Computing Science (Cybersecurity), MEng

Program Overview

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Computing Science (Cybersecurity), MEng

Introduction

The MEng Computing Science is a five-year integrated Master's degree that combines our four-year BSc Computing Science with an additional year of postgraduate study. This extra year enables you to deepen your expertise in cybersecurity.

Study Information

At a Glance

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: MEng
• Duration: 60 months
• Study Mode: Full Time
• Start Month: September
• Location of Study: Aberdeen
• UCAS Code: I108

Computing Science at Aberdeen covers both theoretical and practical aspects, emphasizing technical analysis, design, and programming skills. You'll study software programming, databases, data management, computer systems, AI, and cybersecurity, applying your skills to various commercial, scientific, and socio-economic contexts.

Our teaching reflects the continuous transformation of computing in everyday life, from disease detection and treatment to business and social data analysis, and secure online shopping.

You'll learn from leading researchers whose work in multi-agent systems, natural language generation, machine learning, and blockchain is integrated into your lectures. Our strong industry connections, with companies like Amazon, CGI, and ScotlandIS, enrich your education through guest lectures, seminars, and prizes. Additionally, placements offer valuable professional experience.

The fifth year of this programme covers fundamental concepts and practical skills in cybersecurity, preparing you for a high-demand career. According to the National Cyber Security Centre (part of GCHQ), the UK must accelerate efforts to improve cyber resilience in critical industries.

You'll study cryptography, network protocols, access control, authentication, security management, and web security, along with emerging technologies like Software-defined Networking (SDN), Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain. You'll develop digital forensic techniques and understand the legal and governance aspects of incident detection, investigation, and response.

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme.

What You'll Study

Year 1

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
  • Programming 1 (CS1032)
  • Modelling and Problem Solving for Computing (CS1029)
  • Web Development (CS1534)
  • Object-Oriented Programming (CS1527)
  • Algebra (MA1006)
• Optional Courses:
  • Plus 30 credit points from courses of choice.
  • Combinatorics (MA1510)
  • Set Theory (MA1511)

Year 2

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Software Programming (CS2020)
  • Databases and Data Management (CS2019)
  • Human-Computer Interaction (CS2506)
  • Algorithms and Data Structures (CS2522)
• Optional Courses:
  • Plus 60 credit points from courses of choice.
  • Web Development (CS1534)

Year 3

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Artificial Intelligence (CS3033)
  • Operating Systems (CS3026)
  • Principles of Software Engineering (CS3028)
  • Distributed Systems and Security (CS3524)
  • Enterprise Computing and Business (CS3525)
  • Software Engineering and Professional Practice (CS3528)
• Optional Courses:
  • Plus 30 credit points from courses of choice.

Year 4

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Research Methods (CS4040)
  • Security (CS4028)
  • Single Honours Computing Project (CS4527)
• Optional Courses:
  • Plus 45 credit points from courses of choice to gain 120 credit points.
  • Natural Language Processing (CS4051)
  • Robotics (CS4048)
  • Languages and Computability (CS4543)

Year 5

• Compulsory Courses:
  • CS552P Blockchain and Smart Contracts (15 credit points)
  • Cybersecurity Fundamentals (CS502L)
  • Security in Emerging Networks (CS502B)
  • Enterprise Security Architecture (CS502C)
  • Security Analytics with Artificial Intelligence (CS502M)
  • Informatics Project (CS551M)

How You'll Study

Learning Methods

• Group Projects
• Individual Projects
• Lab Work
• Lectures
• Research
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Workshops

Assessment Methods

Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:

• Coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course
• Practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course
• Written examinations at the end of each course

Why Study Computing Science (Cybersecurity)?

• 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. All cybersecurity staff members are leaders in their respective fields with strong research and commercial track record.
• You will use a purpose-built cybersecurity laboratory where students can explore security concepts in a safe environment.
• Weekly lectures from world-renowned researchers and experts from the industry about the emerging trends in cybersecurity

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.

• The information displayed in this section shows a shortened summary of our entry requirements. For more information, or for full entry requirements for Sciences degrees, see our detailed entry requirements section.

English Language Requirements

To study for an Undergraduate 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 - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
• TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
• PTE Academic: OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
• Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Fees and Funding

You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.

• Fee information Fee category | Cost
  • EU / International students | £24,800
  • Home Students | £1,820
  • England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland | £9,535

Scholarships and Funding

• UK Scholarship
• Aberdeen Global Scholarship
• Funding Database

Careers

There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success. The Careers and Employability Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us, from first to final year – and beyond.

• More information on employability at the University of Aberdeen
• More information on the Careers and Employability Service

Our Experts

You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.