MSc Cyber Security 

The executive master’s programme in cybersecurity takes a multidisciplinary approach that helps you develop effective and sustainable solutions for cyber risks and threats.

This programme is designed for highly educated professionals (computer scientists, lawyers, policymakers) with several years of professional experience in and/or affinity with issues in the field of cyber security.

We offer three options to follow this Executive master programme:

1. Follow the full Cyber Security programme

2. Follow introductory courses as a contract student

3. Follow introductory courses as a non-examination student

Why study cybersecurity?

Our programme will teach you to make connections between technical, legal and social scientific aspects of cyber security, so you can come to effective and sustainable solutions for cyber risks and threats. Subsequently, you will be able to contribute effectively to sustainable strategies for digital defensibility and security of society as a whole, including organisations and citizens.

During this programme, you will learn to:

• Identify the complexities and interdependencies in cyberspace
• Contribute solutions to cyber risks, both from a technological and a policy and administrative approach
• Relegate cyber threats to acceptable risks
• Build a bridge between largely technical and more administrative-oriented professionals in organisations
• Translate technical and operational issues to a strategic level
• Reflect critically on new developments and results of research into cyber security
• Offer independent contributions to cyber security research

As a student in the Cyber Security programme, you will benefit from:

• Expert instructors: The programme is taught by top experts from Leiden University, TU Delft and The Hague University of Applied Sciences. You will also have guest lectures from professionals such as management consultants (KPMG, VKA, KPN) and technical specialists (NFI, ENCS, FOX-IT)

Why Leiden University?

The executive master’s programme in Cyber Security is unique in its integral approach and its professional ties and focus.

Reasons why you should study Cyber Security at Leiden University

• Expert instructors: The programme is taught by top experts from Leiden University, TU Delft and The Hague University of Applied Sciences. You will also have guest lectures from professionals such as management consultants (KPMG, VKA, KPN) and technical specialists (NFI, ENCS, FOX-IT).
• Multidisciplinary approach: You will gain a thorough understanding of the broad technological, legal, administrative, economic and psychological aspects of digital security.
• Fits into your work schedule: The programme is designed so you can continue working while you study.
• Opportunity to specialise: You can choose to specialise in the technical or governance aspects of cyber security.
• Extracurricular learning: The programme offers extracurricular learning activities on the latest developments in the field.
• Build your professional network: You will be in the classroom with professionals who are working in all areas of cyber security and will have close interactions with the staff and guest lecturers.

Academic fields

Leiden has faculties in the fields of:

• Archaeology
• Governance and Global Affairs
• Humanities
• Medicine
• Law
• Science
• Social and Behavioural Sciences

Student support

International student advisers

The international student advisers are a good place to go when you need assistance during your stay in the Netherlands. Students in both locations of Leiden University have access to these specialised advisers. In many cases they will be able to provide the information you need, or will refer you to the relevant services. You can consult the advisers on a variety of matters, ranging from financial concerns, settling down issues, academic issues and health insurance to dealing with external housing agents or finding a family doctor.

Student counsellors

We have a number of specialised student counsellors available. They can help in legal and financial matters, but can also assist you in developing study-related skills. The skills package that is offered involves individual counselling and workshops designed to support you in your academic performance. Topics covered include thesis writing, time management, stress management and planning. Additionally, our counsellors are available to help resolve study and personal problems, should this be needed.

Departmental study advisers and coordinators

Each department has its own study advisers/coordinators who can answer questions about matters that are related to the study programme of your choice. You can consult the study adviser/coordinator on issues such as timetables, exam grades, choice of subjects and application for graduation.