Cyber Security - Applied Cyber Security with Professional Internship

Overview

The world’s online security depends on you. Step up to the plate with this fascinating Master’s course, taught by experts at one of the world’s leading cyber security hubs.



About You

You’ll be analytical, technical and a modern-day codebreaker. Cyber security is a challenge that will not go away, affecting companies, individuals and even governments. You could be:



> A recent graduate – possibly a maths or engineering graduate with good programming skills, or you might be a good developer but have little knowledge of cyber security.



> Already working in industry – experienced in technical software development, and looking to upskill and enhance your professional development.



> An international student looking to study a UK master’s degree, to meet the global need for cyber security skills.



About the Course:

This innovative programme is at the forefront of technical advances in cutting-edge cyber security topics such as cryptography, computer forensics, malware, networking, software development, as well as investigating the increasingly important legal and ethical issues in cyber security.



This is an applied course, which mixes theoretical skills with practical work in the lab to give you hands-on experience.



The MSc Applied Cyber Security with Professional Internship is a two-year programme. The first year comprises taught modules and a research project. The second year comprises an internship up to 12 months in industry in a cyber security related role. To progress to an internship in the second year students must secure an internship before the end of the first year. Students must also pass all modules before beginning an internship.



Applicants should be aware that students must be proactive in applying to appropriate companies to have the best chance of securing an internship. Internships are not offered by the university. This is a competitive recruitment exercise outside the control of the university, and some students may not be successful. Students who are unable to secure an internship will transfer to the 1-year MSc Applied Cyber Security and graduate after one year.



Course Structure

The course is taught in block-mode with modules normally running in four-week blocks. Teaching normally happens during the first three-weeks with an intensive mix of taught classes and practical lessons scheduled from 9 am – 5 pm on Thursdays and Fridays each week. The fourth week of each module’s block is usually reserved for assessment."



Course Details

The course, comprising seven taught modules and a research project, provides a broad foundation in cyber security.



The MSc in Applied Cyber Security is available in a full-time or a part-time option.



Full-time (1-year): Consists of seven taught modules (120 CATS points) and a 3-4 month practical project of a research nature (60 CATS).



Part-time (2+ years): Part-time students are normally enrolled for two years. The first year will normally compromise four taught modules (60 CATS), and the second year normally comprises three taught modules (60 CATS) plus an individual research project (60 CATS).



The individual Research Project focuses on applying taught skills to a leading-edge issue in cyber security research. A dissertation is required for the project. Following tutor approval, the project may be undertaken as a summer placement at a company.



Modules are regularly updated to reflect new developments in the dynamic field of cyber security. Modules offered may be subject to change



Full-Time/Part-Time

The MSc in Applied Cyber Security with Professional Internship is only available in a full-time option.



Students study all taught modules (120 CATS points) up to the end of the Semester 2 exam period. They will also commence an individual research project (60 CATS points) and continue this through to month 12.



Pending satisfactory completion of taught modules, students will normally commence their Professional Internship sometime in September for a period of up to 12 months. The exact time of commencement may depend upon internship procedures of the host company.

Year 1

Core Modules

Cyber - AI (20 credits)

Software Assurance (20 credits)

Pen-testing & Ethical Hacking (20 credits)

Individual Research Project (60 credits)

Innovation & Creativity Clinic: Project Based Learning (10 credits)

Cryptography (20 credits)

Network Security and Monitoring (20 credits)

Foundations of Cyber Security (10 credits)

Graduate

Normally a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical and/or Electronic Engineering, Mathematics with Computer Science, Physics with Computer Science or a related discipline. Applicants must normally have achieved 2:1 standard or above in relevant modules.



Applicants who hold a 2.2 Honours degree and a Master’s degree (or equivalent qualifications acceptable to the University) in one of the above disciplines will be considered on a case-by-case basis.



All applicants will be expected to have mathematical ability and significant programming experience as evidenced either through the content of their primary degree or through another appropriate formal qualification. It would be beneficial if applicants have experience programming in C and working in a Linux environment.



Applications may be considered from those who do not meet the above requirements but can provide evidence of significant recent relevant technical experience in industry, for example, in programming. Significant experience will be indicated by five or more years hands on technical experience in industry. Management type roles will not be considered as relevant experience.



The University's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy provides guidance on the assessment of experiential learning (RPEL). Please visit the link below for more information. http://go.qub.ac.uk/RPLpolicyQUB

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 30th June 2025 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.



Please Note:

Applications for this course received after 30th June 2025 may not be accepted. In addition, a deposit will be required to secure a place.

2 years (Full Time)

Entry Year: 2025/26

Career Prospects

In keeping with the aims of GCHQ/NCSC certified Master’s courses, this programme is intended to provide:



• a deeper understanding of cyber security concepts, principles, technologies and practices

• a bridge between undergraduate degrees and careers in cyber security

• a platform for further research at Doctoral level

• an effective way for people in mid-career to enhance their knowledge of the subject or to move into cyber security as a change of career path.



Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while our innovative MSc Applied Cyber Security programme integrates a range of unique and exciting opportunities to interact and engage with business and research leaders in cyber security, ensuring we help our students to gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.

http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/