Overview

The introduction of this programme is driven by the increasing prevalence of cyber threats, the growing regulatory demands for cybersecurity governance, and the shortage of qualified cybersecurity management professionals in South Africa and globally. Several key circumstances have demonstrated the urgent need for this specialised curriculum:

• Escalating cybersecurity threats and risks
• Regulatory and compliance requirements
• Skills gap in cybersecurity leadership and management
• Digital transformation and business resilience
• The increasing reliance on digital platforms, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence has amplified cybersecurity risks. 
• Alignment with national and global cybersecurity initiatives
• Leveraging academic strengths in Information Systems (IS) research

Curriculum

The Master of Commerce in the field of Cybersecurity Management is an NQF level 9 qualification that is offered only as a part-time programme with a duration of two years. As a result, year two applies to all students.

The Research Report is a year-long course, designed to be completed in the second year of study. This structure allows candidates to engage in in-depth research while balancing academic study with professional responsibilities.

Entry Requirements

Candidates must meet one of the following applicable/relevant criteria:

• A person holding a Bachelor of Commerce with Honours of this or any other university
• Holds a further qualification in another faculty of this or any other university, or produces evidence to the satisfaction of the Senate of having pursued for a period of at least two years subsequent to her/his admission to the qualification of Bachelor of Commerce, a course of study or research in the subject in which the candidate proposes to present her/his dissertation, and who has satisfied the Senate by means of examination that the candidate has attained an Honours standard in that subject
• A person holding a Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Accounting Science of this or any other university, whom the Senate has specially exempted from the Honours qualification on the ground of her/his exceptional distinction or experience.

Specific requirements for admission to a particular field of study may be specified in the relevant School Standing Orders. International candidates may be required to fulfil further admission requirements, as specified in the School Standing Orders.

A graduate of this or another university recognised by the Senate may be admitted to this course if they:

• Hold a qualification in an appropriate field (e.g., Information Systems, Informatics, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Computer Science) which can normally only be taken over not less than four years of full-time study.
• Hold more than one qualification in appropriate fields, with the combined years of study equalling at least four years.
• Demonstrate equivalent competence through research, professional experience, or other attainments that satisfy the Senate.
• International candidates may be required to provide proof of English proficiency and undergo evaluation by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

University Application Process

University Fees and Funding

Click here to see the current average tuition fees. The Fees site also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal.

For information about postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award, click here. The University's Postgraduate Funding portal is a database of scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities available to Wits postgraduate students. Please also check your School website for bursary opportunities. NRF bursaries: The National Research Foundation (NRF) offers a wide range of opportunities in terms of bursaries and fellowships to students pursuing postgraduate studies. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.