Official inauguration of the Master’s Programme in International Cybersecurity and Cyberintelligence

Today marks an exciting milestone for the Arqus European University Alliance as it proudly inaugurates the first cohort of the Master’s Joint Programme in International Cybersecurity and Cyberintelligence. The official kick-off took place in Padua (Italy), where the 18 selected students began their academic journey.

The programme launch was attended by key academic figures, including the local coordinators from the University of Padua, Nicola Laurenti and Davide Bresolin, as well as Gabriel Maciá of the University of Granada, global coordinator for the programme. A number of faculty members from the consortium’s academic staff were also present to welcome the students.

The first cohort reflects the international essence of the programme, with students hailing from a diverse range of countries, including Portugal, Lithuania, India, Italy, Spain, Australia, Turkey, Zimbabwe and Cameroon.

Arqus is especially proud to report that the programme has achieved a notable success in addressing gender diversity within the cybersecurity sector. The current ratio of women in cybersecurity currently stands at 10%, but this cohort has a higher percentage, with four out of the 18 students being women.

About the Master’s Programme

The Arqus Master’s Programme in International Cybersecurity and Cyberintelligence is a full-time course, jointly designed and taught by the universities of Granada (Spain), Minho (Portugal), Padua (Italy), and Vilnius (Lithuania). The programme spans over four semesters (two years) and aims to provide specialised education in Cybersecurity, Cyberintelligence, and International Relations and Law for Cybersecurity. All classes are taught in English, and the programme includes virtual, blended, and face-to-face learning.

One of the programme’s unique features is the mobility aspect, which allows students to experience academic life across all four participating universities.

Students will spend the first semester in Padua, where they will attend face-to-face classes, supplemented by an additional course from the University of Minho. This is followed by a second semester at Vilnius University, and then they will move to the University of Granada for the third semester. The fourth and final semester is dedicated to the completion of the Master’s thesis, with remote or local tutoring available accoring to the student’s preference. The programme will conclude with a graduation week, which will be held at the University of Minho.

Upon completion of the programme, graduates will be well-positioned to integrate into the global cybersecurity industry, with a particular focus on roles within cyber intelligence teams at the international level.

This launch marks a significant step for Arqus, and the international scope of the programme further demonstrates the alliance’s commitment to fostering excellence in education and research in the field of cybersecurity.