MSc in Applied Cyber Security

The world’s online security depends on you. Step up to the plate with this fascinating Master’s course, taught by experts at one of the world’s leading cyber security hubs.

You’ll be analytical, technical, and a modern-day codebreaker. Cyber security is a challenge that will not go away, affecting companies, individuals, and even governments. You could be:

A recent graduate – possibly a maths or engineering graduate with good programming skills, or you might be a good developer but have little knowledge of cyber security.

Already working in industry – experienced in technical software development, and looking to upskill and enhance your professional development.

An international student looking to study for a UK master’s degree, to meet the global need for cyber security skills.

This course is certified by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), the UK’s leading cyber security organization. This certification provides a benchmark for the course by assuring the quality of both the content and its delivery.

This innovative program is at the forefront of technical advances in cutting-edge cyber security topics such as cryptography, computer forensics, network security, secure software development, and penetration testing, as well as investigating the increasingly important legal and ethical issues in cyber security.

This is an applied course, which mixes theoretical skills with practical work in the lab to give you hands-on experience.

Course Structure

The course, comprising seven taught modules and a research project, provides a broad foundation in cyber security.

The MSc in Applied Cyber Security is available in a full-time or a part-time option.

Full-time (1-year): Consists of seven taught modules (120 CATS points) and a 3-4 month practical project of a research nature (60 CATS). Students study seven taught modules (120 CATS). They will also commence an individual research project (60 CATS).

Part-time (2+ years): Part-time students are normally enrolled for two years. The first year will normally compromise four taught modules (60 CATS).

The individual Research Project focuses on applying taught skills to a leading-edge issue in cyber security research. A dissertation is required for the project. Following tutor approval, the project may be undertaken as a summer placement at a company.

Modules are regularly updated to reflect new developments in the dynamic field of cyber security. Modules offered may be subject to change.

Full-Time/Part-Time

The MSc in Applied Cyber Security is available in a full-time or a part-time option:

Full-time (1-year): Consists of six taught modules (120 CATS) and a 3-4 month practical project of a research nature/work placement (60 CATS).

Students study all taught modules (120 CATS points) up to the end of the Semester 2 exam period. They will also commence an individual research project (60 CATS points) and continue this through month 12.

As an integral part of the ELE8095 Individual Research Project, students may undertake summer work placements/internships lasting 3-4 months with local, national, and international employers, under the regular supervision of an academic staff member and a staff member of the host organization.

Part-time (2+ years): Part-time students are normally enrolled for two years. The first year will normally compromise the following modules: Fundamentals of Cyber Security, Network Security & Monitoring, and Software Assurance. The second year normally comprises Computer Forensics, Pen-testing, Applied Cryptography, Data Privacy and the Law, and an individual research project. The part-time MSc consists of Seven taught modules (120 CATS) which are delivered alongside full-time students over two years (normally), and a practical research project (60 CATS) which may be on a work-based research project following tutor approval.

Students normally take three taught modules (50 CATS points) during Year 1, and four taught modules (70 CATS points) during Year 2. During Year 2 students will undertake the individual research project (60 CATS points).

The Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences

The comfort and security of our modern world are provided by amazing advances in science and technology, focused on improving our lives.

The Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences spans disciplines that impact lives today and will shape our future. Our international mix of staff and students make up a vibrant community that is home to some of the most innovative and globally significant research and teaching. It works where industry and research meet, providing the platform to spin out research into commercial opportunities and engage with industry on cutting-edge research with real-world projects such as the work with Wrightbus to produce the cleanest hybrid bus technology that powers the London Routemaster, or the pioneering work in The Institute of Electronics, Communications and Information Technology, securing our digital future through their Centre for Secure Information Technologies.

With strength in traditional engineering disciplines, the Faculty brings together diverse topics, such as carbon dating and astrophysics, to create a dynamic multidisciplinary setting for students and academics to thrive. Underpinning our research is the drive to solve the big challenges that society faces, whether it is understanding the human brain’s perception to aid Parkinson’s sufferers, or clean energy production through CenTACat, our research is leading the world in an environment rooted in the ideals of Athena SWAN where we actively promote Women in Science and Engineering.

The leadership provided by our academics creates opportunities for all students to satisfy their ambitions through taught and research programmes. Come and join us, and help change the world!

Professor Mark Price

Faculty Pro-Vice-Chancellor

Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences

A World Class Education and Student Experience

Our inspiring alumni comprises outstanding scholars, Nobel Prize winners - such as Seamus Heaney and David Trimble - and influential leaders who are making an impact in Northern Ireland and across the globe.

Our students enjoy being educated by world-leading academics working at the forefront of their disciplines and a significant investment in the student experience has resulted in high levels of student satisfaction.

Over 94% of Queen’s graduates are in employment or further study six months after graduation; our graduates are dominating senior leadership positions in 80 of Northern Ireland's top 100 companies and making a difference in over 120 countries.

At the Forefront of Tackling Global Challenges

Together, we are changing lives across Northern Ireland and further afield: our discovery of a new molecule has the potential to prolong the life of people living with cystic fibrosis; we are at the forefront of a major breakthrough in the fight against bowel cancer, and we’re striving to help people with MS recover nerve function.

We are at the forefront of developing new thinking and technologies in key areas such as Health, Reconciliation, Peace and Justice, Information Technology, Food Security, and Energy.

Northern Ireland's Legendary Beauty

A city with innovation at its heart, technological advances infiltrate every sector helping to build our competitiveness on the global stage. There are almost 900 international companies located in Northern Ireland, making Belfast the second most successful city in the UK (after London) for attracting US trade.

There’s plenty happening outside the city, including the famous filming locations for the HBO series Game of Thrones, the awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway, voted the UK’s best Heritage Attraction, and the Mourne Mountains, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty canonised as CS Lewis’ Narnia.

*Lonely Planet, 2017