Wits launches postgraduate degrees in cybersecurity
- Wits University
The Bachelor of Science Honours (BScHons) and the Master of Science (MSc) in Cybersecurity will be offered from 2026.
The University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, will launch two new postgraduate degrees in cybersecurity aimed at developing highly skilled professionals to safeguard Africa’s digital future.
The two new fully accredited programmes — the Bachelor of Science Honours (BScHons) and the Master of Science (MSc) in Cybersecurity — are available on the Wits online application system. Both programmes are designed to prepare graduates for advanced careers in cybersecurity, data protection and trustworthy artificial intelligence (AI), combining rigorous academic foundations with real-world applications.
The application closing date for both degrees is 31 December 2025. Apply here:
School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics (CSAM)
“These postgraduate qualifications in cybersecurity will focus on advanced cybersecurity principles and technologies; artificial intelligence and machine learning for digital security; ethical and legal aspects of information security; and applied research addressing local and global cybersecurity challenges.”
— Professor Richard Klein, Deputy Head of the School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics
These new programmes firmly position Wits as a continental leader in cybersecurity education—bringing together rigorous academic training, cutting-edge research, and meaningful engagement with industry. The degrees are delivered in partnership with two globally recognised organisations: the CISPA Helmholtz Center for Information Security in Germany, and MWR CyberSec. Both partners emphasise the significance and long-term impact of these new offerings:
MWR CyberSec
“MWR is proud to support Wits University in launching these new cybersecurity degree programmes. Developing local expertise is vital to strengthening South Africa’s resilience against evolving cyber threats, and we believe this initiative will play a key role in building the next generation of cybersecurity experts.”
— Tinus Green, Head of Consultancy at MWR CyberSec
CISPA Helmholtz Center for Information Security
“CISPA is delighted to partner with Wits University in establishing these forward-looking cybersecurity programmes. Strengthening global cybersecurity requires strong international collaborations, and we see immense potential in supporting the development of highly skilled cybersecurity professionals in South Africa. These programmes will help cultivate new research talent, expand global knowledge exchange, and contribute to a more resilient digital future.”
— Dr Lea Schönherr, Tenure-track faculty, CISPA Helmholtz Center for Information Security
Strengthening South Africa’s Digital Resilience
Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Wits University, says: “Cybersecurity is one of the defining challenges of our time. These new programmes position Wits at the forefront of digital innovation and resilience in Africa. Through our collaboration with CISPA and MWR CyberSec, we are creating pathways for students to engage with global expertise while addressing the urgent cybersecurity needs of our society.”
“These programmes will strengthen South Africa’s ability to protect critical infrastructure, data, and information systems, while contributing to the country’s growing digital economy,” adds Professor Nithaya Chetty, Dean of the Faculty of Science.
Global Collaboration
The collaboration bridges academia, research and industry and was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding between Wits and CISPA. The agreement establishes a framework for joint research, academic exchanges, and co-supervision of postgraduate students in the fields of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cryptography.
Faith Blakemore, Head of International Affairs and Science Relations at CISPA says: “These partnerships will not only create opportunities for CISPA researchers to engage with the scientific community in Africa but will also open up new international research perspectives and trajectories. These Memoranda of Understanding will now serve as the foundation for further exciting and equally beneficial activities, including research opportunities for members of all our institutions.”
About Wits University
The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, is one of Africa’s leading research-intensive universities committed to academic and research excellence, social justice and the advancement of the public good.
About CISPA
The CISPA Helmholtz Center for Information Security is a premier German research centre dedicated to advancing cybersecurity, privacy and trustworthy AI. Based in Saarland, it is part of the Helmholtz Association, Germany’s largest scientific organisation.
About MWR CyberSec
MWR CyberSec is a South African cybersecurity company providing cutting-edge consulting, threat analysis, and defence solutions to clients across sectors.