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Become a cybersecurity expert through one of the most established Master’s programmes in this field.
About this programme
The Information Security MSc provides a core education in all aspects related to cybersecurity, including an opportunity to study a module certified by the National Cyber Security Centre – part of GCHQ. Taught at UCL, world-renowned for computer science research, this is an exceptional place to put yourself at the cutting edge of information security.
In this programme, you will learn core cybersecurity knowledge through compulsory modules that cover computer security, research in information security to help you prepare for your dissertation, cryptography and secure data communication – which are particularly sought-after skill sets in industry. Optional modules that reflect the current trends in the cybersecurity world allow you to specialise and deepen your knowledge in specific areas.
By successfully passing the programme and the optional Information Security Management module, you will earn a certificate from the National Cyber Security Centre, which is part of GCHQ. You will also undertake a project during the summer term. This could be working with an industry partner, which will expose you to the current questions industry is working on. Or it could be an academic research project, priming you for a future PhD or career in research.
Why study this programme?
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.
Modules
Compulsory modules
- Introduction to Cryptography
- Computer Security I
- Computer Security II
- Research in Information Security
- MSc Information Security Dissertation
Optional modules may include:
- 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.
Who is the programme for?
Entry requirements
This programme is for you if:
- you have 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.
- you want to be involved with the security aspects of information technology and are looking for a rewarding career at the more advanced levels of information security.
Employability
The programme is designed to enhance your career prospects through the advanced study of information security topics. It aims to educate you to make an early and substantial contribution to your future employer in broad areas, from threat modelling and risk analysis over vulnerability exploitation to secure system design.
You are prepared to assume key security-related roles in your field, such as security standards compliance, secure software design, or security consultancy, being able to apply independent and critical analysis to a variety of cybersecurity disciplines.
The research-based curriculum promotes strong research skills, enabling you to evaluate and add to the evidence base of the profession.
Career destinations
Alumni from this programme have pursued careers in software and consultancy industries, usually in security-related roles such as security standards compliance, secure software design or security consultancy, whilst others have gone on to pursue further study or a career in academia.
Register below to receive further information.
To see full information about this programme, including its structure, detailed module descriptions, fees and funding, full entry requirements and more, please visit the UCL Graduate Prospectus