Duration

Full time-1 year

Μοde of Delivery

On site, On-demand

Language of Delivery

Greek

Start Date

October 2026

Location

Athens, Greece

Description

The MSc in Cyber Security and Secure Systems provides students with specialised knowledge and skills in the rapidly growing field of cybersecurity. The programme is designed to meet the modern needs of organisations for the protection of information systems, networks, and data against cyberattacks and other digital threats.

It is addressed to graduates of Computer Science or related disciplines, as well as professionals who wish to specialise in information systems security.

Through a combination of theoretical knowledge, laboratory practice, and real-world case studies, students gain practical experience in system protection techniques, threat analysis, and security incident management.

The programme is offered in collaboration with Swansea University, which is ranked among positions 201–250 worldwide in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025 and within positions 201–250 in Computer Science & Information Systems in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026.

The programme is designed in accordance with the standards of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), ensuring the development of skills highly demanded by the job market.

Objective of the programme

The programme aims to:

  • Provide specialised knowledge in the field of Cyber Security and Information Systems Security.
  • Develop students’ ability to design, implement, and manage secure information systems and computer networks.
  • Cultivate skills in identifying, analysing, and responding to cyber threats and cyber attacks.
  • Provide an understanding of modern cybersecurity techniques and tools, including ethical hacking, penetration testing, and vulnerability assessment.
  • Strengthen students’ ability to conduct risk assessments and implement information security policies and controls.
  • Develop critical thinking, research skills, and problem-solving abilities in the field of Cyber Security.
  • Equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills for professional development in Cyber Security and Digital Systems Security.

Why choose the “Cyber Security and Secure Systems” Master’s Programme?

  • Internationally Recognised Degree

The programme is awarded by Swansea University, an institution with a strong international presence and high global rankings in Computer Science. Students obtain a recognised postgraduate qualification with value in both the Greek and international job markets.

  • Learning from Specialised Professionals

Teaching by experienced cybersecurity professionals provides students with access to the latest practices, technologies, and research developments in the field of information systems security. Students become familiar with modern tools and real-world cyberattack scenarios.

  • Modern and Specialised Curriculum

The programme covers critical areas of cybersecurity, including:

  • Ethical hacking & penetration testing
  • Network, wireless & cloud security
  • Embedded systems & IoT security
  • Digital threat analysis

Students acquire knowledge and skills aligned with the real needs of the job market.

  • Networking Opportunities with the Job Market

The structure of the programme offers significant networking opportunities with industry professionals, business partners, and alumni. Through lectures, workshops, and direct engagement with the market, students strengthen their professional prospects.

  • Practical Experience & Applied Learning

The programme emphasises practical application through laboratory exercises, the use of specialised tools, and the analysis of real security incidents. Students gain experience in:

  • Vulnerability Identification
  • Cyberattack Management
  • Secure Systems Design
  • Development of Research and Analytical Skills

The programme enhances students’ critical thinking and research skills, preparing them both for the job market and for further academic advancement.

  • International Academic Environment

The programme offers education based on British academic standards, combining theory and practice in a modern and internationally oriented learning environment.

Programme Structure

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course introduces students to the fundamental principles of academic research and postgraduate studies. Emphasis is placed on the collection, analysis, and evaluation of scientific information, as well as on the writing of research papers.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

  • Development of academic research skills
  • Critical evaluation of scientific sources
  • Design and implementation of research studies
  • Development of presentation and documentation skills for research results

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course examines the management of information security within organisations and businesses. Students will study the fundamental principles of risk management, information security policies, and the procedures required to protect an organisation’s information assets.

Particular emphasis is placed on international standards and information security best practices, such as ISO standards, as well as on the importance of compliance with regulations and legislation related to data security.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

  • Understanding the principles of information security management
  • Analysis and evaluation of security risks
  • Design and implementation of security policies
  • Understanding international information security standards

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course introduces students to the fundamental principles of information systems security, digital forensics, and cryptography. Students will gain knowledge of data protection techniques, the analysis of digital evidence, and encryption methods used for the secure transmission of information.

At the same time, the module examines techniques for analysing security incidents and investigating digital attacks.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

  • Understanding the fundamental principles of cryptography
  • Analysis of digital forensics incidents
  • Application of data protection techniques
  • Understanding information systems security technologies

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course focuses on the security of embedded systems used in modern technologies such as IoT devices, industrial systems, and smart devices. Students will examine the vulnerabilities that arise in such platforms and study techniques for protecting both hardware and software.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

  • Understanding embedded systems architectures
  • Identification of vulnerabilities in IoT and embedded devices
  • Application of hardware and software security techniques
  • Design of secure embedded applications

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course provides the necessary research skills for conducting academic and applied research in the field of cybersecurity. Students will become familiar with methods of data collection and analysis, as well as with the writing of scientific papers.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

  • Understanding research methodologies
  • Analysis of scientific sources and data
  • Design of research proposals
  • Preparation for the dissertation

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course focuses on the identification and assessment of vulnerabilities in information systems and networks. Students will become familiar with ethical hacking and penetration testing techniques for evaluating system security.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

  • Identification and assessment of system vulnerabilities
  • Use of penetration testing tools
  • Understanding ethical hacking techniques
  • Development of information systems protection strategies

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course examines the security technologies used in modern networks, wireless infrastructures, and cloud computing environments. Students will study the threats associated with networks and cloud technologies, as well as the methods used to protect these systems.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

  • Understanding secure network architectures
  • Analysis of threats in wireless networks and cloud environments
  • Design of network protection mechanisms
  • Application of security techniques in cloud infrastructures

More information

Graduates may pursue careers as:

  • Cyber Security Analyst
  • Penetration Tester
  • Security Engineer
  • Digital Forensics Analyst
  • Information Security Consultant
  • SOC Analyst
  • Cyber Risk Analyst

Employment Sectors:

  • Technology companies
  • Banks and financial institutions
  • IT consulting firms
  • Telecommunications organisations
  • Government agencies
  • Cybersecurity companies

The programme is delivered in person through scheduled classes at our premises at 68 Syngrou Avenue (next to “Syngrou–Fix” metro station). Students also have the option to attend classes online through our modern learning platform, with access to on-demand recorded lectures, allowing them to study flexibly at their own time and pace.

  • A degree from a Higher Education Institution (University, Technological Institute, College, etc.) in Greece and/or abroad.
  • In certain cases, candidates who do not hold a first degree but have significant professional experience may be admitted to the programme following an interview.
  • An IELTS certificate or another equivalent English language qualification.

The registration process is simpler and shorter than ever!

You can register in the following ways:

Α) Online

You can download the registration form here and send it completed to admissions@ist.edu.gr,along with the necessary registration documents (to view them click here) and proof of deposit (to view the bank accounts click here.)

B) By visiting IST College

The IST College Administrative Staff will be at your disposal to help you register. All you need is to come to IST College, bringing with you the necessary registration documents, to view them click here.

The way the already affordable IST College tuition fees are paid is very flexible. In consultation with IST College financial services, it is possible to pay in instalments or in a lump sum with a corresponding discount.

In addition, your Education Advisor will inform you about the financial and social criteria that will secure you a tuition fee subsidy of up to 30%, supported by the IST College Student Support Fund.

You can also apply for one of the Scholarships offered by IST College, announced periodically by IST College, in collaboration with well-known companies and organisations. For more information click here.

It is important to note that by paying your tuition fees, apart from attending the courses, you will also enjoy a range of privileges and services at no extra charge such as:

  • Registration
  • Use of the IST College Library
  • Participation in the Examinations
  • Use of the IST College Modern Education Platform
  • Issuance of all certificates of study, grades and certificates from both IST College and the partner university
  • Participation in seminars, events and conferences organised and offered by IST College
  • A card that ensures preferential prices in college-affiliated shops of various sectors and services

Download the Study Guide (here)

The Hellenic National Academic Recognition and Information Center (DOATAP) has recognized Swansea University and included it in the National Registry of Recognized Higher Education Institutions of Foreign Countries. The MSc in Cyber Security and Secure Systems programme of Swansea University is offered in Greece by IST College following approval granted by the Greek Ministry of Education.

The degree awarded upon successful completion of the programme may be recognized as professionally equivalent to degrees awarded within the Greek higher education system. Recognition is granted by the Autonomous Department for the Implementation of European Legislation (ATEEN) of the Greek Ministry of Education. More information is available at ATEEN – Recognition of Professional Equivalence.

Once recognized as professionally equivalent, the degree may be used professionally in the same way as degrees awarded by Greek universities. Recognition by ATEEN is not academic recognition and does not permit continuation of studies at a Greek Higher Education Institution. However, many of our graduates continue to postgraduate and doctoral studies at universities abroad of their choice.

A large number of IST College graduates who have followed the procedures provided by law have obtained recognition of the professional equivalence of their degree from ATEEN.

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