| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2025-01-01 | - |
Program Overview
The University of Aberdeen's MSc Cybersecurity program equips students with the knowledge and skills to address cyber threats and protect individuals, organizations, and governments. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical training in penetration testing, ethical hacking, and forensic security, preparing graduates for in-demand cybersecurity careers. With a focus on emerging technologies and advanced topics like AI for information security, the program prepares students for success in the rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity.
Program Outline
Degree Overview: MSc Cybersecurity
Overview:
The rapid evolution of cyber threats necessitates skilled cybersecurity professionals to address vulnerabilities and protect individuals, organizations, and governments. The MSc Cybersecurity program equips students with fundamental concepts and job-ready skills in cyber security to prepare them for one of the most in-demand jobs today.
Objectives:
- To provide students with a deep understanding of cybersecurity principles, technologies, and practices.
- To equip students with the practical skills to analyze, identify, and respond to cyber threats.
- To prepare students for successful careers in the rapidly growing field of cybersecurity.
Description:
The University of Aberdeen's Cybersecurity program is designed for both individuals with a computer science background and IT professionals seeking to enter the cybersecurity field. The program draws upon the exceptional expertise of the university in Data, AI, and Cybersecurity to produce graduates with specialist technical knowledge, flexibility, and adaptability.
Highlights:
- Combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills in cybersecurity and data protection.
- Offers highly practical training in penetration testing and ethical hacking.
- Provides hands-on experience with enterprise-grade tools for forensic security.
- Develops expertise in identifying and evaluating security techniques for IoT, 5G Networks, Cloud Computing, Autonomous Vehicles, and Industrial Control Systems.
- Taught by research-focused computer science department ranked 5th in the UK.
- Utilizes a purpose-built cybersecurity laboratory for practical training.
- Provides opportunities to apply skills through training, networking events, and industry placements.
- Member of the Turing University Network, engaged in cutting-edge teaching and research in data science and AI.
Outline:
- Cybersecurity Fundamentals (CS502L): Presents fundamental concepts of cybersecurity, including cryptography, network protocols, access control, authentication, security management, and web security.
- Security in Emerging Networks (CS502B): Explores emerging technologies in cybersecurity, including Software-defined Networking (SDN), Internet of Things (IoT), and Blockchain.
- Enterprise Security Architecture (CS502C): Provides advanced knowledge to develop, design, and analyze security solution architectures.
- Security Analytics with Artificial Intelligence (CS502M): Introduces the analysis of cybersecurity data using data science and machine learning.
Semester 2:
Compulsory Courses:
- Digital Forensics and Incident Management (CS552E): Covers technical and legal discussions on incident detection, investigation, response, and digital forensic techniques.
- Secure Software Design and Development (CS552H): Introduces students to the design, development, testing, and evaluation of secure and dependable software.
- Blockchain and Smart Contracts (CS552P):
Semester 3:
Compulsory Courses:
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
- Cybersecurity analyst
- Security engineer
- Security consultant
- Penetration tester
- Cybersecurity manager
- Security architect
Expected Salary Range:
- Entry-level: £30,000 per year
- Mid-level: £50,000 per year
- Senior-level: £75,000 per year
Other:
- The University of Aberdeen offers the Aberdeen Global Scholarship to eligible international students.
- The program prepares students for globally recognized certifications such as CISSP, CSSLP, and ISSAP.
- The program is designed to address the growing demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals in the UK and around the world.
EU / International students: £27,000 UK: £11,900
University of Aberdeen
Overview:
The University of Aberdeen is a renowned institution of higher learning located in Aberdeen, Scotland. It boasts a rich history, having been established in 1495, making it one of the oldest universities in the UK. The university is known for its commitment to research and teaching, offering a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines.
Services Offered:
The university provides a comprehensive range of services to support students in their academic journey. These include:
Academic Support:
Access to libraries, study resources, and academic advisors.Student Life:
Opportunities for extracurricular activities, clubs, societies, and sports.Accommodation:
On-campus and off-campus housing options for students.Career Services:
Guidance and support for career planning and job hunting.Financial Aid:
Scholarships, bursaries, and other financial assistance programs.International Student Support:
Dedicated services for international students, including visa assistance and cultural integration programs.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at the University of Aberdeen can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, including:
Sports:
Participation in various sports teams and leagues.Societies and Clubs:
Joining student-led clubs and societies based on interests.Events and Activities:
Attending social events, concerts, and cultural performances.Student Union:
Engaging with the student union for representation and advocacy.Key Reasons to Study There:
Academic Excellence:
The university is recognized for its high-quality teaching and research.Global Reputation:
It holds a strong international reputation, attracting students from around the world.Beautiful Campus:
The university is situated on a picturesque campus with historic buildings and modern facilities.Vibrant City:
Aberdeen offers a lively city environment with a rich cultural scene.Strong Research Focus:
The university is a leading research institution, with a focus on innovation and impact.Academic Programs:
The University of Aberdeen offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Degrees:
Bachelor's degrees in various disciplines, including Arts, Science, Engineering, Medicine, and Law.Postgraduate Taught Degrees:
Master's degrees and postgraduate diplomas in specialized fields.Postgraduate Research Degrees:
PhD programs and research opportunities in various research areas.Online Learning:
Flexible online programs for students who prefer distance learning.Other:
The university is committed to sustainability and has been recognized for its efforts in this area. It is also a member of the Russell Group, a group of leading research-intensive universities in the UK.
Student Life and Campus Experience:
While the context mentions some aspects of student life, it does not provide a detailed description of the campus experience.Key Reasons to Study There:
The context mentions some advantages, but it does not explicitly highlight the main reasons to study at the University of Aberdeen.Entry Requirements:
EU home students and international overseas students outside the EU:
- 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.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
For non-native English speakers:
- IELTS Academic: Overall - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
- TOEFL iBT: Overall - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
- PTE Academic: Overall - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
- Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency: Overall - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Additional Notes:
- You will be required to supply your Degree Transcript and a Personal Statement with your application.
Documents to prove entry requirements:
- Degree Transcript: a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
