The Master in International Cybersecurity and Cyberintelligence culminates in a Master’s Thesis (30 ECTS credits), which allows students to apply the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the programme to an original research or practical cybersecurity project.
Credits and Structure
- 30 ECTS credits, completed during the fourth semester at the University of Minho (Portugal).
- Supervised by faculty members from one or more of the partner universities.
- Can be carried out as a research project, an applied cybersecurity study, or an industry-based project.
Objectives
The Master’s Thesis is designed to:
- Develop advanced research and analytical skills in cybersecurity and cyber intelligence.
- Apply theoretical knowledge to practical security challenges.
- Encourage innovation and contributions to the cybersecurity field.
- Provide experience in academic or industry-based research environments.
Topics and Research Areas
Students may choose from a variety of cybersecurity-related topics, including but not limited to:
- Cyber threat intelligence and risk analysis
- Digital forensics and malware investigation
- Network security and intrusion detection systems
- Post-quantum cryptography and secure communications
- Cyber warfare and international cooperation
- AI and machine learning for cybersecurity
- Ethical hacking and penetration testing
Evaluation and Defence
- The thesis must be submitted and defended before an academic committee.
- The final defence is conducted as part of the Graduation Week, where students present their work alongside practical cybersecurity challenges.
The Master’s Thesis provides students with an opportunity to specialise in a cybersecurity domain, collaborate with research teams, and enhance their career prospects in academia, industry, or government agencies.