Cyber Security is a specialized study in protecting information and data from theft or damage to hardware or software. With so much essential data stored in every system, there’s a constant need to protect it from any harm; else, it could disrupt the business. If you are wondering where to pursue a master’s degree in cyber security, the UK can be your first choice. Apart from the affordability, there are various reasons why a student must pursue a master’s in cyber security in UK.
It has become critical for organizations to implement robust cyber defenses to protect against attacks in the modern world. The course will prepare you to cope with cyber attacks in a measured and decisive way and help you develop essential teamwork and communication skills. Through this course, you will gain a solid academic foundation that will enable you to unlock a range of careers available to cybersecurity professionals.
The eight specializations in cyber security include
Reasons to choose the UK for the Master’s in Cyber Security
Top Universities:
The UK is the home of the top universities globally that provide excellent learning programs. The best universities for master’s in cyber security in the UK regularly feature in the international ranking of universities.
Duration of Program:
The duration of the course in MS in Cyber security is mostly of only one year long, which is shorter than MSc cybersecurity in other popular studies abroad destinations, like the USA.
Minimal Entry-Requirements:
To get into a master’s in cyber security in the UK, international applicants need to present only their bachelor’s score and IELTS/TOEFL scores. There is no GRE requirement.
Friendly Multicultural Environment:
The UK has an open and friendly multicultural environment that helps students develop and pursue a lucrative careers after their master’s.
Top Universities for Masters in Cyber Security in UK
Some of the top colleges offering master’s in cyber security in UK or related courses are listed below as per their Times Higher Education Rankings:
THE Ranking 2022
Top University
Course & Duration
Fees (EUR/year)
4
University College London
MSc Information Security (1-year)
31,200
12
University of Birmingham
MSc Cyber Security (1-year)
25,380
15
University of Southampton
MSc Cyber Security (1-year)
26,850
16
University of York
MSc Cyber Security (1-year)
23,300
17
Lancaster University
MSc Cyber Security (1-year)
24,430
28
Queens University of Belfast
MSc. Applied Security (1-year)
21,400
35
Swansea University
MSc Cyber Security (1-year)
18,500
38
Royal Holloway University
MSc Information Security (1-year)
25,600
38
Anglia Ruskin University
MSc. Cyber Security (1-year)
14,100
43
Northumbria University
MSc. Cybersecurity and MSc.Cybersecurity Technology
15,500
49
Middlesex University
MSc Cyber Security
14,500
67
Nottingham Trent University
MSc. IT Security
15,100
67
Manchester Metropolitan University
MSc. Cyber Security (1-year)
16,500
67
University of Bradford
MSc. Cyber Security (1-year)
19,890
67
University of Greenwich
MSc Computer Forensic and Cyber Security
14,000
81
University of Hertfordshire
MSc Cyber Security (1-year)
14,500
Have a look at some of the top universities in UK for masters in cyber security.
Lancaster University:
MSc cyber security in the UK is a 12-month full-time course. The MS degree helps the students to work in IT security. Recently, Lancaster was granted the EPSRC-GCHQ Academic Centre of Excellence in cybersecurity research.
Advanced technical skills help learners to grow organically. Disciplines such as economics, risk management, psychology, and social science are combined with the course offered.
Fees for international students: £25,700
University of Southampton:
Master’s in Cyber Security is also a 12-month program. The Guardian, Times Higher Education, and The Sunday Times have ranked the University of Southampton in the top 10 computer science courses.
Fees for international students: £28,000
University of Birmingham:
MSc in Cyber Security equips students with skills to solve real-time problems. The Russell Group for Computer Science and Information Systems in the Guardian University Guide also featured the university.
Fees for international students: £25,000
University of York:
MSc in Cyber Security comprises 8 modules. The course at the university also includes one final individual project. The University of York requires a strong computer background. The modules covered by the university are:
Cryptography
Network security
Malware, and intrusion detection,
Risk management and development of high assurance systems
Fees for international students: £24,500
Royal Holloway:
MSc in Information Security is offered by the university as a one-year course with a practical component. It helps the students get valuable experience. Course in the Royal Holloway has received accreditation by GCHQ. The MSc in Information Security has three main elements: Core made up of four modules, Options made up of two optional modules, and a Project.
UK universities for international students require no GRE. To apply for a master’s in cyber security, international students must only provide their bachelor’s and IELTS/TOEFL scores.
College
Academic Requirements
University College London
UG with CGPA-7.75 on 10 or 60%
Lancaster University
UG with at least 60% is required with 55% in two consecutive years
University of Southampton
UG in Computer Science with at least 55-65%
University of Birmingham
UG degree(3 or 4 years) with first-class (2:1)
University of York
UG degree with at least 60%
Royal Holloway
UG degree with at least 55-60% and 5.5-6.0 on CGPA
English Language Requirements for Masters in Cyber Security in UK
There are certain english requirements test for various universities in the UK, the list of the same is given below:
University
IELTS/TOEFL/Other Language Proficiency Requirements
University of Birmingham
6.5/88
UCL
6.5/92
Lancaster University
6.5/87
University of Southampton
6.0 in each band/81
70% in English in 12th
Queen’s University of Belfast
6.0/80
University of York
6.5/87
Royal Holloway University
6.5/PTE-61
University of Bradford
6.0/80
Solent University
6.0/92
University of Hertfordshire
6.0
Anglia Ruskin University
NA
Middlesex University
6.5
Nottingham Trent University
6.5/81
Manchester Metropolitan University
6.5
Northumbria University
6.5
University of Greenwich
70% in 12th English
Documents Required for Admission to MSc Cyber Security in the UK
For pursuing a master’s in cyber security in the UK, you will need to submit the following documents:
Transcripts and records of your previous education.
English language proficiency scores, submitted directly from the agency, for non-native English-speaking applicants.
Letters of Recommendation may or may not be required. (Each university has a varied requirement for LORs)
Resume/CV: There are some universities that require their applicants to have certain work experience to apply for a master’s in cyber security in the UK. For such universities, you will also be required to send in your resume/CV.
Student visa to study in the UK.
Cost of Studying MS in Cyber Security in the UK
Universities offering master’s in cyber security in the UK may charge high fees. Thus, many international students seek financial assistance to fully or partially cover their study and living costs. However, the living cost varies from city to city. The cost for studying MS in cyber security in the UK can be classified into two categories:
Pre-arrival/departure
Post arrival.
1. Pre-arrival/departure cost
This includes money spent while you are still in your home country, such as application fees, PTE fees, VISA application, IELTS registration fee, TOEFL (iBT) registration fees, airfare. It can cost from INR 1.21 -1.31 Lakh.
Fees for English language proficiency test
IELTS Academic and General Training
₹ 15,500
Cambridge Assessment English
C1 Advanced (CAE): £260
C2 Proficiency: £275
PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI
£180
TOEFL (iBT)
$190
Moreover, the student needs to have a valid study visa that would cost around £348.
2. Post arrival cost
Tuition fees differ from college to college, and it can range between £24,000 and £32,000 annually. University of Birmingham, University College London, and Lancaster University are among the leading universities offering master’s in cyber security in the UK.
Apart from the tution fee, you would need to manage other expenses. Students might be required to pay orientation fees or other miscellaneous expenses.
Average monthly expenses for international students
Factors
Average Monthly Cost of Living
Accommodation
£500 – £700
Entertainment
£40 – £50
Food and Groceries
£100 – £200
Transportation
£30 – £40
Miscellaneous (including toiletries, shopping, household items, books, and stationery)
£200
Household bills (including mobile and internet, insurance and gas/water/electricity)
£40 – £50
Visa Process
All international candidates need a student visa to study in the UK. The student visa allows them to live and study in the UK throughout the course. Students must start preparing for their visa application 3 months before starting the course.
Once they get an offer from a university, they can apply for a student visa. Students who are 16 and above can apply for tier 4 (General) student visas. University (approved by the UK government as a ‘licensed Tier 4 sponsor’) will then give the student a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS).
Documents needed to apply for a visa are:
The current passport or other valid travel documentation
proof that the student has enough money to cover his/her living expenses and the course
Tuberculosis test results
Criminal record certificate
If the student is under 18, then consent is required to prove parental or other legal guardians.
Recent passport size photograph
Visa Fee
If you are applying for a short-term course, then they can apply for a short-term study visa. It would cost them £97 for a 6-month visa or £186 for an 11-month visa. However, if you are applying for Tier 4 (General) Student Visa then it would cost you £348 as the application fee for the visa.
Interview Process
If you are applying for a Tier 4 student visa, you are likely to be interviewed by UK officials. By adhering to the visa document Furthermore, post your arrival in the UK with a Tier 4 student visa, officials from the UK Border Agency (UKBA) will connect with you. They will once again scrutinize your passport details. If there is no discrepancy in the details provided., the UKBA officials will let you embark on your study in the UK journey.
Scholarships Offered
The competition to apply for good and generous UK scholarships is very high. Your academic record is one of the first things the faculties consider. There are many types of scholarships and specialties for different types of students, such as those looking for cyber security scholarships. Some awards are monetary, while others offer internships and jobs.
Some of the scholarships offered are:
The Chevening Scholarships
Students with impressive academic results and high leadership potential can get these scholarships. The UK government offers Chevening Scholarships. It covers tuition, travel, and application costs and grants a monthly stipend for living expenses. It is worth over GBP 18,000
Eligibility: A bachelor’s degree and two years of experience are mandatory.
The Royal Society Grants
Fellowship of many of the world’s most eminent scientists, the Royal Society is the oldest scientific academy globally. The Fellowship offers various types of grants and awards.
Other popular scholarships are:
Cisco Scholarships are offered to UCL women students.
Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship helps Indian students in UK universities.
Goa Education Trust Scholarship partnered with UK universities is available for Indian students. It offers students a full or partial tuition waiver.
Available to Indian students, Northumbria University Country Scholarship is one of the most popular scholarships.
Vice Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship is offered to the new international student enrolling with Queen’s University of Belfast’s PG-taught program. The scholarship covers 50% of tuition fees.
Academic Excellence Scholarship is available for an international student applying for a master’s with the University of York.
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship
The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships are intended for those who would not otherwise be able to afford to study in the UK and are funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). These talented and motivated individuals can acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for sustainable development through these scholarships.
Eligibility Criteria:
Should be in need of this scholarship and not be able to afford to study in the UK
Submitted the necessary supporting material in the requested format
Be a citizen in an eligible Commonwealth country
Should have a bachelor’s degree
Inlaks Scholarships:
It provides the opportunity to students with exceptional talent in most fields to broaden their vision abroad and enhance their skills to operate in society. They are awarded up to USD 100,000 to cover program tuition as well as scholars’ healthcare, living expenses, and one-way airfare.
Job Opportunities after Master’s in Cyber Security in the UK
UK has a 95% employability rate within 3 months of completing an MSc in cyber security in the UK. There is an excellent cyber security salary in the UK due to the high demand for attention to detail, technical skills, problem-solving mentality, and the ability to analyze risks. As per various job portals, opportunities are available with excellent positions such as:
Do you want to pursue a degree in the UK? upGrad Abroad offers you a plethora of courses and universities to choose from. You get to study by saving one-fifth cost and receive a 4X Return on Investment (ROI). You would get the chance to leverage the blended study model. In the first year, you get to study online at a partner university in India, followed by on-campus study at a university.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the UK good for a master’s in cyber security?
With a rise in the number of jobs in the UK for professionals with relevant education, graduates with a master’s in cyber security can earn an average of 65,000 GBP annually. Furthermore, there is a steady rise in salaries across the sector as it is estimated about 1,00,000 unfilled cybersecurity jobs will be required in the UK by 2022.
Why should I study cyber security in the UK?
Cyber Security programs in the UK help develop analytical and operational knowledge of areas related to cyber technology. The programs teach you how to protect computer operating systems, networks, and data from cyber-attacks.
Do you need a degree in cyber security in the UK?
No, you can work as a cybersecurity analyst without a college degree since many employers do not require candidates to have one. However, you must possess the skills necessary to perform your job. But it is hard for foreign workers to get such jobs without degrees.
Is it worth pursuing a cybersecurity degree in the UK?
Cyber security professionals can expect to have the fastest-growing salaries in the UK at the start of their careers. As a result, cybersecurity jobs are in high demand in the UK, and they are predicted to grow more in the future.
Can international students get a job in cybersecurity after doing a master’s in the UK?
You will have to apply for a visa extension if you wish to stay and work in the UK after you finish your program. Note that you’ll not be eligible for the popular Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa anymore. Instead, you shall have to apply for a Start-up visa.
Gauri Agrawal is a passionate, professional and proactive content marketer who wants to grow in the field of content creation.
She carries a rich experience of working in the Digital News sector with renowned names like Times Now Digital, and News X as a Copy Editor.
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