Applied Cyber Security (MSc)

The msc in applied cyber security teaches the theory, methods, and tools of computer network security. 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.

Go Global

• With Go Global, Heriot-Watt's global student programme, you can carry your studies to new places and experience new cultures, expanding your horizons on the way. You'll discover what it means to be a true global citizen and emerge prepared for wherever your career journey will take you.

September Intake - Edinburgh
Year 1

• The programme structure follows a mix of mandatory and elective courses. These optional courses provide supporting knowledge and skills in computing topics that cyber security experts need to have to be able to apply their security know-how to develop or analyse cyber security solutions.

Mandatory September

• Computer Network Security

Optional September

• Data Mining and Machine Learning
• Industrial Programming
• Internet of Things
• Systems Programming
• Software Engineering Foundations
• Data Communications and Networking

Mandatory January

• Advanced Network Security
• Digital Forensics
• Research Methods and Project Planning

Optional January

• Project Management
• Advanced Software Engineering
• Big Data Management

Mandatory May

• Masters Project and Dissertation 

January Intake -Edinburgh
Year 1

• The programme structure follows a mix of mandatory and elective courses. These optional courses provide supporting knowledge and skills in computing topics that cyber security experts need to have to be able to apply their security know-how to develop or analyse cyber security solutions. 

Mandatory January

• Computer Network Security
• Advanced Network Security
• Digital Forensics

Optional January

• Advanced Software Engineering
• Big Data Management
• Project Management

Mandatory September

• Research Methods and Project Planning

Optional September

• Data Mining and Machine Learning
• Industrial Programming
• Software Engineering Foundations
• Systems Programming
• Data Communications and Networking
• Internet of Things

Mandatory Second January

• Masters Project and Dissertation

Scholarships and bursaries

• Postgraduate scholarships and bursaries
• We aim to encourage well-qualified, ambitious students to study with us and we offer a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries to achieve this. Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, and more than 400 students benefit from this support.

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.