Course summary
The security and privacy challenges are ever-evolving and to overcome them, cybersecurity professionals must rapidly adapt to the evolving landscape. To achieve this, cybersecurity professionals need core skills that are flexible, adaptable, and extensible from small to large infrastructures. This course provides you with the necessary tools to build and improve these core skills. This programme teaches you to apply cybersecurity practices to protect personal devices to national critical infrastructure, both through existing methods and those of your own design. You will work at the cutting-edge of cybersecurity and privacy practices and will be equipped to work in diverse security and privacy roles in academia and industry. You will gain the knowledge and practical expertise to evaluate, design and build secure and privacy-preserving systems ranging from household devices like kettles and children’s toys to large critical infrastructures like nuclear plants and energy grids. It is designed for graduate students and IT/ICT professionals who want to prepare for a successful career in cybersecurity and data privacy. The ideal candidate for the course is an inquisitive, creative and curious person who wants to make the future of digital technologies and societies safe and secure. The course will provide the skills to secure current and emerging technologies and give you all the knowledge needed to attain international cybersecurity certifications.
Modules
This MSc provides you with a specialism combining theoretical knowledge and practical skills in cybersecurity and data protection. 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.
Assessment method
View the programme page to find out more about how you will be assessed. You can be assessed by coursework, written or oral examination, essays, your dissertation and other methods of assessment relevant to your subject.
How to apply
International applicants
When you are thinking about studying overseas, it is important that you understand all the costs involved and budget accordingly. It is essential to budget for your studies prior to leaving your home country and to arrange all your funding for BOTH your tuition fees and your living costs. In addition, it is important to check all immigration requirements regularly and before travelling, as they can change. Students without the necessary visa will be refused entry to the UK. You should allow plenty of time to organise your visa and ensure you are aware of all your responsibilities under the terms and conditions of your visa. Please note that the advice provided via the University is the Student Visa category of the UK's Points Based Immigration Scheme. For further information, please visit the United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration.
Entry requirements
A Bachelor's degree with a 2:2 (lower second class) Honours degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science or another relevant quantitative discipline such as Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Natural Science, Electronic Engineering, General Engineering, Operations Research, or a joint degree in two such subjects. Applicants should also be competent in computer programming (C/C++, Python) to the level expected at the end of the first year of a BSc Honours Degree in Computer Science.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | Overall - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5 or above; Reading - 5.5 or above; Speaking - 5.5 or above; Writing - 6.0 or above. IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training are not accepted. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 90 | TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition: Overall - 90 with: Listening - 17 or above; Reading - 18 or above; Speaking - 20 or above; Writing - 21 or above. DI code is 0818 |
| PTE Academic | 62 | Overall - 62 with: Listening - 59 or above; Reading - 59 or above; Speaking - 59 or above; Writing - 59 or above. Online Test is not accepted |
| Institution's Own Test | Academic English Pre-sessional Programme (PSE) - Pass (valid for one year) Academic English Preparation Programme undertaken at other UK HEI - accredited by BALEAP and within 1 year of start of course |
To study for a postgraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write academic English fluently. These skills will allow you to understand lectures, produce high standards of written work, and perform well in examinations. We can assess your English language proficiency through a variety of means: through your nationality, through the qualifications you gained in high school, through the degree you undertook or are undertaking at university, or through a recognised English language test. Postgraduate Standard requirements are used by the Schools of Biological Sciences; Engineering; Geosciences; Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition; Natural and Computing Sciences; and Psychology. Please note certification must be within the two years prior to commencement of your course, unless otherwise stated.
Please use the checklist at the following webpage to determine how you can meet our English language requirements:
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/requirements-pg-266.php
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Republic of Ireland | £11845 | Year 1 |
| EU | £27000 | Year 1 |
| England | £11845 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £11845 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £11845 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £11845 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £27000 | Year 1 |
| International | £27000 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
Tuition fees given are at the full-time rate. The part-time fee rate for taught postgraduate programmes is 50% of the relevant full-time fee rate.
Sponsorship information
Eligible self-funded international Masters students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Visit our Funding Database to find out more and see our full range of scholarships: www.abdn.ac.uk/study/funding/. The University of Aberdeen provides an Alumni Discount Scheme: The University of Aberdeen is very pleased to offer a 20% discount on postgraduate tuition fees for all alumni who have graduated with a degree from the University of Aberdeen.
Provider information
University of Aberdeen
Directorate of External Relations
King's College
Aberdeen
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