Master of Science in Cyber Security (ODL)
Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation · Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation, Malaysia
QS World University Ranking: N/A
Quick Overview
Apply Now📘 Program Overview
APU’s Master of Science in Cyber Security (ODL) is an Open & Distance Learning (ODL) programme designed for part-time study, with a minimum study duration of 2.5 years.
The programme includes 10 coursework modules and a Project, with 7 compulsory core modules (including Research Methodology) and 3 elective modules, covering areas such as Security Operations Centre and Incident Response, Advanced Ethical Hacking, and Advanced Digital Forensics.
🎯 Course & Curriculum
Course structure
- Programming in Python (pre-requisite for non-computing students; ODL delivery).
- Digital Forensics and Cyber Security Tools (pre-requisite for non-computing students; ODL delivery).
- Information Security Design (core module).
- Data Analytics in Cyber Security (core module).
- Cyber Security & Threats (core module).
- Security Operations Center & Incident Response (core module).
- Advanced Ethical Hacking (core module).
- Advanced Digital Forensics (core module).
- Research Methodology in Computing & Engineering (core module).
- Elective modules (choose 3) such as Network Design & Performance, Information Security Architectures, Security Audit and Assessment, E-Investigation, and Applied Scripting in Cyber Security.
- Project Paper (core module).
- Dissertation-style research-based and/or technical-based project with academic supervision.
- Topic flexibility for cybersecurity-focused project work for both academic and industry purposes.
Curriculum
Credit hours programme structure for Master of Science in Cyber Security (ODL) at Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation.
| Semester | No. of modules | Module / subject category | credit hours | Semester total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Pre-requisite modules (for non-computing students) | Programming in Python | 0 | 0 |
| Database Fundamentals | 0 | |||
| Digital Forensics and Cyber Security Tools | 0 | |||
| Semester 2 | Core modules | Information Security Design | 3 | 12 |
| Cyber Security & Threats | 3 | |||
| Security Operations Center & Incident Response | 3 | |||
| Advanced Ethical Hacking | 3 | |||
| Semester 3 | Core modules and electives (choose 3) | Advanced Digital Forensics | 3 | 24 |
| Data Analytics in Cyber Security | 3 | |||
| Research Methodology in Computing & Engineering | 6 | |||
| E-Investigation | 3 | |||
| Network Design & Performance | 3 | |||
| Security Audit and Assessment | 3 | |||
| Semester 4 | Core module and final project | Project Paper | 12 | 24 |
| Network Design & Performance | 3 | |||
| Information Security Architecture | 3 | |||
| Applied Scripting in Cyber Security | 3 | |||
| Security Audit and Assessment | 3 | |||
| Total | Programme total including core modules, elective modules (choose 3), and Project Paper | |||
Career outcomes
- You gain advanced, job-relevant cybersecurity skills across SOC and incident response, ethical hacking, and digital forensics, so you can step into specialist security roles faster.
- You build expertise that maps directly to careers such as Cyber Security Analyst / Consultant, Information Security Analyst, Cyber Security Incident Response Consultant, and Digital Forensic Investigator, listed as your career path.
- You develop technical capability through a hands-on Security Operations Centre (SOC) and Cyber Range for threat simulation and response, helping you become practical rather than purely theoretical.
- You strengthen your profile with industry-referenced curriculum development and an industry advisory panel, supporting smoother transition to employer expectations in Malaysia’s cybersecurity workforce.
- You prepare for leadership progression by combining advanced security coursework with a supervised Project Paper on a cybersecurity topic that you choose, enabling deeper specialization.
Employability rate
For graduates of this Master of Science in Cyber Security programme in Malaysia, APU reports a 100% employability rate and therefore an unemployment rate of 0%.
This supports a stable outcome for students looking to enter or advance in cybersecurity roles where demand is increasing.
✅ Entry Requirements
Academic qualification
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | International applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Computing or related fields with a minimum CGPA of 2.50, or an equivalent qualification accepted by the Senate. Applicants with a CGPA of 2.00 (in Computing or related fields) may be accepted subject to rigorous internal assessment. For non-related fields, a minimum CGPA of 2.00 is accepted by the Senate with relevant working experience (or, without relevant experience, by passing pre-requisite courses). |
| Prerequisite modules (where applicable) | Applicants without a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Cyber Security or Forensic Computing must pass prerequisite modules in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics to continue the Master’s degree. Applicants without a Computing-related Bachelor’s degree must pass prerequisite modules to continue with the Master’s degree. |
Language requirements
International applicants must meet the programme English entry requirement. If you have previously studied in English, you may be exempt with supporting documents.
IELTS Academic
MOI (Medium of Instruction)
💶 Fees & Funding
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | MYR 34500 / total program | Total for international students: RM34,500. Fees indicated exclude 6% Sales and Service Tax (SST) imposed by the Malaysian Government; see official Fee Guide for details. |
Proof of financial resources
Important dates
Application window
| Milestone | January - Winter intake | April - Summer intake |
|---|---|---|
| Application portal opens | April 01, 2026 | October 01, 2025 |
| Application deadline (final submit) | July 15, 2026 | January 15, 2026 |
| Application deadline (EU students) | N/A | N/A |
| Application deadline (Non-EU students) | N/A | N/A |
| Recommended apply-by | N/A | N/A |
| Semester begins | October 01, 2026 | April 01, 2026 |
Pre-application & reviews
| Milestone | January - Winter intake | April - Summer intake |
|---|---|---|
| VPD request - recommended | N/A | N/A |
| VPD result expected | N/A | N/A |
| APS - recommended | N/A | N/A |
| Start eligibility check | N/A | N/A |
Document submission deadlines
| Milestone | January - Winter intake | April - Summer intake |
|---|---|---|
| Application submission deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Document submission deadline (EU students) | N/A | N/A |
| Document submission deadline (Non-EU students) | N/A | N/A |
| Language certificate deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Official transcripts deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Certified translations deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Postal / hard-copy documents deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Missing documents (if requested) | N/A | N/A |
📝 How to Apply
Review eligibility and prerequisites
Check that your Bachelor’s degree and CGPA meet APU’s entry requirements for international applicants. If your background is not in Computing or not in Cyber Security or Forensic Computing, confirm whether you will need to complete prerequisite modules before the Master’s study. Prepare your academic documents early so you can be assessed without delays.
Prepare English language evidence (or exemption support)
For international applicants, ensure you have IELTS Academic with the published minimum score. If you believe you qualify for an exemption because your previous programme was taught in English (or you are from an English speaking country), submit your supporting documents with the application. Keep your language documents ready for upload during the application.
Submit the online application during the intake window
Apply via APU’s official admissions application entry for this programme and complete all required fields within the published intake dates. Upload your required documents and ensure the information you enter matches your academic records. Submit before the stated deadline for the intake you want.