist
• Security manager
• Chief information officer
• Cryptography engineer

The information-intensive industry has become the most important business sector in Finland, and information has become one of the most relevant products. Securing this business sector and its products is vital in the modern era.

Securing this business sector and its products is vital in the modern era. In addition to pursuing careers in the IT industry as cybersecurity specialists and experts, graduates of this major subject are also eligible to apply for admission to Ph.D. studies in the field.

Career in Research

Master's degree (Technology) also gives you eligibility for scientific postgraduate degree studies – doctoral and licentiate degrees. Degrees can be completed within the University of Turku Graduate School (UTUGS) and Doctoral Programmes.