University College London (UCL)
Information Security MSc
London, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
1 year
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
The master's program in Information Security provides a comprehensive look at how to protect digital information and systems. It covers core topics like cryptography, network security, system security, and risk management. Students learn practical skills through hands-on projects and simulations that mimic real-world security challenges. The curriculum is designed to equip students with the ability to analyze security threats, develop strategies, and implement effective security solutions in various organizational settings.
The program also emphasizes the importance of understanding legal, ethical, and social issues related to information security. It explores current trends and emerging technologies, such as cloud security and cyber-forensics, to prepare students for evolving threats. The course fosters an analytical mindset, encouraging learners to think critically about security policies and decision-making. Graduates gain the knowledge needed to pursue roles in cybersecurity, risk assessment, and related fields, helping them to meet the growing demand for security experts in a digital world.
UCL Scholarships
There are a number of scholarships available to postgraduate students, including our UCL Masters Bursary for UK students and our UCL Global Masters Scholarship for international students. You can click the link below to search via the scholarships finder for awards that you might be eligible for. Your academic department will also be able to provide you with more information about funding.
External Scholarships
Online aggregators like Postgraduate Studentships, Scholarship Search, Postgraduate Funding and International Financial Aid and College Scholarship Search contain information on a variety of external schemes.
If you have specific circumstances or ethnic or religious background it is worth searching for scholarships/bursaries/grants that relate to those things. Some schemes are very specific.
Funding for disabled students
Master's students who have a disability may be able to get extra funding for additional costs they incur to study.
Teaching and learning
This programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, lab classes. Your self-directed learning is supported by online resources.
You will be assessed through various methods, including coursework, projects, exams, and a final research project/ dissertation.
For full-time students, typical contact hours are approximately 16-20 contact hours per teaching week, depending on module selections and timetabling. These contact hours include lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials, office hours and other events.
Outside of these sessions, students are expected to engage in significant self-directed study and complete assessments. Formal teaching and self-directed study together amount to a workload comparable to a full-time job, roughly 35-40 hours per week in total.
Modules
Full-time
The Information Security MSc is a one-year programme.
In Term 1, you will study topics that introduce you to security concepts and techniques, including the core security principles required to engineer systems providing confidentiality, integrity and availability, and the foundations of cryptography and information security. You will choose from a range of optional topics, which may include cryptocurrencies, malware, the philosophy, politics and economics of security, and distributed systems and security.
In Term 2, you will study topics that deepen and extend your knowledge of computer security and develop an advanced understanding of network and computer security vulnerabilities, as well as countermeasures in real-world systems. You will learn what research in information security is about, how to identify a contribution, what the quality standards in scientific publications are, and to study selected technical sub-topics in depth. You will choose from a range of optional topics, which may include people and security, information security management, privacy-enhancing technologies, practical program analysis, and cybercrime. You will also begin preparation for your final research project/dissertation.
In Term 3, you will primarily focus on your final research project/dissertation and any examinations that take place in the main examination period.
Compulsory modules
- Introduction to Cryptography
- Computer Security I
- Computer Security II
- Research in Information Security
- MSc Information Security Dissertation
Optional modules
- Information Security Management
- Malware
- Privacy Enhancing Technologies
- Philosophy, Politics and Economics of Security and Privacy
- Cryptocurrencies
- Cybersafety and Online Harms
- Decentralized Finance
Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Information Security.
What this course will give you
- This programme offers you the following benefits and opportunities:
- Recognition from a top-ranked university: UCL is consistently ranked among the best universities globally (ranked 9th in the QS World University Rankings 2025), providing you with a prestigious qualification that is highly regarded by employers worldwide. Additionally, UCL was named the Times and Sunday Times University of the Year 2024.
- High-quality education from leading experts: Learn from world-renowned academics who are at the forefront of computer science innovation. UCL Computer Science is recognised for its research excellence, ranked first in England and second in the UK for research power in Computer Science and Informatics in the UK's most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).
- Accreditation: By successfully passing the Information Security MSc and the optional Information Security Management module, you will earn a certificate that is highly valued by employers in the cybersecurity sector, enhancing your credentials and employability.
- Real-world experience through project work: Apply your knowledge and skills in practical settings with a substantial research project. Many of these projects are conducted in collaboration with industry partners, giving you valuable hands-on experience and industry insights.
- Strong employability with high employment rates and starting salaries: Our graduates are highly sought after in the job market, thanks to UCL's strong reputation and the practical, industry-focused skills gained during the programme. You'll be well-prepared to enter a variety of high-demand roles in cybersecurity.
- Enhanced research skills: The research-based components of the programme will equip you with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, preparing you for potential doctoral studies or research-intensive roles in industry.
The foundation of your career
Graduates pursuing careers in industry are well-placed to work for big international firms such as Amazon, Apple and Meta, or in sectors ranging from finance to non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Our graduates gain jobs as penetration testers, malware analysts, security engineers, cryptographers, blockchain engineers and a variety of other cybersecurity roles. The fast pace of change in the cybersecurity world means there are ample opportunities in research and academia, too.
Employability
The programme enhances your career prospects through an in-depth study of information security. You will develop the skills needed for roles in security standards compliance, secure software design, and security consultancy, applying independent and critical analysis across various cybersecurity disciplines.
Networking
You’ll have regular opportunities to connect, collaborate and network with peers and members of academia and industry as part of your Master’s, particularly through collaborative project work and research seminars.
- As a student and later as a graduate, you will have access to the UCL Careers events programme, connecting you with employers and alumni. This programme provides invaluable insight into the reality of different roles, sectors, and current application processes.
- UCL also has a large number of clubs and societies, which can be an effective way to connect with peers who share similar interests and career goals.
- Be part of a university where entrepreneurial minds thrive. Our academic and industrial networks provide a safe and supportive environment if you want to grow your own company.
- London’s Tech scene is vibrant and has regular networking events.Accreditation
Information Security MSc has full certification by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). To be eligible for certification, you must take Information Security Management (COMP0059) as an optional module and meet the programme’s Award Requirements.