MEng Software Engineering with Cyber Security at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

This integrated Master's teaches students to build and secure large-scale software systems, engineering security in from the first line of code. AI, cyber security and cloud computing are core, with specialist study in software and systems security, cryptography, malware analysis and network security. In the final year students lead a substantial research and development project with one-to-one supervision.

Department: School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science | Duration: 4 years full-time | Intake: September 2027 | Study mode: full-time (integrated) | Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Software architecture, service-oriented programming and AI, secure software development, software and systems security, cryptography, malware analysis and network security, plus Master's-level options such as fairness and privacy in machine learning and energy-efficient computing.

Career pathways

Employers on the Professional Advisory Board include Rapid7, Citi, CME Group and Kainos; students may spend an optional paid year in industry and the School links with hundreds of employers including BT, Liberty IT and Options IT.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A-level: AAB including at least one preferred subject, or AAA including at least one relevant subject, plus GCSE Mathematics C/4. IB: 34 points including 6,6,5 at Higher Level with a preferred subject, or 36 points including 6,6,6 with a relevant subject. Irish Leaving Certificate: H2H3H3H3H3H3 (preferred subject at H3) or H2H2H3H3H3H3 (relevant subject at H3), plus Ordinary Level O4 Mathematics if not at Higher. BTEC Extended Diploma: D*D*D in a relevant computing subject, or D*D*D* in a relevant engineering or science subject. Graduate entry: minimum 2:1 provided subject requirements are met. Maximum one BTEC/OCR Single Award or AQA Extended Certificate counted in an A-level portfolio. MEng applicants who do not meet MEng requirements are automatically considered for the BEng. GCSE English Language and GCSE Mathematics grade C/4 required. Computer Science, Computing/IT and Software Engineering share a common first-year core so transfer is possible at the end of year 1. Preferred A-level subjects: Mathematics, Computing or Software Systems Development; relevant subjects: Chemistry, Digital Technology, ICT, Physics, Technology and Design or Double Award Applied ICT. Typically at least six GCSEs at B/6 or above were expected for MEng entry last year; interviews are not normally required. International applicants: IELTS 6.0 with at least 5.5 in each component, or equivalent.

Domestic applicants: GBP 4,985 a year (2026/27). NI/ROI residency, full-time undergraduate tuition; 2026/27 rate Source

International applicants: GBP 28,500 a year (2027/28). International and EU Other fee; placement year fees not stated Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 4 years full-time

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