Cyber Security

Joint program EPFL-ETHZ

With the push of a button we can send money to the most remote places on Earth, we can control critical infrastructure, or we can send or receive information. This development has led to significant boosts in productivity and unprecedented convenience for us all, but at the same time it has posed significant new challenges.

We hear about data breaches and attacks on critical infrastructure every day. How do we safeguard our information society? How do we promote trust? How do we engineer an information infrastructure that has security built in from the start in a principled way? These are the central questions of cyber security, an exciting and crucial research area within computer science.

Program’s objectives

In collaboration with ETH Zurich, this Master’s joint-degree program offers a broad set of courses such as cryptography, formal methods, systems, network and wireless security. It aims to provide both foundational and applied knowledge in this quickly expanding domain by leveraging expertise from both universities.

This program is mainly targeted at students who have a Bachelor’s degree in either Computer Science or Communication Systems. It offers graduates excellent job perspectives.

Simplified study plan

Please note that the information regarding programs’ structure as well as the simplified study plans may be subject to change and that they are not legally binding. Only the official regulations and study plans are binding.

Admission criteria

This Master’s program is consecutive to a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Communication Systems obtained at EPFL.

Bachelor’s degrees obtained in the same fields but from another institution are eligible on the basis of an application dossier and must be accompanied by excellent academic records.

EPFL Bachelor’s degrees in Electrical and Electronic Engineering Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering or Physics are also subject to a dossier-based analysis and are eligible if they are accompanied by excellent academic records.

In addition, excellent competencies in mathematics, in particular in calculus, discrete mathematics, linear algebra and probability, as well as a solid understanding of algorithms, data structures, and databases, alongside a strong interest in the chosen field, are required.

Candidates should be proficient in programming languages (such as Python, Java, C++) and have experience in software development. Knowledge of operating systems, computer architecture, and the theory of computation is critical for developing and managing software systems across various levels.

The acquisition of additional credits to fill any gaps may be required.

Please note that meeting all of these criteria is no guarantee of admission.

Further information about admission criteria

Teaching language

English. Excellent English language skills are required to follow this Master’s program.

Diploma and title obtained

Upon completion of their Master’s curricula, students obtain a Master of Science MSc in Computer Science – Cyber Security delivered jointly by EPFL and ETHZ. The diploma also gives graduates the right to use the title of EPF-ETH qualified Engineer.

Online application