The Presbyterian University, Ghana, has obtained accreditation to run Master of Science (MSc) Cybersecurity programme. The programme offers the following:
Aim of the Programme:
This programme aims to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to become competent cybersecurity professionals who can effectively identify, analyze and respond to cyber threats. Graduates can be employed Cybersecurity Analyst, Information Security Officer, Security Consultant, Penetration Tester/Ethical Hacker, Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst, Incident Response Specialist, Cybersecurity Risk Analyst, Cybersecurity Researcher/Threat Intelligence Analyst, Compliance & Governance Analyst, Network Security Engineer, etc.
Objectives of the Programme:
The programme is intended to achieve the following objectives:
- To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity concepts, tools, and techniques.
- To equip students with the knowledge and skills to design and implement effective cybersecurity solutions.
- To develop students’ ability to identify and mitigate cyber threats.
- To provide students with hands-on experience with various cybersecurity tools and technologies.
- To prepare students for leadership roles in the cybersecurity industry.
- To prepare students to undertake further studies in the field of Cybersecurity
National Relevance
A Master’s degree programme in Cybersecurity is relevant to Ghana in several ways. With the increasing reliance on technology in all sectors of the economy, the country is vulnerable to cyber attacks, which can lead to financial loss, reputational damage, and compromise of sensitive data. Therefore, there is a need to build a strong cybersecurity workforce in Ghana to prevent and mitigate cyber threats.
A Master’s degree programme in Cybersecurity will equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect computer systems and networks from cyber threats, such as hacking, viruses, and other types of malware. Graduates of such programmes can work as cybersecurity professionals in a variety of fields, including government agencies, financial institutions, healthcare organisations, and technology companies. In addition, the programme can contribute to the development of a strong cybersecurity infrastructure in Ghana. Graduates can work with government agencies and organisations to develop policies and frameworks for cybersecurity, and can help to develop and implement cybersecurity measures that can protect critical infrastructure.
In summary, the MSc. Cybersecurity is relevant to Ghana as it can help to build a strong cybersecurity workforce and infrastructure, which is crucial for protecting the country from cyber threats and promoting economic growth.
Uniqueness of the MSc Cybersecurity Programme
The MSc. Cybersecurity programme provides a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical training, preparing students to become cybersecurity experts who can protect computer systems and networks from cyber threats. The unique features of the programme include:
- Comprehensive coverage of cybersecurity: This programme provides comprehensive coverage of cybersecurity topics, which allows students to gain a broad understanding of the challenges facing cybersecurity professionals.
- Hands-on training: It also provides students with hands-on training on the latest cybersecurity tools and technologies. This allows them to gain practical experience in securing computer systems and networks and responding to cyber threats.
- Interdisciplinary approach: The programme combines knowledge from various fields, including computer science, law, and business. This allows students to gain a holistic understanding of cybersecurity issues and how they affect different industries.
- Focus on emerging threats: The programme focuses on emerging cybersecurity threats, such as advanced persistent threats, social engineering, and Internet of Things (IoT) security. This ensures that students are prepared to tackle the latest cyber threats facing organisations today.
- Career prospects: It provides graduates with excellent career prospects. Cybersecurity professionals are in high demand in various sectors, and the MSc. Cybersecurity degree can lead to lucrative career opportunities in cybersecurity consulting, risk management, and security analysis.
Inadequacies in Skills
The MSc. Cybersecurity programme can play a crucial role in meeting the cybersecurity skills inadequacies in Ghana and can help to build a strong and resilient cybersecurity ecosystem in the country. The programme can help to meet the cybersecurity skills inadequacies in Ghana in several ways:
- Producing cybersecurity experts: The MSc. Cybersecurity programme can produce cybersecurity experts who have the knowledge and skills necessary to protect computer systems and networks from cyber threats. Graduates of the programme can work in various sectors, including government agencies, financial institutions, healthcare organisations, and technology companies.
- Building a strong cybersecurity workforce: The programme can also help to build a strong cybersecurity workforce in Ghana. Graduates can work with government agencies and organisations to develop policies and frameworks for cybersecurity, and can help to develop and implement cybersecurity measures that can protect critical infrastructure.
- Meeting the demand for cybersecurity professionals: There is a growing demand for cybersecurity professionals in Ghana, and the MSc. Cybersecurity programme can help to meet this demand. Graduates can work as cybersecurity consultants or researchers, helping to develop new security technologies and practices to combat emerging cyber threats.
- Bridging the cybersecurity skills gap: The MSc. Cybersecurity programme can bridge the cybersecurity skills gap in Ghana by providing students with a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity issues and the latest technologies and tools used in cybersecurity.
- Improving national security: By producing cybersecurity experts and building a strong cybersecurity workforce, the programme can improve national security in Ghana. This can help to protect critical infrastructure, prevent cyber attacks, and safeguard sensitive data.
Expected Outcomes to pursue the MSc. Cybersecurity Programme
Upon completion, it is expected of graduates from the programme to be able:
- To demonstrate an understanding of cybersecurity concepts, tools, and techniques.
- To design and implement effective cybersecurity solutions.
- To apply Cybersecurity knowledge and skills to identify and mitigate cyber threats.
- To provide hands-on experience with various cybersecurity tools and technologies.
- To take up leadership roles in the cybersecurity industry
- To undertake further studies for upward progression in the field of Cybersecurity
The Structure of the MSc. Cybersecurity is as follows:
First Semester
| Course Code | Title | Credit Hours |
| MSCP 701 | Introduction to Cybersecurity | 3 |
| MSCP 703 | Cybersecurity Policy and Governance | 3 |
| MSCP 705 | Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Cybersecurity | 3 |
| MSCP 707 | Network Security | 3 |
| MSCP 709 | Cryptography | 3 |
| MSCP 711 | Cybersecurity Risk Management | 3 |
| PUCM 703 | Research Methods in ICT | 3 |
Second Semester
| Course Code | Title | Credit Hours |
| MSCP 702 | Ethical Hacking | 3 |
| MSCP 704 | Cybersecurity Operations and Incident Response | 3 |
| MSCP 706 | Secure Software Development | 3 |
| MSCP 708 | Digital Forensics and Incident Investigation | 3 |
| MSCP 710 | Enterprise and Cloud Security | 3 |
| PUCM 712 | Dissertation | 6 |
Duration of MSc Cybersecurity programme:
The duration for completion of the MSc. Cybersecurity degree shall be one-year involving two (2) semesters.
Stream: Regular/Weekend/Sandwich
Target group:
This programme is designed for Professionals in Computer Science, ICT, Mathematics and related areas who want to be Cybersecurity experts/managers enabled with theoretical and practical skills to effectively manage the planning, design, selection, implementation, use, and administration of cybersecurity policies, strategies and tools to support organizational strategic goals.
Entry Requirements into the MSc Cybersecurity Programme:
Applicants must have a good first degree in any major area of study preferably Computer Science, Information and Communication Technology, Mathematics or its equivalent degree programmes.
A candidate seeking admission into this Master’s Degree programme must:
- have obtained a good first degree (at least a Second Class Lower Division) in an appropriate field of study from the Presbyterian University, Ghana or any accredited University; or
- have a Third Class degree with at least three years working experience. The candidate will also be required to, submit a transcript of his/her academic record and pass a selection interview.
Degree to be awarded:
On successful completion of the course, the degree of Master of Science (MSc) in Cybersecurity will be awarded.
How to Apply
For online Application:
Purchase E-voucher at GHc200 using *887*9# (all Networks). visit the University’s webpage to apply: APPLY HERE
For Hard Copy:
Application forms can be obtained from all the Campuses of the University, the Presbyterian Church of Ghana Head Office, Osu – Kuku Hill. For further enquiries, call or WhatsApp: 0202277218 / 0501510034