Table of contents

The course is connected to the following study programs

Teaching language

English

Prerequisites

To be able to start on the master's thesis, students must have passed at least 80 credits in the master's programme, including IS-404 Research Methods in Information Systems and IS-420 Current Topics and Research Areas in Information Systems, or equvalent. The theme for the master's thesis must be approved in advance by UiA.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student will

  • be able to apply knowledge in new areas within Cybersecurity Management and Information Systems subjects
  • be able to analyse and assess cybersecurity problems, both from a research perspective and from an operational perspective (industry / administration)
  • be able to analyse existing theories and methods and apply these to solve new tasks (both theoretical and practical problems)
  • be able to apply research and development methods in an independent and autonomous way
  • be able to assess different sources of information with a critical eye and be able to put the information into a structured context
  • be able to carry out independent research and development projects (with guidance), in accordance with recognised academic and ethical standards
  • be able to convey complex professional issues by using relevant professional terms within the respective fields in cybersecurity
  • be able to effectively convey subject theory and applications, both orally and in writing, to peers and other recipients (decision makers, users, etc.)
  • be able to contribute with innovation and new ideas in projects within cybersecurity

Contents

The master's thesis will be a major independent work focusing on cybersecurity managment.The thesis must contain research elements and the development of new knowledge. Simple tasks without these aspects should be avoided.

The thesis must contain a written report that describes the problem, the research aspects, the approach and the results. The thesis report shall contain an evaluation and point to further development opportunities.

Teaching and learning methods

The master's thesis must be solved as independent work. Guidance will be provided, and there will be guidance meetings with the assigned supervisor(s). The thesis work must be solved individually or in groups of a maximum of two students.

The duration of the thesis work is normally set at one semester, and it is standardised at approx. 800 hours of effort per student. The thesis work will normally be given in the spring semester. It is possible to apply for the opportunity to complete the thesis work in the autumn semester, but this requires that the student otherwise satisfies all requirements and that there are available supervisors.

Examination requirements

Oral presentation concerning the work and findings in the master thesis must be approved. Passing the oral presentation is required to be able to submit the thesis for assessment. The students are expected to actively participate in the supervision meetings/seminars as agreed with the supervisor(s).

Examinations

Master's thesis counting 100%. Grading by letters, A-F

Student evaluation

The person responsible for the course, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1. Information about evaluation method for the course will be posted on Canvas.

Reduction of Credits

This course’s contents overlap with the following courses. A reduction of credits will occur if one of these courses is taken in addition:

Course Reduction of Credits
IKT523 – Master's Thesis, Cyber Security. 30
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 3:13:41 PM