Information Security (MSc)

Become a cybersecurity expert on one of the most established master’s programmes in this field. Our information security msc provides a comprehensive education in cybersecurity, including an opportunity to study a module certified by the national cyber security centre (ncsc) – part of government communications headquarters (gchq). 

Entry requirements

• A minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor's degree (or international qualification of an equivalent standard) in computer science, electrical engineering, or mathematics. Relevant work experience may also be considered.

Equivalent qualifications

• Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.
• International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.
• Cybersecurity is critical across all industries, and UCL is at the forefront of this field. On this Master's programme, you'll learn from renowned lecturers and researchers, gaining insight into the latest developments in cybersecurity.
• You will cover core topics such as computer security, cryptography, and secure data communication through compulsory modules. Optional modules let you specialise in areas that reflect current trends in cybersecurity. 
• By successfully passing the programme and the optional Information Security Management module, you can earn a certificate from the NCSC. 
• A significant project, either with an industry partner or as academic research, will form a key part of your studies. This hones your independent problem-solving abilities, preparing you for an industry career or further research.

Who this course is for

• This MSc is ideal for graduates in computer science, electrical engineering, or mathematics who wish to specialise in information security. It serves as a foundation for a rewarding career in advanced cybersecurity roles.

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.

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.

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. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Information Security.

Accessibility

• Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services team.

Next steps

• Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.
• There is an application processing fee for this programme of £90 for online applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

When we assess your application, we would like to learn:

• Why you want to study Information Security at graduate level.
• Why you want to study Information Security at UCL.
• What particularly attracts you to this programme.
• How your academic and professional background meets the demands of this programme.
• What programming experience you have.
• Where you would like to go professionally with your degree.

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver. Due to competition for places on this programme, no late applications will be considered. Students with visa requirements or applying for scholarships are advised to apply early. Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.