MSc Computer Networking and Cyber Security

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.

English language proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 72.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
• Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

London Metropolitan University offers a variety of scholarships and financial support options designed to assist international students with the cost of tuition fees and living expenses while studying in the UK. These scholarships aim to support talented students, regardless of their financial background, and encourage diversity in the university’s student body.

International Scholarship: London Metropolitan University provides an International Scholarship for non-UK students who are enrolled in full-time undergraduate or postgraduate programs. This scholarship is designed to help reduce the cost of tuition fees and make studying at the university more affordable. The scholarship amount varies depending on the program and student eligibility, typically covering a partial reduction of tuition fees. The scholarship is awarded based on academic merit, and students are assessed upon application for the program.

Postgraduate International Scholarships: International students applying for postgraduate courses at London Metropolitan University may be eligible for specific Postgraduate International Scholarships. These scholarships are aimed at high-achieving students and are available for a range of master’s degree programs. The scholarships provide a discount on tuition fees for international students and are typically awarded based on the applicant’s academic performance, relevant qualifications, and professional experience.

Regional Scholarships: To encourage students from diverse regions to study at London Metropolitan University, the university offers Regional Scholarships. These scholarships are designed to attract students from specific countries or regions, including Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The scholarships are often based on merit and financial need and offer varying amounts of financial assistance to help cover the costs of tuition fees.

Alumni Scholarships: For international students who are graduates of partner institutions, the Alumni Scholarship offers financial support for those seeking to pursue postgraduate studies at London Metropolitan University. This scholarship is typically offered as a fee reduction for alumni who wish to continue their education at the university. The goal of this scholarship is to foster long-term relationships between the university and its international partners while providing continued academic opportunities for its alumni.

External Scholarships and Financial Aid: In addition to university-specific scholarships, international students can explore external scholarships offered by organizations, government bodies, and foundations. Some notable external scholarships include those offered by the British Council, Chevening Scholarships, and Commonwealth Scholarships, which provide significant funding to international students pursuing higher education in the UK. London Metropolitan University encourages its international students to apply for these prestigious scholarships in addition to institutional funding opportunities.

Graduates of the MSc Computer Networking and Cyber Security program at London Metropolitan University are well-positioned to pursue a wide range of career opportunities within the rapidly growing fields of network management and cybersecurity. As cybersecurity becomes an increasingly critical issue for organizations across all sectors, the demand for skilled professionals to design, manage, and protect networks has never been higher. The program equips students with the knowledge, technical skills, and practical experience necessary to excel in various roles across the global cybersecurity landscape.

Cybersecurity Analyst: One of the most common career paths for graduates is becoming a cybersecurity analyst. Cybersecurity analysts are responsible for identifying, preventing, and responding to cyber threats that may impact the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data. They monitor network activity for signs of suspicious behavior, perform vulnerability assessments, and implement security measures to protect sensitive information. Graduates with expertise in ethical hacking, intrusion detection systems, and security protocols are in high demand for cybersecurity analyst roles in various industries, including finance, healthcare, and government.

Network Security Engineer: Network security engineers design and implement security solutions to protect an organization’s network infrastructure. They work on configuring firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption technologies to ensure that data transmitted over the network is secure. With the MSc Computer Networking and Cyber Security’s comprehensive curriculum, graduates are equipped to take on roles where they can configure secure networks, manage vulnerabilities, and develop strategies to defend against cyberattacks. Network security engineers are highly sought after in industries that rely on secure communication systems, such as telecommunications, banking, and e-commerce.

Ethical Hacker / Penetration Tester: Penetration testers, also known as ethical hackers, are hired by organizations to test the security of their networks, systems, and applications by simulating cyberattacks. This role involves identifying vulnerabilities in an organization’s security infrastructure and reporting them to help improve the system’s defenses. The MSc program at London Metropolitan University provides the skills necessary for graduates to pursue ethical hacking certifications and start careers as penetration testers. Ethical hackers are in high demand across industries that need to protect sensitive data from cybercriminals.

Cybersecurity Consultant: Cybersecurity consultants provide expert advice to organizations looking to improve their information security policies and strategies. They assess an organization's security posture, recommend improvements, and help implement security best practices. Graduates can work as consultants for consulting firms or freelance, offering their expertise to companies that require customized solutions for their specific cybersecurity needs. As businesses face increasing threats from cybercriminals, the need for expert cybersecurity consultants is expected to grow, especially for those with specialized knowledge in network security and risk management.

Incident Response Specialist: Incident response specialists are responsible for investigating and managing security breaches or cyberattacks. In this role, graduates use forensic techniques to identify the source of an attack, mitigate damage, and restore systems. They also work to prevent future breaches by recommending and implementing improved security measures. Incident response specialists are essential for organizations looking to reduce downtime and recover quickly after a cybersecurity incident. Graduates with skills in digital forensics, malware analysis, and crisis management are well-suited for this career.

Security Architect: Security architects are responsible for designing and building secure IT infrastructures for organizations. They develop security policies, create threat models, and ensure that the systems, applications, and networks are designed with robust security protocols from the outset. Graduates with expertise in network design, encryption, and secure system architecture can pursue roles as security architects. This role requires a strong understanding of network security principles, risk management, and industry security standards, making it ideal for those looking to influence the design and development of secure systems.

Digital Forensics Investigator: Digital forensics investigators analyze digital devices and systems to uncover evidence of criminal activity, fraud, or security breaches. They work with law enforcement agencies, corporate security teams, or legal organizations to recover and examine data from computers, networks, and mobile devices. The MSc program provides students with the skills to specialize in digital forensics, preparing them to work with tools and methodologies used to investigate and recover digital evidence. Digital forensics experts play a vital role in criminal investigations, corporate fraud cases, and incident response teams.

Cloud Security Specialist: With the increasing adoption of cloud computing, organizations require professionals who specialize in securing cloud-based services and applications. Cloud security specialists focus on ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data stored and processed in the cloud. They are responsible for implementing encryption, managing access controls, and developing secure cloud architectures. Graduates of the MSc program, who are well-versed in cloud security protocols and cloud-based infrastructure, can pursue roles as cloud security specialists to help organizations safely leverage cloud technologies.

Risk Manager: Cyber risk managers are responsible for assessing the potential risks that an organization may face from cyber threats and developing strategies to mitigate those risks. They analyze vulnerabilities in systems, evaluate the likelihood of cyberattacks, and propose measures to reduce exposure to risk. Graduates with knowledge in risk management, threat modeling, and security compliance can pursue roles as risk managers in large enterprises, government agencies, or financial institutions.

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO): For graduates who aspire to senior leadership roles, the position of Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) may be a long-term career goal. CISOs are responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, and management of an organization's information security strategy. They lead the cybersecurity team, manage security policies, and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations. While this role typically requires several years of experience, graduates who start in technical cybersecurity roles can progress to a CISO position, overseeing the cybersecurity efforts of large organizations.