MAS ETH in Cyber Security

Your MAS programme starts with an introduction to information security, followed by two additional mandatory courses. You will then proceed to elective courses of your choice and conclude your education with your master thesis.

Introduction to Information Security (268-0101-00, 5 ECTS points, Autumn Semester)

In this course, the goal is to introduce the fundamentals of information and cyber security from a technical point of view. Along with theory, hands-on experiments are an important building block of the course and help to deepen the students' understanding of the theory.

System Security (252-1414-00, 7 ECTS points, Autumn Semester)

The course addresses the challenges in terms of security of digital systems. Example topics are tamper-proof components and compiler support to achieve security guarantees of software.

Network Security (263-4640-00, 8 ECTS points, Autumn Semester)

Participants get an introduction to network security. Topics of the course include the operating mode of the Internet and its components (e.g., the DNS system) with a focus on their security properties and requirements. The course is accompanied by practical exercises to deepen the understanding of the theory.

Elective Courses (30 ECTS points)

With a choice of 24 electives, you can tailor your MAS continuing education in cyber security to specialise in the areas that interest you most.

Master’s Thesis (10 ECTS points)

The final part of your programme is dedicated to completing your master’s thesis. You will benefit from personal guidance by your ETH mentor.

CAS ETH in Cyber Security (10 ECTS points, Autumn/Spring)

Your completed CAS grants you 10 ECTS credits and allows you to skip the first mandatory course of the MAS programme. It provides a solid foundation for seamlessly progressing into more advanced cyber security topics.

System Security (252-1414-00, 7 ECTS points, Autumn Semester)

The course addresses the challenges in terms of security of digital systems. Example topics are tamper-proof components and compiler support to achieve security guarantees of software.

Network Security (263-4640-00, 8 ECTS points, Autumn Semester)

Participants get an introduction to network security. Topics of the course include the operating mode of the Internet and its components (e.g., the DNS system) with a focus on their security properties and requirements. The course is accompanied by practical exercises to deepen the understanding of the theory.

Elective courses (25 ECTS points)

With a choice of 22 electives, you can tailor your MAS programme education in cyber security to specialise in the areas that interest you most.

Master’s thesis (10 ECTS points)

The final part of your programme is dedicated to completing your master’s thesis. You will benefit from personal guidance by your ETH mentor.

DAS ETH in Cyber Security (35–45 ECTS points)

With a completed DAS, you have acquired the expert knowledge needed to proceed directly to the elective courses at the core of the MAS programme, culminating in your master’s thesis.

Elective courses (15 ECTS points)

With a wide choice of electives, you can tailor your MAS education in cyber security to specialise in the areas that interest you most.

Master’s thesis (10 ECTS points)

The final part of your programme is dedicated to completing your master’s thesis. You will benefit from personal guidance by your ETH mentor.

Bachelor's degree acknowledged by ETH in computer science or in a related field plus work experience in an area relevant for the topic of the programme.

Application

ETH Zurich
School for Continuing Education
HG E 17–18.5
Rämistr. 101
8092 Zurich
Tel. +41 44 632 56 59
E-mail:
Online Application

Application period

01.04–01.07.2025 for Autumn Semester 2025 (rolling admission)
15.08–15.11.2025 for Spring Semester 2026 (rolling admission)

Admission

• Your application will be reviewed by the admission committee of the certificate programme. Admission is granted to those who can prove both sufficient fundamental knowledge in computer science and pre-knowledge or working experience in the area of cyber or information security.
• Applicants who cannot provide proof of sufficient knowledge and/or work experience will be declined.
• The final decision is communicated in writing.
• The MAS ETH in Cyber Security is a part-time study programme. Usually, the Swiss authorities do not issue student visas for part-time studies. The visa is required for the residence permit.

The following documents must be filled in and submitted:

• Fully completed Online Application of the School for Continuing Education with an explanation of 150–250 words in section "Personal Motivation"
• Copy of the qualifying degree in German or English (qualifying degrees see above "Admission Requirements")
• Copy of the transcript in German or English
• Up-to-date CV or Resume in German or English
• Download Study plan (DOCX, 52 KB), filled in completely and correctly
• Passport or identity card
• Download Declaration of consent (PDF, 94 KB)
• Further documents required by the School for Continuing Education

Optional documents

• Reference letters

CHF 30,000 (incl. one-time payable semester fee)

Master of Advanced Studies ETH in Cyber Security Regulations (RSETHZ 333.1600.35)

• Is the programme also offered as a distance learning programme?
  No, the MAS is offered only on-site at campus ETH Zentrum.
• Are there courses offered in the evenings or during the weekends?
  No, all courses take place on workdays during the day. 
• What is the estimated workload?
  The MAS ETH in Cyber Security is 60 ECTS points. One ECTS point equals approximately 30 hours of studying. Lecture times are included in this approximation.
• Where do I find the timetable?
  There is no predefined timetable. Each student compiles his/her own timetable. The courses of the current and the previous semesters are listed in the ETH Course Catalogue. Usually, the times of the courses remain the same. Together with the application, students need to submit a study plan indicating the courses to be taken each semester throughout the programme.
• Are there additional costs to bare if the regular programme duration of four semester will be exceeded?
  No, in this case there are no additional costs. If students need more time they are required to officially request an extension of study time including an updated study plan with the programme coordinator by submitting Download this form (DOCX, 46 KB).