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.
Start in January or September
This programme is available to start in either January or September.
Study Information
Study Options
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months or 16 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time
- Start Month
- January or September
- Location of Study
- Aberdeen
The growing cyber threat faced by commercial organisations, universities, hospitals and governments has led to an alarming shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals needed to protect everything from small personal devices to large national critical infrastructure.
This Masters programme is addressing the huge demand for security analysts and engineers by drawing on the exceptional expertise at the University of Aberdeen in Data, AI and Cybersecurity to produce graduates with specialist technical knowledge, flexibility and adaptability needed for the rapidly evolving security environment.
As well as studying topics such as cryptography, network protocols, access control, authentication, security management and web security, you will learn about emerging technologies including Software-defined Networking (SDN), Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain and develop your digital forensic techniques to design and analyse security solution architectures. You will also examine how Artificial Intelligence (AI) relates to cybersecurity and understand the legal and governance aspects of incident detection, investigation, and response.
The MSc Cybersecurity is designed for students with a computer science background as well as IT professionals who want to prepare for a successful career in cybersecurity and data privacy. You will benefit from a dedicated cyber security lab with modern computer facilities and the latest online tools to support your learning and research. The curriculum is based on practical 'real-world' security threats and the knowledge you gain on this programme will also prepare you for attaining additional international cybersecurity certifications.
Applicants without a computing science background may wish to consider our MSc Information Technology with Cybersecurity programme.
Available Programmes of Study
- MSc
-
Cybersecurity
Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month LocationMSc 12 months On Campus Learning Full Time September Aberdeen MoreProgramme Fees
Fee information Fee category Cost EU / International students £26,250 Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year UK £11,900 Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year Semester 1
Compulsory Courses
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)
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This course, which is prescribed for all taught postgraduate students, is studied entirely online, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across the first 4 weeks of term.
Topics include University orientation overview, equality & diversity, MySkills, health, safety and cyber security, and academic integrity.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
- Cybersecurity Fundamentals (CS502L)
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15 Credit Points
This course presents the fundamental concepts of Cyber Security, including but not limited to cryptography, network protocols, access control, authentication, security management and web security. This course provides students with the Cyber Security principles for continuing learning and working in the area of Cyber Security.
- Security in Emerging Networks (CS502B)
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15 Credit Points
This course will cover emerging technologies in cybersecurity such as Software-defined Networking (SDN), Internet of Things (IoT), and Blockchain. It will deliver the role of emerging technologies in cyberspace, what impact we will have on our legacy system and how we can remain agile and efficient. The course will provide a foundation for identifying the significance of technological advancements and cybersecurity issues, and challenges raised in adapting the 5G & beyond network.
- Enterprise Security Architecture (CS502C)
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15 Credit Points
A major contributing factor to cyber risk is the lack of well-designed cybersecurity architecture that protects against ever-evolving cyber-attacks. A well-designed architecture provides a streamlined workflow for security and non-security practitioners, along with increasing the robustness of an organisation’s cybersecurity. In this course you will gain the advance knowledge to develop, design and analyse security solution architectures to meet your organisation's cybersecurity objectives.
- Security Analytics with Artificial Intelligence (CS502M)
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15 Credit Points
This course provides an introduction to the analysis of cybersecurity data. It will show how to use tools and methods from data science and machine learning to perform such analysis. Broader issues at the interface of security and privacy with AI will be discussed.
Semester 2
Compulsory Courses
- Digital Forensics and Incident Management (CS552E)
-
15 Credit Points
Data breaches are everywhere, and cyber incidents can be extremely costly for an organization. Therefore, the speed at which you identify a violation and respond to the incident is critical to your data and systems' security. This course will provide technical and legal discussions on incident detection, investigation, response, and digital forensic techniques. It will walk you through best practices for everything from incident response to in-depth digital forensics. This will help the student identify vulnerabilities and better communicate breaches to those impacted.
- Ethical Hacking and Web Security (CS552G)
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15 Credit Points
This course will deliver approaches and methodologies used for carrying out and managing security and penetration testing, including but not limited to web applications, network protocols, common attacks and security countermeasures. The course will help the student build the ability to design secure systems and defend against intrusion.
- Secure Software Design and Development (CS552H)
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15 Credit Points
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. This course develops students both theoretical and practical skills to define, implement, examine, and manage secure software lifecycle. The course provides necessary skills needed for security professionals ranging from software architects, developers to penetration testers and IT Managers.
- Blockchain and Smart Contracts (CS552P)
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15 Credit Points
This course offers an in-depth exploration of Blockchain fundamentals and Smart Contract development. Students will delve into real-world applications within these decentralised frameworks, including with reference to cybersecurity. Through hands-on experience, students will acquire practical skills to innovate within complex, decentralised digital environments, positioning them at the forefront of the Web3 revolution.
Semester 3
Compulsory Courses
- Project in Cybersecurity (CS592A)
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60 Credit Points
This course will provide students the opportunity to focus on a practical or theoretical problem and investigate the solutions. The research will be carried out under the supervision of a member of staff. Typical projects include improving, or adapting existing cybersecurity practices, theories, and techniques to solve different problems. Students will improve their problem-solving and communication skills, as well as broaden and consolidate knowledge obtained in other components of the degree.
MSc 16 months On Campus Learning Full Time January Aberdeen MoreProgramme Fees
Fee information Fee category Cost EU / International students £26,250 Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year UK £11,900 Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Fee Information
Additional Fee Information
- Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programmes section above.
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page.
Scholarships
Self-funded international students enrolling on postgraduate taught (PGT) programmes will receive one of our Aberdeen Global Scholarships, ranging from £3,000 to £8,000, depending on your domicile country. Learn more about the Aberdeen Global Scholarships here.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
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. 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 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. Browse the project summaries in our Interdisciplinary Research Project Database to find out more about the critical role data and artificial intelligence have to play in advances spanning many disciplines.
- 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
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
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.
Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.
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
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- 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
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
Eligible self-funded postgraduate taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore our Global Scholarships, including eligibility details, on our dedicated page.
Aberdeen Global ScholarshipsCareers
According to the National Cyber Security Centre the UK needs to accelerate work to keep up with the shifting cyber security landscape.
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:
1. Cyber security intern (National average salary: £30,094 per year)
2. Cyber security advisor (National average salary: £50,637 per year)
3. Cyber security project manager (National average salary: £64,870 per year)
4. IT manager (National average salary: £45,527 per year)
5. Systems integration engineer (National average salary: £43,932 per year)
6. Information security architect (National average salary: £75,524 per year)
7. Chief information officer (National average salary: £34,656 per year)
8. Security consultant (National average salary: £54,039 per year)
9. Cyber threat intelligence analyst (National average salary: £36,212 per year)
10. Penetration tester (National average salary: £52,294 per year)
The courses you study as part of this Master's programme also prepare you for the globally recognised certification such as:
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification
- Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP) certification
- Information Systems Security Architecture Professional (ISSAP) certification.
Accreditation
This degree is provisionally accredited by the National Cyber Security Centre, a part of GCHQ
This degree holds accreditation from
- National Cyber Security Centre (Provisional)
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
Information About Staff Changes
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.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX