The Master’s Degree in Security and Defence is designed to equip students with an advanced, multidisciplinary understanding of contemporary security challenges in the digital and physical domains. The program blends theoretical foundations with applied knowledge to prepare professionals capable of navigating and responding to the complex and evolving nature of global and cyber threats.

By the end of the programme, depending on the selected courses, students will be able to:

• Develop a strategic understanding of cyber warfare and cybersecurity concepts, tools, and policies, enabling them to identify, assess, and respond to both state and non-state cyber threats.
• Apply telecommunications and information systems knowledge in security and defence contexts, focusing on the protection, resilience, and management of critical infrastructure.
• Conduct open-source intelligence (OSINT) gathering and analysis, transforming public domain data into actionable insights for security and defence applications.
• Critically evaluate asymmetric threats, including terrorism, hybrid warfare, and irregular tactics, and propose effective countermeasures within ethical and legal frameworks.
• Integrate ethical considerations and technoethics into the development and deployment of emerging technologies in military and defence settings.
• Utilize space-based technologies and satellite applications to enhance situational awareness, surveillance, and strategic decision-making in defence operations.
• Develop research capabilities through rigorous methodological training, enabling them to contribute to academic, technical, or policy-oriented discussions in the security and defence sector.
• Produce a substantive piece of independent research in the form of an MSc thesis, reflecting critical analysis, problem-solving skills, and the integration of core concepts covered throughout the programme.

This programme is tailored for individuals seeking careers in defence institutions, cybersecurity firms, intelligence agencies, think tanks, and international organizations focused on global security and digital threats.

The Joint Master of Science Programme in Security and Defence is ideal for anyone seeking to advance their career in industries that require cyber security experts. This may include roles in network security, forensic, secure systems development, military intelligence, crime prevention, penetration testing (ethical hacking) and more.

As technology continues to advance, more professionals are needed in areas such as cyber security creating a lot of potential opportunities.This programme is delivered by experts in the area and will equip students with the required knowledge and skills to excel in the cyber security industry, making this course ideal for professionals hoping to advance their existing careers or change careers into a profession within cyber security.

EUROPEAN CREDIT TRANSFER SYSTEM (ECTS): 90

TEACHING LANGUAGE: English

LEVEL: Postgraduate (Masters)

DEGREE AWARDED: Joint Magister Scientiae (Joint Master of Science, Joint M.Sc.)

Candidates for the Postgraduate Programme “Joint MSc in “Security and Defence” must meet the following criteria:

• Have an undergraduate Degree in a relevant area, (e.g Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Networks Engineering) from an accredited Higher Education Institution
• Proven proficiency in English language: All candidates need to demonstrate that they meet the University’s English language requirements by submitting the relevant certificates along with their application (minimum grade IELTS 5.5 or any other equivalent). Details of the specific English language requirements can be found here.
• Adequate computer skills so that they can meet the educational requirements of the programme.

The tuition fees for each Module (Thematic Unit) amount to 620€, for each course module of 10 ECTS units, while for the Master Thesis amount to €1240.The tuition fees for the completion of the Master programme amount to 5580€. 

As far as discounts and scholarships are concerned, the OUC related policy is in effect.