With over five billion internet users in the world, and this number growing every day, the need for protection on the internet is constantly growing. That’s where cyber security experts play a crucial role – by protecting sensitive data, improving security infrastructure, and preventing cyber attacks.
During your master’s course in cyber security – or an MSc cyber security – you can deepen your understanding of security principles while developing a range of specialised industry skills, such as network security, secure design, cryptography, risk assessment, ethical hacking, digital forensics, and incident response. It also builds a strong foundation for doctoral research if you’re interested in specialising further in the field.
In this blog, we explore the benefits of following a MSc cyber security in the UK, top UK universities to study the course, and your admission process. We also provide you with scholarship and career advice. Let’s get started.
Benefits of studying an MSc cyber security in the UK
The demand for highly skilled cyber security professionals is growing around the world as reports of high profile security breaches are becoming increasingly common with more expensive consequences. For example, research predicts that cybercrime damages could reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. With digital technology playing a role in almost every aspect of our lives, effective cybersecurity protection is essential for the:
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Protection of sensitive data
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Reputation of and trust in businesses
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Continuous management of businesses without significant disruptions
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Adherence to economic and privacy regulations
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Protection of natural security and critical infrastructure
Studying an MSc cyber security in the UK can give you a critical understanding of information governance, information assurance, and technology risk management practices. Here are some benefits of studying an MSc cyber security in the UK:
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UK master’s degrees are highly recognised, as the country has one of the best education systems in the world. With your MSc cyber security in the UK, you can aspire to work in top companies globally.
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Cyber security experts are essential for UK companies to adhere to the UK’s extensive and comprehensive legal framework, designed to ensure that various sectors are adequately equipped to protect against potential threats and disruptions. Therefore, UK companies have a sustained demand for graduates skilled in cyber security to fill vital technical skills gaps in their companies.
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UK universities provide students with extensive opportunities to get hands-on experience in cyber security roles while studying. With strong links to industry, you can explore placement opportunities at top companies, giving you valuable practical insights.
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Cyber security experts have a high earning potential in the UK, especially those who have a master’s and are experienced in the field. You can expect to earn about £30,000 to £70,000 annually with an MSc cyber security.
MSc cyber security degrees in the UK are structured to help you tackle complex cyber challenges, design systems able to resist sophisticated cyber attacks, and develop your knowledge of programming and network security. Let’s take a look at the course modules you can take during your programme to develop this knowledge next.
Course structure of an MSc cyber security in the UK
Your MSc cyber security in the UK is usually delivered over two semesters as a combination of lectures, laboratory work, and an in-depth individual project. In general, here’s how your MSc cyber security will be structured:
| Core Modules | Optional Modules |
|---|---|
| Cryptography | Security management |
| Security engineering | Security testing |
| Network security | Computer forensics and cybercrime |
| Distributed ledgers and cryptocurrencies | Big data technologies |
| Network theory | Software measurement and testing |
| Machine learning | Agents, reasoning, and decision making |
| Formal verification |
The course modules are able to give you the expertise needed to evaluate, design, and build computer security systems that can protect networks and data from cyber crime and cyber terrorist attacks. Let’s now look at some top universities where you can follow an MSc cyber security in the UK.
Top universities to study an MSc cyber security in the UK
UK universities offering a master’s in cyber security focus on enhancing your ability to handle and minimise security threats and incidents. Here are some of the best universities for an MSc cyber security in the UK:
| University | Average Annual Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
| King’s College London | £35,000 |
| University of Southampton | £33,000 |
| Sheffield Hallam University | £17,000 |
| University of Edinburgh | £40,000 |
| Middlesex University | £17,000 |
| University of Derby | £15,000 |
| City, University of London | £24,000 |
| University of the West of England (UWE) Bristol | £17,000 |
| University of Portsmouth | £19,000 |
| University of Salford | £17,500 |
Since there are many top universities in the UK where you can study cyber security, it can be challenging to narrow down your choices at first. That’s why creating a shortlist is helpful – it helps you lay out each of your options more clearly and narrow down your best choices. Here are some tips on creating a shortlist of your university options before starting your applications:
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Research the courses offered by the university and check whether the course modules align with your interests
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Consider the location of the university as this determines weather conditions, living expenses, and the diversity of the community
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Identify universities that have extracurricular activities you may enjoy such as specific sports or fine arts classes
Now let’s look at the entry requirements for an MSc cyber security degree in the UK, so you can submit a successful application to your preferred university.
Entry requirements for an MSc cyber security
MSc cyber security courses in the UK are aimed at students with a background in computer science or another relevant quantitative discipline like mathematics or statistics. UK universities set their own entry requirements for cyber security courses to ensure you have the right skills and knowledge to successfully complete it.
Before applying to your preferred university, it is important to carefully go through the university’s eligibility criteria to ensure you have all the necessary qualifications, including work experience and English language test scores. We’ve compiled the general qualifications you need to enter an MSc cyber security in the UK below:
| Criteria | MSc Cyber Security in the UK |
|---|---|
| Previous Educational Qualifications | Second upper class (2:1) honours undergraduate degree in a relevant subject |
| Work Experience | Work experience demonstrating a sound background in basic mathematics, along with familiarity with calculus, trigonometry, linear algebra, vectors, and matrix mathematics. Additionally, you must demonstrate your competency in computer programming. |
| English Language Test Scores | 7.0 overall score for IELTS with a minimum score of 6.5 for each test component |
After you’ve shortlisted your universities and read through the entry requirements of your preferred cyber security master’s courses, it can be helpful to:
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Compile a table of entry requirements for your top five course choices to quickly refer to while filling in your applications
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Speak with your advisors and professors about meeting the educational requirements
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Consider applying to multiple universities which have varying entry requirements so you have safe choices
Another important aspect of your application process to the UK is formulating a funding plan for your studies. UK universities have a variety of tuition fees while your living expenses will vary depending on where your university is located. Let’s explore expenses and scholarship opportunities for an MSc cyber security in the next two sections.
Cost of studying an MSc cyber security in the UK
The expenses associated with your MSc cyber security in the UK are usually classified under three main categories: your pre-arrival expenses, tuition fees, and your living expenses.
Your living expenses will vary depending on your location in the UK and your lifestyle while your tuition fees depend on the university you select for your programme. Your pre-arrival costs generally include the visa application fee and healthcare surcharge you have to pay before coming into the UK.
Pre-arrival expenses to the UK
Before arriving in the UK, you’ll need to apply for a UK Student visa which gives you the right to study and live in the UK for the duration of your course. This application requires you to make the following payments:
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£490 for your online visa application
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£1,552 healthcare surcharge for a two-year visa (the exact amount depends on the length of your visa)
Tuition fees
UK universities have a range of tuition fees, so depending on the funds available, you can select the best-fit one for you. Typically, tuition fees will be between INR 16 lakhs and INR 38 lakhs for a master’s in cyber security.
Cost of living in the UK
Your living expenses in the UK will mainly account for accommodation, food, and travel costs. The average cost of living in the UK per year is around £15,000 (INR 16 lakhs) in London and approximately £12,000 (INR 13 lakhs) in the rest of the country, though this will vary depending on the location. Here’s an overview of the cost of living in the UK:
| Cost | London | Outside of London |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Rent | INR 80,000 to INR 90,000 | INR 58,000 to INR 69,000 |
| Monthly Public Transport Costs | INR 10,000 | INR 5,000 |
| Monthly Grocery Costs | INR 16,000 | INR 10,000 |
You can get funding support to manage some of these expenses with a master’s scholarship. Let’s now look at some scholarships in the UK that you can apply for as a cyber security student.
Scholarships to study an MSc cyber security in the UK
Financing the costs of your master’s in cyber security may be one of your biggest considerations as you plan to study in the UK. The UK has a range of scholarships for postgraduate students to help cover the total or a portion of your study costs. The following table shows scholarships that can significantly reduce the cost of studying in the UK.
| Scholarship | Value |
|---|---|
| Chevening Scholarship | Fully funded |
| Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship | Fully funded |
| UWE Bristol MSc Cyber Security Scholarship | 45% of tuition fees |
| GREAT Scholarships India | £10,000 towards tuition fees |
| Women in STEM Scholarships | Fully funded |
To be eligible for a master’s scholarship in the UK, you have to demonstrate outstanding work experience, have an impressive academic record, and often show proof of volunteering and/or community service activities. Once you obtain a scholarship, it can help you focus on your studies without worrying too much about the expenses involved and increase your employability by introducing you to valuable scholarship alumni networks.
Next, let’s have a look at the many lucrative career opportunities in the UK for MSc cyber security graduates, so you can plan your studies according to your interests and career aspirations.
Careers for cyber security graduates in the UK
The cyber security industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the world, so an MSc cyber security unlocks a variety of career opportunities from specialist roles to high-level leadership positions. As a cyber security expert, you can broadly work in:
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Consulting roles, advising a number of organisations on how they can protect themselves from threats in the cyber space
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Organisation-specific roles, where you join a particular company and work to improve their cyber security
In 2024, the UK’s cyber security industry saw the creation of 2,700 new jobs, with a 13% increase in sector revenue. If you study cyber security in the UK, you can benefit from this industry growth as well. We’ve highlighted some key roles in the UK for cyber security graduates in the table below.
| Role | Potential Employer | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Security Consultant | BAE Systems | £34,000 |
| Graduate Vulnerability Researcher | CoreTech Security Services | £37,000 |
| Graduate Cyber Security Engineer | NETbuilder | £27,000 |
| Graduate Systems Engineer | Ultra Intelligence & Communications | £33,000 |
| Cyber Security Consultant | KPMG | £90,000 |
An MSc cyber security in the UK develops both your technical competence and your strategic understanding of the evolving industry. The UK is home to many high-ranking universities which offer rigorous academic standards for cyber security students, but sifting through the choices and finetuning your applications can be challenging on your own.
We can help you with profile assessments and goal setting, test prep for IELTS, your college shortlists, your applications and interviews, your financial plan, and your visa application. Contact our experts at SI-UK today and get started on your journey to a top university in the UK.
FAQs
Is the UK good for a master’s in cyber security?
Yes. The UK offers globally-recognised MSc cyber security degrees with rigorous academic standards and extensive practical training. You can develop advanced knowledge of the field while benefiting from internships that can give you insightful experiences about the real-world challenges the industry faces.
How much does an MSc cyber security cost in the UK?
Typically, tuition fees will be between INR 16 lakhs and INR 38 lakhs for a master’s in cyber security. UK universities have a range of tuition fees, so depending on the funds available, you can select the best-fit one for you.
Is cyber security in demand in the UK?
Yes. In 2024, the UK’s cyber security industry saw the creation of 2,700 new jobs, with a 13% increase in sector revenue. If you study cyber security in the UK, you can benefit from this industry growth as well.
How much are cyber security experts paid in the UK?
You can expect to earn about £30,000 to £70,000 annually with an MSc cyber security. Cyber security experts are highly paid in the UK, especially those who have a master’s and are experienced in the field.
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