Study MSc Cyber Security

Cyber security is a branch of computer science that is in high demand in India & abroad because of the growing need to protect sensitive personal and financial data from being hacked. MSc Cyber Security is a 1-2 year postgraduate course that provides students knowledge and practical expertise in computer security systems that protect data from cyber-attacks. Let’s explore MSc cyber security, its syllabus, eligibility, admission process and scope after graduation.

Course	Masters of Science in Cyber Security
Duration	1-2 years
Eligibility	10+2(Science Stream)Bachelors in Cyber Security/Computer Science/Information Technology
Job Options	Cybersecurity analyst, Cybersecurity Architect, Cyber Security consultant, Software developer, Cybersecurity engineer, Cybersecurity specialist, Cybercrime analyst, IT auditor, Penetration and vulnerability tester, Cybersecurity manager, etc.
Average Salary	6 -12 lakhs

About MSc Cyber Security

​Cyber security is the practice of protecting private sensitive and financial data from being hacked and misused for any reason. The master’s programme in cyber security is a 1-2 year course that provides a comprehensive understanding of how to evaluate, design and build computer security systems that protect networks and data from cyber-crime attacks. Through the course, graduates would be able to analyse and evaluate multiple risk assessment methods and strategies and mitigate plans against both external and internal vulnerabilities to computer data.

You can alternatively pursue courses such as masters in computing science, information security, information technology, computer engineering, software engineering that would allow you to pursue your career in cyber security.

Subjects 

Subjects & syllabus differs depending on the university, specialization and other factors. Here are some of the common subjects you will study in MSc cyber security:

• Algorithms and Complexity
• Cyber Operations
• Digital Forensics
• Designing and Managing Secure Systems
• Network Security and Cryptography
• Information Security, Management and Compliance
• Forensics, Malware and Penetration Testing
• Secure Software and Hardware Systems
• Machine Learning and Intelligent Data Analysis
• Distributed Systems Security
• Programming Language Principles, Design and Implementation
• Security Management
• Security Engineering 
• Security Testing 
• Network Security 
• Computer Forensics & Cybercrime 
• Big Data Technologies
• Security law and ethics

Top Universities for MSc Cyber Security 

Several universities offer MSc/MS courses in cyber security. Universities also offer MSc programs in other related fields like information technology/information security/computer science in which cyber security is taught as part of the program. Here is a list of top 20 ranked universities around the world:

University	Location
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	Cambridge, United States
Stanford University	Stanford, United States
Carnegie Mellon University	Pittsburgh, United States
National University of Singapore (NUS)	Singapore, Singapore
University of California, Berkeley (UCB)	Berkeley, United States
University of Oxford	Oxford, United Kingdom
Harvard University	Cambridge, United States
University of Cambridge	Cambridge, United Kingdom
EPFL	Lausanne, Switzerland
ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology	Zürich, Switzerland
University of Toronto	Toronto, Canada
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU)	Singapore, Singapore
Tsinghua University	Beijing, China (Mainland)
Princeton University	Princeton, United States
University of Washington	Seattle, United States
Imperial College London	London, United Kingdom
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)	Los Angeles, United States
Columbia University	New York City, United States
Cornell University	Ithaca, United States
Peking University	Beijing, China (Mainland)

Eligibility Criteria for  MSc Cyber Security

In order to be eligible for MSc Cyber Security students are required to meet entry requirements:

• Students must have passed class 12th in the science stream with mathematics as one of the core subjects from a recognized board
• A bachelor’s degree, honours or otherwise, in Cyber Security or relevant subjects such as computer science, mathematics, statistics, physics, natural science, electronic engineering, general engineering, operations research, etc. Minimum GPA specified by the university
• Background in Mathematics and familiarity with standard concepts of calculus, trigonometry, linear algebra, vectors and matrix mathematics
• Competent in computer programming taught in bachelor’s degree
• If you are planning to study abroad, you have to give English language proficiency tests like IELTS/ TOEFL/ PTE and clear the minimum score requirement specified by the chosen university.

Documents Required

• Official academic transcripts
• Scanned copy of passport
• CV/ Resume
• Letter of Recommendation
• English language proficiency test scores
• Statement of Purpose
• Two Reference Letters

Also Read: List of Cyber Security Scholarships for Students

Scope after MSc Cyber Security 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job prospects for cyber security experts between 2016 and 2026 are expected to grow by 28 %. More than 28,000 jobs are estimated to be added during that time. After completing an MSc in Cyber Security, you can pursue a PhD/DPhil in Cyber Security. Also in case, you pursued an MSc/MS in Computer science or a related field, you can really specialise in cyber security through a doctorate program.

Popular Job Profiles & Salary

The average annual salary of cyber security experts in India is Rs. 3-12 lakhs. Entry-level salary in the USA starts at $85,000 (INR 6281623)per year and experienced workers earn up to $162,000 (INR 11972034) per year. Here are some of the popular job profiles:

• Cybersecurity analyst
• Cybersecurity architect
• Cryptographer/Cryptologist
• Cyber Security consultant
• Software Developer
• Cybersecurity engineer
• Cybersecurity specialist
• Cybercrime analyst
• IT auditor
• Penetration and vulnerability tester
• Cybersecurity manager

Top Recruiting Sectors 

After completing your master’s in cyber security, you can work in financial services, tech companies, government institutions, healthcare, IT departments of large institutions. You can work at global IT giants such as Microsoft, Google, Oracle, Hewlett Packard, IBM, Cisco Systems and Apple, PwC, EY, Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro, Cognizant Technology Solutions, Deloitte, Honeywell amongst many others.

FAQs

MSc Cyber Security can open doors to an array of opportunities across sectors. If you want to attain overseas education in this field but are not sure at which university to study then take the assistance of Leverage Edu experts. Call us at 1800572000 to book your FREE 30-minute counseling session today!