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Information Security MSc

London, Bloomsbury

This is the programme information for 2026/27 entry

If you require details of the previous year's programme, Information Security MSc (2025/26), click here

UK students International students

Study mode

Full-time

UK tuition fees (2026/27)

£21,500

Overseas tuition fees (2026/27)

£42,700

Duration

1 calendar year

Programme starts

September 2026

Applications accepted

Applicants who require a visa: 20 Oct 2025 – 27 Mar 2026

Applications closed

Applicants who do not require a visa: 20 Oct 2025 – 28 Aug 2026

Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Apply for this course

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.

The English language level for this course is: Level 2

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

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.

About this degree

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 and prepares you for careers in industry or academia.

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.

Read about what it takes to study for a Master's at UCL

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 9^th in the QS World University Rankings 2026), providing you with a prestigious qualification that is highly regarded by employers worldwide.

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: the Graduate Outcomes survey data shows that UCL Computer Science 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.

Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme

The foundation of your career

Recent graduates from Information Security have gone on to work for big international firms such as Amazon, Apple and ByteDance, or in sectors ranging from finance to non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Source: Graduate Outcomes Survey.

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 also ample opportunities in research and academia.

If you're interested in learning more about the academic and professional journeys of UCL Computer Science students and graduates, please visit our Student Experiences page. While some of these testimonials feature alumni working in industry or research, we also interview students during their studies.

Doing the MSc has opened up a wealth of opportunities. Being in an academic setting has allowed me to hear from incredible speakers, participate in industry challenges, and develop my skills. It’s even more rewarding to experience all of this alongside peers who are just as curious and driven.

Preston Vander Vos

MSc Information Security

Read more about Preston

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, totalling approximately 20 hours per week. 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.

Modules

The Information Security MSc is a one-year programme.

In Term 1, you will study topics that introduce you to security concepts and techniques, including the core security principles required to engineer systems providing confidentiality, integrity and availability, and the foundations of cryptography and information security. You will choose from a range of optional topics, which may include emerging topics in information security, cryptocurrencies, people and security, the philosophy, politics and economics of security, and emerging technologies and global affairs.

In Term 2, you will study topics that deepen and extend your knowledge of computer security and develop an advanced understanding of network and computer security vulnerabilities, as well as countermeasures in real-world systems. You will learn what research in information security is about, how to identify a contribution, what the quality standards in scientific publications are, and to study selected technical subtopics in depth. You will choose from a range of optional topics, which may include malware, information security management, privacy-enhancing technologies, cybersafety and online harms, decentralized finance, and cybercrime. You will also begin preparation for your final research project/dissertation.

In Term 3, you will primarily focus on your final research project/dissertation and any examinations that take place in the main examination period.

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

Emerging Technologies and Global Affairs

Emerging Topics in Information Security

People and Security

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

The department will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, including those with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, learning differences and mental health conditions. This list is not exhaustive. If you're unsure of your eligibility for reasonable adjustments at UCL, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

Reasonable adjustments are implemented on a case-by-case basis. With the student's consent, reasonable adjustments are considered by UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services, and where required, in collaboration with the respective department.

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information about support available can be obtained from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

For more information about the department and accessibility arrangements for your course, please contact the department.

Where you'll study

Two small wheeled remote control vehicles on floor with group of students in background

UCL Computer Science boasts state-of-the-art facilities that are designed to enhance your learning experience. Our recently renovated labs, with 55 high-performance PCs, ample laptop space, and versatile power options, create an optimal study environment. UCL East is home to our Intelligent Robotics Lab, a hub of innovation and cutting-edge technology. Facilities include the new Innovation Lab, which combines a computer cluster, advanced manufacturing equipment (such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and power tools), and an electronics manufacturing and testing area, all within a single space. The lab also features a motion capture system for conducting experiments on robot and human movement. Additionally, UCL boasts an award-winning Student Centre and 18 specialist libraries, ensuring you have access to top-tier resources and study spaces.

Find out more

Visit us

All open days and events

Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: UCL Computer Science Master's Courses

Join us for an exciting online session led by staff and students from UCL Computer Science. We'll explore our 17 MSc programmes in areas such as AI, Machine Learning, Fintech, Robotics, Cybersecurity, Systems Engineering, and Disability Innovation. We'll cover key information about admissions, scholarships, careers, and student life, followed by a live Q&A with staff and students. We want you to leave this session with a feel for what life is like as a UCL Computer Science student.

Watch on demand event

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students

Fee description	Full-time
Tuition fees (2026/27)	£21,500
Tuition fees (2026/27)	£42,700

Postgraduate Taught students benefit from a cohort guarantee, meaning that their tuition fees will not increase during the course of the programme, but UCL reserves the right to increase tuition fees to reflect any sums (including levies, taxes, or similar financial charges) that UCL is required to pay any governmental authority in connection with tuition fees.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Where the course is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

For full-time and part-time offer holders with a fee status classification of UK, a fee deposit will be charged at 2.5% of the first year fee.

For full-time and part-time offer holders with a fee status classification of Overseas, a fee deposit will be charged at 10% of the first year fee.

Further information can be found in the Tuition fee deposits section on this page: Tuition fees.

Students will require a modern computer (PC or Mac) with minimum specifications of 8GB RAM and 500GB SSD storage with a camera and microphone. While it is not a requirement, we recommend at least 16GB RAM and 1 TB SSD storage. Approximate costs may range from £800-£1500. If you are considering undertaking a machine learning project, there will be computational capability available to you from within the Computer Science department. Nevertheless, you may find it helpful to have a capable GPU in addition to the above.

For in-person teaching, UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is £119.90. This price was published by TfL in 2025. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide.

Funding your studies

For more information about funding opportunities for UCL Computer Science taught postgraduate programmes, please see the department's scholarships webpage.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

: UCL East London Scholarship

Deadline: 25 June 2026

Value: Tuition fees plus £17,096 stipend ()

Criteria Based on financial need

Eligibility: UK

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 course 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 courses (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

This course requires two references. Further information regarding references can be found on this Selecting your references page.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.