Master's degree Cybersecurity
This programme is taught in French.
field(s) of training :
Science, Technology, Health
diploma level :
Master's degree (five-year degree)
duration of the program :
2 years
location(s) :
Caen
Course overview
Computer science is largely used in a wide range of activities: so how does one ensure the security of computer systems? The master’s programme in Cybersecurity allows you to discover and specialise in every aspect of computer security.
This two-year programme is jointly organised by the University of Caen Normandy and the ENSICaen Engineering School. The master’s prepares you to careers in computer security, with a curriculum relying on fundamentals, practical labs, and professional integration.
Highlights
The programme in Cybersecurity is one of the few master’s national diploma focusing on cybersecurity from Year 1. The master’s in Cybersecurity allows you to pursue careers both in research or in companies or industry. To do so, the master’s is notably supported by the research group in Computer Science, Image an Instrumentation of Caen (GREYC · UMR 6072).
Besides, thanks to the CYRCE Project (website in French), this master's programme was funded by the French National Research Agency as part of the France 2030 investment plan, grant number ANR - 23 - CMAS - 0027.
Welcoming international students
Since 2019, the University of Caen Normandy has been awarded the "Bienvenue en France" label by Campus France, highlighting the quality of the university's welcome for international students.
Application requirements
Entry requirements
To enter this master’s, you should graduate from a degree in Computer Sciences, Mathematics, or Networks and Telecommunications. However, excellent application files with different backgrounds will also be considered.
Applicants must provide:
- Application file with previous academic results
- Cover letter and resume
Language proficiency requirements
Minimum French proficiency level required: C1
Minimum English proficiency level required: B2
Apply and register
The registration process takes place in 3 steps:
Application process
Admission and registration requirements may vary depending on your nationality, country of residence, foreign secondary school leaving certificate, and the nature of your programme of study. Discover how to apply to the University of Caen Normandy.
Course structure
Courses
- Take place on site in Campus 2 (Caen) of the University of Caen Normandy, both in the Faculty of Sciences and the ENSICAEN Engi-neering School
- Amount to 900 hours for the full-time programme, and 800 hours for the work-study programme
- Are completed by compulsory internships or a work-study experience
Course units
The master’s programme in Cybersecurity relies on four groups of course units taking place on the two years:
- Cryptography
- Mathematics applied to cryptography
- Cryptography and advanced cryptoanalysis
- Post-quantic cryptography
- Parallelism and quantic cryptoanalysis
- Multidisciplinary aspects of computer security
- English (including scientific English) and communication
- Economics and social aspects for security
- Law for security and privacy
- Security management
- Information system security
- Computer security
- System and software security
- Web and network security
- Defensive and offensive security
- Security for internet of things, cloud solutions, and blockchains
- Computer fundamentals on security
- C and C++ secured programming language
- Advanced Linux
- Information transmission
- Forensics
- Biometrics
If you are in full-time programme, you will attend two courses specialised in hacking:
- Ethical hacking
- Advanced hacking
Internships and placements
The master’s programme includes two compulsory internships, in a company or a laboratory, in France or abroad:
- At the end of Year 1: compulsory internship (2 to 6 months)
- At the end of Year 2: compulsory internship (4 to 6 months)
Both internships will be evaluated through detailed written report and an oral presentation of this report.
Coursework and assessment
The course lasts 2 years and is divided in 4 semesters, each comprising several courses units. Examinations are held at the end of each semester and are graded on a scale from 0 to 20, 20 being the best grade. Grade compensation is organized without eliminatory marks and on the basis of the general average obtained in every course unit:
- Over each semester
- Over the 2 semesters of year 1.
The 2 semesters do not compensate each other in year 2.
To successfully complete a semester, you must have an average mark of at least 10 points out of 20. If you have not completed your semester, you can retake the courses units you failed; you do not have to retake the courses in which you have obtained at least 10 points out of 20.
Language
French
Learning outcome
By the end of this course, you will be able to
- Know multidisciplinary aspects of cybersecurity, notably social, legal, privacy and management aspects
- Manage and lead the security of an information system in all its dimensions (material, system, network, web, software, intelligence, cloud…)
- Understand advanced theory of cybersecurity, especially cryptography, cryptoanalysis and quantic computer science
- Master and apply advanced techniques of computer security, such as secured programming, biometrics, blockchains and forensics
- Understand ethical hacking with courses on defensive and offensive security and projects bases on CTF and various platforms
Further study
Once you’ve obtained your master’s, you can pursue doctoral studies such as a thesis within the research group in Computer Science, Image an Instrumentation of Caen (GREYC).
Careers
Since every field uses computer systems, computer security is a in-demand expertise! With a master’s in Cybersecurity, you can access positions such as:
- Security operation centre manager
- Security operation centre analyst
- Computer emergency response team manager
- Forensic analyst
- Cybersecurity crisis manager
- Cyberthreat intelligence analyst
Address
Université de Caen Normandie
UFR des Sciences
Boulevard Maréchal Juin · CS 14032 · 14032 Caen Cedex 5
France
Course leader
formation : Gaetan Richard · gaetan.richard@unicaen.fr