Magister i cybersäkerhet, 60 hp

Top programme in Cybersecurity

In the era of Cyberphysical Systems (CPS) and Internet of Things (IoT), digital dependency can certainly provide great value in all aspects of our life, but it also increases vulnerabilities to cyber intrusion across every segment of our society: corporations, universities, government, private organizations, and the homes of individual citizens. IoT networks including machinery, cars, phones, homes, and social media platforms are amplifying the potential cyberattack surface. It is estimated that there are already over 21 billion IoT devices worldwide, and their number will double by 2025. A cybersecurity attack on an industrial application, for example, can expand rapidly and put an entire facility at risk. The consequences for operations, people, and equipment can be devastating.

Cybersecurity specialists are needed in nearly every area to help close the cybersecurity skills gap and to assist companies, governments, and organizations in remaining on top of cyber risk prevention and management.

Your program offers a range of benefits not available in comparable programs:

• Broadest available training in a full range of cybersecurity areas such as cyber-physical systems security, cyber risk assessment, penetration testing, digital forensics, and cloud security
• Multidisciplinary collaboration with Robotics and Automation and the Division of Law, Economics, Statistics and Politics at University West
• Balance of theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience in the industry
• Program content aligned with key international standards, such as the NIST and NICE cybersecurity frameworks and top cybersecurity skills
• Optional participation in courses offering complimentary training for additional certifications, such as CCNA cybersecurity "CyberOps" certification

International focus

Students from around the globe come together in your program to create a unique and international environment. The program is fully taught in English, and you will study together with students from Sweden as well as international students from countries in Asia, Europe, Africa, and North and South America.

Most of your instructors also have international experience in both research and education. This will enhance your cultural experience and English-language proficiency.

Work Integrated Learning

University West is Sweden's leading university when it comes to work-integrated learning (WIL). The university was tasked with the development of WIL by the Swedish government 15+ years ago and continues to lead the field today. WIL allows you to focus on problem-based learning for industry, with real projects from partner companies.

Your specialization in cybersecurity has been built in close collaboration with industry and is founded on the pressing needs of governments and leading companies. Your instructors also have a wealth of industry experience.

Industry professionals will help introduce you to the latest best practices within the cybersecurity landscape. Through guest lectures, company visits, and company-proposed topics for degree projects, you'll gain hands-on experience in designing complete security solutions based on real-life case studies. Here, you can discuss your understanding, raise questions and propose ideas to experts in the field – and to potential employers.

Advanced laboratories and acess to expertis

As a cybersecurity specialist, you will have access to advanced labs and equipment.

Cisco Networking Lab

Professional networking equipment in terms of switches, routers, cabling, and server racks

Firewalls to isolate networks for cybersecurity experiments

A virtualization and VMWare lab

For cloud security experiments targeting virtual machines, containers, and microservices

Industrial robots lab and IoT lab

Equipment for experiments around cyber-physical systems security

You'll also have access to the PTC, home to University West's research area Production Technology West (PTW). Here you will have the opportunity to do research together with experienced researchers, engineers, and technicians in the field. There are many companies linked to our research environment. As a student, you will have the opportunity to be part of cutting-edge research and come into contact with future employers.

A strong job market

The industry demand for professionals in cybersecurity has never been higher:

• Worldwide cybersecurity personnel shortage of 3.12 million by 2021 (The International Information System Security Certification Consortium)
• Worldwide growth of 350% in open cybersecurity positions from 2014 to 2021 (Forbes and Cybersecurity Ventures)
• Countries like Australia, France, Germany, Israel, Japan, Mexico, the UK, and the US are reporting a severe shortage of cybersecurity skills and education (McAfee and Center for Strategic and International Studies)
• Sweden will witness a 100% increase in the cybersecurity job market demand compared to 2017 (The Swedish Council for Higher Education)
• The US is on pace to hit a half-million or more unfilled cybersecurity positions by 2021 (Cybersecurity Ventures)

Further education

This program helps you build a strong foundation in cybersecurity and develop the qualifications you need to pursue your Ph.D. in the broader field of computer science with focus areas such as cybersecurity, cyber law, network security, and more.

After graduation, you will be eligible to continue studying as a Ph.D. student at University West or other universities in Sweden and abroad.