Cybersecurity (MSc)

To tackle this problem, cyber security professionals must constantly adapt to the ever-evolving threats and vulnerabilities. This programme teaches the fundamental concepts and job-ready skills of cyber security to prepare you for one of the most in-demand jobs today. 

Individuals, organisations and governments face an escalating threat from increasingly sophisticated hackers and ransomware gangs.

Start in January or September

• This programme is available to start in either January or September.
• The growing cyber threat faced by commercial organisations, universities, hospitals and governments has led to an alarming shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals needed to protect everything from small personal devices to large national critical infrastructure.
• This Masters programme is addressing the huge demand for security analysts and engineers by drawing on the exceptional expertise at the University of Aberdeen in Data, AI and Cybersecurity to produce graduates with specialist technical knowledge, flexibility and adaptability needed for the rapidly evolving security environment.
• As well as studying topics such as cryptography, network protocols, access control, authentication, security management and web security, you will learn about emerging technologies including Software-defined Networking (SDN), Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain and develop your digital forensic techniques to design and analyse security solution architectures. You will also examine how Artificial Intelligence (AI) relates to cybersecurity and understand the legal and governance aspects of incident detection, investigation, and response.
• The MSc Cybersecurity is designed for students with a computer science background as well as IT professionals who want to prepare for a successful career in cybersecurity and data privacy. You will benefit from a dedicated cyber security lab with modern computer facilities and the latest online tools to support your learning and research. The curriculum is based on practical 'real-world' security threats and the knowledge you gain on this programme will also prepare you for attaining additional international cybersecurity certifications.
• Applicants without a computing science background may wish to consider our MSc Information Technology with Cybersecurity programme.

Why Study Cybersecurity?

• This MSc provides you with a specialism combining theoretical knowledge and practical skills in cybersecurity and data protection.
• The courses provide highly practical training in penetration testing and ethical hacking, preparing you to identify vulnerabilities and strengthen security.
• You will also get hands-on experience with enterprise-grade tools for forensic security and learn to investigate security breaches, ensure compliance, and maintain the integrity of your IT infrastructure.
• You will develop technical expertise and practical skills in identifying and critically evaluating security and data protection techniques in the Internet of Things, 5G Networks, Cloud Computing, Autonomous Vehicles and Industrial Control Systems. 
• Advanced topics studied include Artificial Intelligence for Information Security, penetration testing, secure software development, information governance and data privacy.
• Taught by a research-focused computer science department ranked 5th in the UK with strong links to business. All cybersecurity staff members are leaders in their respective fields with strong research and commercial track record.
• You will use a purpose-built cybersecurity laboratory where students can explore security concepts in a safe environment.
• Weekly lectures from world renewed researchers and experts from the industry about the emerging trends in cybersecurity
• The University of Aberdeen has a strong history and worldwide reputation in computing science, in particular around Data Science, Natural Language Generation and Artificial Intelligence and is home to the research success of ARRIA NLG - the global leader in the field of natural language generation (NLG).
• From agriculture and archaeology to medicine and geosciences, our researchers are utilising data and AI across many fields to further research and improve lives. Browse the project summaries in our Interdisciplinary Research Project Database to find out more about the critical role data and artificial intelligence have to play in advances spanning many disciplines.
• Our close industry links mean you will have opportunities to apply your skills through training and networking events and industrial placements organised through our partner organisations.
• The University of Aberdeen is a member of the Turing University Network, a network of UK universities engaged in cutting-edge teaching and research in data science and AI.

Careers

• According to the National Cyber Security Centre the UK needs to accelerate work to keep up with the shifting cyber security landscape.
• Graduates from MSc Cybersecurity will be well-equipped to work in cybersecurity companies, general software consultancy companies, specialised software development businesses and the IT departments of large institutions (financial, telecommunications, and public sector).
• Aside from industry-focused careers, the MSc Cybersecurity will also train graduates to enter into the field of academic and industrial research in areas such as cybersecurity, machine learning, software engineering, algorithms and computer networks.

Cybersecurity jobs remain in high demand in the UK and that number is only set to grow, with the skills gap still very much a reality for employers. According to the careers website Indeed.com, ten popular careers in cybersecurity include:

• Cyber security intern (National average salary: £30,094 per year)
• Cyber security advisor (National average salary: £50,637 per year)
• Cyber security project manager (National average salary: £64,870 per year)
• IT manager (National average salary: £45,527 per year)
• Systems integration engineer (National average salary: £43,932 per year)
• Information security architect (National average salary: £75,524 per year)
• Chief information officer (National average salary: £34,656 per year)
• Security consultant (National average salary: £54,039 per year)
• Cyber threat intelligence analyst (National average salary: £36,212 per year)
• Penetration tester (National average salary: £52,294 per year)

The courses you study as part of this Master's programme also prepare you for the globally recognised certification such as:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification
• Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP) certification
• Information Systems Security Architecture Professional (ISSAP) certification.