Overview

Please note the course details apply to 2026 entry.

Our Cyber Security MSc course equips you with the knowledge and hands-on expertise to evaluate, design and build robust computer security systems. You'll learn how to protect networks and data from cybercrime, hackers and terrorist attacks. This course is an ideal study pathway for graduates who possess a good foundation in computer science or have a quantitative background.

With the rapid increase in cyber threats across all industries, there's a critical need for skilled cyber security professionals. This programme gives you the deep technical and strategic knowledge to secure a successful career and qualify for high-demand roles across various sectors.

Key benefits

  • 6th in the UK for Computer Science (QS World Rankings 2025).
  • This course is certified by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
  • King’s College London is recognised as an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research by the National Cyber Security Centre.
  • Benefit from talks and seminars from leading cybersecurity practitioners through King's Cybersecurity Centre and Cybersecurity Research Group.
  • You'll study a wide-range of innovative modules, covering both the theory and practice of modern Computer Science.
  • 6th in the UK for producing the most employable graduates (Times Higher Education Graduate Employability rankings 2025).
  • A thriving culture of student societies covering tech, game development, women in computer science, robotics and more, with regular hackathons, careers panels, talks, and social activities.

Course essentials

King’s is a leading centre for teaching and researching cyber security and is recognised as an academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security by the UK government’s National Cyber Security Centre. Through our MSc in Cybersecurity, you’ll benefit from research-informed teaching from world-leading cyber security experts, providing you with advanced practical and implementation skills to solve complex cyber security problems.

You’ll cover core competencies including security engineering, management and testing, network security, and cryptography. You’ll also develop an understanding of the cybercrime landscape, including the legal and social aspects, as well as how to track cyber criminals through our computer forensics and cybercrime module. You’ll also cover the numerous applications of security systems, including malware, socio-technical systems, cyber-physical systems, social networks, autonomous systems, and e-health.

Halfway through your degree, you will tackle a major project – applying the skills and techniques you’ve gained to a cyber security problem. This could involve developing an original piece of software, code or prototype or undertaking thorough network security testing. This hands-on experience will allow you to develop essential project management, design, and evaluation skills as you research, build, test, and improve your product.

The course is taught at the King’s College London Strand and Waterloo Campuses, putting you in the heart of London with access to all its academic resources and within easy reach of the social and entertainment attractions of one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities. The Department of Informatics is based in Bush House on the Strand Campus.

Key Information

Course type:

Master's

Delivery mode:

In person

Study mode:

Full time

Duration:

1 year full-time, September to September

Credit value:

UK 180/ECTS 90

Application status:

Open

Start date:

September 2026

Administrative bodies

Regulating body

Application closing date guidance

Base campuses

A quad courtyard, with people queuing at a van selling coffee, and chatting in conversation

Strand Campus

Strand Campus feels like the heart of London—historic yet buzzing with energy. Nestled by the Thames, it offers world-class academics, vibrant student life, and endless inspiration from the city’s culture and diversity.

Waterloo - students walking

Waterloo Campus

Our Waterloo campus is home to the Florence Nightingale Faculty Nursing & Midwifery, and a vibrant hub for health, social science, and law students. Located moments from the iconic landmarks of South Bank and just a short walk to the Stand campus.