Course summary
The creation, transmission and storage of huge volumes of electronic data is one of the defining features of our age. Whilst these technologies bring us untold benefits, they also expose businesses, governments and individuals to repeated threats, such as fraud through data manipulation, deliberate sabotage and blackmail. As a result, businesses, governments and individuals around the world rely on the expertise and innovations of information security specialists, without which global communications systems would grind to a halt. Want to join this expanding field and learn from the very best? Our flagship Information Security programme was the first of its kind in the world. It is certified by GCHQ, the UK Government Communications Headquarters, and taught by academics and industrial partners in one of the largest and most established Information Security Groups in the world. We are a UK Academic Centre of Excellence for cyber security research, and an Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Centre for Doctoral Training in cyber security. We work closely with industry, and much of our curriculum and research is informed and audited by the industry itself. Our teachers are specialists in the field, with backgrounds in computer science, engineering, mathematics, statistics and the social sciences. Our broad curriculum encompasses cryptography, fraud detection, system security, network security, device security and the study of how security itself should be managed. You will learn about the technical, legal and commercial aspects of the industry and have the chance to complete a supervised dissertation on a topic of your choice. In a typical year you could benefit from lectures and seminars given by as many as 50 different guest speakers. You will also have access to our virtualisation software, for experimenting with network security settings and ideas, as well as to our Penetration Testing Laboratory and industry-sponsored Smart Card Centre. We offer a friendly, supportive learning environment and you will have a dedicated personal adviser to guide you through your studies. The skills you gain will open up a range of high-level career options and 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 as well as their technical expertise and transferrable skills such as data handling, analysis, problem solving and research. The programme can be completed in one year full-time, two years part-time, three to seven years through Continuous Professional Development (CPD), or two to four years through distance learning.
- Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills to work at a high level in the information security industry or move into postgraduate research.
- Our strong ties with industry mean we understand the needs of employers and can ensure that you are well prepared to enter the world of work.
- We have a strong track record of helping graduates into successful, high-level careers in a wide range of sectors.
- Our MSc Information Security has been awarded GCHQ- certified status
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 practical lab work. There is a strong focus on small group teaching. The programme has a flexible, modular structure, combining a sueprvised dissertation and mandatory courses that together make up 120 of the 180 credits required to pass, with a range of optional modules on specialist topics, worth 20 credits each. 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. Assessment is through a combination of end-of-year examinations sat in May or June and the written dissertation, which has to be submitted in September.
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