# MSc in Cyber Security.

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MSc • Cyber Security • Systems • Infrastructure • Defence

A resolutely technical postgraduate route for students who want to protect digital infrastructures by understanding code, operating systems, networks, cloud platforms, cryptography and cyber operations.

This is the security-engineering route: not only policies and awareness, but the technical stack behind attacks, defences, infrastructure hardening and secure system operation.

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Code and systems C/C++, operating systems, sandboxes, containers and formal verification.
Infrastructure defence Cloud, networking, Microsoft, Cisco, AWS and operational security practice.
Attack and protection Cryptography, penetration testing, CEH preparation, GRC and cyber operations.

225h Code Security
200h IT Architecture Security
200h Information Systems Security
200h Resources Security

Programme centre of gravity
Code, systems and infrastructure security for operational cyber roles.

For students who want to understand how systems fail, how attacks work, and how secure infrastructures are designed and operated.

120 ECTS Master’s level programme
• RNCP level 7
875h Total programme volume

01 — Programme identity

## Cyber security requires serious engineering depth.

The MSc in Cyber Security is designed for operational technical roles. It combines low-level software, systems, infrastructure, cryptography, cyber defence, attack practice, compliance and human-risk awareness.

DSTI positioning

## Security specialists who understand the stack.

DSTI’s position is clear: cyber security graduates must be strong computer engineers. The programme therefore starts from code, systems and infrastructure before moving into defence, attack, law, risk and professional practice.

Code

### Understand vulnerabilities

Low-level software, memory, execution environments and code reliability are central to security reasoning.

Systems

### Secure the operating layer

Operating systems, system calls, virtualisation, containers and infrastructure form the operational base.

Networks

### Defend connected environments

Networking, cloud, middleware and application servers are treated as security-critical environments.

Operations

### Practise attack and defence

Penetration testing, cyber operations, GRC, law and social engineering mitigation complete the technical profile.

02 — Who this programme is for

## For students who want operational cyber security depth.

This MSc is technical. It is best suited to students who already have a computing, computer engineering, telecommunications or electronics base and want to specialise in cyber security.

Good fit

### You want to protect systems because you understand how they are built.

- You like operating systems, networks, cloud, infrastructure and low-level software.

- You want to understand attack surfaces, secure execution, cryptography and cyber defence.

- You are interested in certifications such as AWS, Cisco, Microsoft and CEH-oriented preparation.

- You are aiming for cyber security analyst, consultant, network security, penetration testing or security architecture roles.

Less ideal if

### Your main goal is business analytics, data modelling or data infrastructure.

- If your main interest is decision support and analytics implementation, compare with MSc in Data Analytics with AI.

- If your main interest is platforms, data pipelines and cloud data engineering, compare with MSc in Data Engineering for AI.

- If your main interest is statistical modelling, machine learning and deep AI, compare with MSc in Data Science & AI.

03 — Programme structure

## The programme structure, at a glance.

The structure combines technical warm-up, specialist coursework, support sessions and integrated professional experience.

875h Total taught programme volume across specialist coursework and support sessions.

825h Specialist cyber security coursework across code, systems, architecture, data, resources and attack/defence practice.

50h Support sessions for review, questions, difficult concepts and examination preparation.

30 ECTS Professional experience through internship, employment, contracting or apprenticeship.

04 — Curriculum

## Transparent programme content, course by course.

DSTI does not hide behind vague course labels. The MSc in Cyber Security is shown below through its teaching blocks, hours, ECTS and course content.

Code Security • 225h

### Low-level foundations

Software, operating systems, system calls, execution environments, containers and formal verification.

Architecture & IS Security • 400h

### Systems and infrastructure

Cloud, networking, Microsoft, Cisco, cryptography, data banks, middleware and application servers.

Resources Security • 200h

### Attack, defence and governance

Penetration testing, CEH preparation, GRC, social engineering mitigation, project management, law and ethics.

Code Security
225h • 25 ECTS

### Low-level software, operating systems and secure execution

Cyber security starts close to the machine. This block builds the code, operating-system and execution-environment foundations needed to understand vulnerabilities and defences.

50h 5 ECTS

#### Low-level Software Engineering

Advanced C and C++ programming, including memory management, thread synchronisation and network communication.

25h 3 ECTS

#### Cyber Security: A Global Vision

Overview of cyber security environments, objectives, threats, actors, impacts and organisational stakes.

50h 6 ECTS

#### Operating Systems Reliant and Interacting Code

Windows and Linux command-line configuration, automation and system calls as the interface between applications and the kernel.

100h 11 ECTS

#### Securing Execution of Assessable and Non-Assessable Code

Sandboxes, virtual machines, containers, interpreted code security and formal verification methods.

IT Architecture Security
200h • 20 ECTS

### Cloud, networking and security architecture

This block focuses on the architecture layer: cloud platforms, networks, security architecture and operational protection of systems.

50h 4 ECTS

#### Cloud Computing — Amazon AWS

AWS cloud services and preparation for AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate.

25h 3 ECTS

#### Preparation for Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Core networking fundamentals in preparation for Cisco Certified Network Associate certification.

50h 5 ECTS

#### Preparation for Microsoft SC-100 Cyber Security Architect

Cyber security solution architecture in preparation for Microsoft SC-100 Cyber Security Architect certification.

50h 5 ECTS

#### Preparation for Cisco CyberOps Associate

Tools and techniques for protecting systems from cyber attacks, in preparation for Cisco CyberOps certification.

25h 3 ECTS

#### Preparation for Microsoft Information Protection and Compliance Administrator

Fundamentals of data security, information lifecycle management and compliance.

Information Systems Security
200h • 22 ECTS

### Cryptography, data systems, middleware and prediction

Modern cyber security depends on understanding the full information-system stack: cryptography, databases, big data systems, middleware, application servers and predictive techniques.

25h 3 ECTS

#### Fundamentals of Cyber Security Practices

System security design patterns, infrastructure security, data-at-rest and data-in-transit encryption, and code safety.

25h 3 ECTS

#### Practical Cryptography for Data Exchanges

Mathematical fundamentals behind securing data exchanges.

25h 4 ECTS

#### Securing Data Banks

Security principles for relational databases, RDBMS, NoSQL databases and big data systems.

50h 4 ECTS

#### Big Data Ecosystem by Adaltas

HDFS, scheduling, resource management, ETL, dataflow management, Spark and data exploration.

50h 5 ECTS

#### Securing Middleware and Application Servers

Enterprise middleware and web application server security in complex server environments.

25h 3 ECTS

#### Pattern-Based Modelling and Prediction

Predictive analytics skills to anticipate and counteract cyber threats.

Resources Security
200h • 23 ECTS

### Human risk, project context, law and attack/defence practice

Cyber security is technical, but also organisational and human. This block covers GRC, social engineering, project management, penetration testing, CEH preparation, law and ethics.

25h 6 ECTS

#### Safe Behaviour Awareness

GRC essentials and social engineering mitigation, including human risk factors and attacker levers.

25h 3 ECTS

#### IT Project Management

Project management lifecycle and best practices for traditional and agile approaches.

50h 5 ECTS

#### Penetration Testing for Attack and Defence

Practical attack and defence scenarios in cyber security systems.

75h 6 ECTS

#### Preparation for Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Core modules and principles required for Certified Ethical Hacker certification preparation.

25h 3 ECTS

#### Data Laws & Regulations — Philosophies, Geopolitics & Ethics

Data privacy and security principles, EU and US regulation, and differences between common law and code law.

Support & Professional Experience
50h support • 30 ECTS experience

### Consolidation and workplace application

Support sessions help students consolidate difficult technical concepts, while professional experience validates the ability to apply cyber security skills in a relevant working environment.

50h

#### Support Sessions

Reviewing course topics, answering questions, re-explaining harder notions and preparing for examinations.

4 to 6 months 30 ECTS

#### Integrated Professional Experience

Internship, employment, contracting or apprenticeship experience validated through DSTI’s standard evaluation procedures.

05 — Professional certification

## Cyber security certifications make professional credibility visible.

In cyber security, recognised professional certifications are not decorative. They are part of how the job market reads technical readiness, trust and operational seriousness.

MSc Cyber Security rule

### One certification is mandatory. Two certifications unlock the “with Honours” distinction.

DSTI prepares students for several cyber security certifications within the programme. Students must validate one mandatory certification to graduate, choosing either the AWS or Microsoft pathway. A second approved certification is strongly recommended and grants the “with Honours” distinction.

Mandatory One certification is required to graduate: either AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate or SC-401: Microsoft Information Security Administrator Associate.

With Honours A minimum of two approved certifications grants the “with Honours” distinction at graduation.

Job-market norm Cyber security employers often expect recognised certifications as evidence of operational readiness.

Controlled alternatives Alternative certifications are accepted only after Faculty and Direction of Studies validation.

AWS

### AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

Course context: Cloud Computing – Amazon AWS

Certification website

Cisco

### CCNA Cisco Certified Network Associate

Course context: Preparation for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Certification

Certification website

Microsoft

### SC-401: Microsoft Information Security Administrator Associate

Course context: Preparation for Microsoft SC-401: Microsoft Information Security Administrator Associate Certification

Certification website

Cisco

### Cisco CyberOps Associate Certification

Course context: Preparation for the Cisco CyberOps Associate Certification

Certification website

Microsoft

### SC-200: Microsoft Security Operations Analyst

Course context: Security Operations Architecture & Detection Engineering

Certification website

EC-Council

### CEH Certified Ethical Hacking Certification

Course context: Preparation for the Certified Ethical Hacking (CEH) Certification

Certification website

Validated certification pathway

### Accepted alternative certifications

This list is not a free-for-all. Each alternative certification must be relevant to the student’s cyber security pathway and career objectives, and remains subject to Faculty and Direction of Studies validation.

CompTIA CompTIA

#### CompTIA Security+

Security fundamentals and baseline cyber security practice
Official page

(ISC)² (ISC)²

#### CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)

Information security management and professional practice
Official page

ISACA ISACA

#### CISM (Certified Information Security Manager)

Information security management and governance
Official page

OffSec

#### OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional)

Penetration testing and offensive security
Official page

OffSec

#### OSWE (Offensive Security Web Expert)

Web application security and offensive practice
Official page

Altered Security

#### CRTP (Certified Red Team Professional)

Red team practice and Active Directory attack paths
Official page

eJPT

#### eJPT (eLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester)

Junior penetration testing
Official page

GCIA

#### GCIA (GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst)

Intrusion analysis and network defence
Official page

GCIH

#### GCIH (GIAC Certified Incident Handler)

Incident handling and response
Official page

Blue Team

#### Blue Team Level 1 (BTL1)

Blue-team operations and defensive security
Official page

06 — Where and how you study

## One DSTI programme, several ways to join the class.

DSTI was built around connected teaching. Students can study on campus, through Live Streamed access, or through the online route when this mode fits their situation.

French Riviera / Sophia-Antipolis
Study in Europe’s first science and technology park, near Nice and Antibes.

Paris Campus
Study in central Paris, close to companies, transport and student life.

Live Streamed
Attend the same classes live from another location, with the same academic expectations.

Online asynchronous
Access the programme through DSTI’s online route when this mode best fits your situation.

07 — Careers

## Cyber security becomes real in operational environments.

The programme includes integrated professional experience. The route depends on where the student is based and what makes professional sense.

Primary route

## Do a relevant internship where security work is technically meaningful.

DSTI can support professional experience in France or abroad, subject to academic validation and programme rules. The work must be relevant to the learning outcomes.

Local internship

### Your country or professional market

For many Live Streamed or international students, the best route is a relevant internship in their local job market.

Structured alternative

### CRCC Asia option

Where relevant, DSTI may guide students towards a structured international internship option through CRCC Asia.

Visit CRCC Asia

Career support

### CV, profiles and positioning

Students receive guidance on CVs, public profiles, applications and professional positioning.

Early security steps

### Operate, monitor and harden systems

Typical first roles include SOC Analyst, Cyber Security Analyst, Cloud / Network Security Analyst or Security Operations Engineer, depending on the student’s technical base and internship context.

Progression path

### Specialise after operational exposure

With experience, graduates can move towards Cloud Security Engineer, Information Security Officer or Penetration Testing / Ethical Hacking Specialist roles. Senior security architecture or leadership comes later.

08 — Admissions

## Selective admission for a technical cyber security route.

The MSc in Cyber Security is reserved for applicants with a strong technological base, because the programme assumes serious work across code, systems, networks and infrastructure.

Eligibility

### Computer engineering, telecommunications or electronics

Applicants should hold a recognised Bachelor degree or equivalent in computer engineering or telecommunications, possibly electronics. Computer Science only graduates should contact DSTI Admissions to verify suitability.

Entry exam

### Used when helpful

Applicants may be asked to take DSTI’s online entry exam in mathematics and IT, especially when admissions or direction of studies need further evidence of readiness.

English

### B2 minimum

Courses are delivered in English. IELTS 6.0, Duolingo 110 or equivalent evidence may be required.

IT requirements

### Windows PC laptop

Students should have a Windows PC laptop with at least 16GB RAM, able to run the latest Windows version.

Direct entry into Year 2 +

Applicants who have completed, or are finishing, either a first year of a Master’s-level programme in the same area or a four-year Bachelor in the same area may request direct entry into Year 2. Direction of Studies decides on admission after a specific academic review.

Required common exams: Applied Mathematics; Foundations of Statistical Analysis — Part 1; Data Wrangling with SQL. Additional programme exam(s): Cisco CCNA — DSTI Internal Exam; Cloud Computing — Amazon AWS — DSTI Internal Exam; Fundamentals of Cyber Security.

- Cisco CCNA — DSTI Internal Exam
- Cloud Computing — Amazon AWS — DSTI Internal Exam
- Fundamentals of Cyber Security
- Exams are taken online on DSTI Learn with computer-vision enabled proctoring and Safe Exam Browser, within 30 days upon application.
- A €50 supplemental examination fee is required and credited towards tuition fees upon admission. Direction of Studies looks at applicants achieving DSTI’s minimum pass grade of 60%.

Read the direct-entry guidance

Autumn 2026

### October entry

- International students: 26th June 2026

- EU & Live Streamed students: 31st July 2026

- Induction: 2nd October 2026

- Classes start: 5th October 2026

Online route

### Separate application rhythm

- Online applicants are not subject to the same fixed application timeline.

- Admissions and study-mode suitability remain subject to academic validation.

- Applicants should contact DSTI Admissions for timing and programme-fit guidance.

## Is Cyber Security the right route for you?

If you are hesitating between Data Analytics with AI, Data Engineering for AI, Data Science & AI and Cyber Security, the key question is your centre of gravity: decision and implementation, platforms and pipelines, modelling and AI systems, or technical security operations.

Book a meeting
Apply now
Compare MSc routes

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