Advanced Master in Privacy, Cybersecurity and Data Management (LLM)

On this page, you will find important details of the application process (such as deadlines, admission requirements, required documents and application assessment) for the advanced master's programme in Privacy, Cybersecurity and Data Management for the academic year 2026-2027.

For information on the current year, see the admission requirements for the academic year 2025-2026.

Application deadlines

The master's programme in Privacy, Cybersecurity and Data Management starts in September. 
The deadlines below are applicable for applicants who want to start their studies in September 2026.

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General requirements: previous education

This programme is designed for highly educated professionals (computer scientists, lawyers, policy makers) with several years of professional experience in and/or affinity with issues in the field of privacy, data protection and cybersecurity.

The admission requirements for the academic year 2026-2027 for the advanced master’s programme in Privacy, Cybersecurity and Data Management depend on your previous education. Please check below which requirements apply to you.

To be admitted to this programme, you must have completed a university bachelor’s or master’s programme in one of the fields listed below and fulfil the conditions listed under ‘Additional requirements’.

• Law or related fields such as economics, political science or international relations
• Business or related studies
• Computer science or a related field

Additional requirements

English language requirements

In order to be admitted to this study programme, you must demonstrate a proficient knowledge of the English language (EER, Art. 21*). You can do so by submitting one of the following certificates under the task ‘Prove English language proficiency’ in the MyApplication portal:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree obtained in English
• TOEFL certificate (minimum of 6.5 overall, with at least a 6.5 in writing)
• Cambridge Proficiency English (CPE) certificate
• Cambridge  Advanced English (CAE) certificate

Alternatively, if you attained the equivalent level of English language proficiency in the course of your professional career or, as a result of your personal life trajectory, you may request the Board of Admissions to accept other evidence of your language skills; this can be in the form of showing extensive work experience internationally (English language) or study abroad (English language, minimum 6 months).

 View the Education and Examination Regulations (EER) for more information about specific requirements.

Required documents for all applicants to this study programme

During the application process for this study programme, you will need to complete a number of tasks for which you will often have to upload documents. The list below gives you an insight into what documents you will need to prepare.

• A recent portrait photo*
  This picture must satisfy certain requirements. You can find these requirements in the task description 'Upload portrait photo' in the MyApplication portal. 
   
• A copy of your valid passport or your EU/EEA identity card**
  Make a copy of the page with your personal details. Save this copy as ‘passport copy’ and not as ‘passport picture’.
   
• A copy of your most recent grades transcript AND/OR a copy of your diploma if you have obtained it
  If you have not graduated yet, you can upload your official grades transcript from your bachelor's programme.
   
• Letter of motivation
  All candidates must write a well-prepared and structured letter of motivation for this specific master’s programme. The letter should explain your motivation for choosing this specific master’s programme. It should also include an overview of what you intend to learn and how this programme fits into your future professional plans. The letter must be dated and addressed to the Board of Admissions of the Faculty of Law.
   
• Documents that demonstrate your proficiency in English
  One of the language proficiency certificates as mentioned under ‘English Language requirements’ on this page.
   
• Curriculum Vitae
   
• Permission for document verification form (if applicable)
  If your diploma is not verified by DUO (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs, the Dutch government agency responsible for education-related matters), you will need to upload the form ‘Permission for document verification’ in the MyApplication portal. This form allows Maastricht University to verify your diploma, grades transcript or other required documents directly with the issuing institution or relevant qualification registry.
   

_{* For current UM students it is not necessary to upload a recent portrait photo in the MyApplication portal.
** For current UM students it is not necessary to upload this document in the MyApplication portal unless your passport will not be valid on 1 September 2026. In that case, a specific task to upload a copy of your passport will appear in the MyApplication portal.}

How we assess your application

The selection process will be conducted by the Admissions Board consisting of at least three members of Maastricht University affiliated with the programme.

The quality of your application will be evaluated following the order of criteria outlined in the EER, Art. 24. Professional experience demonstrating prior knowledge of the areas listed above will be a key factor in the assessment. In case you have no or limited professional experience, the Board of Admissions will prioritise academic merit and your motivation to follow the programme.

While applications are checked on a rolling basis, completed applications are generally reviewed by the Board of Admissions at two points in the year. The first is in February and the second in May.