MSc Applied Cybersecurity

The MSc Applied Cybersecurity programme equips graduates with the foundational technical knowledge and practical skills required to become effective cybersecurity professionals. The course focuses on creating safe and secure digital environments that enable organisations across public, industry, and business sectors to operate without unnecessary risk.

Students will develop the ability to protect systems and data by understanding cybersecurity threats and attacks, designing secure networks, and ensuring resilience to minimise downtime and maintain business continuity. The programme concludes with a major independent project, where students will apply their knowledge to solve a real-world problem.

Teaching methods include lectures, lab sessions, tutorials, group work, and research seminars. Assessment is based on written research papers, analysis of security challenges, and practical assignments involving the design, implementation, and management of cybersecurity solutions.

The University of Sunderland is a public institution located in the North East of England, with campuses in Sunderland, London, and Hong Kong. It is recognised for its strong research engagement and close industry partnerships that enhance employability outcomes for students. Sunderland is also an emerging digital hub, making it an excellent location for technology-focused studies.

The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across multiple disciplines, including Engineering, Medicine, Law, Business and Management, Arts and Design, and Computing — the school that hosts the MSc Applied Cybersecurity programme. Its facilities include the City Campus and the riverside Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter’s.

Applicants must provide a personal statement outlining their motivation for applying, an academic and/or employer reference, and a CV detailing their relevant work experience.

Grade Requirements:

• A 2:2 or above in Computing, or a 2:1 or above in another relevant field such as Mathematics, Statistics, or Engineering.
• Equivalent international qualifications are also accepted.

English Proficiency:

• IELTS overall score of 6.0, with no component below 5.5.
• Other accepted tests include PTE Academic and Cambridge Assessment English.

The tuition fee for international students enrolling in the MSc Applied Cybersecurity programme at the University of Sunderland is £19,000.

The University of Sunderland offers a range of scholarships and discounts for international postgraduate students. The Global Leaders Scholarship provides an automatic £4,500 tuition fee reduction for eligible international students upon acceptance. Additionally, the MSc Applied Cybersecurity course offers specific discounts of £1,000 or £3,400 depending on the intake. Returning Sunderland graduates can benefit from the Alumni Loyalty Scheme, which grants a 20% tuition fee discount. However, recipients of the Global Leaders Scholarship are not eligible for this additional discount. All scholarships and discounts are applied directly to tuition fees and reflected in the offer letter.

Graduates of the MSc Applied Cybersecurity programme from the University of Sunderland can pursue roles such as:

• Security Engineer
• Security Analyst
• Security Architect
• Security Administrator
• Incident Responder

Applications for the MSc Applied Cybersecurity programme are submitted online through the University of Sunderland’s application portal. For assistance with your application, contact AHZ’s expert counsellors for personalised guidance.