Top 5 Universities in the UK for a Masters in Cyber Security

With the boom in the digitisation and rapid development of the Internet of Things (IoT) in our day-to-day lives, there has been an unprecedented surge in data that needs to be protected from damage, theft, or manipulation by cyber terrorists and hackers. The demand for cyber security specialists has escalated tenfold, making it one of the most lucrative career options for students.

Many top universities in the UK provide excellent master programs in cybersecurity. The course duration is one year; however, opting for a professional internship/placement option can stretch up to 18-24 months. The course generally begins in September, except for some that start in October, every year. On average, graduates with master’s in cyber security can earn up to 65,000 GBP yearly in the state.

But deciding on which university to opt for can be a tumultuous task. But don’t worry! To help you with that, we have gathered a list of the five best universities in the UK for pursuing a masters in cyber security.

University College London

The University College London (UCL) provides an MSc in Information Security by the Department of Computer Science. The specialist programme is designed to give students advanced knowledge of information security and teach them a variety of practical, intellectual, and transferable skills to develop a profitable career in the field.

The students with an undergraduate degree in Computer Science and Information Technology residing near UCL accommodation can take up this much sought-after course to enjoy a remarkable career in the country.

Fees: 31,200 GBP/year

University of Birmingham

The University of Birmingham has received full certification from GCHQ and provides a master program in Cyber Security. The course offers a comprehensive foundation for Cyber Security concepts such as cryptography, network security, and secure programming, along with some optional modules like hardware and embedded system security. Students gain both practical and theoretical experience with technologies and toolkits for building internet-based software.

With state-of-the-art equipment and laboratories, diverse and intellectual culture, and the best options for student accommodation near the University of Birmingham, the university is the best place to study and ensure your holistic development.

Fees: 25,380 GBP/year

University of Southampton

The university provides a Master program in Cyber Security and is one of the 14 universities officially recognised as an ‘Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research by the UK government.

The Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences administers the program that teaches a multi-disciplinary approach covering technical subjects and aspects like criminology, law, risk management, and social sciences to give students a well-rounded collection of skills.

Fees: 26,850 GBP/year

Lancaster University

Lancaster University provides MSc in Cyber Security taught by the School of Computing and Communications, which begins in October.

Students get to work in the university’s world-class ICT Centre of Excellence and InfoLab21, where they study eight taught modules and work on an individual research project to understand cybersecurity and technology’s practical and theoretical aspects. It helps them gain expertise in four specialist departments: School of Computing and Communication; Law; Politics, Philosophy and Religion; and Sociology.

If you ever decide to pursue the course in the university, you do not have to fret over finding an ideal abode for you as there are many affordable and aesthetic options for accommodation near Lancaster University.

Fees: 24,430 BBP/year

University of York

The university’s cyber security masters program is one of the few courses certified in the UK by the NCSC (National Cyber Security Centre).

Tutored by the Department of Computer Science, the first half of the course comprises taught modules with a mix of lectures, problem classes and practical classes, and personal study time. In the second half, students engage with an individual research project under the guidance of a staff member.

Since the research module is a mandatory component of the course, it is highly beneficial for the students looking to make a research career in cybersecurity.

Fees: 23,300 GBP/ year

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Author: Harshita A (Content Writer at AmberStudent)

Harshita A, a postgraduate in English Journalism and a graduate in Hotel Management. She has worked in various industries and with people from all walks of life. Her well-rounded experience ignited her curiosity to constantly learn new things about the world and write passionately about them.