Key information
Heriot-Watt's computing cyber security masters is one of the few programmes in the UK to have received full certification from the National Cyber Security Centre within GCHQ.
- 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
Cybersecurity is critically important in our digital age, safeguarding sensitive data, personal privacy, and financial assets, while also playing a pivotal role in preserving national security and business continuity.
Our esteemed MSc Computer Science for Cyber Security programme at Heriot-Watt University offers you an extraordinary opportunity to cultivate advanced specialised skills and expertise, empowering you to safeguard the digital landscape with confidence.
Situated in the capital city of Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt University boasts unrivalled proximity to Scotland's growing technology sector, a hub of digital innovation at the frontline of cyber security. Our MSc Computer Science for Cyber Security programme is thoughtfully structured to grant you access to a rich tapestry of advanced topics within computer science, all with a resolute focus on security. These encompass both theoretical and applied knowledge in software engineering, programming, parallel technology, machine learning, systems programming, cryptography, network security and information security.
Enhancements for Your Success
At Heriot-Watt University, we've revamped our Computer Science for Cyber Security programme to empower you with the most cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills required for a thriving career in the world of cyber security. Here's what sets us apart:
- Excellence in Rankings: We take pride in our ranking as the 6th best in Scotland for Computer Science, according to The Complete University Guide 2022. This recognition speaks to the quality of education you can expect at Heriot-Watt.
- Industry-Driven Employability: To ensure your success, we've actively collaborated with industry experts to understand precisely what employers are seeking in cyber security professionals. We've meticulously integrated these insights into our programme, giving you a competitive edge during job interviews and setting you up for success from day one.
- Mastery of Essential Tools: In today's competitive job market, proficiency in key software tools like Python, cybersecurity technologies, and network defence strategies is essential.
- Streamlined Synergy: Our revamped course structure promotes a greater synergy between different subject areas within cyber security. This holistic understanding will empower you to tackle complex security challenges with ease, enhancing your problem-solving capabilities.
The National Robotarium
Located on Heriot-Watt University’s Edinburgh campus, in partnership with The University of Edinburgh, the National Robotarium creates innovative solutions to global challenges, working directly with industry to test and develop robotic, AI and automated technologies and rapidly move pioneering research from lab to market.
The National Robotarium fosters the teaching and development of the next generation of roboticists, producing highly-skilled graduates who are trained to conduct world-leading research with a market focus, and developing programmes to equip the current and future workforce with robotics, data and programming skills.
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, and this extends to its cyber security programme. The university has a history of offering high-quality education in computer science and related fields, providing students with a solid foundation in the subject.
- State-of-the-Art Labs: To facilitate hands-on learning, we have created state-of-the-art labs based in the Robotarium as well as at the GRID; including the Games & Design studio and the universities first VR labs. These resources are instrumental in providing students with a practical, real-world experience when working with authentic datasets and AI models.
- Cutting-Edge Research: The university is actively involved in cyber security research, contributing to the development of new techniques, tools, and strategies to combat emerging threats. This research informs the curriculum and keeps it up to date.
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 - Edinburgh
Mandatory September
- Computer Network Security
- Rigorous Methods for Software Engineering
- Industrial Programming
- Systems Programming
Mandatory January
- Advanced Network Security
- Distributed & Parallel Technologies
- Digital Forensics
- Research Methods and Project Planning
Mandatory May
- Masters Project and Dissertation
Programme Video
Computer Science PG Programme
Fees and funding
| Status | Full Time | Part Time |
|---|---|---|
| UK | £12,192 | £6,096 |
| International | £25,480 | £12,740 |
- 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.
Entry requires a good honours degree in computer science. Candidates holding a little less than a good honours degree or its equivalent but with compensating qualifications or experience may be admitted to the postgraduate diploma programme. Transfer to the MSc will be possible later on if exam and course work are at MSc level.
Why Heriot-Watt
We're the top university in Scotland for graduate outcomes which means that more of our graduates are employed or in postgraduate education than any other institution in the country and we ranked 5th in the UK.
We're also rated number one in the UK for CEO or MD roles, meaning more of our graduates go on to become CEOs or MDs than any other university in the whole of the UK. On top of that, we have beautiful campuses, across the globe, so you'll get a truly international education. Our Edinburgh Campus is home to Oriam, Scotland's National Sports Performance Centre combined with plenty of wellbeing resources, prioritising fitness and mental health for all students. Our Global Research Institutes look at solving real world issues such as climate change and saving our oceans as well as working on the next medical technological breakthrough and the future of AI and robots.
Employability
Potential career paths
- Information Security Analyst - Analyses systems for vulnerabilities, installs security systems, and looks for threats.
- Cyber Security Engineer - Designs and develops solutions for protecting systems, networks, and data from cyber threats.
- Cyber Security Consultant - Provides advice to organisations on how to protect their systems and data from cyberattacks.
- Cyber Security Architect - Designs and oversees implementation of cybersecurity strategies for organisations.
- Penetration Tester/Ethical Hacker - Tests systems for weaknesses by safely hacking into them.
- Cyber Security Manager - Leads cybersecurity strategy and operations for an organisation.
- Cyber Security Software Developer - Creates new security software, tools, and systems.
Student life
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