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Computing Sciences at UEA
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Find out moreMSc Cyber Security with a Placement Year
Key details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 2 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2026
Course options
Other Start Dates
Gain a competitive edge with a placement year
This course is also available with an integrated placement year, giving you the opportunity to gain valuable UK industry experience alongside your master's degree
Other Start Dates
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In the UK for Computer Science for Graduate Prospects - Outcomes
The Complete University Guide 202492%
Of our research output is rated as "World-Leading" or "Internationally Excellent”
Research Excellence Framework (REF)Course Overview
Why MSc Cyber Security with a Placement Year at UEA?
This course at UEA provides an exciting and challenging journey through the ethical, societal, cultural, and technological aspects of cyber security.
Whether you’re interested in the technical, human, or legislative side of the subject, the Cyber Security course at UEA will give you the chance to develop a knowledge and understanding of the key areas.
Why Choose UEA
- Global Demand: Cyber security skills are in demand across finance, government, healthcare, and tech in the United Kingdom and across the globe
- Career connectivity: You’ll have exposure to employers through guest lectures, case studies, and projects related to current industry problems
- Certified excellence: The course is accredited by the National Cyber Security Centre, UK which reflects evidence of a strong standard
What is MSc Cyber Security with a Placement Year?
This is a course perfect for anyone with a curious mind and the drive to shape the future of society. Our Cyber Security master’s course will give you a well-rounded appreciation of the issues facing our hyperconnected society, and some of the technological, legislative and social issues that we now face. You'll also meet and be taught by practitioners from industry who will inform you of current issues and how these are being addressed through lectures, seminars, lab sessions and guest lectures. Each module will have seminars, labs or a combination of the two to give you the chance to apply what you’ve learned.
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Placement Year
Choose the placement route and you'll complete a compulsory placement in your second year, giving you the opportunity to apply your learning in a professional setting and graduate with valuable industry experience.
During the first semester of your second year, you'll continue your structured employability programme, designed to help you prepare for and secure a placement. This includes dedicated careers support, application guidance, interview preparation and employer engagement.
Placements typically last eight to ten months and are completed with a UK organisation. To give you the best possible chance of securing a paid placement, UEA works with an award-winning specialist partner that provides tailored support throughout the application process.
While you'll receive comprehensive guidance and support, securing a suitable placement is your responsibility. Success depends on actively engaging with your studies and making the most of the employability support available.
If you don't secure a placement, or don't meet the academic requirements for the placement year, you'll still be guaranteed the opportunity to complete three structured industry projects with different UK organisations through one of UEA's placement partners. Available in a range of formats, these projects provide valuable real-world experience and the opportunity to work on genuine business challenges.
Whichever route you take, you'll graduate with practical, career-focused experience that'll help you stand out to employers.
Find out more at Postgraduate Placement Year.
Accreditations
This course has been certified by the UK National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
Careers
Career Pathways
With an MSc in Cyber Security with a Placement Year, you could launch a career as:
- Cyber security engineer
- Cyber security analyst
- Security architect
- Digital forensic examiner
- Penetration tester
Career Support
The employability fair run by our school includes a range of industry talks and stands will give you information and connections for better career planning. Also, during this MSc Cyber Security with a Placement Year course, you'll develop a range of skills to encourage critical and analytical thinking and help you communicate your ideas.
Our Career Central will support you during and after the course with one-to-one meetings, networking opportunities and guidance through your job application process.
After the Course
After graduating, you have a wealth of career choices open to you. Cyber security is a field that touches nearly every area of industry and government, and as such you’re likely to have a range of options. This could be in technically focused roles such as a software engineer, penetration tester or security architect or those that look at security more holistically such as a security analyst. Another option is to continue your studies and undertake a PhD in the area.
The School of Computing Sciences runs an employability fair every year, which includes a range of industry talks and stands.
Study and Modules
Structure
During the first semester, you'll be introduced to the core concepts in cyber security, which will help develop the fundamental ideas within a security. This will include an applied introduction to the various technical skills and knowledge that are required. Additionally, you’ll study the human aspects of cyber security (e.g. social engineering), methods for investigating and analysing cybercrime, as well as gaining an understanding of the legislative side of cyber security by considering things such as the computer misuse act, GDPR and issues around the internet (e.g. social media, net neutrality and privacy and surveillance).
The second semester will allow you to develop a deeper understanding of cyber security, with a focus on real-world challenges faced by a variety of sectors. This semester then gives you the opportunity to specialise depending on your interests. The final semester will allow you to specialise even further in your dissertation. This project allows you to explore an area of cyber security of your choice.
During your first year of your Master’s degree at UEA, you’ll complete a year-long Employability Skills module designed to help you develop the skills and confidence needed to secure and succeed in your placement year.
You’ll take part in practical workshops covering key career skills, including CV writing, interview preparation and LinkedIn development. You’ll also benefit from one-to-one guidance sessions to help you shape your application strategy, prepare for interviews and identify opportunities that align with your career ambitions. Sessions are delivered through a combination of online and in-person formats.
This pass/fail module supports your progression to the placement year, with attendance at 75% or more of sessions required to successfully complete the module.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Structure
In your second year, the placement module gives you the opportunity to undertake a 60-credit placement aligned with your subject area. You’ll begin with an intensive placement search period during the first semester, supported by UEA and a series of in-person workshops designed to help you reflect on your progress, strengthen your applications and maximise your opportunities.
If you’re unable to secure an industry placement, you’ll have the opportunity to complete three structured industry projects, providing valuable experience working with organisations and applying your knowledge to real-world challenges.
At the end of the module, you’ll complete an assessment portfolio showcasing your placement search activities and a reflective report on your experience. You’ll explore the skills you’ve developed, your understanding of your chosen sector and your future career goals.
By completing the placement module, you’ll graduate with greater career confidence, an enhanced CV, a stronger professional network and valuable experience to support your next steps — whether you’re pursuing opportunities in the UK or internationally.
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning, and Assessment
Teaching and Learning
You'll be taught by experts in the field, with a wealth of experience both in academia and industry. Your learning will take the form of lectures, seminars, lab sessions and guest lectures. Your lectures will provide an excellent background in the subject and give you all the theoretical tools that you need. Each module will have seminars, labs or a combination of the two to give you the chance to apply what you’ve learned. This kind of active learning is one of the best ways to cement the knowledge you gain throughout the course. The seminar sessions will allow you the opportunity to discuss your thoughts and ideas in small, focused groups and are an excellent place to develop and discuss your own thoughts. Lab sessions give you the opportunity to put the skills that you’ve learned into practice in a technical setting.
During the taught phase of your MSc Cyber Security, you'll typically have around 12 hours of contact time per week, typically consisting of lectures and labs/seminars.
In addition to your contact hours, you'll also spend time carrying out independent study, whether that is working in the Cyber Security Lab or researching in UEA’s state-of-the-art library.
This degree provides an excellent grounding in cyber security, but it’ll also give you much more. You'll develop excellent time management skills and become organised and confident through self-directed study. Throughout your degree, you'll receive support, guidance and constructive feedback to allow you to develop to your full potential.
Assessment
We have a mixture of individual and group assessments. These include written work, presentations or demonstrations, and exams (closed and/or time-limited assessment). They combine theoretical understanding with practical application and are designed to test the range of skills and competencies required for the learning outcomes of each module. The balance of assessment types varies according to the options chosen. Additionally, there’s an individual project which is assessed through a combination of written work and demonstration or presentation.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2.
Degree Subject
Any subject area provided your application demonstrates an interest in Cyber Security. Some optional modules require previous knowledge and experience in programming. Students without prior programming experience are strongly encouraged to study Applications Programming to provide them with the underpinning they will need for the rest of the course. Please check the course modules and content carefully to ensure the programme meets your needs and future career aspirations and requirements.
- Additional Entry Requirements
Successful applicants will demonstrate an interest in cyber security, as well as proven communication and problem solving skills.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
UK Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent
Degree Subject
Any subject area provided your application demonstrates an interest in Cyber Security. Some optional modules require previous knowledge and experience in programming. Students without prior programming experience are strongly encouraged to study Applications Programming to provide them with the underpinning they will need for the rest of the course. Please check the course modules and content carefully to ensure the programme meets your needs and future career aspirations and requirements.
- Additional Entry Requirements
Successful applicants will demonstrate an interest in cyber security, as well as proven communication and problem solving skills.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies(opens in a new window) for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within 2 years of the course start date.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for this course, UEA International Study Centre offers a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
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- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2026/27 are:
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UK Students: £12,350
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International Students: £25,700
If you choose to study part-time, the fee per annum will be half the annual fee for that year, or a pro-rata fee for the module credit you are taking (only available for Home students).
If you choose to take this course with a placement year, your tuition fees for the first year will be as shown above. An additional fee of £3,500 will apply for the placement year (see our FAQs page for further details).
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships(opens in a new window); please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
How to apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form(opens in a new window).
Further information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk(opens in a new window)
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students(opens in a new window) section of our website.