Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-09-01 | - |
2026-01-01 | - |
Program Overview
Information Technology with Cybersecurity, MSc
Introduction
This conversion programme is designed for graduates without a computing science background who are looking to gain the key skills needed to embark on a career in software development or IT, with an enhanced specialisation in network and information security.
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
Fee Category | Cost |
---|---|
EU / International students | £26,250 |
UK | £12,200 |
Semester 1
Compulsory Courses
- Database Systems and Big Data (CS5097): This course will be of interest to anyone who wishes to learn to design and query databases. The course aims to teach the material using case studies from real-world applications.
- Introduction to Programming (CS5076): Students will be exposed to the basic principles of computer programming, e.g. fundamental programming techniques, concepts, algorithms, data structures, and object orientated programming.
- Human Computer Interaction (CS5075): This course looks at why a computer system that interacts with human beings needs to be usable. It covers a set of techniques that allow usability to be taken into account when a system is designed and implemented, and also a set of techniques to assess whether usability has been achieved.
- Information Security (CS5099): This course provides a comprehensive introduction to techniques for engineering secure information systems.
Semester 2
Compulsory Courses
- Fundamentals of Software Project Management (CS551A): Software Project Management skills are fundamental in current software-centric industrial development projects, whether these focus on purchasing and customising an off-the-shelf application or on developing a complete system from scratch.
- Web Development (CS551S): Students will learn to develop modern web applications using a variety of languages and frameworks as part of their degree.
- Advanced Programming (CS551P): Students will learn the context of software development and engineering so that they know they are building the application needed by the client, and that it is being built well.
- Secure Software Design and Development (CS552H): Software bugs and vulnerabilities are the main source of threats to security. This course introduces students to design, development, testing and evaluating secure and dependable software.
Semester 3
Compulsory Courses
- Project in Information Technology (CS5942): The Project in Information Technology is a group project where you will work with a number of fellow students to build an application for an external client.
Available Programmes of Study
- MSc: Information Technology with Cybersecurity
- Qualification: MSc
- Duration: 12 months
- Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
- Study Mode: Full Time
- Start Month: September
- Location: Aberdeen
- MSc: Information Technology with Cybersecurity
- Qualification: MSc
- Duration: 16 months
- Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
- Study Mode: Full Time
- Start Month: January
- Location: Aberdeen
Entry Requirements
- Qualifications: Our minimum entry requirement is a UK Ordinary or Honours degree (or a degree from a non-UK institution which is judged by the University to be of equivalent worth) at 2:2 (lower second) class or above.
- English Language Requirements: To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
- 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
Careers
There are a number of careers to progress into following graduation from this degree, including software developer, business analyst, IT consultant, data scientist positions with IT companies and IT departments within local, regional and global businesses, as well as software development companies, charities, local councils and other public organisations.
Our Experts
- Programme Coordinator: Dr Bruce Scharlau
Scholarships
All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 will receive an £8,000 scholarship. Learn more about this Aberdeen Global Scholarship here.
Program Outline
The program focuses on teaching the essential programming and web development skills crucial for building complex and secure software systems.
Objectives:
- Prepare students for a career in software development or IT, with particular emphasis on cybersecurity.
- Equip students with fundamental programming knowledge, including object-oriented scripting and web frameworks.
- Teach students how to develop user interfaces, build large-scale database-driven web applications, and use and develop open data.
- Provide students with an understanding of current and emerging digital technologies, such as cloud computing, blockchain, Internet of Things, and open data.
- Develop students' ability to identify and fulfill client needs by applying agile development practices.
Outline:
Year 1:
- Semester 1:
- Database Systems and Big Data
- Introduction to Programming
- Human Computer Interaction
- Semester 2:
- Fundamentals of Software Project Management
- Web Development
- Advanced Programming
- Secure Software Design and Development
- Year 2:
- Semester 1:
- Project in Information Technology
Assessment:
- Year 1: Individual coursework assignments for each course.
- Year 2: Project in Information Technology, typically a group project, evaluated based on its success in following agile development practices and its quality of deliverables.
Teaching:
- Taught by experienced academics and professionals in the field of IT and cybersecurity.
- Emphasis on a hands-on and practical approach to learning.
- Opportunities to participate in research projects and industry placements.
Careers:
- Software Developer
- Business Analyst
- IT Consultant
- Data Scientist
- Network Security Engineer
- Penetration Tester
- Cybersecurity Analyst
Other:
- The program provides a thriving environment for students to develop their skills and expertise beyond the classroom.
- Opportunities to participate in monthly meetups, quarterly co-design hack events, and collaborative activities with professional developers and designers.
EU / International students
£27,000 Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year
UK
£12,200 Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
- The minimum entry requirement is a UK Ordinary or Honours degree (or a degree from a non-UK institution which is judged by the University to be of equivalent worth) at 2:2 (lower second) class or above.
- While no prior computer programming experience is necessary, a basic level of computer literacy is expected.
- Those with a Computer Science degree from a non-UK university, or other computing background, will be considered on the understanding that you may be repeating some material.
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
Note:
You can read more about specific English Language requirements here.
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)
- 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