Heriot-Watt University

MSc Computer Science for Cyber Security

Heriot-Watt UniversityEdinburgh, United Kingdom

Course overview

The MSc Computer Science for Cyber Security at Heriot-Watt University is designed to give you refined knowledge and skills to safeguard the digital landscape. You will study software engineering, programming, cryptography, network security, and information security.

This course ensures that you master essential tools like Python and understand different network strategies as well as cybersecurity technologies. Eventually, upon graduation, you will be fully equipped to start a career in the cybersecurity field.

The MSc Computer Science for Cyber Security at Heriot-Watt University is taught through lectures, labs, seminars, and project work, balancing theory with practical learning. Assessment comes through coursework, exams, and a final dissertation, with a research methods module to guide project preparation. While it doesn’t include a placement year, the course offers real, hands-on experience in cyber security.

Key highlights

  • Fully certified by the National Cyber Security Centre within GCHQ
  • One of few UK programmes holding full NCSC certification

Entry requirements

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

Scholarships

  • Alumni Discount Scheme

    A 20% discount is applicable to postgraduate taught courses across all of our global campuses.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Coaching Scholarships Programme

    Varies – up to a 100% Tuition fee Reduction (dependent on experience and number of coaching hours across the year).

  • Heriot-Watt Actuarial Scholarship For Academic Excellence

    The Heriot-Watt Actuarial Scholarship For Academic Excellence awards the successful recipient(s) with a 20% reduction on their tuition fees.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Remission of Fees (Families of Staff)

    Please contact the provider.

  • Staff Scholarships

    Please contact the provider

  • The Brodie Family Scholarship (PGT)

    The Brodie Family Scholarship provides financial support of £2,500 per year (or £2,000 per year for students enrolled in a five-year programme) to four undergraduate students.

  • The Island Scholarship Programme - Orkney Campus (UK) (International)

  • The New Dawn Energy Scholarship

    The New Dawn Energy Scholarship provides £1900 towards living costs to two students enrolling on our MSc in Petroleum Engineering in September 2026.

    Up to £1,900

Careers this course leads to

  • Cyber Security Analyst
  • Penetration Tester
  • Security Engineer
  • Information Security Consultant
  • Security Operations Centre Analyst
  • Digital Forensics Analyst

Career opportunities

Here are some of the career options you have with an MSc in Computer Science for Cyber Security at Heriot-Watt University:

  • Cybersecurity Analyst
  • Information Security Manager
  • Security Software Developer
  • Ethical Hacker (Penetration Tester)
  • Digital Forensics Analyst

Cost of study

The tuition fee (2025/2026 session) to study MSc Computer Science for Cyber Security at Heriot-Watt University is £26,296 for international students.

Admission

To find out more about the application process, speak to one of our trained counsellors.

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