Master of Science in Cybersecurity

Introduction
This MSc programme is operated by the HKCT Institute of Higher Education.

This programme seamlessly integrates academic theory with practical expertise, placing a strong emphasis on hands-on training and real-world operational exercises. The comprehensive curriculum spans critical domains including cyber defence, system security analysis, risk management, compliance governance, and the application of innovative technologies. It is designed to equip students with a thorough mastery of fundamental cybersecurity principles, emerging industry trends, and practical application capabilities, making it highly suitable for professionals from diverse backgrounds seeking advanced academic and professional development.

網絡安全理學碩士
Programme Details
Mode of Study

Part Time

Teaching Mode

Face-to-face

Commencement of Study

December 2026

Programme Information

Programme Features

Synthesising Academic Theory, Practical Training, Industry Connectivity, and Professional Advancement.

01|Cybersecurity Management and Practical Training

The core curriculum covers advanced cybersecurity governance, risk management, policy formulation, and industry standards implementation, enabling students to master information security controls at the enterprise and organisational levels.

02|Integrated CISP Training

The programme uniquely integrates Certified Information Security Professional (CISP) certification training into the master’s curriculum. While pursuing their master’s degree, students can also receive industry-recognised professional certification training, achieving the dual benefits of an academic qualification and professional certification training.

03|Professional Facilities

The Security Operations Centre and Cyber Range & Practice Centre enable students to interact with virtual systems in real time. The facilities support teaching and learning, real-world scenario simulations, cyber attack and defence competitions and training, research, testing, and exercises. HKCT has organised the Hong Kong and Macao Cybersecurity Competition twice.

04|National-level Cyber Range Interconnection

The HKCT cyber range serves as the Hong Kong regional centre of the Peng Cheng Laboratory national-level cyber range. It has achieved platform interconnection with the Yellow Crane Cyber Range of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, located within the national cybersecurity base; the Industrial Control Cyber Security Range of Guilin University of Electronic Technology, and the Jiaxing Cyber Range of Zhejiang University. This interconnection supports online simulation testing and cybersecurity competitions.

05|National-level Cyber Range Interconnection

The HKCT cyber range serves as the Hong Kong regional centre of the Peng Cheng Laboratory national-level cyber range. It has achieved platform interconnection with the Yellow Crane Cyber Range of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, located within the national cybersecurity base; the Industrial Control Cyber Security Range of Guilin University of Electronic Technology, and the Jiaxing Cyber Range of Zhejiang University. This interconnection supports online simulation testing and cybersecurity competitions.

06|Flexible Blended Learning

A part-time blended teaching approach combining face-to-face classes, online platforms, project-based learning, and workshops effectively promotes independent learning and teamwork. It is suitable for professionals from a wide range of backgrounds who wish to pursue further studies.

Programme Structure

Featured Modules
  • The Foundation of Cybersecurity
  • Applied Research Methods for Cybersecurity
  • Advanced Cybersecurity Governance and Risk Management
  • Human and Ethical Factors in Information Technology
Electives
  • Cybersecurity Engineering and Operations
  • Advanced Cybersecurity Practice
  • Mobile Application Security Analysis
  • Cutting-Edge Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies
  • Information System and Environment Development
  • Comprehensive Cybersecurity Frameworks for Organisations
  • Defense Mechanisms for Enterprises
  • Technology Innovation Project

Who Should Apply

  • Professionals working in cybersecurity, information technology, systems operations, software development, data, artificial intelligence or related fields
  • IT and engineering professionals seeking to advance their careers in cybersecurity
  • Professionals seeking to strengthen their capabilities in security analysis, risk management, and offensive and defensive cybersecurity practices
  • Secondary school teachers in IT, information technology, computer studies and related disciplines
  • Applicants seeking to pursue an academic qualification alongside professional certifications
  • Professionals from diverse backgrounds seeking to enhance their practical cybersecurity capabilities
網絡安全專業進修

Entry Requirements

The Entry Requirements comprise two parts: General Admission Requirements and English Language Proficiency Requirements.

General Admission Requirements

Local students:

  • Holder of recognised bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, or a related discipline; or
  • Holder of recognised bachelor’s degree in another discipline with at least one year of relevant work experience; or
  • Holder of other professional qualifications, such as CISSP, CISP, or CISP-PTE, with relevant work experience; and
  • If the medium of instruction of the bachelor’s degree is not English, an IELTS score of 6.0 or other equivalent English Public Examination Score is required; and
  • Pass in admission interview.
English Language Proficiency Requirements

Applicants whose bachelor’s degree was not taught in English are required to demonstrate English language proficiency by meeting one of the following requirements:

IELTS (Academic): an overall band score of 6.0 or above; or
IGCSE English: Grade C or above; or
TOEFL iBT: a score of 60 or above; or
CET-6 (Mainland China): a score of 430 or above, obtained within the two-year validity period; or
Other equivalent English language qualifications.

Career Development and Professional Recognition

Graduation Path

Graduates of the 'MSc in Cybersecurity' may pursue computing-related doctoral programmes at local or overseas universities. They may also take up professional and senior positions in areas such as cybersecurity, information technology risk, digital forensics, system security, and compliance management.

Below are some common career options:

  • Penetration Testing Engineer
  • Network and System Security Engineer
  • Cybersecurity Consultant
  • Cybersecurity Researcher
  • Information Security Officer
  • Application Security Analyst
  • Information Technology Risk Analyst
Professional Qualification

Students who enrol in the 'Master of Science in Cybersecurity' can apply to become:

  • Student Members of 'The Hong Kong Computer Society' (HKCS)
  • Student Members of 'China Computer Federation' (CCF)

Upon graduation, they may consider applying to become:

  • Associate Members of 'The Hong Kong Computer Society' (HKCS)
  • Professional Members of 'China Computer Federation' (CCF)

Tuition Fees and Scholarships

Tuition Fees

Year 1: $75,000   Year 2: $75,000
The tuition fee above is under 2026/27 Cohort.

Tuition fees and subsidies are to be reviewed and adjusted annually on various factors.

Programme Advisor and Teaching Team

Integrating academic knowledge, industry expertise and practical experience to support students’ professional development.

曲博教授 Prof. QU Bo
  • Previously worked at Tencent Technology and Peng Cheng Laboratory
  • Served as a judge for cybersecurity exercises such as ‘Yuedun' and ‘Shenlan’, organised regional competitions for national-level cybersecurity competitions
  • Shenzhen Peacock Plan Talent
徐國愛博士 Dr XU GuoAi
  • Former Professor and PhD Supervisor, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications
  • Chief Scientist, National Key R&D Program of China
  • First Prize Winner (2021), Beijing Science and Technology Progress Award
唐雅娟博士 Dr TANG Yajuan
  • Former Associate Professor at Shantou University, PhD in Science, with over 15 years of university teaching experience
  • Designed and delivered many graduate and undergraduate courses, including Modern Communication Technology, Principles of Communication, Information and Coding, etc.
  • Long-term research work in the areas of machine learning, network performance, and network security
徐志宇博士 Dr XU Zhiyu
  • Former Cybersecurity Engineer, HyperLab
  • Former Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Swinburne University of Technology
  • Certified Information Security Professional (CISP)
  • Young Leader - Tech Innovation Youth Award, Intel Greater Bay Area Innovation Center

Teaching Facilities

Security Operations Centre

網絡安全運營中心

 

The MSc in Cybersecurity programme is equipped with professional hardware and system platforms, providing students with state-of-the-art teaching facilities. A large 7-metre × 2-metre LED display wall visualises and presents activities within the virtual cyber world, offering students an innovative learning experience.

Click to view the 360º VR tour of Security Operations Centre

Cyber Range & Practice Centre

網絡靶場及實訓中心

The centre enables students of the MSc in Cybersecurity programme to interact with virtual systems in real time. It supports teaching and learning, real-world scenario simulations, cyber attack and defence competitions and training, research, testing, and exercises. The HKCT cyber range serves as the Hong Kong regional centre of a national-level cyber range and has achieved platform interconnection with multiple cross-boundary cyber ranges.
 

按此 to view the 360º VR tour of Cyber Range & Practice Centre

FAQs

What makes the MSc in Cybersecurity at HKCT Institute of Higher Education (CTIHE) unique?

The MSc in Cybersecurity at CTIHE stands out through three core advantages:

  • Exclusive CISP Certification Exemption: CTIHE is the only institution pairing this degree with Certified Information Security Professional (CISP) training. Graduates can skip mandatory training and sit the professional exam directly.
  • Industry-Driven Practical Training: Co-developed with industry partners, the curriculum focuses on offensive and defensive operations, security management, and real-world execution.
  • National-Grade Cyber Range: Students gain hands-on experience using campus cyber range facilities linked with national-level platforms in Mainland China for live simulations and competitions.
What are the entry requirements for the MSc in Cybersecurity programme? 

The programme offers flexible admission pathways. Local applicants are expected to meet at least one of the following academic criteria:

  • Hold a Bachelor of Science (BSc) or Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) degree; OR
  • Hold a non-STEM Bachelor’s degree accompanied by at least one year of relevant cybersecurity work experience; OR
  • Possess recognised professional qualifications, such as CISSP, CISP, or CISP-PTE.

*Note: Applicants whose primary language of instruction was not English must achieve a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent).

What is the mode of study and programme duration for the MSc in Cybersecurity?

The Part-time MSc in Cybersecurity can be completed within 2 years.

The curriculum employs a flexible, blended learning model combining face-to-face lectures, online learning platforms, capstone project work, peer collaboration, and interactive practical workshops.

What are the career prospects and graduate outcomes for MSc in Cybersecurity alumni?

Graduates enjoy strong career potential and diverse career pathways across Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area (GBA):

  • Industry Backing & Internships: Supported by tech leaders such as China Mobile International, Topsec, and Sangfor Technologies, offering local and GBA internship and employment opportunities.
  • Doctoral Progression: Qualified to pursue PhD programmes in computer science or cybersecurity.
  • Senior Professional Roles: Prepared for high-demand positions, including Penetration Tester, Network & Systems Security Engineer, and Information Security Officer (ISO).
資歷架構

QF Level

The qualification of this programme is recognised under the Qualifications Framework in Hong Kong

  • QF level: 6
  • QR Registration No.: 26/000692/L6
  • Registration Validity Period: 1/9/2026 至 31/8/2029

Capitalise on Opportunities in Cybersecurity
Advance Your Career

Combining rigorous theory with hands-on practice, this programme aligns with industry standards and professional certifications - equipping you with the competitive edge to build a resilient career in the digital era.

Enquiry      Application & Payment