Business/industry as well as the public sector face rapidly growing, ICT security-related challenges involving technical, managerial, legal and social aspects. Consequently there are increased demands for technically deeply skilled information security professionals who also can deal with ICT security problems in an interdisciplinary manner. The aim of the progamme is to educate students who can define, plan, design, apply, manage and evaluate security for information and communication systems - also including the ability to assess the relevant ethical, societal and scientific aspects. The contents and extent of the programme is intended for future advanced professional security activities as well as for research.

Programme outline

The programme is planned for two years of full time studies. The first term is dedicated to compulsory courses, followed by one term of specialisation courses. There are two specialisation tracks to choose between: ‘Management and Organization of Secure Systems’ or ‘Security for Distributed Systems’. During the third and forth terms the Master’s Thesis project will be pursued together with elective courses of relevance to the chosen project. If applicable, it is also possible to choose from the other specialisation’s courses.

These courses will provide the student with the relevant knowledge and understanding within the area and also develop the student's skills and capacitites in area-specific analysis and synthesis of complex phenomena and problems.

The programme also includes two methodological courses which provide a good basis for post-graduate studies: a) Philosophy of Science and b) Research Methodology and Scientific Communication. These courses enable the student to develop generic academic skills and capacities such as presenting results in a clear and precise manner and the ability to locate relevant information. They will also develop the student's scientific attitude and help the student in evaluating theories and applications.

The Master's Thesis project will focus on solving a problem within the scope of the programme. Here the student will demonstrate the ability to manage ICT security-related problems.

Course overview

Master’s thesis

The thesis project may be carried out in industry or in one of the research groups at the ICT School. The results are presented in a report – the Master's Thesis – and in a seminar.

Career prospects

The labour market for highly educated information security personnel shows a prosperous future. Internationally, Sweden has a good reputation in this area. Graduates work in Sweden, their home countries or in third countries in Europe and North America. Additionally, the international trend for outsourcing has increased the need for in-house security experts for guidance and management of information technology solutions. A striking number of students have proceeded to PhD studies after finishing this degree.