Master of Science in Cyber Security

The Master of Science in CyberSecurity offers a curriculum focused on key areas like SOC, Incident Response, Ethical Hacking, E-Investigation, and Data Analytics. Developed with input from Cyber Security Malaysia, KPMG, and F-Secure, it includes hands-on experience in a fully-functional SOC and a Cyber Threats Simulation Centre with military-grade systems. Students complete a technical project in their final semester and have research opportunities through APU's Forensic and Cyber Security Research Centre (FSEC). APU aims to lead in cybersecurity research with the establishment of the Forensics and Cyber Security (FSEC) Research Centre.

This program, available both Full time (1+ years) and Part time (2.5-3 years) is designed to provide:

• Opportunities for advanced professional development in Cyber Security.
• The chance to deepen specialization through a research or technical dissertation, preparing students to become subject matter experts in the field.

This program is aimed at IT and computing professionals seeking formal qualifications in Cyber Security, as well as managers wanting to enhance their cybersecurity skills. It is also suitable for fresh graduates in Cyber Security or Digital Forensics looking to further their academic qualifications.

The Benefits of the Programme

• Comprehensive curriculum covering:

  • Security Operations Centre (SOC) and Incident Response
  • Security Auditing and Assessment
  • Advanced Ethical Hacking
  • E-Investigation
  • Data Analytics in Cyber Security
• External curriculum reviews conducted by Cyber Security Malaysia (CSM), KPMG, and F-Secure to ensure industry relevance.
• Programme support from an Industry Advisory Panel, including cyber security experts from:
  • Cyber Intelligence
  • Cyber Test Systems
  • Akati Consulting Group
  • Cyber Security Malaysia (CSM)
• Hands-on experience in a fully-functional Security Operations Centre (SOC) where students:
  • Monitor live data
  • Perform real-time cyber security monitoring
  • Fortify network defense with global threat intelligence
  • Launch faster responses to cyber security incidents
• Access to a Cyber Threats Simulation and Response Centre (Cyber Range) within APU’s Cyber Security Talent Zone, which:
  • Incorporates military-grade cyber-defense systems
  • Enables students to understand and formulate defense strategies
  • Provides hands-on practice for dealing with real cyber-attacks
• Technical project in Cyber Security as part of the final semester dissertation.
• Research opportunities through APU’s Forensic and Cyber Security Research Centre (FSEC).

Who Should Attend?

This programme is designed for:

• IT/Computing professionals looking to gain formal qualifications in Cyber Security.
• Professionals and managers who want to enhance their Cyber Security knowledge and skills at the postgraduate level.
• Fresh graduates from Cyber Security / Digital Forensics backgrounds looking to advance their academic qualifications.

General Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computing or related fields with a minimum CGPA of 2.50, or its equivalent qualification as accepted by the Senate.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computing or related fields with a minimum CGPA of 2.00 and not meeting a CGPA of 2.50 can be accepted, subject to a rigorous internal assessment.
• Bachelor’s degree in non-related fields with a minimum CGPA of 2.00 as accepted by the Senate and with relevant working experience, subject to a rigorous internal assessment.
• Bachelor’s degree in non-related fields with a minimum CGPA of 2.00 as accepted by the Senate and without relevant working experience, subject to passing pre-requisite courses.

° Applicants without a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Cyber Security or Forensic Computing must pass the prerequisite modules in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics to continue with the Master’s degree.
* Applicants without a Computing-related Bachelor’s degree must pass the pre-requisite modules to continue with the Master’s Degree.

Note: The above entry requirements may differ for specific programmes based on the latest programme standards published by Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

English Requirements

• IELTS: 5.5

The program comprises of 10 coursework modules, including 7 core modules and 3 elective modules, and a Project.

Pre-Requisite Modules (FOR NON-COMPUTING STUDENTS)

Duration: 1 Month (Full time) / 4 months (Part time)

• Cyber Security
• Digital Forensics
• Digital Forensic and Cyber Security Tools

Core Modules

• Information Security Design
• Data Analysis in Cyber Security 
• Cyber Security & Threats 
• Security Operations Center & Incident Response 
• Advanced Ethical Hacking 
• Advanced Digital Forensics 
• Research Methodology in Computing & Engineering 

Elective Modules (Choose 3):

• Network Design & Performance
• Information Security Architectures
• Security Audit and Assessment
• E-Investigation
• Applied Scripting in Cyber Security

Project

For the Cyber Security Project, students are required to complete a project paper for both academic and industry purposes, supervised by an academic staff member. The project may involve collaboration with an external organization, relevant to their work or one of the program’s industry partners. Students have flexibility in choosing their topic, and the deliverables include a prototype, simulation, or framework, along with a project paper and a publishable conference or journal paper summarizing the work.