Course summary
Our two-year Information Security programme with a year in industry will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to join the rapidly expanding field of information security. We will prepare you to work at the forefront of some of the most exciting developments in 21st century technology. You will gain first-hand experience of working in professional teams and applying your academic studies to real-world problems and scenarios. The mass creation, transmission and storage of electronic data is one of the defining features of our age. Whilst the associated technologies bring us untold benefits, they also expose us to threats that require the specialist skills and experience of cyber security experts. Our postgraduate Information Security programmes were the first of their kind in the world. They are certified by GCHQ, the UK Government Communications Headquarters, and led by academics and industrial partners in one of the largest and most established Information Security Groups in the world. Our groundbreaking ISG is a UK Academic Centre of Excellence for research and home to an Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Centre for Doctoral Training in Cyber security. In year 1 you will learn about cryptography, fraud detection, system security, network security, device security and all the technical, legal and commercial aspects of the industry, including how security itself should be managed. Your second year will include a full-time work placement, which will attract a salary and be assessed towards your final degree. On returning to campus you will complete a supervised dissertation on a topic of your choice. If you decide not to complete the second year you can revert to the standard MSc Information Security (1221) and complete your dissertation a year early to graduate at the end of year 1. Our academic staff are renowned specialists in the field, with backgrounds in computer science, engineering, mathematics, statistics and social sciences. You will have access to our virtualisation software for experimenting with network security settings and ideas, as well as our Penetration Testing Laboratory and industry-sponsored Smart Card Centre. We offer a friendly, supportive learning environment and you will have a dedicated personal advisor to guide you through your studies. The skills you gain will provide a solid foundation if you wish to progress to a PhD. Our graduates are in demand for their cutting-edge grasp of the field, their first-hand work experience, and their transferable skills such as data handling, analysis, problem solving, research, time management, team working, self-motivation and professionalism. You will join a worldwide network as one of over 4,000 alumni information security professionals Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills to work at a high level in the information security industry or pursue further postgraduate research. Benefit from first-hand experience of the world of work during your assessed year in industry. Our strong ties with industry mean we understand the needs of employers and our curriculum will ensure that you are well prepared for employment.
Modules
Mandatory modules: Project; Security Management; Introduction to Cryptography and Security Mechanisms. A range of optional modules are also available.
Assessment method
We use a range of teaching methods, including seminars, lectures and lab work. There is a strong focus on small group teaching and practical work. The programme has a flexible, modular structure, combining mandatory courses with a range of optional modules, optional specialist pathways that require certain module choices, a supervised dissertation, and a year in industry. During your studies you will be invited to attend an intensive, two-day revision course to prepare for the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) exams, which you will then be able to sit on campus, through an established arrangement with (ISC)2. Your work placement will begin in the summer of your first year, after your examinations in May/June. You will be assigned a supervisor by your host company and they will be responsible for directing your work. You will also have an academic supervisor who will visit you to check that you are integrating successfully, assess your progress and ensure that you are being given appropriate work to do. Although the responsibility for finding a placement is ultimately yours, our Careers Service will help you to identify suitable opportunities from a large database of companies, make applications and prepare for any interviews. You will be invited to attend jobs fairs and companies will visit in year 1 to introduce their placement opportunities. We regularly highlight opportunities through our mailing lists and on social media. Please note that progression onto a placement is conditional on good academic performance during year 1. On returning to campus after your placement in year 2 you will complete your MSc research project, to be submitted by September of that year. Assessment is through a combination of end-of-year examinations in year 1, the written dissertation, and feedback and reports from your assessed year in industry.
How to apply
International applicants
With almost a third of our students joining us from outside the UK, Royal Holloway is a diverse community with a strong international spirit. Ranked highly in the UK and the world for international outlook in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, Royal Holloway’s position recognises our global research impact and partnerships as well as student and staff diversity. Our alumni are found in 160 countries, working in industry, the arts, public sector and other areas, Royal Holloway is truly international both in ethos and impact. Within the 9,850 students enrolled at Royal Holloway, over 130 nationalities are represented, making our campus truly cosmopolitan. In addition, of the 104 societies and associations which enrich the post-study social life of our students, a quarter have an international flavour. We know a diverse community makes for a more creative and harder-working environment which benefits all our students, wherever they are from. Students from overseas can apply for all of our undergraduate degrees. We offer a range of additional support specifically for international students, including through our Centre for the Development of Academic Skills. For example, ‘Academic English’ for international students is provided for non-native speakers of English. The courses are designed to help you meet the challenges of academic work, including writing essays, following lectures, taking part in academic discussion and giving presentations. We also offer additional degree preparation courses for international students. See our website for full details. We have a number of scholarships that are dedicated to international students to help with tuition fees for undergraduate degrees. You can find a list of our current scholarship opportunities on our website.
Entry requirements
2:2 UK Honours degree or equivalent. Normally we require a UK 2:2 (Honours) or equivalent. Students without the required first degree but with appropriate industrial experience will also be considered.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Republic of Ireland | £13200 | Year 1 |
| England | £13200 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £13200 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £13200 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £13200 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £13200 | Year 1 |
| EU | £28500 | Year 1 |
| International | £28500 | 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. 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.
All postgraduate fees are subject to inflationary increases. Please be aware that tuition fees can rise during your degree (if longer than one year’s duration). This 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 2024/25. Find out more (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 2024/25 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