Information Security

Entry requirements

You need an undergraduate degree (e.g. bachelor) that is comparable to a UK second-class honours degree from an institution acceptable to the University. Relevant disciplines to Information Security might include computer science, electronics, information systems, or mathematics.

If you don’t have a first degree but you do have relevant industry experience, we will consider your application on its own merits.

English Language requirements

You need a high standard of English to study this programme. You will meet our language requirements if you have achieved one of the following within the past three years:

• (IELTS) International English Language Testing System - overall score of at least 6.5 and at least 6 in each test.
• (TOEFL) Test of English as a Foreign Language - overall score of 92 or above with at least 22 in the Reading and Writing sub-tests and at least 20 in the Speaking and Listening sub-tests.

Computer requirements

We set minimum basic computer requirements because your study resources are accessed via the Student Portal and it is vital that you can access this regularly. For this degree, you will also need Adobe Flash Player to view video material and a media player (such as VLC) to play video files.

Months of entry

October

Course content

This NCSC-certified master's degree addresses both the technical and management aspects of cyber security. Learn about cryptography, computer and network security, and security management from one of the foremost academic security groups in the world.

You can study the MSc and PGDip via distance learning over 2 to 5 years.

Information for international students

How you study

The programme is offered online and is fully supported by a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). You study at a time and pace that suits you (subject to course-specific deadlines) using the study materials provided, with support available from academic staff.

Study materials

We will send you study materials developed by academics at Royal Holloway. These include a Programme Handbook of practical information (such as how to enter exams); a Subject Guide for each course; and past exam papers and commentaries, which give you valuable insights into how to perform well in exams.

Online support

When you register, we will give you access to your Student Portal. You can then access your University of London email account and two other key resources:

• The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) enables access to course materials, resources, and forums to discuss course material and work collaboratively with others. Tutors are available to answer queries and promote discussion during the study year through the VLE.

• The Online Library holds thousands of journal articles which you can access free of charge. A dedicated helpdesk is available if you have any difficulties in finding what you need.

Time commitment

To complete the programme in the minimum study period (2 years), we estimate that you will need to study for approximately 24 hours per week during the academic session (September to April).

Those who study alongside full-time working commitments often take four years to complete. This amounts to around 12 hours of study per week during the academic session.

Fees and funding

Without the cost of moving to London, studying for your University of London degree anywhere in the world represents excellent value for money. However, there are additional sources of support depending on where you live and how you choose to study.

More on funding your study

Scholarships

If you're based in the UK, the Department for Culture, Media and Sports (DCMS) offers tuition-fee scholarships for any applicants who wish to use this programme to change their careers.

More about the DCMS Scholarships