Programme description
What you can expect to study
- Identify vulnerabilities and assess cyber risk.
- Learn defensive security and incident-response principles.
- Develop practical, ethical and analytical security skills.
Heriot-Watt University · Edinburgh
MSc Applied Cyber Security
Focuses on protecting computer networks and systems from attacks, combining security theory with practical defensive skills. Designed for computing and IT graduates aiming for cyber security careers.
Career direction
Where it may lead
Possible career directions include:
- Cyber security analyst
- Security operations analyst
- Penetration tester
- Information security consultant
Career outcomes depend on experience, professional registration where applicable and the modules completed. We can help you compare the exact curriculum before you apply.
Entry requirements
Can I apply?
- Academic
- 2:2 honours degree (or non-UK equivalent) with substantial computing/IT knowledge and good mathematical ability
- Sri Lankan qualifications
- Four-year bachelor special, honours or professional degree from a recognised university: final mark 60% is comparable to a UK 2:1 and 55% to a UK 2:2
- English (IELTS)
- 6.0 overall, no band below 5.5
Not sure you qualify? Send us your results — we’ll tell you honestly, free.
How we help
Your application, handled.
- We check your eligibility and documents.
- We prepare and submit your application to Heriot-Watt University.
- We help you meet any offer conditions and get your CAS.
- We guide your Student visa application.
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Course information checked October 2026 from the official course page on hw.ac.uk. The expanded description is a concise GEC summary based on the course record and subject area; module choices, professional recognition, fees, entry requirements and intakes can change. We confirm the latest details with Heriot-Watt University before you apply. Global Educational Consultants is an independent consultancy.