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MS in Cyber Security in UK: Top Universities, Deadlines, Admissions, Fees, Scholarships, & Placements

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Atiya Shaina • 12 Mins read • 25 Jul 25
MS in Cyber Security in UKMS in Cyber Security in UK

Latest Updates 

  • The UK universities have opened applications for the September 2025 intake for most cybersecurity programs. 
  • IELTS and TOEFL test dates are open from August to December 2025. 


MS in Cyber Security in the UK

The MS in Cyber Security in the UK is a one-year postgraduate programme for applicants with relevant qualifications in Computer Science, Information Technology, Electronics, or any related discipline. Admission to the MS in Cyber Security programme in the UK is generally based on merit and English Language proficiency. Most universities require an applicant to have a relevant undergraduate degree or equivalent UK 2:2 or above. For Indian applicants, this is generally expected to be a minimum of 55–60% marks. Proof of English proficiency through IELTS is also necessary. 

More than 80 universities in the UK offer MS in Cyber Security programs as of 2023. Key presenting universities are The University of Warwick, the University of Southampton, the University of Birmingham, Lancaster University, the University of York, Queen’s University Belfast, and Northumbria University. For international students, tuition fees range from £15,000 to £27,000 per year, depending on the university and courses they are choosing.

Graduates with an MS from a UK university are highly desirable to employers across the sectors, including finance, defense, IT services, and health care.  Some in-demand positions are Security Analyst, Penetration Tester, Network Security Engineer, Cyber Security Consultant, and IT Auditor. Students can also apply for the UK Graduate Route visa, to allows them to remain and work in the UK for 2 years after completion of studies. 


MS in Cyber Security in the UK: Quick Highlights

Given below is a quick highlight of MS in CyberSecurity in the UK:

Particulars

Details

Course Name 

MSc in Cyber Security

Popular Streams 

  • Information Security
  • Network Security
  • Ethical Hacking
  • Cyber Risk Management
  • Digital Forensics

 

Popular Institutions 

  • University of Oxford
  • University College London (UCL
  • University of Southampton
  • Lancaster University
  • University of Warwick
  • University of Bristol

 

 

Course Duration 

  • 1 year (full-time)
  • 2 years (with work placement)

 

Required examinations 

  • IELTS
  • TOEFL
  • PTE
  • GRE not mandatory

 

Course Fee 

₹15,00,000 to ₹30,00,000

 

Course Level 

Post-Graduate 

Top Recruiters 

PwC , Deloitte , EY , BAE Systems , GCHQ (Government Communications Headquarters) , KPMG , IBM UK

Salary Package 

₹ 26,17,539 to ₹ 73,15,356


MS in Cyber Security in the UK: Important Dates

The important dates and events of MS in Cyber Security in the UK have been listed below: 

Upcoming Events

Dates

IELTS/TOEFL Exam Dates

 

August to December

UCAS Deadline (for some universities)

 

31 January

Rolling Admissions (University   Websites)

 

February to July

September 2025 Intake

 

Application window: Oct 2024 –June 2025


Why Study MS in Cyber Security in the UK?

An MS in Cyber Security in the UK entails a recognized education system, strong research opportunities, and industry connections with great employment opportunities. 

  • The UK is a very prominent influence on cybersecurity in the world, and there is demand for cybersecurity professionals in both public and private organisations. 
  • Every UK university, such as Oxford, Warwick, and University College London, has real, hands-on cybersecurity programs that are internationally recognised and can lead you down the path to a successful career in cybersecurity. 
  • Candidates not only get the benefits of practical training, but they are also exposed to real-world cybersecurity challenges through work experience, social enterprise projects, and networking with industry professionals. 
  • The Cyber Security program in the UK is a good balance of sound technical knowledge and a deep awareness of legal, ethical, and management concerns. 
  • The Graduate visa gives candidates the ability to work in the UK for generally up to 2 years following the completion of studies in any domain. 
  • With world-class research and lab facilities, the opportunity to learn from some of the leading experts, and a multicultural society, the UK equips Post-Graduate students with the necessary skills.
  • Studying MS Cyber Security in the UK is a sensible and rewarding route to start an international tech career.

Also Read :MS in Cyber Security in Germany

MS in Cyber Security in the UK: Fee Structure 

The Fee Structure of Top Universities for MS in Cyber is mentioned below:  

University Name  

Fee (£/year) 

 

Fee (INR/year) 

 

Oxford 

 

£26,450 

₹26,87,300

UCL 

 

£28,000 

₹28,44,800

Warwick 

  

£25,370 

₹25,77,600

Southampton 

  

£22,136 

₹22,49,000

Lancaster 

 

£20,500 

₹20,82,800


Cost of Living in the UK 

The average Indian student will spend between £950 and £1250 (₹1L to ₹1.4L) monthly living in the UK, depending on the city and lifestyle of the students. If the students can plan responsibly well before their travel, they can set a realistic budget and avoid uncertainty and stress about finances with the financials of studying abroad!. The total living expenses of students living in the UK are mentioned below.

Particulars

Details

Monthly Cost

£950 - £1,250 (₹1,00,000 - ₹1,27,000)

Rent (Shared Flat)

- London: £900 - 1,100 (₹1,00,000 - ₹1,12,000)

- Other cities: £450 - 700 (₹45,800 - ₹71,200)

Utilities + Internet

£70 - 90 / month (₹7,200 - ₹9,200)

Groceries

£140 - 160 / month (₹14,300 - ₹16,300)

Transport Pass

- London Zones 1 - 2: £95 (₹9,700)

- Other Cities: £55 - £70 (₹5,600 - ₹7,200)

Proof of Funds

- London: £12,006 (₹12,20,000)

- Outside London: £9,207 (₹9,35,400)

Student Visa Fee

£490 (₹49,800)

NHS Health Surcharge

£1,035 per year (₹1,05,200)


MS in Cyber Security in the UK: Qualification 

In order to gain admission to an MS in Cyber Security in the UK, students are required to possess a bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline. In addition, international students will be required to fulfill the requisite English language proficiency via an English language test. 

Particulars 

Details 

Education Qualification 

A bachelor’s degree (3 or 4 years) in Computer Science, IT, or a related field.

English Proficiency Test 

The candidate must pass an English proficiency test such as IELTS or TOEFL.


MS in Cyber Security in the UK: Eligibility Criteria

The basic requirement to apply for an MS in Cyber Security in a UK university is having a prior degree in Computer Engineering or a related field. Other important entry requirements for UK universities for the course include: 

Category  

Requirement 

Academic Requirements 

A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, IT, Electronics, or a related field.

IELTS/TOEFL 

An IELTS score of 6.5–7.0 or equivalent TOEFL iBT score is typically required.

GPA

A minimum equivalent of 2:1 UK Honours (around 60–70% in the Indian grading system).

GRE

Not mandatory for most UK universities.

LOR

2 academic or professional LORs are generally required.

SOP

A well-written SOP outlining goals, motivation, and academic background is essential.

Resume/CV

An updated resume highlighting educational background, projects, and relevant experience.

 

MS in Cyber Security in the UK: Application Process 

The MS in Cyber Security application process is mentioned below:

  1. Check eligibility criteria: Academic score, English test scores. 
  2. Choose universities and courses: Apply directly or UCAS/Postgrad.com
  3. Collect documents: OP, 2 LORs, Resume, Transcripts, and English Proficiency documents.
  4. Complete the online application and submit the application fee.
  5. Receive the offer letter and apply for the Tier 4 student visa. 


MS in Cyber Security in the UK: Documents Required

In order to apply for a Master's in Cyber Security in the UK, students will be required to have a strong Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LOR), and an updated Resume. 

  • SOP: The Statement of Purpose is an important document that will describe to the university the academic background of the student.
  • LOR: Provides a brief reflection on academic performance, technical abilities, working with others, problem-solving ability, and potential for future work in the discipline of Cyber Security.
  • Resume
  • Bachelor’s marksheet and qualifying certificate
  • Entrance Examination Scorecards
  • Academic Transcript
  • Student visa
  • Essays
  • Application confirmation copy


MS in Cyber Security in the UK: Entrance Exam 

For applying to a Cyber Security MS in the UK, students also need to qualify for the English Proficiency examinations like TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, etc. Though GRE is not a mandatory admission requirement for most UK universities, some competitive programs will accept GRE as an optional admission credential. Below is a list of standard entrance exams.

Exam

Details

TOEFL 

The Test of English as a Foreign Language.

IELTS

The International English Language Testing System.

PTE

The Pearson Test of English.

Duolingo 

Some universities also accept the Duolingo English Test for proficiency.

GRE

Graduate Record Examinations.


MS in Cyber Security in the UK: IELTS/TOEFL Preparation Tips  

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a crucial test for those applying to a master's or doctoral program in colleges abroad. Doing well in these tests requires adequate preparation and sensible planning.  

  • Learn about the exam: Both IELTS and TOEFL are language tests, but they are different.
  • Improve your vocabulary: Both IELTS and TOEFL require high vocabulary scores.  Make an effort to learn new vocabulary daily, and practice identifying synonyms and antonyms. 
  • Improve your listening: Both tests have a listening section. Listening is different from reading; you will have to understand spoken English. You should listen to documentaries and learn new vocabulary routinely to improve your listening. 
  • Increase your writing: The writing section of both tests is important for your qualification. You should practice writing essays because the more you practice writing essays regularly, the less problematic you will become less problematic when it comes to making grammatical mistakes.  


MS in Cyber Security: Syllabus 

MS in Cyber Security curriculum in the UK, based on common modules available in good universities in the UK, and many other universities such as the University of Oxford, University of Warwick, University of Southampton, and University of Glasgow. The curriculum is studied either over 1 year or 2 years with core modules, elective Modules, and dissertation/project.

Core Module (Compulsory Subject)

Core Module (Compulsory Subject)

Elective Modules (Optional Subjects)

Foundations of Cyber Security

Artificial Intelligence in Cyber Security

Network Security

Blockchain & Distributed Ledger Security

Cyber Threats & Risk Management

Penetration Testing & Ethical Hacking

Secure Software Development

Cyber-Physical Systems Security

Digital Forensics

Cloud Security

Information Security Management

Human Factors in Cyber Security

 

MS in Cyber Security in the UK: Scholarship 

A few scholarships for Indian students are available to help fund their MS in Cyber Security degree in the UK. The scholarships available are limited to one College each. 

Scholarship 

Eligibility 

Benefit 

Chevening Scholarships

Indian students with leadership potential

Full tuition, living expenses

GREAT Scholarships

Indian students with academic merit

£10,000

Commonwealth Masters

Citizens of eligible Commonwealth countries

Full tuition + stipend

In-house University Scholarships

Based on merit and need

Varies (£5,000-£10,000)


MS in Cyber Security in the UK: Top Universities

MS in Cyber Security Top universities in the UK, which are approved by QS University, include the University College of London, the University of Oxford, and many more. Let's discuss them in detail. 

University Name

Ranking (QS 2025 Rank)

University of Oxford 

3th 

University College London (UCL)

9th 

University of Southampton 

81th 

Lancaster University 

122th 

University of Warwick 

67th 

University of Bristol 

58th 


MS in Cyber Security: UK vs India

When thinking of the pros and cons of an MS in Cyber Security in the UK versus India, there are many factors to consider. The table below summarises academic, career, financial, and lifestyle implications for Indian students.

Category 

UK

India

University

  • University of Oxford, UCL, and King's College London is globally recognized for Cyber Security.
  • Reputed institutions like IITs, NITs, and IIITs.

Duration 

  • 1 Year 
  • 2 Years 

Tuition Fees

  • 15,00,000 - 35,00,000
  • 1,00,000 - 3,50,000

Employability and Salary

  • Average starting salary: £30,000–£45,000 (approx. ₹30–45 LPA). 
  • Strong demand in the UK public and private sectors.
  • Starting salaries range from ₹4,00,000–10,00,000 per annum. 
  • Growing demand but fewer high-paying roles.

Cost (Tuition and Living)

  • Tuition: £18,000–£28,000 per year. 
  • Living Costs: £10,000–£15,000 per year.
  • Tuition: ₹2,00,000–6,00,000 per year.
  • Living costs: ₹1,00,000–1,50,000 per year, depending on the city.


MS in Cyber Security in the UK: Career Opportunities 

A UK MS in Cyber Security can present you with many career options in different industries, including banking, government, healthcare, IT services, and defence. There are various job roles you can pursue after obtaining your degree, as the UK has the highest demand for cybersecurity professionals. Below are some examples of job roles and the responsibilities of each.

Particulars 

Details 

Cyber Security Analyst

Monitors networks, analyzes threats, and implements security measures to protect data from cyberattacks.

Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker)

Conducts authorized cyberattacks on systems to identify vulnerabilities before hackers can exploit them.

Security Architect

Designs secure IT networks and systems, setting protocols and standards to guard against cyber threats.

Cyber Security Consultant

Advises businesses on risk management, regulatory compliance, and developing customized cybersecurity strategies.

Information Security Manager

Oversees company-wide security policies, supervises teams, and ensures compliance with global security standards.

Digital Forensics Expert

Investigates cybercrimes, collects evidence from digital devices, and supports legal proceedings with technical reports.


Top Recruiters  

The top recruiters for MS in Cyber Security in the UK are mentioned below:

  • PwC 
  • Deloitte 
  • EY 
  • BAE Systems 
  • GCHQ (Government Communications Headquarters) 
  • KPMG 
  • IBM UK 
  • Cisco 
  • Barclays 
  • BT
  • BBC
  • Sapphire 
  • Google 
  • KPMG
  • Becrypt


MS in Cyber Security in the UK: Salary Package 

After you have received your MS in Cybersecurity in the UK, you can earn an average salary of around 31,000 GBP (32 lakhs INR). Some of the job opportunities after completing an MS in Cybersecurity in the UK include cybersecurity analyst, network engineer, security architect, ethical hacker, or penetration tester. Some of the top companies hiring cybersecurity graduates in the UK include IBM, PwC, Cisco, Deloitte, B, CN, etc.

Job Role

Average Annual Salary (GBP)

Average Annual Salary (INR)

Cyber Security Analyst

£ 25,800

₹ 26,21,200

Information Security Manager

£ 67,797

₹ 68,88,000

Development Operations Engineer

£ 72,140

₹ 73,29,200

Information Security Officer

£ 47,788

₹ 48,55,100

Information Technology Consultant

£ 31,368

₹ 31,86,900

Information Security Analyst

£ 30,830

₹ 31,32,300

Quality Assurance Analyst

£ 27,129

₹ 27,56,300


FAQs 


Ques 1. Is a GRE required for an MS in Cyber Security in the UK? 

Ans 1. No, a GRE is not required for most UK universities. 


Ques 2. What is the duration of MS in Cyber Security? 

Ans 2. The course duration is 1 year full-time, or 2 years with industry placement. 


Ques 3. Can I work while studying an MS in Cyber Security in the UK? 

Ans 3. Yes, up to 20 hours per week during course time.


Ques 4. What is the average salary after graduation with an MS in Cyber Security in the UK? 

Ans 4. The average salary falls between £40,000 and £70,000, depending on role and experience. 


Ques 5. Which university is best for Cyber Security in the UK? 

Ans 5. Oxford, UCL, and Lancaster are among the best for Cyber Security. 


Ques 6. Which city in the UK is best for Indian students for an MS in Cyber Security?

Ans 6. London is the best city in the UK for Indian students to study an MSc in Cyber Security because it is home to University College London, which is one of the best universities in the world. 


Ques 7. Is a Cyber Security Master’s degree in the UK valid in India? 

Ans 7. Yes, the Master's degree from a private and highly accredited university (UK)|is recognised and accepted in India for the purpose of employment.