MSc Applied Cyber Security
Belfast, United Kingdom
DURATION
1 up to 2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
30 Jun 2025
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
GBP 25,800 *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* international fee
Key Summary
Introduction
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.
This innovative programme is at the forefront of technical advances in cutting-edge cyber security topics such as cryptography, computer forensics, malware, networking, software development, as well as investigating the increasingly important legal and ethical issues in cyber security.
This is an applied course, that mixes theoretical skills with practical work in the lab to give you hands-on experience.
Please note: Applications for this course received after 30th June 2022 may not be accepted. In addition, a deposit will be required to secure a place.
Applied Cyber Security Highlights
The demand for certified cyber security professionals is currently growing at over 12 times the rate of the overall job market.
Professional Accreditations
- Fully certified by GCHQ/NCSC
World-Class Facilities
- The syllabus, teaching materials and labs are informed by the world-class research being undertaken at the Centre for Secure Information Technologies (CSIT) at Queen's University Belfast. In addition to GCHQ/NCSC Master’s certification, CSIT itself is also certified as an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research by GCHQ/NCSC.
Our MSc is informed by the world-class research being undertaken at the Centre for Secure Information Technologies (CSIT).
In 2015 Queen Elizabeth II awarded CSIT a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education for its work in strengthening global cyber security and protecting the online activity of billions of internet users around the world.
Belfast is rapidly developing a reputation as a global hub for cyber security and we hope students will be inspired to thrive in this dynamic and exciting environment.
Dr Kieran McLaughlin
Course Lecturer
Ideal Students
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 the 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.
Program Outcome
In keeping with the aims of GCHQ/NCSC certified Master’s courses, this programme is intended to provide:
- a deeper understanding of cyber security concepts, principles, technologies and practices.
- a bridge between undergraduate degrees and careers in cyber security.
- a platform for further research at the Doctoral level.
- an effective way for people in mid-career to enhance their knowledge of the subject or to move into cyber security as a change of career path.
Gallery
Curriculum
The course comprises seven taught modules and a research project and 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 comprise four taught modules (60 CATS).
Higher Level Apprenticeships based on part-time study are also available.
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 to 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 organisation.
Part-time (2+ years): Part-time students are normally enrolled for two years. The first year will normally comprise the following modules: Ethical & Legal Issues in Cyber Security, Computer Forensics, and Applied Cryptography. The second year normally comprises Network Security & Monitoring, Software Assurance, Malware, and an individual research project. The part-time MSc consists of six taught modules (120 CATS) which are delivered alongside full-time students over a two-year period (normally), and a practical research project (60 CATS) which may be on a work-based research project following a tutor's approval.
Students normally take three taught modules (60 CATS points) during Year 1, and three taught modules (60 CATS points) during Year 2. During Year 2 students will undertake the individual research project (60 CATS points.
Learning and Teaching
The course mixes lectures with practical, hands-on learning sessions. You learn in a sandbox environment where you can experiment and make mistakes, enabling you to put your new skills into practice in hands-on cyber challenges.
You’ll meet our researchers and learn how they apply the cutting-edge research being developed here to cyber security technologies.
Assessment
Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:
Research project dissertation
Assessment criteria are linked to the learning outcomes for each module. A range of assessment instruments are used including laboratory-based assignments, individual projects and practical exams.