MSc Cyber Security at University of the West of Scotland

Programme overview

The MSc Cyber Security is a specialist master's degree designed for graduates who want to gain knowledge and skills in advanced topics in data and network security to combat 21st century cyber threats. It focuses on developing your practical and hands-on skills to pursue a career in the growing market of cyber security.

Duration: Sept intake: 1 year full-time, typically 2 years part-time / Jan intake: 1.5 years full-time, typically 2-3 years part-time. All London intakes are 1 year full-time. | Study mode: full-time; part-time | Intake: Lanarkshire: January, September; London: January, May, September | Location: Paisley, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

The curriculum is designed to provide students with exposure to key topics and practices. This will ensure graduates are equipped with the multidisciplinary skill set required to address the challenges of developing cyber threats; have knowledge of current and emergent technologies; understand legal, social, ethical issues; and appreciate the professional responsibilities of practitioners.

Career pathways

This course will enable students to work as Cyber Security specialist in areas such as commercial enterprise security (such as healthcare, banking and finance), law enforcement, or within government bodies. Completion of our MSc will greatly enhance your potential to progress to a PhD in relevant areas of Cyber Security or Digital Forensics.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Academic Requirements: Candidates must possess an undergraduate degree (preferably with a focus on Computing) that is considered to be at least comparable to a UK second-class honours degree from a recognised institution. Other Required Qualifications/Experience: Candidates who have other academic, vocational, or professional qualification, and candidates who have at least two years of relevant industrial experience may also be considered for admission. A decision on a candidate’s eligibility to register will be made on a case-by-case basis by the Programme Admissions Officer. Candidates may be required to attend an interview. The Recognition of Prior Learning Guidelines (as laid down in the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning Handbook ) will be applied. We welcome applications from international students with equivalency of qualifications. Candidates may seek admission to the MSc Cyber Security via Cyber CPD pathway. Further information and guidance on the Cyber CPD can be obtained from the UWS Centre for Continuing Professional Development . English language: IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with no sub-test below 5.5.

Domestic applicants: GBP 7,500 for the whole programme (2026/27). Scottish: Total cost of tuition Source

International applicants: GBP 18,900 for the whole programme (2026/27). International (all other EU plus Non-EU): Total cost of tuition Source

Intake: Lanarkshire: January, September; London: January, May, September

Duration: Sept intake: 1 year full-time, typically 2 years part-time / Jan intake: 1.5 years full-time, typica

Apply through the official page: https://www.uws.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/postgraduate-course-search/cyber-security

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