Applied Cyber Security
Entry requirements
A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree or non-UK equivalent in a subject which includes substantial academic and practical knowledge of Computing and IT.
Degree must also demonstrate a good mathematical ability.
We welcome applications from international students and accept qualifications from around the world. Please refer to the entry requirements for your country for more details.
English language requirements
If your first language is not English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability.
The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5.
If you do not have IELTS 6.0, we offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement for this programme prior to commencing your studies.
Please see our detailed English language requirements.
Months of entry
January, September
Course content
Our MSc in Applied Cyber Security teaches you the theory, methods, and tools to address the global concerns of computer network security. It imparts the knowledge and skills needed to keep computer networks safe from attacks and threats by teaching how to formulate security policies, deploy network security solutions, and validate their effectiveness. The programme offers a detailed understanding of contemporary issues in network security research areas.
You will develop the ability to design and develop solutions to contemporary cyber security challenges. You will plan and execute research projects in specialist areas within cyber security, such as cryptography, digital forensics, or malware analysis. You will also have the opportunity to experiment with core methods in the cyber security field, such as access control, cryptography, authentication methods, policy management, digital forensics, and intrusion detection.
By completing this MSc, you will be equipped with a broad understanding of cyber security and the ability to address complex security challenges professionally, ethically, and innovatively.
Your student experience
Our expertise
- Heriot-Watt University boasts a distinguished history of over five decades dedicated to the research and teaching of Computer Science.
- World-Leading Faculty: Heriot-Watt University is known for its strong academic reputation.
- State-of-the-Art Labs: To facilitate hands-on learning, we have created state-of-the-art labs based in the Robotarium as well as at the GRID.
- These resources are instrumental in providing students with a practical, real-world experience when working with authentic datasets and AI models.
Employability
Potential career paths
- Graduates of the MSc in Applied Cybersecurity can pursue a variety of exciting and in-demand careers. Some common career paths in cybersecurity include:
- Cybersecurity Analyst: Responsible for monitoring, detecting, and responding to security breaches. Cybersecurity analysts develop security measures to protect an organization’s infrastructure.
- Security Consultant: Working with businesses to evaluate and improve their security systems, including risk assessments, security audits, and the development of security strategies.
- Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker): Specialising in testing systems for vulnerabilities by attempting to exploit them, with the goal of identifying and fixing security flaws before malicious hackers can do so.
- Digital Forensics Expert: Investigates cybercrimes by collecting and analysing digital evidence, often working with law enforcement agencies to trace attacks and recover compromised data.
- Security Architect: Designing and implementing robust security infrastructures.
Information for international students
If your first language is not English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability.
The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5.
If you do not have IELTS 6.0, we offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement for this programme prior to commencing your studies.
Please see our detailed English language requirements.
Fees and funding
Scholarships and bursaries
We aim to encourage well-qualified, ambitious students to study with us and we offer a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries to achieve this. Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, and more than 400 students benefit from this support.
Qualification, course duration and attendance options
- MSc
- full time12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
- part time24 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
Course contact details
- Name
- Admissions Office
- studywithus@hw.ac.uk