SECCLO Erasmus Mundus Master’s Program in Security and Cloud Computing

The SECCLO Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programme in Security and Cloud Computing represents a premier, research-driven two-year advanced degree offering. Designed to merge strong theoretical foundations in information security with hands-on research and engineering skills, this programme empowers students to become leading experts in cloud computing and secure system design. This exceptional experience fosters not only academic excellence but also practical readiness for the evolving demands of the European ICT industry.

Structured across two highly ranked European technical universities, SECCLO Erasmus Mundus offers students exposure to diverse learning ecosystems, culminating in dual degrees and enhanced employability. With mandatory internships, summer schools, and a thesis project jointly supervised by partner institutions, participants graduate as well-rounded, industry-ready professionals equipped for both research and engineering leadership

Project Status

• Status: Ongoing
• Start date 01-09-2020
• End date 31-08-2026
• Action Type: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master

Description of the SECCLO Erasmus Mundus Program

The SECCLO Erasmus Mundus programme focuses on two essential pillars of contemporary computing: information security and cloud computing. It combines rigorous theory with practical R&D skills, preparing engineers to design secure, scalable systems for the modern digital landscape

Key Features of the SECCLO Erasmus Mundus Program

• Double degree: Earn two Master of Science degrees, one from the entry university (Aalto) and one from the second-year host university
• Mobility & diversity: Students move from Aalto to a second institution, gaining international exposure and professional networks
• Summer school & internships: Includes a one-week summer school and a summer internship with industry or applied research partners
• Strong industry links: Partnerships with Nokia Bell Labs, F-Secure, Intel Labs Europe, Cybernetica, Guardtime, and VTT support internships and thesis projects
• High employability: The programme inherits success from predecessor NordSecMob with 95% of alumni employed within six months

Mobility Tracks of the SECCLO Erasmus Mundus Program

• First Year: Mandatory at Aalto University, Finland.
• Second Year: Students select one of the five specialization tracks at the partner institutions:
  • KTH (Sweden): Communications Systems
  • NTNU (Norway): Information Security
  • DTU (Denmark): Reliable Distributed Systems
  • University of Tartu (Estonia): Cryptography
  • EURECOM (France): Big Data Security
• Thesis: Jointly supervised by both universities, preparing for a robust two-master-degree outcome.

Admission Requirements

Applicants need:

• Strong academic background in subjects like mathematics, algorithms, programming, networks, databases, and software engineering. Additional familiarity with cryptography, cloud computing, ML, or embedded systems strengthens the application
• High academic performance and a recognized bachelor’s degree.
• Clear motivation, commitment, and career vision. Applicants with previous Master’s degrees must justify why pursuing another is necessary

How to Apply for the SECCLO Erasmus Mundus Program

• Apply online via Aalto University’s application system
• Submit all required documents (transcripts, English test results, references)
• Indicate your preferred second-year specialization
• Wait for selection results (no application fee required)

Tips to Win the SECCLO Erasmus Mundus Program

• Showcase your full profile not just GPA. Emphasize your motivation, projects, experience, and clarity of career vision .
• Highlight relevant background: internships, certifications, personal or open-source projects can make a difference .
• Craft a compelling motivation letter explaining why SECCLO fits your goals and why you deserve the scholarship
• Prepare your application meticulously and early. Missing documents can delay processing, and issues may arise closer to deadlines

Application Timeline

• Opens: January
• Deadline: April
• Enroll: Starting September following selection

Curriculum Structure of the SECCLO Erasmus Mundus Program

• Year 1 (Aalto University):
  • Core courses in secure systems engineering, distributed systems, cloud and mobile platforms, network architectures, ubiquitous computing
  • Electives in areas such as network/mobile security, verification, and data mining
  • One-week summer school on advanced topics and multi-institution networking.
  • Summer internship with industry or applied research
• Year 2:
  • Specialization courses at chosen partner university (KTH, NTNU, DTU, UT, or EURECOM)
  • Final semester dedicated to Master’s thesis under joint supervision

Coordinator Contact

• Email: secclo@aalto.fi
• Email for admission enquiries: secclo@aalto.fi.

Alumni Feedback

The biggest advantage I see in my experience at SECCLO is the connections. Already in the first weeks in Finland, I could feel the diversity of backgrounds among my classmates, both in terms of work or study experience and culture. Nevertheless, we bonded quickly, especially during the first semester, when most activities were common to all group members. And now, we are spread across Europe getting to know new people but keeping the connection between classmates and entering the greater network of SECCLO students from all batches.

~Gianni

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)