Masters in Cyber Security in UK – Universities, Fees & Scope

Cyber Security is a specialized study in protecting information and data from theft or damage to hardware or software. With so much essential data stored in every system, there’s a constant need to protect it from any harm; else, it could disrupt the business. If you are wondering where to pursue a master’s degree in cyber security, the UK can be your first choice. Apart from the affordability, there are various reasons why a student must pursue a master’s in cyber security in UK.

It has become critical for organizations to implement robust cyber defenses to protect against attacks in the modern world. The course will prepare you to cope with cyber attacks in a measured and decisive way and help you develop essential teamwork and communication skills. Through this course, you will gain a solid academic foundation that will enable you to unlock a range of careers available to cybersecurity professionals.

The eight specializations in cyber security include

• Architecture and Policy.

• Data Loss Prevention.

• Governance, Risk, and Compliance.

• Identity and Access Management.

• Incident Response and Forensic Analysis.

• Penetration Testing.

• Secure DevOps.

• Secure Software Development.

Reasons to choose the UK for the Master’s in Cyber Security

Top Universities:

The UK is the home of the top universities globally that provide excellent learning programs. The best universities for master’s in cyber security in the UK regularly feature in the international ranking of universities.

Duration of Program:

The duration of the course in MS in Cyber security is mostly of only one year long, which is shorter than MSc cybersecurity in other popular studies abroad destinations, like the USA.

Minimal Entry-Requirements:

To get into a master’s in cyber security in the UK, international applicants need to present only their bachelor’s score and IELTS/TOEFL scores. There is no GRE requirement.
 

Friendly Multicultural Environment:

The UK has an open and friendly multicultural environment that helps students develop and pursue a lucrative careers after their master’s. 

Study in Ireland
MS in Data Analytics in Ireland	Master in Business Studies in Ireland

Top Universities for Masters in Cyber Security in UK

Some of the top colleges offering master’s in cyber security in UK or related courses are listed below as per their Times Higher Education Rankings:

THE Ranking 2022	Top University	Course & Duration	Fees (EUR/year)
4	University College London	MSc Information Security (1-year)	31,200
12	University of Birmingham	MSc Cyber Security (1-year)	25,380
15	University of Southampton	MSc Cyber Security (1-year)	26,850
16	University of York	MSc Cyber Security (1-year)	23,300
17	Lancaster University	MSc Cyber Security (1-year)	24,430
28	Queens University of Belfast	MSc. Applied Security (1-year)	21,400
35	Swansea University	MSc Cyber Security (1-year)	18,500
38	Royal Holloway University	MSc Information Security (1-year)	25,600
38	Anglia Ruskin University	MSc. Cyber Security (1-year)	14,100
43	Northumbria University	MSc. Cybersecurity and MSc.Cybersecurity Technology	15,500
49	Middlesex University	MSc Cyber Security	14,500
67	Nottingham Trent University	MSc. IT Security	15,100
67	Manchester Metropolitan University	MSc. Cyber Security (1-year)	16,500
67	University of Bradford	MSc. Cyber Security (1-year)	19,890
67	University of Greenwich	MSc Computer Forensic and Cyber Security	14,000
81	University of Hertfordshire	MSc Cyber Security (1-year)	14,500

Have a look at some of the top universities in UK for masters in cyber security.

Lancaster University:

MSc cyber security in the UK is a 12-month full-time course. The MS degree helps the students to work in IT security. Recently, Lancaster was granted the EPSRC-GCHQ Academic Centre of Excellence in cybersecurity research.

Advanced technical skills help learners to grow organically. Disciplines such as economics, risk management, psychology, and social science are combined with the course offered.

Fees for international students: £25,700

University of Southampton:

Master’s in Cyber Security is also a 12-month program. The Guardian, Times Higher Education, and The Sunday Times have ranked the University of Southampton in the top 10 computer science courses. 

Fees for international students: £28,000 

University of Birmingham:

MSc in Cyber Security equips students with skills to solve real-time problems. The Russell Group for Computer Science and Information Systems in the Guardian University Guide also featured the university. 

Fees for international students: £25,000 

University of York:

MSc in Cyber Security comprises 8 modules. The course at the university also includes one final individual project. The University of York requires a strong computer background. The modules covered by the university are:

• Cryptography
• Network security
• Malware, and intrusion detection,
• Risk management and development of high assurance systems

Fees for international students: £24,500

Royal Holloway:

MSc in Information Security is offered by the university as a one-year course with a practical component. It helps the students get valuable experience. Course in the Royal Holloway has received accreditation by GCHQ. The MSc in Information Security has three main elements: Core made up of four modules, Options made up of two optional modules, and a Project.

International students’ tuition fee: £26,200 

Source: Complete University Guide Ranking 2023

Popular Study Abroad Destinations
Study in Canada	Study in Australia
Study in USA	Study in Germany
Study in Ireland

Admission Requirements

UK universities for international students require no GRE. To apply for a master’s in cyber security, international students must only provide their bachelor’s and IELTS/TOEFL scores. 

College	Academic Requirements
University College London	UG with CGPA-7.75 on 10 or 60%
Lancaster University	UG with at least 60% is required with 55% in two consecutive years
University of Southampton	UG in Computer Science with at least 55-65%
University of Birmingham	UG degree(3 or 4 years) with first-class (2:1)
University of York	UG degree with at least 60%
Royal Holloway	UG degree with at least 55-60% and 5.5-6.0 on CGPA

English Language Requirements for Masters in Cyber Security in UK

There are certain english requirements test for various universities in  the UK, the list of the same is given below:

University	IELTS/TOEFL/Other Language Proficiency Requirements
University of Birmingham	6.5/88
UCL	6.5/92
Lancaster University	6.5/87
University of Southampton	6.0 in each band/81 70% in English in 12th
Queen’s University of Belfast	6.0/80
University of York	6.5/87
Royal Holloway University	6.5/PTE-61
University of Bradford	6.0/80
Solent University	6.0/92
University of Hertfordshire	6.0
Anglia Ruskin University	NA
Middlesex University	6.5
Nottingham Trent University	6.5/81
Manchester Metropolitan University	6.5
Northumbria University	6.5
University of Greenwich	70% in 12th English

Documents Required for Admission to MSc Cyber Security in the UK

For pursuing a master’s in cyber security in the UK, you will need to submit the following documents:

• Transcripts and records of your previous education.
• English language proficiency scores, submitted directly from the agency, for non-native English-speaking applicants.
• Letters of Recommendation may or may not be required. (Each university has a varied requirement for LORs)
• Resume/CV: There are some universities that require their applicants to have certain work experience to apply for a master’s in cyber security in the UK. For such universities, you will also be required to send in your resume/CV.
• Student visa to study in the UK.

Cost of Studying MS in Cyber Security in the UK

Universities offering master’s in cyber security in the UK may charge high fees. Thus, many international students seek financial assistance to fully or partially cover their study and living costs. However, the living cost varies from city to city. The cost for studying MS in cyber security in the UK can be classified into two categories:

• Pre-arrival/departure
• Post arrival. 

1. Pre-arrival/departure cost

This includes money spent while you are still in your home country, such as application fees, PTE fees, VISA application, IELTS registration fee, TOEFL (iBT) registration fees, airfare. It can cost from INR 1.21 -1.31 Lakh. 

Fees for English language proficiency test

IELTS Academic and General Training	₹ 15,500
Cambridge Assessment English	C1 Advanced (CAE): £260 C2 Proficiency: £275
PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI	£180
TOEFL (iBT)	$190

Moreover, the student needs to have a valid study visa that would cost around  £348. 

2. Post arrival cost

Tuition fees differ from college to college, and it can range between £24,000 and £32,000 annually. University of Birmingham, University College London, and Lancaster University are among the leading universities offering master’s in cyber security in the UK. 

Apart from the tution fee, you would need to manage other expenses. Students might be required to pay orientation fees or other miscellaneous expenses.

Average monthly expenses for international students

Factors	Average Monthly Cost of Living
Accommodation	£500 – £700
Entertainment	£40 – £50
Food and Groceries	£100 – £200
Transportation	£30 – £40
Miscellaneous (including toiletries, shopping, household items, books, and stationery)	£200
Household bills (including mobile and internet, insurance and gas/water/electricity)	£40 – £50

Visa Process

All international candidates need a student visa to study in the UK. The student visa allows them to live and study in the UK throughout the course. Students must start preparing for their visa application 3 months before starting the course. 

Once they get an offer from a university, they can apply for a student visa. Students who are 16 and above can apply for tier 4 (General) student visas. University (approved by the UK government as a ‘licensed Tier 4 sponsor’) will then give the student a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS). 

Documents needed to apply for a visa are: 

• The current passport or other valid travel documentation
• proof that the student has enough money to cover his/her living expenses and the course
• Tuberculosis test results
• Criminal record certificate
• If the student is under 18, then consent is required to prove parental or other legal guardians. 
• Recent passport size photograph

Visa Fee

If you are applying for a short-term course, then they can apply for a short-term study visa. It would cost them £97 for a 6-month visa or £186 for an 11-month visa. However, if you are applying for Tier 4 (General) Student Visa then it would cost you £348 as the application fee for the visa. 

Interview Process 

If you are applying for a Tier 4 student visa, you are likely to be interviewed by UK officials. By adhering to the visa document Furthermore, post your arrival in the UK with a Tier 4 student visa, officials from the UK Border Agency (UKBA) will connect with you. They will once again scrutinize your passport details. If there is no discrepancy in the details provided., the UKBA officials will let you embark on your study in the UK journey.

Scholarships Offered

The competition to apply for good and generous UK scholarships is very high. Your academic record is one of the first things the faculties consider. There are many types of scholarships and specialties for different types of students, such as those looking for cyber security scholarships. Some awards are monetary, while others offer internships and jobs.

Some of the scholarships offered are:

The Chevening Scholarships 

Students with impressive academic results and high leadership potential can get these scholarships. The UK government offers Chevening Scholarships. It covers tuition, travel, and application costs and grants a monthly stipend for living expenses. It is worth over GBP 18,000 

Eligibility: A bachelor’s degree and two years of experience are mandatory.

The Royal Society Grants

Fellowship of many of the world’s most eminent scientists, the Royal Society is the oldest scientific academy globally. The Fellowship offers various types of grants and awards. 

Other popular scholarships are: 

• Cisco Scholarships are offered to UCL women students. 
• Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship helps Indian students in UK universities. 
• Goa Education Trust Scholarship partnered with UK universities is available for Indian students. It offers students a full or partial tuition waiver. 
• Available to Indian students, Northumbria University Country Scholarship is one of the most popular scholarships. 
• Vice Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship is offered to the new international student enrolling with Queen’s University of Belfast’s PG-taught program. The scholarship covers 50% of tuition fees.
• Academic Excellence Scholarship is available for an international student applying for a master’s with the University of York. 

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship 

The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships are intended for those who would not otherwise be able to afford to study in the UK and are funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). These talented and motivated individuals can acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for sustainable development through these scholarships.

Eligibility Criteria:  

• Should be in need of this scholarship and not be able to afford to study in the UK
• Submitted the necessary supporting material in the requested format
• Be a citizen in an eligible Commonwealth country
• Should have a bachelor’s degree

Inlaks Scholarships:

It provides the opportunity to students with exceptional talent in most fields to broaden their vision abroad and enhance their skills to operate in society. They are awarded up to USD 100,000 to cover program tuition as well as scholars’ healthcare, living expenses, and one-way airfare.

Job Opportunities after Master’s in Cyber Security in the UK

UK has a 95% employability rate within 3 months of completing an MSc in cyber security in the UK. There is an excellent cyber security salary in the UK due to the high demand for attention to detail, technical skills, problem-solving mentality, and the ability to analyze risks. As per various job portals, opportunities are available with excellent positions such as:

Job Profile	Average Annual Salary
Cyber Security specialist	£50,000- £80,000
Cybercrime analyst	£25,000-£35,000
Cyber Security Analyst	£35,000– £38,000
IT auditor	£53,044
Cyber Security consultant	£50,000 and £80,000
Cybersecurity manager	£68,834

Source: Glassdoor UK

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