Program Overview

Cybersecurity, MSc

Introduction

Individuals, organisations and governments face an escalating threat from increasingly sophisticated hackers and ransomware gangs. To tackle this problem, cyber security professionals must constantly adapt to the ever-evolving threats and vulnerabilities.

This programme teaches the fundamental concepts and job-ready skills of cyber security to prepare you for one of the most in-demand jobs today.

Study Information

Study Options

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: MSc
• Duration: 12 months or 16 months
• Study Mode: Full Time
• Start Month: September or January
• Location of Study: Aberdeen

Programme Fees

Semester 1

Compulsory Courses

• Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)
• Cybersecurity Fundamentals (CS502L)
• Security in Emerging Networks (CS502B)
• Enterprise Security Architecture (CS502C)
• Security Analytics with Artificial Intelligence (CS502M)

Semester 2

Compulsory Courses

• Digital Forensics and Incident Management (CS552E)
• Ethical Hacking and Web Security (CS552G)
• Secure Software Design and Development (CS552H)
• Blockchain and Smart Contracts (CS552P)

Semester 3

Compulsory Courses

• Project in Cybersecurity (CS592A)

Available Programmes of Study

• MSc Cybersecurity
  • Qualification: MSc
  • Duration: 12 months
  • Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
  • Study Mode: Full Time
  • Start Month: September
  • Location: Aberdeen
• MSc Cybersecurity
  • Qualification: MSc
  • Duration: 16 months
  • Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
  • Study Mode: Full Time
  • Start Month: January
  • Location: Aberdeen

Programme Fees

Scholarships

• All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 will receive an £8,000 scholarship.

Related Programmes

• Artificial Intelligence
• Cybersecurity and Machine Learning
• Data Science
• Industrial Robotics
• Information Technology
• Information Technology with Cybersecurity

Why Study Cybersecurity?

• This MSc provides you with a specialism combining theoretical knowledge and practical skills in cybersecurity and data protection.
• The courses provide highly practical training in penetration testing and ethical hacking, preparing you to identify vulnerabilities and strengthen security.
• You will also get hands-on experience with enterprise-grade tools for forensic security and learn to investigate security breaches, ensure compliance, and maintain the integrity of your IT infrastructure.
• You will develop technical expertise and practical skills in identifying and critically evaluating security and data protection techniques in the Internet of Things, 5G Networks, Cloud Computing, Autonomous Vehicles and Industrial Control Systems.
• Advanced topics studied include Artificial Intelligence for Information Security, penetration testing, secure software development, information governance and data privacy.
• Taught by a research-focused computer science department ranked 5th in the UK with strong links to business.
• You will use a purpose-built cybersecurity laboratory where students can explore security concepts in a safe environment.
• Weekly lectures from world renewed researchers and experts from the industry about the emerging trends in cybersecurity
• The University of Aberdeen has a strong history and worldwide reputation in computing science, in particular around Data Science, Natural Language Generation and Artificial Intelligence and is home to the research success of ARRIA NLG - the global leader in the field of natural language generation (NLG).
• From agriculture and archaeology to medicine and geosciences, our researchers are utilising data and AI across many fields to further research and improve lives.
• Our close industry links mean you will have opportunities to apply your skills through training and networking events and industrial placements organised through our partner organisations.
• The University of Aberdeen is a member of the Turing University Network, a network of UK universities engaged in cutting-edge teaching and research in data science and AI.

Entry Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree with a 2:2 (lower second class) Honours degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science or another relevant quantitative discipline such as Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Natural Science, Electronic Engineering, General Engineering, Operations Research, or a joint degree in two such subjects.
• Applicants should also be competent in computer programming (C/C++, Python) to the level expected at the end of the first year of a BSc Honours Degree in Computer Science.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS Academic: OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
• TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
• PTE Academic: OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
• Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency: OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Document Requirements

• Degree Transcript: a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
• Personal Statement: a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme

Careers

• Graduates from MSc Cybersecurity will be well-equipped to work in cybersecurity companies, general software consultancy companies, specialised software development businesses and the IT departments of large institutions (financial, telecommunications, and public sector).
• Aside from industry-focused careers, the MSc Cybersecurity will also train graduates to enter into the field of academic and industrial research in areas such as cybersecurity, machine learning, software engineering, algorithms and computer networks.
• Cybersecurity jobs remain in high demand in the UK and that number is only set to grow, with the skills gap still very much a reality for employers.
• According to the careers website Indeed.com, ten popular careers in cybersecurity include:
  • Cyber security intern (National average salary: £30,094 per year)
  • Cyber security advisor (National average salary: £50,637 per year)
  • Cyber security project manager (National average salary: £64,870 per year)
  • IT manager (National average salary: £45,527 per year)
  • Systems integration engineer (National average salary: £43,932 per year)
  • Information security architect (National average salary: £75,524 per year)
  • Chief information officer (National average salary: £34,656 per year)
  • Security consultant (National average salary: £54,039 per year)
  • Cyber threat intelligence analyst (National average salary: £36,212 per year)
  • Penetration tester (National average salary: £52,294 per year)

Accreditation

• This degree is provisionally accredited by the National Cyber Security Centre, a part of GCHQ

Our Experts

• Director: Dr Wanpeng Li
• Other Experts:
  • Dr Raja Akram
  • Dr Thuan Yew Edward Chuah
  • Dr Matthew Collinson
  • Dr Pradip Sharma
  • Dr Chunyan Mu