Programme structure
The master's programme Informatics: Information Security is a two-year full time study consisting of 120 ECTS credits.
The programme has the following structure:
- Courses, 60 or 90 ECTS credits
- Master's thesis, 60 or 30 ECTS credits
Course of study
Example with long master's thesis of 60 ECTS credits:
| 4th semester | Master's thesis | Master's thesis | Master's thesis |
| 3rd semester | Master's thesis | Master's thesis | Master's course |
| 2nd semester | Master's thesis | Master's course | Master's course |
| 1st semester | Master's course | Master's course | Master's course |
| 10 ECTS credits | 10 ECTS credits | 10 ECTS credits |
Example with short master's thesis of 30 ECTS credits:
| 4th semester | Master's thesis | Master's thesis | Master's thesis |
| 3rd semester | Master's course | Master's course | Master's course |
| 2nd semester | Master's course | Master's course | Master's course |
| 1st semester | Master's course | Master's course | Master's course |
| 10 ECTS credits | 10 ECTS credits |
10 ECTS credits |
The tables above gives examples of courses of study. You can structure the programme differently, for example by starting on your thesis already in the first semester. All courses should normally be completed and passed before the last semester.
Courses and master's thesis
The choice of courses and the theme of the master's thesis is done in consultation with your supervisor in the first semester.
The programme has two programme options from 2024/25
Until 2023/24, the programme offered only the programme option Information Security. Security in Cyber-Physical Systems is a completely new programme option that increases the number of students with knowledge about security. This programme option is managed by the Department of Technology Systems.
Master's thesis
The master's thesis is an independent research work carried out under supervision. You can choose either a long thesis of 60 ECTS credits, in addition to 60 ECTS credits of courses, or a short master's thesis of 30 ECTS credits in addition to 90 ECTS credits of courses.
If you choose a long thesis, the work is distributed over several semesters. The submission of the master's thesis is done on a fixed date in the last semester. If you choose a short master's thesis, the research thesis is placed entirety in the last semester. The theme of the thesis is presented on a given date at the beginning of the semester and the deadline for submission is 17 weeks after this date. You must present Your master's thesis publicly at the end of the semester. Following the presentation is an oral examination with the sensors and supervisor about the thesis. Read more about being a master's student at the Department of Informatics.
Available master's theses for information security
Supervision through the studies
The Master’s programme is a collaboration program between the Department of Informatics and the Institute of Technology Systems. You can get supervision from these research groups:
Progression requirements
The standard study time for the master's programme is two years, or four years if you apply for part-time studies. If you spend more time than two years, it's important that you familiarize yourself with the policies for admission and your right to study. Your right to study may be cancelled if you do not register for the first semester of the study programme and you have absence without valid reason for more than one semester.
Recognition of master's courses from former education
If you are admitted to the masters' programme and you have completed master courses outside the University of Oslo, you may apply to have these courses recognised as part of your degree. Please contact the Department of Informatics for more information.
Diploma and degree
This programme leads to the following degree: Informatics: Information Security
The diploma is issued when you have completed the courses that meet the requirements for a degree. Read more about diplomas.