University of Kent

Cyber Security with Placement - MSc

University of KentCanterbury, United Kingdom

Course overview

This MSc is aimed at computing graduates with strong programming skills seeking careers as cyber security professionals or careers that need a systematic and deep understanding of the subject. It would also be an excellent starting point for those wishing to carry out further research in cyber security. The University of Kent is recognised by the British Government as being an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research, meaning you will be taught by staff who are top researchers in this area.

Kent has also been named Cyber University of the Year in the Real Cyber Awards 2023. The Awards, which were created to recognise those who are making ‘a real difference in the virtual world that has impact in the real world’, represent organisations and individuals from Cyber Security, Data Protection and Information Security. You gain work experience through our industrial placement scheme.

We have strong links with industry including IBM, Microsoft and Oracle. Our dedicated placement team help you gain a suitable paid position and provide support throughout. This degree has been accredited by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC, part of the GCHQ).

Students of the MSc Cyber Security programme receive two certificates, as NCSC also allows us to issue an NCSC co-stamped certificate. This course is accredited by BCS (British Computer Society). Our world-leading researchers, in key areas such as cyber security, programming languages, and AI and data science earned us an outstanding result in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF); 100% of our Computer Science and Informatics research was classified as either 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' for impact.

Strong links with industry underpin all our work, notably with Cisco Systems Inc, Microsoft, Oracle, IBM, Nvidia, Erlang Solutions, GCHQ and Google. Our courses are taught by leading researchers who are experts in their fields. The School of Computing at Kent is home to several authors of leading computer science textbooks.

We have a large range of equipment providing both Linux and PC-based systems. Our resources include a multicore enterprise server and a virtual machine server that supports computer security experiments. The School also has a makerspace, Hackspace, which offers exciting teaching and collaboration opportunities.

Among other equipment it contains a milling machine, 3D printers, laser cutter and extensive space for building and making digital artefacts.

Key highlights

  • Accredited by the National Cyber Security Centre, part of GCHQ
  • NCSC co-stamped certificate awarded alongside the degree
  • Accredited by BCS, the British Computer Society
  • Paid industrial placement with dedicated placement team support
  • Taught at a government-recognised Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research
  • Virtual machine server supports hands-on computer security experiments

Entry requirements

  • Degree: 2:2 — to include acceptable subject; or above
  • Degree: 2:1 — or above

Scholarships

  • Chevening Scholarships

  • Christine and Ian Bolt Scholarship

    Scholarship value up to £10,000.

  • Kent Business School Beaconhouse PG Progression Scholarship

    Tuition fee discount scholarship of £6,000.

    Up to £6,000

  • Kent Business School Dean's Excellence Scholarship Award

    Awards of up to £3,000

  • Kent Business School MBA Scholarship

    50% off Tuition Fee.

    Up to 50% of fees

  • Kent Graduate Scholarship

    20% fee reduction for post-graduate taught programmes at the University of Kent.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Kent International Scholarship Postgraduate Taught

    Scholarship value - £5000

    Up to £5,000

  • Kent International Scholarship Postgraduate Taught (KBS)

    Scholarship value £3000

    Up to £3,000

  • Kent LLM Solicitors’ Practice Scholarship (Canterbury)

    £2,000 tuition fee discount (Home Students); £2,000 tuition fee discount (Overseas Students).

    Up to £2,000

  • Sasha Roberts Scholarship

    £3,000 stipend per annum split into two payments of £1,500 in October and January.

    Up to £3,000

  • The “Ambition” Scholarship for University of Kent Graduates

    £1,500 for Full Time UK students; £750 per year for Part Time UK students; £3,000 for Full Time Overseas students.

  • The CAMEMS Scholarship

    £3,000 stipend per annum split into two payments of £1,500 in October and January.

    Up to £3,000

  • The Widening Participation Ambition Scholarship for University of Kent Graduates

    £5,000 for UK students (£2,500 per year for part time students).

Careers this course leads to

  • Cyber security analyst
  • Penetration tester
  • Security engineer
  • Information security consultant
  • Security architect
  • Cyber security researcher

Cost of study

UK/Home: £10,000 per year | International: £23,500 per year

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Kent, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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