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Master's Program in Cybersecurity

Get hands-on with real-world cybersecurity!

The Master’s program in Cybersecurity at Mälardalen University (MDU) is designed for those who want to dive deep into both the offensive and defensive sides of cybersecurity. With a strong practical focus, the program combines theory with hands-on experience to prepare you for a career at the frontlines of digital defense.

What Makes This Program Unique?

  • Practical, Skills-Based Learning
    Go beyond textbooks. Engage in lab-based courses that simulate real-world cyber scenarios.
  • Blue Team & Red Team Training
    Learn how to defend systems as part of the blue team—and how to ethically attack them as part of the red team. This dual perspective gives you a holistic understanding of cybersecurity threats and defense.
  • Penetration Testing Courses
    Take part in actual penetration testing training to learn how to identify vulnerabilities, exploit weaknesses, and strengthen security infrastructure.

Whether you’re aiming for a role in ethical hacking, threat analysis or cybersecurity operations, this program equips you with the knowledge and experience to make an impact.

About the Master's Program in Cybersecurity

Increased digitalisation and technological development are making society more vulnerable, and the threats from cyberattacks are growing. In the Master's program in Cybersecurity, you will gain comprehensive knowledge of cybersecurity, with a particular focus on the security of products and industrial systems. You will be equipped to assess security issues and design measures to ensure the protection of critical systems and information.

Through a combination of strategic understanding and practical skills, you will learn to handle cybersecurity issues in a time when almost everything is digitally connected. You will also acquire knowledge in protecting digital assets, learn to recognise cyber threats, and develop defence strategies for everything from startups to larger companies and organisations.

The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing you to translate cybersecurity concepts into workable solutions. This approach encourages innovative thinking and prepares you to lead positive change and tackle digital challenges.

You will have the opportunity to work on real-world projects and collaborate with companies through our network of industry partners, giving you valuable practical experience and strengthening your career prospects.

Jobs and Future Prospects

Studying cybersecurity at an advanced level opens the door to a broad job market with career paths across various industries and sectors. The job market for this expertise is strong, both nationally and internationally.

Your future role could be, for example, a Chief Information Security Officer, Information Security Consultant, Penetration Tester or Cybersecurity Analyst. Your future employer could be anything from a small or medium-sized business to a multinational corporation or a government agency.

The Master's program in Cybersecurity also prepares you for a research career.

Program Content

Here you can see how the program content is divided into different subjects, and which courses you will take, broken down by year in the program. If you study full-time, you take 30 higher education credits (ECTS) per semester. Some courses in the program may be mandatory, and others may be elective.

Courses in Year 1

  • Fundamentals of Cybersecurity, 7.5 ECTS
  • Research Methodology in Computer Science, 7.5 ECTS
  • Industrial Cybersecurity, 7.5 ECTS
  • Network Security, 7.5 ECTS
  • Cybersecurity Management, 7.5 ECTS
  • Safety and Security Interplay, 7.5 ECTS
  • Data Communication in Networks 1, 7.5 ECTS
  • Cryptography, 7.5 ECTS

Courses in Year 2

  • Penetration Testing for Web Applications, 7.5 ECTS
  • Attack and Defence, 7.5 ECTS
  • AI and Cybersecurity, 7.5 ECTS
  • Master’s Thesis in Computer Science with Specialisation in Cybersecurity, 30 ECTS
  • Other Subjects:
    Regulations and IT Law, 7.5 ECTS


  • antagning.se and the MDU programme page are the sites in Swedish, while the Cybersecurity MSc is taught in English. You can use, for example, the automatic translation feature of your browser to understand how to apply. If you require additional help, please contact:

Contact

Malin Åshuvud (Study Advisor)

  • Answers questions about what it's like to study in the program, such as course selection, study planning, and graduation.
  • Phone: + 46 (0)21-10 15 46
  • Email: malin.ashuvud@mdu.se

Giuseppe Nebbione (Program Coordinator)

About Sweden

Sweden is known for its high quality of life, innovation, and commitment to sustainability, making it an ideal destination for international students. Located in the heart of the country, the city of Eskilstuna blends a rich industrial heritage with modern development. Mälardalen University’s (MDU) Eskilstuna campus offers a dynamic and inclusive learning environment, featuring state-of-the-art facilities, close ties to local industry, and a strong focus on research and collaboration. The campus is designed to support both academic success and student well-being, fostering a vibrant community in one of Sweden’s most forward-thinking regions.