Four Universities, One Mission: International Cybersecurity Programme Takes Off at VU
Cybersecurity is becoming one of the most relevant topics in the contemporary world as the demand for professionals capable of protecting the digital space from ever more complex threats grows. A number of Master’s students from around the world have come to study at Vilnius University (VU) this semester in order to gain cutting-edge knowledge and international experience. They participate in the Master programme in international cybersecurity and cyberintelligence which is jointly implemented by four ARQUS Alliance Universities: Granada (Spain), Minho (Portugal), Padua (Italy), and Vilnius (Lithuania).
The programme features a unique opportunity for students to study each semester in a different country, familiarising themselves with different cybersecurity practices and acquiring wide, international knowledge in this rapidly developing area. Students studying at VU this semester share their impressions about Lithuania, their studies at VU, and the importance of cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity studies: technologies and mission
Barbora, a daughter of Lithuanian emigrants from New Zealand, says that she chose this programme as it combines different areas of information technologies and allows her to both explore theoretical aspects and develop her technical skills.
“The cybersecurity area is important not only in order to ensure the security of systems. We must have leverage over bad guys. We must have people who are trying to improve the situation online,” she says.
Meanwhile, Raphael, who’s Australian, highlights that cybersecurity is important for everyone: “Ensuring privacy and security is relevant for every person individually and for different branches of business.”
He is happy about the quality of his studies in Europe and gives his compliments to Lithuania. He found Vilnius to be a friendly and cosy city with a well-developed public transport system.
Nicolo, who comes from a small village in Italy, says that he was immediately impressed by an opportunity to study in different countries. Thus, he claims to have quickly realised that the study programme in international cybersecurity and cyberintelligence was exactly what he wanted. The Italian claims that the number of cyber attacks is growing and, therefore, it is very important to ensure the security of cyberspace.
Shashank from India, who has visited Lithuania more than once, is happy that the studies open up even more career opportunities.
“Before starting these studies, I had a clearer vision of where I wanted to work than I do now,” laughs Shashank.
Marta, who comes from Spain, is also not sure as to the specific direction her career will take. However, she knows one thing – she is very interested in cybersecurity. She is convinced that online security is very important.
The ARQUS joint Master programme features unique possibilities for mobility as well as huge support from the business sector: several companies are actively involved in sessions and seminars which significantly improves the possibilities of employment of the graduates. Having completed their studies, the graduates will be able to integrate themselves into any area of the cybersecurity industry as well as cyberintelligence teams working at an international level. Graduates will also be awarded the joint Master’s diploma in international cybersecurity and cyberintelligence.