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Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Master of Science in Cybersecurity
The Master of Science in Cybersecurity (M.Sc. Cybersecurity) is a specialized postgraduate program that prepares graduates to safeguard digital infrastructures, mitigate cyber threats, and lead secure digital transformations in both public and private sectors.
Introduction
The Master of Science in Cybersecurity (M.Sc. Cybersecurity) is a specialized postgraduate program that prepares graduates to safeguard digital infrastructures, mitigate cyber threats, and lead secure digital transformations in both public and private sectors. The program combines advanced technical skills with policy, governance, and ethical perspectives, ensuring graduates can address complex challenges across national, regional, and global contexts.
Somalia and the Horn of Africa are undergoing rapid digitalization, with expanding e-government, banking, telecom, and cloud-based services. These developments demand a workforce capable of defending systems against increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks. This program responds to urgent need while equipping graduates to participate in the global cybersecurity workforce, contributes to research, and strengthens digital resilience in fragile and emerging economies.
Specific Objectives
Graduates will be able to:
- Analyse global internet governance frameworks and their security implications.
- Implement advanced security protocols and cryptographic techniques.
- Conduct ethical hacking, penetration testing, and vulnerability assessments.
- Manage identity, access control, and data protection systems.
- Audit and evaluate organisational cybersecurity readiness.
- Lead cyber operations and incident response teams.
- Apply forensic methods in digital investigations and legal proceedings.
- Design and conduct independent cybersecurity research contributing to policy and practice.
Expected Learning Outcomes
Graduates will be able to:
- Analyse global internet governance frameworks and their security implications.
- Implement advanced security protocols and cryptographic techniques.
- Conduct ethical hacking, penetration testing, and vulnerability assessments.
- Manage identity, access control, and data protection systems.
- Audit and evaluate organisational cybersecurity readiness.
- Lead cyber operations and incident response teams.
- Apply forensic methods in digital investigations and legal proceedings.
- Design and conduct independent cybersecurity research contributing to policy and practice.
Human Resources and Facilities
The program is taught by experts in computer science, cybersecurity engineering, and digital forensics, complemented by industry practitioners. Students have access to:
- Computer laboratories equipped with penetration testing and digital forensic tools.
- Licensed software (Kali Linux, Wireshark, EnCase, Splunk, etc.).
- University e-library with access to IEEE, ACM, and cybersecurity journals.
- Partnerships with ICT companies, government agencies, and NGOs for internships and practicum placements.
Examination & Progression Regulations
- Assessment: Coursework (labs, projects, case studies, presentations) 60% + Final Exam 40%.
- Progression: Students must achieve a minimum of 50% per course and maintain a CGPA of 3.0.
- Research: The dissertation requires a proposal defence, supervised study, and oral defence.
- Integrity: Academic honesty and ethical conduct in research and practice are mandatory.
Award of the Degree
The Master of Science in Cybersecurity degree is awarded upon successful completion of:
- All core courses (33 credit hours).
- A research dissertation (6 credit hours).
- A minimum total of 39 credit hours with a CGPA ≥ 3.0.
- A successful defence of the dissertation.
The Master of Science in Cybersecurity (M.Sc. Cybersecurity) is a specialized postgraduate program that prepares graduates to safeguard digital infrastructures, mitigate cyber threats, and lead secure digital transformations in both public and private sectors. The program combines advanced technical skills with policy, governance, and ethical perspectives, ensuring graduates can address complex challenges across national, regional, and global contexts.
Somalia and the Horn of Africa are undergoing rapid digitalization, with expanding e-government, banking, telecom, and cloud-based services. These developments demand a workforce capable of defending systems against increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks. This program responds to urgent need while equipping graduates to participate in the global cybersecurity workforce, contributes to research, and strengthens digital resilience in fragile and emerging economies.
Study Program
Code | Course | Credit Hour |
MSC7101 | Internet Governance | 3 |
MSC7102 | Advanced Internet Security | 3 |
MSC7103 | Cybersecurity Research Methodology | 3 |
MSC7201 | Identity and Access Management | 3 |
MSC7202 | Ethical Hacking | 3 |
MSC7203 | Cyber Security Audit and Assessment | 3 |
MSC7301 | Cyber Operations | 3 |
MSC7302 | Information Security and Cryptography | 3 |
MSC7303 | Security and Risk Management | 3 |
MSC7401 | Cyber Threat Intelligence | 3 |
MSC7402 | Forensic Analytics and Digital Investigations | 3 |
MSC7501 | Dissertation | 12 |
Applicants must have:
- A bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, or a closely related field with a minimum of Second Class Honours or equivalent.
- Professional certifications (e.g., CISSP, CEH, CompTIA Security+) are an added advantage.
- A statement of purpose and at least one academic/professional referee.
- Semester Fees: USD 475
- Tuition Fees: USD 2,850 for two years
- The school has three intakes
- January, May, September