The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) will launch two new postgraduate degrees in cybersecurity aimed at developing highly skilled professionals to safeguard Africa’s digital future.

People can apply for these two new fully accredited programmes, namely the Bachelor of Science Honours (BScHons) and the Master of Science (MSc) in Cybersecurity, on the Wits online application system on its website. The closing date for applications for both degrees is December 31.

The programmes are designed to prepare graduates for advanced careers in cybersecurity, data protection and trustworthy AI, and combine rigorous academic foundations with real-world applications, the university says.

“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,” says Wits School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics deputy head Professor Richard Klein.

The new programmes combine rigorous academic training, cutting-edge research and meaningful engagement with industry. The degrees are delivered in partnership with two globally recognised organisations, namely research centre CISPA Helmholtz Centre for Information Security, in Germany, and South African cybersecurity company MWR CyberSec.

“Developing local expertise is vital to strengthening South Africa’s resilience against evolving cyberthreats. This initiative will play a key role in building the next generation of cybersecurity experts,” says MWR CyberSec Consultancy head Tinus Green.

“Strengthening global cybersecurity requires strong international collaborations, and there is immense potential in supporting the development of highly skilled cybersecurity professionals in South Africa,” says CISPA Helmholtz Centre for Information Security tenure-track faculty Dr Lea Schönherr.

“These programmes will help cultivate new research talent, expand global knowledge exchange, and contribute to a more resilient digital future,” she says.

The collaboration between academia, research and industry was formalised through a memorandum of understanding between Wits and CISPA, which establishes a framework for joint research, academic exchanges, and co-supervision of postgraduate students in the fields of cybersecurity, AI, machine learning and cryptography.

“These partnerships will create opportunities for CISPA researchers to engage with the scientific community in Africa, as well as open up new international research perspectives and trajectories.

“These agreements will serve as the foundation for further exciting and equally beneficial activities, including research opportunities for members of all our institutions,” says CISPA Helmholtz Centre for Information Security international affairs and science relations head Faith Blakemore.

“Cybersecurity is one of the defining challenges of our time. 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,” says Wits vice-chancellor and principal Professor Zeblon Vilakazi.

“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 Wits Faculty of Science dean Professor Nithaya Chetty.

“The cybersecurity landscape evolves daily, and so must our talent pipeline. This initiative ensures that South African graduates gain globally relevant skills and the practical insight to strengthen digital security across sectors,” says MWR CyberSec CEO Gabriel de Sousa.