Master in Information Security

Master in Information Security is one of 9 English-taught Computer Science & IT programmes at Master's Degree level in the register, offered by 6 institutions. 2 of them list an annual fee for students from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland. 7 are recorded as free for EU, EEA and Swiss students.

This master's programme at NTNU in Gjøvik trains you to protect digital systems, from critical infrastructure to personal privacy. It is a two-year, full-time degree taught in English, worth 120 ECTS.

What you study

The programme starts with a broad foundation in security and data science. You then choose one of six specialisations:

• Digital Forensics (DF): analyse digital evidence and help solve cybercrime.
• Information Security Management (ISM): lead security work and manage organisational risk.
• Data Privacy and Security (DPS): work with regulation, technology and data protection.
• Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP): secure the systems society depends on.
• eHealth and System Security (ESS): safeguard healthcare technology.
• Communication and IT Security (CITS): work technically with networks, cryptography and secure software development.

Compulsory courses include Introduction to Digital Forensics and the interdisciplinary project course Experts in Teamwork. You also take electives.

How the programme is organised

The first year is made up of compulsory courses that form the foundation of your specialisation, plus electives. In the second year, the autumn semester is devoted to research project planning and advanced elective courses. The programme ends with a master's thesis, an independent scientific research or development project supervised by an academic member of staff.

Teaching takes place at NTNU Gjøvik. Learning spaces are open 24 hours a day. You will have close contact with lecturers and research environments, and you join an international and multicultural student community. The IT student association, Login, organises academic and social activities throughout the year.

Who it suits

This programme suits you if you want to become a security expert and have a bachelor's degree in engineering in computer science, software engineering, information systems, information technology, computer engineering, or a related field. You need at least 80 ECTS credits in computing and a minimum overall grade of C from your bachelor's degree. The programme admits 80 students.

It fits people who want flexibility to shape their own expertise, whether they lean towards digital forensics, management, privacy, critical infrastructure, healthcare technology, or technical network and software security.

Admission, language and next steps

To apply, you must meet the degree and grade requirements above. The programme is taught in English. Check the programme page for application deadlines and the application system, as these are set by NTNU. Students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland are normally exempt from tuition fees at state institutions; other degree students normally pay a fee set by the institution.

If you have questions about compulsory courses, electives, examinations, deadlines, or general programme matters, contact the programme staff via the details on the programme page.

Master’s applications go straight to Norwegian University of Science and Technology, not through the national admission service (NUCAS). Study in Norway states that you need a bachelor’s degree comparable to a Norwegian bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS), including courses equal to at least one and a half years of full-time study relevant to the programme. Deadlines are set by each institution for each programme, so confirm yours. Entry requirements and language tests are also set by the institution, so start from the official programme page. Our guides cover tuition fees, study permits and housing.