29Oct
BusinessCourse summary
Applied Data Science and Cyber Security (MSc) Explore the dynamic field of cyber security through data science. MSc Applied Data Science and Cyber Security equips you with the skills to protect data-driven systems and tackle the increasing complexity of digital threats. You’ll learn Python and industry-standard packages like scikit-learn. Then apply methods such as clustering, regression, decision trees, and neural networks to detect threats, prevent attacks, and guide risk-based decisions. Specialist modules cover cyber security foundations, privacy-enhancing technologies, and intrusion detection. Benefit from the UK’s first university Information Security Group where teachers are specialists in their field and our curriculum and research is informed by, and closely linked with, industry. Get access to labs for vehicle security, Internet of Things mapping, and ethical AI. Guest speakers from finance, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing show how your skills apply across sectors. Decoding the future Analyse malware, understand the design of cryptographic protocols and secure systems, and convert raw data into security insights with real-world examples Conduct a team Agile software project, write an individual dissertation, and build a portfolio through research Explore ethical, social, and legal issues in data science and security Stepping into your career Graduates go on to roles in cyber threat detection, compliance, data privacy and more. Employers include Microsoft, IBM, and Proctor & Gamble.
Modules
Core Modules Year 1 Computing for Data Analysis Research Methods Applications of Data Science Cyber Security Foundations Cyber Security for Data Science Ethics in Advanced Computing and Artificial Intelligence Individual Project in Applied Data Science and Cyber Security Academic Integrity All modules are core
Assessment method
The course is structured into six taught modules and an individual project leading to the production of a dissertation. You will learn through a variety of teaching methods on the course includes lectures, lab sessions, and small group sessions. Typical module assessment will involve a combination of an examination in an invigilated setting, together with coursework and assignments completed throughout the term. Smaller assignments provide hands-on experience with real-world data and enable you to build your confidence throughout your studies. Modules building soft skills are assessed with presentations and essays. Hands-on experience is an essential part of the training of a specialist in all areas of computing, data science and cyber security. You will be expected to do substantial practice outside of the classroom, following up on examples from the lectures, working towards coursework assignments, and performing background research for their dissertations. Each student is assigned a personal tutor, who oversees your academic progress and helps with the development of soft skills as part of the Ethics module. Your tutor is available for advice throughout the year. For the individual project at the end of the course, you will be assigned a supervisor who is an expert (and often a practicing researcher) in the allocated topic.
Entry requirements
UK Bachelors degree or equivalent in a STEM subject. Acceptable STEM subjects include: Accounting, Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering, Architecture, Artificial Intelligence, Astronomy, Biological Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Economics, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Finance, Information Technology, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Medicine, Natural Sciences, Paramedic Science, Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Physics, Psychology, Statistics, Web development Degrees within Business, Management or Information Systems may be considered. Candidates with professional qualifications or relevant professional experience in an associated area will be considered.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Republic of Ireland | £14900 | Year 1 |
| England | £14900 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £14900 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £14900 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £14900 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £14900 | Year 1 |
| EU | £29300 | Year 1 |
| International | £29300 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
These tuition fees apply to students enrolled on a full-time basis in the academic year 2026/27. Students studying on the standard part-time course structure over two years are charged 50% of the full-time applicable fee for each study year.
Royal Holloway reserves the right to increase all postgraduate tuition fees annually, based on the UK’s Retail Price Index (RPI). Please therefore be aware that tuition fees can rise during your degree (if longer than one year’s duration), and that this also means that the overall cost of studying the course part-time will be slightly higher than studying it full-time in one year.
This figure is the fee for EU and international students starting a degree in the academic year 2026/27. For further information, please visit: https://royalholloway.ac.uk/studying-here/fees-and-funding/postgraduate/tuition-fees/
These estimated costs relate to studying this particular degree at Royal Holloway during the 2026/27 academic year, and are included as a guide. Costs, such as accommodation, food, books and other learning materials and printing, have not been included.
Provider information
Royal Holloway, University of London
Egham
TW20 0EX