MSc Cyber Security with Professional Postgraduate Year
Course overview
The MSc Cyber Security with Professional Postgraduate Year at the University of Surrey is a two-year, full-time postgraduate programme designed to equip students with advanced knowledge, practical skills, and real-world experience in cyber security. Housed within the renowned School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering and the Surrey Centre for Cyber Security (SCCS), the programme is fully certified by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), reflecting its alignment with industry standards. It combines comprehensive academic study with a professional placement year, preparing graduates for high-demand careers in the cybersecurity and IT sectors.
The curriculum covers a wide range of cybersecurity disciplines, including data security, network security, cryptography, secure systems, web applications, multimedia security, digital forensics, privacy-enhancing technologies, and human-centred security. Practical learning is emphasised through lab sessions using tools like Trusted Platform Modules (TPMs) on Raspberry Pi computers and industry-standard software like ANSYS. The professional placement year allows students to apply their skills in real-world settings, with the university’s strong industry links to companies like Airbus, BAE Systems, IBM, and Microsoft facilitating placements.
Teaching is delivered through lectures, seminars, lab sessions, and a modern Computer Science Laboratory equipped with advanced audio-visual technology. The programme’s NCSC certification ensures alignment with leading research and industry requirements, preparing students to analyse, evaluate, and develop innovative cybersecurity solutions.
Entry requirements
For your application, submit a personal statement detailing your interest and qualifications for the course, a reference from a teacher or employer, and a CV that showcases your relevant professional background.
Grade Requirements:
- A minimum of a 2:2 UK honours degree in either computer science, electrical or electronic engineering, mathematics, physics, related disciplines with demonstrable exposure to programming and mathematics, or other alternative subjects related to data analysis, data science or informatics.
- Equivalent international qualifications will also be considered.
- Applicants will also be considered based on relevant work experience if they do not meet these requirements.
English Proficiency:
- Applicants from non-English-speaking backgrounds must achieve a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- Other equivalent test scores, such as TOEFL or PTE, are also accepted.
Scholarships
Discounts for Surrey Graduates
As graduate of Surrey you may be eligible for a 20 per cent discount on our taught masters programme fees.
Up to 20% of feesEarly Payment Discount
The discount is awarded as a £2,000 fee waiver for eligible students in the first year of their studies.
Up to £2,000ICAEW Foundation Bursary
The ICAEW Foundation Bursary will be given as a one-off payment of £5,000 for one year of postgraduate study.
Up to £5,000International Alumni Discount for Medicine (Graduate Entry) BMBS
The discount of 20% only applies to the first year of the Medicine (Graduate Entry) BMBS programme.
Up to 20% of feesInternational Excellence Award (Postgraduate)
This prestigious £5,000 award recognises academic excellence and is awarded to selected students starting a masters degree at Surrey.
Up to £5,000ISTAT Foundation Scholarship Program
Contributing to the development of future aviation professionals by providing funds and avenues for students with a keen interest in commercial aviation.
Surrey MBA AI Pathfinders Scholarship
This is a partial scholarship that covers 10–50% of tuition fees, depending on the applicant’s profile and interview performance.
Surrey MBA Eastern Europe Bridge Scholarship
This is a partial scholarship that covers 10–50% of tuition fees, depending on the applicant’s profile and interview performance.
Surrey MBA Employer Partnership Scholarship
This scholarship allows the Surrey MBA to match employer contributions towards the tuition fee up to 40%.
Surrey MBA Enterprise Trailblazer Scholarship
This is a partial scholarship that covers 10–50% of tuition fees, depending on the applicant’s profile and interview performance.
Surrey MBA Service Stewardship Scholarship
This is a partial scholarship that covers 10–50% of tuition fees, depending on the applicant’s profile and interview performance.
Surrey MBA Women in Leadership
This is a partial scholarship that covers 10 – 50% of the tuition fee.
Career opportunities
Graduates of this programme are well-prepared to pursue a range of careers, including roles such as:
- Security Consultant
- Network Security Engineer
- Digital Forensics Specialist
- Cyber Security Analyst
- Security Software Developer
Cost of study
International students enrolling in the MSc Cyber Security with Professional Postgraduate Year at the University of Surrey will pay an annual tuition fee of £27,100.
Admission
Candidates interested in this course can apply through UCAS or the university's international application form. For further assistance, please contact one of our trained counsellors.
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