Cyber Security (MSc)

The cyber security msc course aims to provide graduates with the knowledge and practical expertise to evaluate, design and build computer security systems that protect networks and data from cyber-crime or terrorist attack. This course is an ideal study pathway for graduates who already possess a good foundation in computer science. 

Key benefits

• This course is certified by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
• King’s College London is recognised as an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research (ACE-CSR) by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)
• 6th in the UK for Computer Science (QS World Rankings 2024)
• The Department of Informatics has a reputation for delivering research-led teaching and project supervision from leading experts in their field.
• You'll interact with world-class experts in many exciting areas of Computer Science, including Algorithms and Data Analysis, Cybersecurity, Human-Centred Computing and Software Systems.
• You'll study a wide-range of innovative modules, covering both the theory and practice of modern Computer Science.
• Friendly and supportive learning environment, with students from across the globe.

Course essentials

• You will learn advanced practical techniques and implementation skills for solving complex cyber security problems. The programme provides opportunities to address a growing interest in advanced security methods by providing theoretical and practical knowledge of a broad range of techniques for developing security solutions.
• We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.
• The course is taught at the Strand and Waterloo Campuses. This puts you in the heart of London with access to all its academic resources and within easy reach of the social and entertainment attractions of one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities. The Department of Informatics is based in Bush House, Strand Campus.

Teaching methods - what to expect

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Group Tutorials
• Independent Study

We use lectures, seminars, and group tutorials to deliver most of the modules on the course. We often use a flipped classroom approach that creates opportunities for active learning engagement and interaction with world-class experts.

You will also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study.

• Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work, e.g. 150 hours of work for a 15-credit module. These hours cover every aspect of the module, including independent study. 

Assessment

• Coursework
• Written/Practical Examinations
• Oral Presentations
• In-Class Tests
• Online Examinations
• Individual Project Dissertation

Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment may typically include written and computer-based exams, coursework, oral presentations, in-class tests, and an individual project dissertation.

Structure

• Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 180 credits. You will complete the course in one year, studying from September to September.

Required modules
You are required to take:

• Individual Project (60 credits)
• Cryptography (15 credits)
• Security Management (15 credits)
• Security Engineering (15 credits)
• Security Testing (15 credits)
• Network Security (15 credits)
• Computer Forensics & Cybercrime (15 credits)

Optional modules
In addition, you are required to take 30 credits from a range of optional modules, which may typically include:

• Distributed Ledgers & Crypto-currencies (15 credits)
• Big Data Technologies (15 credits)
• Network Theory (15 credits)
• Software Measurement & Testing (15 credits)

You will be able to select up to 30 credits from a range of level 6 modules but should note that there are specific regulations surrounding this option that must be carefully considered before making your module selection. Modules may typically include:

• Machine Learning (30 credits)
• Agents, Reasoning and Decision Making (15 credits)
• Formal Verification (15 credits)

If you are a student who has previously studied in the Department of Informatics and have taken and passed any modules before (at level 6 or 7), you are not permitted to take these again. This is not permitted by the academic regulations.

Application closing date guidance

• We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that there is sufficient time for your application to be assessed. We may need to request further information from you during the application process.
• King's College London is committed to the recruitment of students with the greatest academic ability and to maintain a diverse student population. In order to ensure a balanced international student population for our most competitive programmes, we have implemented the following deadlines:

For applicants who are currently residing in mainland China, the first application deadline is 10 January 2025 (23:59 UK time).

• We highly encourage you to apply by this deadline due to high demand, but applications will continue to be reviewed thereafter until the final application deadline on 9 March 2025 (23:59 UK time).
• If you reside in mainland China and apply for this programme after the above final deadline, your application may be automatically withdrawn and you will not be eligible for an application fee refund.

For all other applicants, our first application deadline is on 9 March 2025 (23:59 UK time). The final application deadlines for this programme are:

• Overseas (international) fee status: 25 July 2025 (23:59 UK time)
• Home fee status: 25 August 2025 (23:59 UK time)

After the first application deadline in March:

• If the programme is not yet full, we will continue to accept applications until All available places are filled up to the final application deadlines above
• if the programme becomes full before the final application deadlines stated Above, we will close the programme to further applications

Please note, you will not be eligible for an application fee refund if you apply after the first application deadline, and we are unable to process further offers because places are filled and we close the course before the final application deadline.

Employability

• The Careers Service run tailored sessions for Informatics students and a careers programme which includes skills sessions and visits from top employers.
• Our graduates have gone on to have successful careers working for IT companies and the IT departments of large institutions (private and public sector).
• Other graduates have entered into the field of academic and industrial research.

Destinations
Recent graduates have found employment within the following job roles and companies:

• Senior Account Manager, Electronia
• Cyber Security Engineer, Sony
• Technical Solutions Consultant, Google
• Data Scientist, ZF Group
• Developer, Unloc
• Security testing, NCC