Cyber security is a topic of growing importance, as ICT affects ever more aspects of our daily lives Businesses and government rely on ICT to an ever larger degree. Both assessing the security of existing ICT solutions and developing more secure solutions for the future pose major scientific and societal challenges.
This Master specialisation covers a broad range of topics that is important for computer security. This includes topics in computer science (software, computer networks, and hardware, esp. smart-cards and RFID), but also mathematical aspects (cryptography and security protocols), as well as organisational and management issues, legal aspects, and societal issues (in particular privacy).
Master's specialisation in Cyber Security
The Digital Security group at Radboud University is the largest research group in computer security in the Netherlands, with a strong international reputation. Several times, research by the group made the news headlines. For example, in 2008 students revealed security flaws in the chipcard used for public transport in the Netherlands (the ov-chipkaart) and as the London Oyster card. In 2013, two researchers of the Digital Security group found security vulnerabilities in car immobiliser systems used by various car manufacturers.
This master specialisation is offered in a collaboration with the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) and the University of Twente (UT), through a virtual institute called the Kerckhoffs Institute (
http://www.kerckhoffs-institute.org/). Mandatory courses offered at the TU/e and UT can be followed by video connections, but following optional courses at these institutes may require traveling to Eindhoven or Enschede. Such courses are always scheduled back-to-back at one location to minimise travel time. While this does incur a cost in time and travel expenses, it does offer a unique opportunity to choose courses from the broad range of specialties at the three universities.
Cyber Security is a specialisation in the Master's programme in Computing Science and available for students with a Bachelor's degree in Computing Science or Mathematics.
Admission requirements for international students
1. A completed Bachelor's degree in Computing Science or related area
In order to get admission to this Master’s you will need a completed Bachelor’s degree in Computing Sciences or a related discipline.
2. A proficiency in English
In order to take part in the programme, you need to have fluency in English, both written and spoken. Non-native speakers of English without a Dutch Bachelor's degree or VWO diploma need one of the following:
- TOEFL score of >575 (paper based) or >232 (computer based) or >90 (internet based)
- IELTS score of >6.5
- Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE), with a mark of C or higher
Career prospects
ICT security is a hot topic, with excellent job opportunities. Some students join companies that specialise in security, such as security evaluation labs, consultancy companies, or ICT companies that develop security solutions. Students with security expertise are also in strong demand by the (growing) number of organisations that heavily rely on ICT security, both in the private and public sector. Finally, some graduates go on to pursue a career in scientific or industrial research.
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