Doctor Of Philosophy in Cyber Security

Doctorate

Doctor Of Philosophy in Cyber Security

An advanced research programme for scholars addressing cyber threats, data protection and the security of critical digital infrastructure.

School

School of Computing, Technology and Applied Sciences

Duration

3+ years

Intake

January and July intake cycles

INTRODUCTION

Cyber threats do not respect borders. Ransomware, data breaches, nation-state intrusions, and critical infrastructure attacks have become defining challenges of our time – and the demand for world-class researchers equipped to confront them has never been greater.

Our PhD in Cybersecurity by Coursework and Dissertation is designed for those who want more than technical proficiency. It is a programme for thinkers, innovators, and leaders who will shape the policies, architectures, and defenses of tomorrow’s digital society. Grounded in rigorous academic inquiry and connected to the real-world challenges of Zambia and the wider region, this programme provides a rare opportunity to pursue doctoral-level training without leaving home – retaining expertise where it is needed most.

Candidates will engage with the full spectrum of modern cybersecurity: from cryptography and network security to AI-driven threat detection, digital forensics, cloud and IoT security, and cyber governance and policy. Research is not an afterthought here – it is the core of everything we do. Aligned with Zambia’s national digital strategy and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, graduates of this programme will be equipped to take on leadership roles in government agencies, private sector organisations, international bodies, and academic institutions – driving both local impact and global contribution.

AIM: The aim of the PhD. in Cybersecurity by coursework and dissertation is to produce highly skilled researchers and professionals who can independently conduct advanced research and develop innovative solutions to protect systems, data, and networks. The programme also prepares graduates for academic and leadership roles in cybersecurity policy, governance, and education.

ADMISSION CRITERIA

To qualify for admission to the PhD in Cyber Security programme applicants must hold:

  1. Passes at credit level (1-5) in at least five (5) subjects in the Zambian School Certificate or Cambridge Overseas School Certificate. The five ‘O’ Level credits or better should include English and Mathematics.

  2. Qualifications other than the Zambian School Certificate or Cambridge Overseas School Certificate or the General Certificate of Education may be accepted provided they are approved as equivalent by the Senate and Examinations Council of Zambia.

  • An undergraduate degree in ICT/Computing or Engineering from a recognized university or other approved institutions.

  1. An Master’s degree in ICT/Computing or Engineering or related field from a recognized university or other approved institutions.

DURATION OF STUDY

The course of study for the award of the PhD in Cyber Security degree shall be completed in a period of not less than 36 months (3 years).

YEAR 1 COURSES

Semester

Subject Area

Course Code

Course Description/Name

Semester 1

Research Methodology

CCS7801

Research Methods in Computing

ICTs and Management

CIT7241

Risk Management and Cybersecurity Governance

Security

CIT7311

Information System Security

Computing

CIT7501

Cyber Security Threats and Defence Models

Semester 2

Security

CIT7342

Advanced Topics in Offensive Security and Ethical Hacking

Security

CIT7712

Blockchain Technology

Electives

Information Security

CIT7352

Cyber Threat Intelligence and Risk Assessment

Artificial Intelligence

CAS7182

Artificial Intelligence

Network Security

CIT7362

Critical Infrastructure Protection and Cyber-Physical Systems Security

Security

CIT7702

Applied Cryptography and Secure Communications

YEAR 2 COURSES

Term

Subject Area

Course Code

Course Description/Name

Semester 1

Information Technology

CIT8841

Research Proposal

Semester 2

Information Technology

CIT8842

Initial Progress Report

YEAR 3 COURSES

Term

Subject Area

Course Code

Course Description/Name

Semester 1

Information Technology

CIT9841

Final Progress Report

Semester 2

Information Technology

CIT9842

Thesis and Viva-Voce

Apply Now

Apply now
Hi, need help?