Postgraduate MSc

Cyber Security with Placement

On this UK government’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) fully certified programme, you learn the essential skills to support cyber security within commercial and government organisations. This includes technical and socio-technical aspects of cyber security, such as applied cryptography, authentication, authorisation and accountability, network security, information security management, human factors in cyber security, cyber law and privacy.

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Overview

This MSc is aimed at computing graduates with strong programming skills seeking careers as cyber security professionals or careers that need a systematic and deep understanding of the subject. It would also be an excellent starting point for those wishing to carry out further research in cyber security.

You gain work experience through our industrial placement scheme. We have strong links with industry including IBM, Microsoft and Oracle. Our dedicated placement team help you gain a suitable paid position and provide support throughout.

Accreditation

This degree has been accredited by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC, part of the GCHQ). Students of the MSc Cyber Security programme receive two certificates, as NCSC also allows us to issue an NCSC co-stamped certificate.

About the School of Computing

Our world-leading researchers, in key areas such as cyber security, programming languages, and AI and data science earned us an outstanding result in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF); 100% of our Computer Science and Informatics research was classified as either 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' for impact.

Strong links with industry underpin all our work, notably with Cisco Systems Inc, Microsoft, Oracle, IBM, Nvidia, Erlang Solutions, GCHQ and Google.

Our courses are taught by leading researchers who are experts in their fields. The School of Computing at Kent is home to several authors of leading computer science textbooks.

We have a large range of equipment providing both Linux and PC-based systems. Our resources include a multicore enterprise server and a virtual machine server that supports computer security experiments. 

The School also has a makerspace, Hackspace, which offers exciting teaching and collaboration opportunities. Among other equipment it contains a milling machine, 3D printers, laser cutter and extensive space for building and making digital artefacts.

Everything you need to know about our Cyber Security with Placement course

Entry requirements

The University will consider applications from students holding a wide range of qualifications.

Course structure

Postgraduate taught modules are designed to give you advanced study skills, a deeper knowledge of the subject, and the confidence to achieve your ambitions.

How you'll study

Our expert teaching staff are leaders in their field who use innovative teaching methods to bring the subject to life. Programme aims and learning outcomes are set to ensure you get the most from your study.

Research

Kent is a leading research university, meaning that you will be informed about new discussions and developments by the people making them. This means your work will have real potential to make a difference.
We're modernising the way you learn at Kent.

In September 2025, we're launching a new curriculum and a progressive approach to assessment, timetabling and employability.

Time to plan.

Your timetables will be communicated well before the start of term. This means you can balance your studies with work and other commitments.

Teaching throughout the year.

Teaching is spread over three teaching terms for undergraduates and four for postgraduates. You'll typically take two modules per term, so you can explore topics in depth.

Assessments within each term.

You'll be tested on what you've just learned as you learn it - not everything at once at the end of the year.

Enhanced employability skills.

You'll make real-world connections and gain career-relevant knowledge and skills. We don't create graduates for job roles, we create graduates who are ready to make a real impact.

Frequent, ongoing feedback.

You'll receive continuous feedback as you study. This helps you to build on your knowledge as you learn and improve the experience during your degree.

Your future

Our programmes of study are designed to equip our graduates with the skills and knowledge that make them highly attractive to potential employers, providing a good balance between theoretical studies and real-life applications. The recent REF indicated that the School's research was in the top quartile of 89 Computing departments across the UK. Our graduates therefore benefit from a first-rate academic experience as well as being prepared to face the demands of the economic environment. 

Graduate destinations

Our graduates have gone on to work as:

  • Cyber Security Analyst
  • Cyber Security Consultant
  • Cyber Intelligence Analyst
  • Security Engineer.

Recent graduates have gone on to develop successful careers at leading companies such as:

  • BAE Systems
  • Cisco 
  • IBM
  • The Walt Disney Company
  • Citigroup 
  • BT.

Help finding a job

The University has a friendly Careers and Employability Service, which can give you advice on how to:

  • apply for jobs
  • write a good CV
  • perform well in interviews.

Your placement

You can gain practical work experience as part of your degree through our industrial placements scheme  - we have a dedicated Placement Team who can give advice and guidance.  All our placements are in paid roles.

In previous years, students have worked at a wide range of large and small organisations, including well-known names such as:

  • Accenture
  • BT
  • GSK
  • IBM
  • Kent Police
  • Microsoft
  • Morgan Stanley
  • The Walt Disney Company.

You can take your work placement abroad. Previous destinations include Hong Kong and the USA.

An industrial placement gives you invaluable workplace experience, which greatly enhances your employment prospects and also helps put your academic learning into a real-world context.

Career support
Whether you want to get ahead in your current career, change lanes, or kickstart a new one – we are here to help you realise your ambition.
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Fees and funding

The 2025/26 annual tuition fees for this course are:

Full-time

  • UK
  • International





For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.

Tuition fees may be increased in the second and subsequent years of your course. Detailed information on possible future increases in tuition fees is contained in the Tuition Fees Increase Policy. If you are uncertain about your fee status please contact information@kent.ac.uk.

Your fee status

The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.

For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.

Tuition fees may be increased in the second and subsequent years of your course. Detailed information on possible future increases in tuition fees is contained in the Tuition Fees Increase Policy. If you are uncertain about your fee status please contact information@kent.ac.uk.

You'll need regular access to a desktop computer/laptop with an internet connection to use the University of Kent’s online resources and systems. We've listed some guidelines for the technology and software you'll need for your studies.

General additional costs

Find out more about accommodation and living costs, as well as general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent.

Search our scholarships finder for possible funding opportunities. You may find it helpful to look at both:

Scholarships

We have a range of subject-specific awards and scholarships for academic, sporting and musical achievement.

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Next steps

Ready to apply?

Learn more about the application process or begin your application by clicking on a link below.

You will be able to choose your preferred year of entry once you have started your application. You can also save and return to your application at any time.

Need help deciding?

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Fees and funding

Research excellence

Kent has risen 11 places in THE’s REF 2021 ranking, confirming us as a leading research university.

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