Master of Science in Cybersecurity

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.

Curriculum

Edit Content

Code	Course	Credit Unit
MED7101	Quality Assurance in Education
MED7102	Economics of Education
RM7101	Research Methods in Education
MED 7103	Advanced Educational Leadership
MED 7201	Educational Statistics
MED7202	Management Information Systems
MED 7203	Academic and Scholarly Writing
Education Management Track
MEM7103	Foundations of Educational Management
MEM 7201	Educational Marketing and Entrepreneurship
MEM7202	Human Resources Management in Education
MEM 7203	Comparative Education
MED 7204	Contemporary Issues in Education
Educational Policy and Planning
MEP7101	Policy Studies in Education
MEP7102	Foundations of Higher Education
MEP 7103	Policy and Law in Education
MEP 7201	Methodologies of Educational Planning
MEP 7202	Policy Analysis and Evaluation in Education
MEP7203	Systems Analysis and Strategic Planning in Education
Curriculum Studies
MCS 7101	Foundations of Curriculum Theory
MCS 7102	Curriculum Design and Development
MCS 7103	Curriculum Evaluation and Assessment
MCS 7201	Curriculum Implementation and Pedagogical Approaches
MCS 7202	Global Trends in Curriculum and Education
MCS 7203	Curriculum Innovation and Technological Integration
MCS 7204	Curriculum Leadership and Teacher Development

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

FIRST TRIMESTER (I)	SECOND TRIMESTER (II)	THIRD TRIMESTER (III)
September, 2025	January, 2026	May, 2026

Semester 1:

September To December

Semester 2:

January To April

Semester 2:

May To August