MSc Applied Cyber Security 12 months Postgraduate Programme By Heriot-Watt University |TopUniversities
Subject Ranking

# 201-250QS Subject Rankings

Programme Duration

12 monthsProgramme duration

Tuitionfee

25,480 GBPTuition Fee/year

Scholarship

11Scholarships

Programme overview

Main Subject

Mathematics

Degree

MSc

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

Overview

Our MSc in Applied Cyber Security teaches you the theory, methods, and tools to address the global concerns of computer network security. It imparts the knowledge and skills needed to keep computer networks safe from attacks and threats by teaching how to formulate security policies, deploy network security solutions, and validate their effectiveness. The programme offers a detailed understanding of contemporary issues in network security research areas.

You will develop the ability to design and develop solutions to contemporary cyber security challenges. You will plan and execute research projects in specialist areas within cyber security, such as cryptography, digital forensics, or malware analysis. You will also have the opportunity to experiment with core methods in the cyber security field, such as access control, cryptography, authentication methods, policy management, digital forensics, and intrusion detection.

By completing this MSc, you will be equipped with a broad understanding of cyber security and the ability to address complex security challenges professionally, ethically, and innovatively.


Our expertise

  • Heriot-Watt University boasts a distinguished history of over five decades dedicated to the research and teaching of Computer Science.
  • World-Leading Faculty: Heriot-Watt University is known for its strong academic reputation.
  • State-of-the-Art Labs: To facilitate hands-on learning, we have created state-of-the-art labs based in the Robotarium as well as at the GRID.
  • These resources are instrumental in providing students with a practical, real-world experience when working with authentic datasets and AI models.


Employability

Potential career paths

  • Graduates of the MSc in Applied Cybersecurity can pursue a variety of exciting and in-demand careers. Some common career paths in cybersecurity include:
  • Cybersecurity Analyst: Responsible for monitoring, detecting, and responding to security breaches. Cybersecurity analysts develop security measures to protect an organization’s infrastructure.
  • Security Consultant: Working with businesses to evaluate and improve their security systems, including risk assessments, security audits, and the development of security strategies.
  • Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker): Specialising in testing systems for vulnerabilities by attempting to exploit them, with the goal of identifying and fixing security flaws before malicious hackers can do so.
  • Digital Forensics Expert: Investigates cybercrimes by collecting and analysing digital evidence, often working with law enforcement agencies to trace attacks and recover compromised data.
  • Security Architect: Designing and implementing robust security infrastructures.

Programme overview

Main Subject

Mathematics

Degree

MSc

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

Overview

Our MSc in Applied Cyber Security teaches you the theory, methods, and tools to address the global concerns of computer network security. It imparts the knowledge and skills needed to keep computer networks safe from attacks and threats by teaching how to formulate security policies, deploy network security solutions, and validate their effectiveness. The programme offers a detailed understanding of contemporary issues in network security research areas.

You will develop the ability to design and develop solutions to contemporary cyber security challenges. You will plan and execute research projects in specialist areas within cyber security, such as cryptography, digital forensics, or malware analysis. You will also have the opportunity to experiment with core methods in the cyber security field, such as access control, cryptography, authentication methods, policy management, digital forensics, and intrusion detection.

By completing this MSc, you will be equipped with a broad understanding of cyber security and the ability to address complex security challenges professionally, ethically, and innovatively.


Our expertise

  • Heriot-Watt University boasts a distinguished history of over five decades dedicated to the research and teaching of Computer Science.
  • World-Leading Faculty: Heriot-Watt University is known for its strong academic reputation.
  • State-of-the-Art Labs: To facilitate hands-on learning, we have created state-of-the-art labs based in the Robotarium as well as at the GRID.
  • These resources are instrumental in providing students with a practical, real-world experience when working with authentic datasets and AI models.


Employability

Potential career paths

  • Graduates of the MSc in Applied Cybersecurity can pursue a variety of exciting and in-demand careers. Some common career paths in cybersecurity include:
  • Cybersecurity Analyst: Responsible for monitoring, detecting, and responding to security breaches. Cybersecurity analysts develop security measures to protect an organization’s infrastructure.
  • Security Consultant: Working with businesses to evaluate and improve their security systems, including risk assessments, security audits, and the development of security strategies.
  • Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker): Specialising in testing systems for vulnerabilities by attempting to exploit them, with the goal of identifying and fixing security flaws before malicious hackers can do so.
  • Digital Forensics Expert: Investigates cybercrimes by collecting and analysing digital evidence, often working with law enforcement agencies to trace attacks and recover compromised data.
  • Security Architect: Designing and implementing robust security infrastructures.

Admission Requirements

169+
6+
59+
79+

A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree or non-UK equivalent in a subject which includes substantial academic and practical knowledge of Computing and IT. Degree must also demonstrate a good understanding of mathematics.

1 Year
Jan
Sep

Tuition fees

Domestic
12,192 GBP
International
25,480 GBP

Scholarships

The Hoogenboom Scholarship

The Hoogenboom Scholarship
Master Open

Value

100% tuition fee waiver

Deadline

26 Apr 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

IMechE Scholarships (for Mechanical Engineers)

IMechE Scholarships (for Mechanical Engineers)
Master Bachelors Open

Value

$21800

Deadline

31 Aug 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

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

The Island Scholarship Programme - Orkney Campus (UK) (International)
Master Open

Value

100% tuition fee waiver

Deadline

31 Mar 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

Postgraduate European Union Scholarship

Postgraduate European Union Scholarship
Master Open

Value

$5000

Deadline

31 Jul 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

Norway Early Bird Scholarship

Norway Early Bird Scholarship
Bachelors Master Open

Value

$6000

Deadline

1 May 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

International Merit Scholarship

International Merit Scholarship
Bachelors Master Open

Value

$2000

Deadline

30 Jun 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

Heriot-Watt University Expenses Bursary

Heriot-Watt University Expenses Bursary
Bachelors Master Open

Value

$525

Deadline

31 Aug 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

Heriot-Watt Sports Scholarships

Heriot-Watt Sports Scholarships
Master Bachelors Open

Value

25% tuition fee waiver

Deadline

31 Jul 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

Heriot-Watt Actuarial Scholarship For Academic Excellence

Heriot-Watt Actuarial Scholarship For Academic Excellence
Master Open

Value

20% tuition fee waiver

Deadline

30 May 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

Americas and Europe (Non-EU) Scholarship

Americas and Europe (Non-EU) Scholarship
Bachelors Master Open

Value

$5000

Deadline

15 Jun 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

Alumni Discount Scheme

Alumni Discount Scheme
Master Open

Value

20% tuition fee waiver

Deadline

31 Jul 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

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