About this programme
The digital transformation has made our global society and economy highly reliant on online platforms, services and assets—and thus liable to cybersecurity risks. Just think about notorious attacks such as SolarWinds and WannaCry, or data leaks on social networks. It takes trained cybersecurity experts to protect governments, organizations and individuals from threats such as hacking, malware, phishing, DDOS attacks, data theft, industrial espionage and more. The demand for cybersecurity experts is high and career possibilities abundant.
The Master of Cybersecurity covers five areas: cryptography, privacy, hardware security, secure software, systems security. The first semester introduces these themes, after which you select four of them to gain in-depth knowledge. In the second semester, you specialize in two themes, and explore the broader societal context of cybersecurity. Legal aspects are addressed in a compulsory course, bridging law and technology, while elective courses delve into cybersecurity management, governance, risk and business operations. The final part of the second semester focuses on research seminars and the completion of a master's thesis.
Programme Master of Cybersecurity
This 60-ECTS programme is the result of a joint effort by COSIC and DistriNet, two internationally renowned research units within the KU Leuven departments of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Aimed at graduates from electrical engineering, computer science and mathematics, the English-taught programme can be completed on a one-year full-time basis.
Why study cybersecurity?
As our world is becoming more digitized and interconnected, the risk of cyberattacks rises. Security expert jobs are on the rise and projected to grow.
Student testimonials
Check out what our students have to say about this advanced master programme.
Meet our staff
The one-year programme is a joint effort of COSIC and DistriNet, two internationally renowned research units from the departments of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.
Programme structure
The one-year Master of Cybersecurity runs over two semesters, kicks off with an introductory week, and includes a Master's Thesis.
Admission requirements
All students who did not obtain their previous degree at an institution of the Flemish Community, must submit an application via the Admissions office. Be sure to check out the specific admission requirements (diploma requirements, language requirements and possible additional requirements). The only way to know whether you can be admitted to any of our programmes is by applying and completing the application process.
Official and current admission requirements
Student profile
The Master of Science in Cybersecurity is targeted to master students with backgrounds in electrical engineering, computer science or mathematics. (Typically two out of three.)
- Students should have a genuine interest in cybersecurity areas, such as cryptography, software security, hardware security, system security, and privacy.
- Students will be trained to develop secure systems and services, and to integrate such controls to guarantee sufficient cyberdefenses.
Application window
For the most recent - and only official information - on application deadlines, check the application window for this programme.
Application procedure
Check the information on how to apply for this programme. There is also a video that explains the application procedure from start to finish.
Tuition fees
It is worth noting that our tuition fees are more affordable than many other leading universities thanks to generous government financing of higher education in Belgium. The fees for any individual student are contingent upon their academic programme and the nationality of the student.
For the most recent – and only official information – on the tuition fees, check the tuition fee calculator.
Scholarships
KU Leuven offers a variety of scholarships for qualifying students. Just as with our tuition fees, these scholarships may be contingent on a student’s academic programme or nationality, so be sure to thoroughly check eligibility requirements before applying.
Career perspectives
When graduating as a Master of Cybersecurity, you are well prepared for a variety of technical jobs and roles within the cybersecurity field. You can pursue a career in industry, government or academia:
- Engineering positions in the cybersecurity industry, focused on the design and implementation of advanced technical solutions.
- Integrate cybersecurity controls to ensure that sufficient cyber defenses are in place, especially in telecommunications, finance, insurance, healthcare, and industry automation.
- Management functions such as CISO (Chief Information Security Officer), CIO (Chief Information Officer) or CTO (Chief Technology Officer).
- PhD positions in cybersecurity.
Career support
Our Student Career Center and our student organisation VTK are both happy to put you on the right track towards your first work experience. They also coaches you in the search for an interesting job and help you with job interviews.
Entrepreneurship
For students wanting to start their own business KU Leuven also has KICK, the KU Leuven community that encourages students with innovative and entrepreneurial ideas.
Our alumni network
The Faculty of Engineering Sciences constantly aims at strengthening the contacts between alumni as well as between alumni and current students.
KU Leuven is one of Europe’s highest-ranked and most renowned universities. It boasts a long tradition of pioneering research and high-quality education. But KU Leuven has quite a few other strengths as well.
Our campus in Leuven
The city of Leuven is home to the main and largest KU Leuven campus.
Faculty of Engineering Science
This programme is organised by the Faculty of Engineering Science, located at our beautiful and green campus in Heverlee - south of Leuven.
Publications
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Chat with our students
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