Τhe programme is offered jointly by the Open University of Cyprus and the Hellenic Air Force Academy.
In recent years, Security and Defence fields have attracted a lot of attention due to a globally volatile environment. Regional wars among neighbouring countries tend to affect not only the region in conflict but also inflict global recession in economy, uncontrolled rise in fuel prices and food insecurity. At the same time, security incidents such as terrorist attacks or regional social upheavals tend to lead to massive migration of citizens from one country to the neighbouring countries or even to another continent thus challenging the sense of security of the local population.
The Joint Master of Science Programme in Security and Defence aims at preparing armed and security forces officers, government executives involved in security and defence policy but also citizens aspiring to work in fields related to security and defence in a global, constantly evolving environment, full of geopolitical challenges. Upon completion of this programme, the participants will have deepened their knowledge of current technological and asymmetric security and defence threats and developed the ability to manage challenges and crises in the contemporary international context.
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 Programme consists of 90 ECTS units taught over three semesters of full time study. Each course in the Program is 10 ECTS units, while a required thesis is 30 ECTS units.
Programme of Study Layout |
|||||||
Modules |
Semester |
Required / Elective |
Pre-requisite Modules |
Co-requisite Modules |
Workload |
||
Hours |
ECTS |
||||||
SEC101 |
Principles of Cyber Warfare |
1st |
R |
250-300 |
10 |
||
SEC102 |
CyberSecurity |
1st |
R |
250-300 |
10 |
||
SEC111 |
Telecommunication Systems for Security and Defence |
1st |
E |
250-300 |
10 |
||
SEC112 |
Information Security Management |
1st |
E |
250-300 |
10 |
||
SEC201 |
Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) |
2nd |
R |
250-300 |
10 |
||
SEC202 |
Research Methods |
2nd |
R |
250-300 |
10 |
||
SEC211 |
Asymmetric Threats and Countermeasures |
2nd |
E |
250-300 |
10 |
||
SEC212 |
Technoethics/Ethics for Emerging Military Technologies and Defence |
2nd |
E |
250-300 |
10 |
||
SEC213 |
Space Applications for Security and Defence |
2nd |
E |
250-300 |
10 |
||
SEC699 |
Preparatory Module |
2nd / 3rd |
R |
250-300 |
0 |
||
SEC701A |
MSc Thesis A |
3rd |
R |
SEC202, SEC699 Minimum 40 earned ECTS are required to enrol to the module. |
250-300 |
10 |
|
SEC701B |
MSc Thesis B |
3rd |
R |
SEC701A, SEC202, SEC699 |
SEC701A |
500-600 |
20 |
Total | 90 | ||||||
Industry Placement | |||||||
SEC695 | Industry Placement 1st * | E | - | 5 | |||
SEC696 | Industry Placement 2nd * | E | SEC695 | - | 5 |
*SEC695 & SEC696 are optional modules, 5 ECTS each that do not count towards obtaining the degree. (Students must complete the 90 ECTS required from any other modules to be awarded the degree)
Academic Personnel
Stavros Stavrou, Professor, Programme Director,
Eliana Stavrou, Assistant Professor,
Adamantini Peratikou, Lecturer,
For additional information, please contact Ms. Marianna Prodromou (
Contact Form