Master en management de la sécurité des systèmes d'information (professionnel)

> Teaching languages: French/English

Information systems security management has become a critical competence for the majority of companies and administrations. In the financial sector, for example, the new Basel II Accords stipulate that in addition to managing financial risks, financial institutions must also manage operational risks. Information systems certainly represent a major operational risk while at the same time providing a potential risk management solution, since they offer automated tools that enhance the monitoring of operations.

This Master degree course is aimed at updating the skills which those who are responsible for information systems security require to carry out their job. It is also aimed at providing supplementary training to computer analysts and managers who are not specialised in this field.

Target group

The training is tailored to executives in companies based in Luxembourg and the Greater Region of Saar-Lor-Lux. The course is not intended for students who have never worked in business, since experience of business life and company organisation is essential to benefit fully from the training provided.

Degree certificate

The Master 2 (applied) degree in Information Systems Security Management is awarded by the University of Luxembourg, applying the provisions of the Bologna Process. With this system, which was introduced to promote student mobility at European level, the workload of different courses is expressed in ECTS units (European credit transfer system), with one ECTS unit corresponding to 25-30 hours of study activity by students (comprising courses, preparation, exams, independent work by students etc.). This renders courses comparable at European level. ECTS credits obtained may be increased as part of other courses at a European university, provided that the relevant university complies with the provisions of the Bologna Process. This course provides a total of 60 ECTS credits.

Admission criteria

- A recognised degree in category BAC+4 (= 4 years of higher education) in a related field (minimum of 240 ECTS units) or
- A recognised degree in category BAC+3 (= 3 years of higher education) in a related field (minimum of 180 ECTS units) combined with three years’ professional experience in information systems security, providing proof of this professional experience

Course structure

In view of the fact that the target group comprises professionals, the course work is structured as ongoing training on two days per week (usually Fridays and Saturdays) every fortnight. This model has also been successful in connection with other courses (e.g. innovation management). It is not therefore possible to obtain the 60 ECTS credits required within one year. Instead, this will take two years (3 semesters of studies and one semester dedicated to the professional project and Master thesis).

Target skills

As the scheduled course programme indicates, information systems security requires cross-disciplinary skills, including knowledge of laws and regulations as well as applicable standards, organisational and management skills, technical skills relating to IT security and interpersonal skills. Moreover, the field is evolving, which requires prompt updating of the course content in terms of stages and skills. Such regular updates are best ensured through the involvement of institutions that conduct scientific research.