Cyber Security Engineering
Built-it and networked digital logic surrounds our everyday life more and more. On the one hand, it makes our life much easier, but on the other hand, it makes it also more vulnerable, because the digital solutions aren´t sufficiently protected. In worse case, by hacking into vulnerable systems, it's already realistic to explode the boilers in the houses, to cause long-time telephone and power outage, to stop, damage or even crash cars and trains etc. Additionally, it's already quite usual that someone can steal your money from your account, can break into your computer, can read your emails, can watch-hear your conversations etc. But all the above-mentioned things can operate in a more secure and reliable way if we implement cyber security correctly.
If you wish to explore this incredible world more closely and would like to be the safe keeper of the cyber world, come and study Cyber Security Engineering!
LEVEL OF STUDYBachelor’s
STUDY LOAD180 ECTS (view curriculum)
MODE OF STUDYFull-time study
The curriculum of Cyber Security Engineering gives you the knowledge and skills necessary to make IT-systems malware-proof, as well as teach you which means to use against cyber-attacks.
The curriculum is broad-based and practically oriented, which means that all theoretical knowledge acquired in the courses is strongly supported by practical study. At least half of the course capacity is made up of labs or practice lessons, in which students can go through all the steps of setting up and securing the network and services of a company. Labs are mostly carried out by specialists of the field and many elective subjects help broaden general knowledge.
After graduating, you will be able to independently design, implement and maintain IT-systems that follow security requirements:
- you will understand the life span of an information system;
- you will master the basics of information system administration, including development and testing environments;
- you will know how to programme, test and implement an information system from the viewpoint of security and maintainability;
- you will know how to perform security testing for an information system based on set standards and the best practice;
- you will know how to implement processes guaranteeing the security of information systems and will be capable of taking part in developing and improving them;
- last but not least, you will follow ethical norms in your professional activity.
The curriculum allows daytime learning and the teaching language is English.
In the courses of networking, students will go from the basics of adjusting networks and learning the terminology to ensuring the security of complicated networks. Therefore, a student who passes the course will not only know network topologies, but can also plan and adjust them and guarantee their security. Additionally, there is an option to obtain the respective certificate that is valued among Estonian employers as well as the rest of the world.
One of the main activities of a cyber security specialist is keeping an eye on the network and computers as well as detecting and blocking any unusual or malicious activity. In Logging and System Monitoring, you will learn what and how to observe in the network traffic to detect a possible cyberattack quickly.
This subject provides the knowledge necessary to develop a cyber security programme and the skills to analyse cyber risks and manage cyber incidents.
The ability to code is elementary in IT, therefore you will learn three programming languages among the following within the field of cyber security engineering: Java, C#, Python, C, C++
The 3 year (180 ECTS) curriculum comprises the following modules:
General studies: (24 ECTS)
- Basic skills
Core studies: (63 ECTS)
- Fundamentals of information technology
- Cyber security (21 ECTS)
- IT systems administration (18 ECTS)
- IT systems development (18 ECTS)
- Internship (24 ECTS)
- Free choice courses (6 ECTS)
- Graduation thesis (6 ECTS)
Why this specialty?
- The programme of Cyber Security Engineering is unique in its focus on cyber security – protecting organisation from online attacks in order for it to operate in a sustainable manner.
- Cyber security has become a major concern over the last few years as hackers have penetrated the IT infrastructures of governments and enterprises with increasing frequency and sophistication.
- The growth of mobile and IoT devices will increase exposure to cyber security hacks that demand experts to protect networks, hardware, and software from unauthorised access.
Once you have successfully completed your studies, you will have the skills necessary to find errors made during the setup of computer networks and devices, organise the cyber security of an institution, implement the best practices, etc. You will be able to work as an IT specialist, for example, and as you gain more experience, become a member of the computer emergency readiness team.
For better and more exciting opportunities in the job market, we suggest you continue your studies at the Master’s level in the field of cyber security. That way, you can later work as a Chief Security Officer. The knowledge acquired in the field is universal and you can work in Estonia as well as abroad.
Secondary school diploma or equivalent
Secondary school diploma or equivalent
In order to qualify for the studies in Tallinn University of Technology an applicant has to have at least 60% of the highest possible CGPA.
The test takes place in the system called Moodle and contains five exercises based on logic, algorithmic thinking and generally recognized basic mathematics at a typical international high school level. Calculation tasks in the test are somewhat similar to those that come with solving real complex security incidents. Therefore, they do not include so much of the complexity of mathematics as the logic and systemic thinking skills combined with mathematical calculations. Candidate will have 4 hours to complete the test.
Grading scale: 5-10 points to qualify for the interview.
- Please include following:
- Why are you interested in the field of information technology (IT), especially cyber security topics?
- Why did you choose Estonia and TalTech IT College for your future studies?
- Do you work? For how long and in which field? How your current work is related to IT and cyber security?
- Please mention the programming languages in which you have written at least 500 lines of code.
- Please mention the operating systems that you have experience with.
- Please describe your previous experience and competencies related to IT.
- List your achievements in other fields, especially participating in contests in mathematics, physics and IT-related topics.
- Please write about your interests and social activities (beyond IT and mathematics, physics).
NB! It is important to properly cite and reference any sources used in your motivation letter (quotations, publications, ideas etc. that are not your own). Neglecting the rules of referencing and citation is considered plagiarism and will result in the disqualification of your application.
Candidates who have successfully passed the test will be invited to the interview.
The interview will focus on your motivation letter, English language skills, results of the test and general motivation for studying. Duration of the interview is 5-10 minutes.
Students for TalTech international study programmes are admitted based on the admission threshold. Online interview will be conducted only to candidates who have passed the online test. An applicant who receives the minimum of 5 points for motivation letter and online interview is admitted.
TalTech international admissions office
TalTech international admissions office provides general advice to prospective Bachelor’s and Master’s degree applicants and their advisers about applying to and studying at TalTech University.
Student counsellor at School of Information Technologies
Student counsellor at School of Information Technologies can help you
with questions about the study programme.
(+372) 628 5830
Contact a Student Ambassador
Student Ambassador can help you with questions about living in Estonia, travelling to Estonia, work and housing options or free time activities for students.