MSc Cyber Security with Professional Postgraduate Year

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.

The University of Surrey, located in Guildford, England, is a globally recognised, research-intensive institution with a history dating back to 1891 as Battersea Polytechnic Institute, gaining university status in 1966. The university excels in fields like engineering, computer science, health, business, and veterinary medicine, making it an ideal choice for programmes like the MSc Cyber Security with Professional Postgraduate Year. Its focus on employability, innovative facilities, and active student life ensures graduates are well-prepared for professional success.

The university academic structure is organised into three faculties: the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, and the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. The University of Surrey offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional programmes. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, including a cutting-edge Computer Science Laboratory, 5G/6G Innovation Centre, and advanced engineering labs with tools like ANSYS and Raspberry Pi for hands-on learning. The university’s global engagement includes study abroad programs and partnerships in countries like China and Australia, promoting a diverse, international perspective.

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.

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.

The university’s scholarship portal offers funding options, such as the Surrey International Master's Scholarship, among others. International students are encouraged to explore and apply for the best options that suit their needs.

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

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.