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
- Edinburgh
- Start date
- September, January
- Next intake
- September
Our MSc in Applied Cyber Security provides you with the knowledge and skills needed to keep computer networks safe from attacks and threats by teaching how to formulate security policies, deploy network security solutions, and validate their effectiveness.
This programme is aimed at graduates or for those already in the industry interested in deepening their knowledge and skills of cyber security and who want to address the global concerns of computer network security.
Heriot-Watt provides students with a mix of mandatory and elective courses to not only prepare you for diverse, high-growth careers, but also makes you the decision-maker of your goals, expectations and outcomes from this programme.
Reasons to study:
- Industry-relevant curriculum: Plan and execute research projects in specialist areas within cyber security, such as cryptography, digital forensics, or malware analysis while having 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.
- Comprehensive, customisable curriculum: Provides opportunity to specialise in several areas through four optional courses, including data mining and machine learning, IoT, data communications and networking, project management, digital forensics, and more.
- Blend of skills: A curriculum based on a mix of mandatory and elective 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.
- Supported learning: Delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, and guest lectures and be assessed by coursework, and your dissertation while receiving support and feedback throughout the programme. Gain access to state-of-the-art labs at the Robotarium and GRID, gaining practical, real-world experience with authentic datasets and AI models.
The Future Shapers scholarship
The Future Shapers scholarship is looking for students who want to use research to create solutions to solve major global challenges. This has been established for 2026 by one of our generous donors and is a testament to the talent and world-shaping potential of our University's students and researchers. We are offering 12 scholarships across our 4 research areas, worth 50%, 75% and 100% of your tuition fee respectively.
Apply nowYour student experience
Heriot-Watt University has over 50 years of excellence in computer science research and teaching, supported by world-leading faculty. Students benefit from state-of-the-art labs at the Robotarium and GRID, gaining practical, real-world experience with authentic datasets and AI models.
Course content
September Intake - Edinburgh
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
- Data Mining and Machine Learning
- Industrial Programming
- Internet of Things
- Systems Programming
- Software Engineering Foundations
- Data Communications and Networking
Mandatory January
- Advanced Network Security
- Digital Forensics
- Research Methods and Project Planning
Optional January
- Project Management
- Advanced Software Engineering
- Big Data Management
Mandatory May
- Masters Project and Dissertation
January Intake -Edinburgh
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 January
- Computer Network Security
- Advanced Network Security
- Digital Forensics
Optional January
- Advanced Software Engineering
- Big Data Management
- Project Management
Mandatory September
- Research Methods and Project Planning
Optional September
- Data Mining and Machine Learning
- Industrial Programming
- Software Engineering Foundations
- Systems Programming
- Data Communications and Networking
- Internet of Things
Mandatory Second January
- Masters Project and Dissertation
Disclaimer
The courses mentioned above may change between now and the time that you study. For more information, please view our Terms and Conditions.
Fees and funding
| Status | Full Time | Part Time |
|---|---|---|
| UK | £12,584 | £6,292 |
| International | £26,296 | £13,148 |
- Status: Your residency status is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course.
- International: 'International' includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in UK. (This does not include students from the Republic of Ireland - see above).
Scholarships and bursaries
Postgraduate scholarships and bursaries
We aim to encourage well-qualified, ambitious students to study with us and we offer a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries to achieve this. Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, and more than 400 students benefit from this support.
Entry requirements
We have standard entry requirements for all of our courses that you will have to meet.
Year 1
A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree or non-UK equivalent in a subject which includes substantial academic and practical knowledge of Computing and IT.
Degree must also demonstrate a good mathematical ability.
We welcome applications from international students and accept qualifications from around the world. Please refer to the entry requirements for your country for more details.
English language requirements
If your first language is not English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability.
The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5.
If you do not have IELTS 6.0, we offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement for this programme prior to commencing your studies.
Please see our detailed English language requirements.
Why Heriot-Watt
We have been producing career-ready graduates since 1821. With our roots as the world’s first Mechanics Institute, Heriot-Watt is a pioneering university with a global reach.
At Heriot-Watt, learning goes beyond the lecture theatre. We tackle real world challenges through extraordinary research – from climate change to protecting our oceans, to advancing life-saving medical breakthroughs and shaping the next generation of AI. We are also committed to developing forward-thinking design and sustainable business practices that impact industries worldwide. On our campuses you’ll find some of the world’s most advanced facilities, while our strong industry links set you up for career success. This is why almost 90% of our graduates are in employment or further education (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024).
Employability
Potential career paths
- Graduates of the MSc in Applied Cybersecurity can pursue a variety of exciting and in-demand careers. Some common career paths in cybersecurity include:
- Cybersecurity Analyst: Responsible for monitoring, detecting, and responding to security breaches. Cybersecurity analysts develop security measures to protect an organization’s infrastructure.
- Security Consultant: Working with businesses to evaluate and improve their security systems, including risk assessments, security audits, and the development of security strategies.
- Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker): Specialising in testing systems for vulnerabilities by attempting to exploit them, with the goal of identifying and fixing security flaws before malicious hackers can do so.
- Digital Forensics Expert: Investigates cybercrimes by collecting and analysing digital evidence, often working with law enforcement agencies to trace attacks and recover compromised data.
- Security Architect: Designing and implementing robust security infrastructures.
Student life
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