We live in a world where new technologies are reshaping society, bringing benefits but also dangers, as cyberattacks now rank among the most pressing security threats that we face in everyday life.
As new challenges continue to evolve on a global scale and show no sign of abating, the world needs more skilled cyber security professionals equipped to protect personal data, critical business infrastructure, and connectivity from cybercrime.
Royal Holloway, University of London’s Information Security Group (ISG), stands at the forefront of this enterprise, leveraging over 35 years of expertise to develop real-world security solutions and educate a skilled and diverse workforce.
Whether you’re building upon a first degree and looking to break into cyber security, or you’re mid-way in a career and looking for a chance to pause and deepen skills to take your career to the next level, there’s never been a better time to study an MSc Information Security with one of the world’s most respected and recognised information security groups.
Royal Holloway, University of London’s beautiful and well-resourced campus in Surrey, is just seven miles to Heathrow and 40 minutes by train to central London. Source: Royal Holloway, University of London
A more than >cyber learning experience
Becoming a postgraduate is an exciting leap into a new world of learning and personal development. One feature that sets Royal Holloway’s MSc Information Security apart is its unmatched flexibility, offering students the opportunity to explore diverse cyber security perspectives and embrace technical, human, and legal aspects together. The more than >cyber curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications and skills in a multidisciplinary programme, ensuring that graduates are well prepared for real-world challenges.
Research-infused learning and excellence are key components of this pioneering MSc programme. The curriculum is taught by ISG academics who conduct cutting-edge research, publish authoritative textbooks, and invite students to engage first hand with the latest developments in the field.
Royal Holloway’s ISG itself is recognised by the UK National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) as an UK Government Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research (ACE-CSR) and holds the highest gold award from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) as a UK Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Education. In addition, their MSc Information Security is NCSC-certified, ensuring students gain industry-relevant, state-of-the-art training and a degree that is internationally recognised. What’s more, ISG members contribute to the UK’s Cyber Body of Knowledge (CyBOK), the benchmark for the UK’s cyber security curriculum.
The ISG’s innovative teaching approach goes beyond traditional lectures. Students benefit from guest lectures delivered by external industry practitioners and leading academics, ensuring exposure to a wide range of professional experiences and perspectives. Placements and year in industry options also add value to the learning environment and enhance the employability of students.
An additional benefit of studying full time at Royal Holloway’s beautiful campus is the strong sense of community the ISG cultivates. Students join a supportive department of like-minded colleagues and become part of an extended alumni family that spans the globe. Many graduates play an active role in mentoring and supporting current students, and their engagement enables students to explore career pathways, expand their professional networks, and understand how their knowledge and skills can be applied in the future.
MSc in Information Security students at Royal Holloway receive a comprehensive education in cyber and information security. Source: Royal Holloway, University of London
A master’s programme supported by the cyber security industry
An advisory board of highly respected industry professionals works with the ISG to ensure that the master’s programme is future–proof and aligns with industry needs in cyber security. Their syllabus is continually refined based on insights from industry and government partners, keeping it relevant in an ever-changing field. This is vital to provide a well-rounded foundation and skillset that’s suited to professionals at different stages of their careers.
Its success at doing this is evidenced by the views of employers themselves. Two employers with significant hiring experience across cyber security say they proactively select Royal Holloway’s MSc in Information Security.
A former Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) with experience of hiring in various cyber security roles noted that the MSc Information Security has a “reputation of delivering the best and most comprehensive education in information security” where for those entering the field the programme offers a broad path to a wide range of security careers and for those who have more experience, an opportunity to fill gaps in their knowledge to progress in their careers.
Opportunities are increasing in the public sector for graduates with the ability to navigate complex security challenges in different professional settings. One manager, responsible for a cyber security team says, “An Information Security MSc from Royal Holloway offers significant benefits across a wide range of roles. For my organisation, a programme that provides delegates with a strong foundation in the key areas of information security is more valuable than expertise in any one specific field.”
His organisation’s primary challenge is training individuals with no prior background in the discipline to reach a level of competence that allows for a smooth transition into this career path, which will likely involve taking on various roles with diverse focuses over time.
“In addition to the obvious benefits of comprehensive training, the MSc programme has provided several key advantages,” he adds. “It offers the flexibility to tailor how staff learn, as well as the ability to adjust their focus areas throughout the course to ensure the knowledge they gain is directly relevant to the organisation.”
In a landscape where new technologies constantly reshape society, Royal Holloway ISG’s MSc in Information Security prepares graduates to adapt and thrive for more than >cyber.
Apply to the MSc Information Security today.
Follow Royal Holloway, University of London on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube
