MSc in Cybersecurity

Who can apply

To be considered for the programme, candidates are required to have:

• an undergraduate degree from a recognized University
• proof of English competence [a recognised certificate of proficiency, recently acquired IELTS (academic 6.5 and above), or TOEFL (IBT, 90 and above) or TOEIC (850 and above) score]

Course content

Upon arrival at the IHU all students attend foundation courses in Java and SQL, that aims to bring all incoming students to the same level with respect to some of the programming knowledge that is required. During the first term, all students are required to follow five (5) mandatory core courses. During the second term, all students follow a further three (3) required courses combined with two (2) elective courses. Finally, during the third term, work is dedicated exclusively to the Master’s dissertation. The core courses

1^st Term Core Courses

• Computer Networks
• Information Systems Security
• Data Protection and Cryptography
• Legal and Ethical Foundations of Privacy and Security
• Cybercrime and Incident Response

2^nd Term Core Courses

• Computer Forensics
• Penetration Testing
• Intrusion Detection and Event Management

The elective courses During the second term students tailor their programme further by choosing elective courses. The choice of elective courses must sum up to 12 ECTS (2 courses). Some of the elective courses may not be offered in a particular year, depending entirely on student demand.

• Advanced Digital Forensics and Malware Analysis
• Internet of Things
• Software Development Methodologies
• Knowledge Management in the Web
• Consulting Project

Part-timers attend the following courses during the two (2) years of studies: 1^st Year Term 1: Computer Networks, Information Systems Security, Data Protection and Cryptography | Term 2: Computer Forensics, Intrusion Detection and Event Management 2^nd Year Term 1: Cybercrime and Incident Response, Legal and Ethical Foundations of Privacy and Security | Term 2: Penetration Testing, Two (2) electives | Term 3: Dissertation

The Dissertation

During the third term, students work on their Masters Dissertation project, the thematic area of which is relevant to their programme of studies and their interests. The dissertation provides a good opportunity to apply theory and concepts learned in different courses to a real-world Cybersecurity problem or challenge. Students are supervised throughout their projects by a member of the academic faculty and the academic assistants. After submission of the dissertation, students present their projects to classmates and faculty at a special event.

Duration of studies

The MSc in Cybersecurity (full-time) is a 14-month programme taught over three terms. Lectures mainly take place on weekday evenings. It is also available in part-time mode over 26 months for those who cannot commit to a full-time programme either for work or other reasons. The programme is also available through distance learning. Distance Learning teaching methods involve: (a) Face-to-face or classroom based learning: Students will be required to be physically present at the University for a weekend at the beginning of each semester (b) Synchronous learning: Student will have to attend remotely the classes which will be held regularly during each semester, weekday afternoons (about 2-4 times per week depending on the mode, always after 17:00) (c) Asynchronous learning: Students will use online learning resources and will be assessed through a variety of diagnostic tools and formative assessment techniques (d) Summative assessment: Students will be required to be physically present at the University for the final exams at the end of each semester.

The Academic Faculty

Faculty Members

	Dr Eleni Heracleous Associate Professor Dean
	Professor Panayiotis Bozanis +30 2310 807501 pbozanis@ihu.gr
	Professor Periklis Chatzimisios +30 2310 807501 pchatzimisios@ihu.gr
	Dr Maria Drakaki Associate Professor +30 2310 807524 mdrakaki@ihu.gr
	Dr Christos Tjortjis Associate Professor +30 2310 807576 c.tjortjis@ihu.edu.gr
	Dr Vassilios Peristeras Assistant Professor +30 2310 807539 v.peristeras@ihu.edu.gr
	Dr Dimitrios Tzetzis Assistant Professor +30 2310 807548 d.tzetzis@ihu.edu.gr

Other Research and Teaching Personnel

	Dr Christos Berberidis Research and Teaching Staff +30 2310 807534 c.berberidis@ihu.edu.gr
	Dr Dimitrios Baltatzis Research and Teaching Staff d.baltatzis@ihu.edu.gr
	Dr Stavros Stavrinides Research and Teaching Staff s.stavrinides@ihu.edu.gr
	Dr Georgios Martinopoulos Academic Associate +30 2310 807533 g.martinopoulos@ihu.edu.gr
	Dr Leonidas Akritidis Academic Associate
	Dr Dimitrios Karapiperis Academic Associate
	Dr Katerina Tzafilkou Academic Associate

Visiting Faculty

	Dr Carlos Cordeiro Wireless Communications CTO, Intel, USA
	Dr Ashutosh Dutta Senior Scientist and 5G Chief Strategist, Johns Hopkins University, USA
	Dr Costas Samdanis Research Project Manager, Nokia Bell-Labs, Germany
	Dr Melike Erol-Kantarci Associate Professor, University of Ottawa, Canada
	Dr Michael Kounavis Senior Staff Research Scientist, Intel, USA
	Dr Foteini Baldimtsi Assistant Professor, George Mason University, USA
	Dr George Koutitas Assistant Professor, Texas State University, USA
	Dr Georgios Z. Papadopoulos Associate Professor, IMT Atlantique, France

Fees & Financing

Fees

The programme fees for the MSc in Cybersecurity is 2900€ (pending approval). The amount is payable in two instalments for the full time mode or in four instalments for the part time mode at the beginning of each semester. The fees are also eligible for financing through LAEK 0,45% – OAED programme.

Deposits

If you have been accepted to a postgraduate programme, you will need to make a payment of the deposit of 500 Euros to secure your place. This amount will count towards the first instalment of your tuition fees. The deposit is non-refundable once you have commenced your studies at the IHU. Prior to that, a refund can be made but a 20% administrative fee will be retained. The deposit can be paid by bank transfer or bank draft. Credit card payments can be made through electronic banking (contact your Bank as handling fees may apply).

Scholarships

The School of Science & Technology offers a number of scholarships for the programmes it offers, covering a significant proportion of the fees. These scholarships are competitive. Award criteria include the quality of the first degree, the undergraduate grades of the candidate, his/her command of the English language and overall profile. Candidates for scholarships should include a separate letter with their application documents in which they request to be considered for a scholarship, stating the reasons why they think they qualify.

Programme announcement – Admissions

Next MSc in Cybersecurity class starts in October 2021. Interested parties are invited to submit their application by September 2021 or until places are filled, by following instructions at the page ‘Apply to UCIPS’.

Programme announcement

Academic Partners

CompTIA Cybersecurity Certifications – Please contact Dr. Baltatzis for further information/details. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) Certification – Please contact Dr. Baltatzis for further information/details. Penetration Testing Labs – Please contact Dr. Baltatzis for further information/details. Cisco Networking Academy – Please contact Prof. Periklis Chatzimisios for further information/details.

Ideal Career path

Throughout history, communications security, data protection and information assurance have always been issues of outmost importance to every company, organization and government. The internet revolution boosted the role of information (and its protection) to an unparalleled level of significance, as virtually every individual or organization is storing or transmitting increasing volumes of sensitive data electronically. Even though communications and security specialists were always sought after, the rapid evolution of relevant technologies and the penetration of their applications to every aspect of human life have increased the level of complexity of the required solutions. In the US alone, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 36.5% employment growth for this profession by 2022. What is also important, for a prospective security specialist to know, is that security specialists are working in close collaboration with the management of their organization, which gives their job a burden of responsibility but also provides great opportunities for longevity and promotion to the higher levels of the hierarchy. Today, the role of a company’s CIO (Chief Information Officer) has been recognized as a strategic position that creates an interface between the management and the ICT. Graduates from the MSc in Cybersecurity programme can play a pivotal role in the unremitting operation of virtually any company or organization, by safeguarding their most valuable asset, their information. Therefore, a multitude of employment opportunities are envisaged for graduates of this programme. Indicatively they include:

• ICT companies
• Government organisations and institutions
• Multinational Corporations and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
• e-business companies
• Mobile network providers and broadband Internet providers
• Sensor networks and telematics companies
• Consulting and auditing companies
• Research institutes
• Education, training and certification
• Defense industry

In addition to technical skills gained through study, our students benefit from the University’s excellent Careers Office, in order to attain essential soft skills (e.g. communication skills, interview preparation, CV writing etc.) to better prepare for the job market.

Location

The MSc in Cybersecurity takes place in the facilities of the School of Science & Technology of the University Center of International Programmes of Studies of the International Hellenic University in Thermi-Thessaloniki.

Contact

Postal address: School of Science & Technology Department of School of Science & Technology University Center of International Programmes of Studies 14th km Thessaloniki – Nea Moudania 570 01 Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece Tel: +30 2310 807 529/526 Email: : infotech@ihu.edu.gr