Computer Science for Cyber Security Heriot-Watt University

Overview

Cybersecurity is critically important in our digital age, safeguarding sensitive data, personal privacy, and financial assets, while also playing a pivotal role in preserving national security and business continuity. 

Our esteemed MSc Computer Science for Cyber Security programme at Heriot-Watt University offers you an extraordinary opportunity to cultivate advanced specialised skills and expertise, empowering you to safeguard the digital landscape with confidence. 

Situated in the capital city of Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt University boasts unrivalled proximity to Scotland's growing technology sector, a hub of digital innovation at the frontline of cyber security. Our MSc Computer Science for Cyber Security programme is thoughtfully structured to grant you access to a rich tapestry of advanced topics within computer science, all with a resolute focus on security. These encompass both theoretical and applied knowledge in software engineering, programming, parallel technology, machine learning,  systems programming, cryptography, network security and information security. 

Enhancements for Your Success 

At Heriot-Watt University, we've revamped our Computer Science for Cyber Security programme to empower you with the most cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills required for a thriving career in the world of cyber security. Here's what sets us apart: 

• Excellence in Rankings: We take pride in our ranking as the 6th best in Scotland for Computer Science, according to The Complete University Guide 2022. This recognition speaks to the quality of education you can expect at Heriot-Watt. 
• Industry-Driven Employability: To ensure your success, we've actively collaborated with industry experts to understand precisely what employers are seeking in cyber security professionals. We've meticulously integrated these insights into our programme, giving you a competitive edge during job interviews and setting you up for success from day one. 
• Mastery of Essential Tools: In today's competitive job market, proficiency in key software tools like Python, cybersecurity technologies, and network defence strategies is essential.  

• Streamlined Synergy: Our revamped course structure promotes a greater synergy between different subject areas within cyber security. This holistic understanding will empower you to tackle complex security challenges with ease, enhancing your problem-solving capabilities. 

The National Robotarium 

Located on Heriot-Watt University’s Edinburgh campus, in partnership with The University of Edinburgh, the National Robotarium creates innovative solutions to global challenges, working directly with industry to test and develop robotic, AI and automated technologies and rapidly move pioneering research from lab to market. 

The National Robotarium fosters the teaching and development of the next generation of roboticists, producing highly-skilled graduates who are trained to conduct world-leading research with a market focus, and developing programmes to equip the current and future workforce with robotics, data and programming skills. 

Our expertise

• Heriot-Watt University boasts a distinguished history of over five decades dedicated to the research and teaching of Computer Science.
• World-Leading Faculty: Heriot-Watt University is known for its strong academic reputation, and this extends to its cyber security programme. The university has a history of offering high-quality education in computer science and related fields, providing students with a solid foundation in the subject. 

• State-of-the-Art Labs: To facilitate hands-on learning, we have created state-of-the-art labs based in the Robotarium as well as at the GRID; including the Games & Design studio and the universities first VR labs. These resources are instrumental in providing students with a practical, real-world experience when working with authentic datasets and AI models.  

• Cutting-Edge Research: The university is actively involved in cyber security research, contributing to the development of new techniques, tools, and strategies to combat emerging threats. This research informs the curriculum and keeps it up to date. 

Customise your learning

• In year one of the programme, you study foundational courses in artificial intelligence and machine learning, including modules on neural networks, probabilistic graphical models, reinforcement learning, and natural language processing. These provide a broad base of AI knowledge and skills.
• In year two of the programme, you can specialise and customise based on your interests, choosing from optional courses in computer vision, speech recognition, robotics, AI planning, knowledge representation, and more advanced machine learning. Typically students select 3-4 of these advanced topics to study in depth. 

• In year three, you can take more advanced optional courses to continue specializing in your chosen field of AI. These modules cover state-of-the-art techniques and emerging research directions. You also complete a group project applying AI to develop a novel application or solve a complex real-world problem. 

• Finally, in year four you undertake an in-depth individual project. 

Employability

Potential career paths:

• Information Security Analyst - Analyses systems for vulnerabilities, installs security systems, and looks for threats.
• Cyber Security Engineer - Designs and develops solutions for protecting systems, networks, and data from cyber threats.
• Cyber Security Consultant - Provides advice to organisations on how to protect their systems and data from cyberattacks.
• Cyber Security Architect - Designs and oversees implementation of cybersecurity strategies for organisations.
• Penetration Tester/Ethical Hacker - Tests systems for weaknesses by safely hacking into them.
• Cyber Security Manager - Leads cybersecurity strategy and operations for an organisation.
• Cyber Security Software Developer - Creates new security software, tools, and systems.

Accreditation

The MSc in Computer Science for Cyber Security has received certification from the National Cyber Security Centre, which is part of the UK Government's national communications intelligence agency GCHQ.