Key information
The MSc in Applied Cyber Security teaches the theory, methods, and tools of computer network security.
- Level
- Postgraduate Taught
- Delivery type
- Full Time, Part Time
- Degree qualification
- MSc
- Mode of delivery
- On-Campus
- Duration
- 1 year
- Location
- Dubai
- Start date
- September, January
Our MSc in Applied Cyber Security teaches you the theory, methods, and tools to address the global concerns of cyber security. It imparts the knowledge and skills needed to keep computer systems safe from attacks and threats by teaching how to formulate security policies, deploy network security solutions, and validate their effectiveness. The programme offers a detailed understanding of contemporary issues in cyber security research areas.
You will develop the ability to design and develop solutions to contemporary cyber security challenges. You will plan and execute research projects in specialist areas within cyber security, such as cryptography, digital forensics, or malware analysis. You will also have the opportunity to experiment with core methods in the cyber security field, such as access control, cryptography, authentication methods, policy management, digital forensics, and intrusion detection.
By completing this MSc, you will be equipped with a broad understanding of cyber security and the ability to address complex security challenges professionally, ethically, and innovatively.
Your student experience
- Heriot-Watt University boasts a distinguished history of over five decades dedicated to the research and teaching of Computer Science.
- World-Leading Faculty: Heriot-Watt University is known for its strong academic reputation.
Go Global
With Go Global, Heriot-Watt's global student programme, you can carry your studies to new places and experience new cultures, expanding your horizons on the way. You'll discover what it means to be a true global citizen and emerge prepared for wherever your career journey will take you.
Inter-Campus Transfer
Course content
September Intake - Dubai
Year 1
The programme structure follows a mix of mandatory and elective courses. These optional courses provide supporting knowledge and skills in computing topics that cyber security experts need to have to be able to apply their security know-how to develop or analyse cyber security solutions.
Mandatory September
- Computer Network Security
Optional September
- Databases and Information Systems
- Data Mining and Machine Learning
- Rigorous Methods for Software Engineering
- Industrial Programming
- Software Engineering Foundations
Mandatory January
- Advanced Network Security
- Digital Forensics
- Research Methods and Project Planning
Optional January
- Project Management
- Applied Development and Operations (DevOps)
- Advanced Software Engineering
- Big Data Management
Mandatory May
- Masters Project and Dissertation
Fees and funding
AED 103,350 per year
- All tuition fees inclusive of VAT.
Entry requirements
We have standard entry requirements for all of our courses that you will have to meet.
Year 1
For MSc entry, a good relevant Honours degree (first or second class) with a substantial academic component of computing or IT that includes study of databases and programming will be considered. Applicants with an engineering or mathematics background may also be considered.
To find out more about the specific entry requirements for your country, please refer to our International Entry Requirements.
If you hold a degree from a different background and believe you may qualify for this programme or to find out more about the entry requirements for this programme, please send an email to dubaienquiries@hw.ac.uk
English language requirements
As our degrees are taught and assessed in English, applicants must be able to prove their level of English language ability.
The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 6.0.
Please see our detailed English language requirements.
Why Heriot-Watt
As the first British university to set up a campus in Dubai in 2005, we have established ourselves as a pioneer in the higher education market in the UAE. The three consecutive five-star ratings by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) is a testament to our reputation for world-class teaching.
The futuristic Dubai campus is designed to offer interactive and collaborative learning experiences with innovative classroom styles fostering group work and engagement like Collaborative lecture theatres, Digitally Classrooms and Seminar rooms. The campus also has dedicated cutting-edge laboratories and workshops that span various engineering disciplines along with Psychology, IT, Photography, Design and Architecture.
Our practical, leading-edge research combined with strong links to business and industry, have made our graduates highly employable and sought after by the best organisations worldwide, with over 90% in graduate-level jobs or further study within six months of graduation. On top of that, we have beautiful campuses, across the globe, so you'll get a truly international education through our Go Global programme.
Employability
New career opportunities and prospects for career enhancement are both excellent. Security vulnerabilities, and hence countermeasures, appear on a daily basis. The new security threats target industry, commerce and the public sector resulting in an increasing demand for experts who can design, implement and maintain secure infrastructures.
Student life
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