The MSc in Applied Data Science and Cyber Security is designed for those who want to sit at the intersection of two of the most in-demand skillsets of our time. Organisations across every sector are grappling with ever-expanding data streams and increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, and they need professionals who can navigate both with insight, precision and a cool head. This programme gives you that edge.
Apply HereAcross one intensive year of full-time study, you’ll build a strong foundation in programming, analytics, and data-driven decision-making before diving into the essentials of cyber security: how attacks unfold, how systems fail, and how resilient solutions are engineered based on data insights. You’ll explore how data science powers modern security operations, from intrusion detection to privacy-preserving technologies, and you’ll examine the ethical and societal questions that surround data and security.
Learning is hands-on and research-informed, supported by academics who are active contributors to the research field. You’ll collaborate on practical exercises, engage with current industry challenges, and complete an individual project that showcases your ability to apply advanced data and security techniques to a real-world problem.
Graduates join a fast-moving landscape with the confidence to analyse threats, interpret complex datasets, communicate evidence-based insights, and shape secure digital systems. Whether your sights are on industry, government, or continued research, this programme equips you to thrive where data and security meet.
Why study MSc Applied Data Science and Cyber Security?
The MSc in Applied Data Science and Cyber Security merges cutting-edge data science with robust cyber security foundation. This gives you the tools to defend and understand complex, data-driven security challenges – whether you want to become a security operation centre analyst, cyber threat intelligence analyst, or a cyber security researcher. Our programme offers intensive, full-time study over one year at our beautiful Egham campus. You’ll learn programming, machine learning, data analysis, and industry-standard tools - then apply these to real-world security problems.
Programme Structure
The MSc runs for one academic year (full-time) and comprises a set of core modules designed to give you both breadth and depth across data science and cyber-security. Modules include:
- Computing for Data Analysis: Learn programming fundamentals using Python, algorithmic thinking, and apply machine learning techniques like regression, k-nearest neighbour, support vector machines, neural networks and clustering.
- Research Methods: Develop a robust understanding for how to conduct research. Specifically: Understand how to apply both qualitative and quantitative methods in a research focused study. Learn to: set feasible research objectives, to critically examine related works of research and how to select appropriate methods for research design.
- Applications of Data Science: Work through real-world case studies, transforming raw data into insights, choosing appropriate analytic methods, and presenting results to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Cyber Security Foundations: Explore fundamental concepts, challenges, and technologies that underpin cyber-security, forming a strong foundation for further specialisation.
- Cyber Security for Data Science: Examine how data science supports cyber-security and privacy, including intrusion detection, data analysis for security, privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs), and privacy impact assessments.
- Ethics in Advanced Computing and Artificial Intelligence: Reflect on the ethical, social, and legal implications of AI and advanced computing as they relate to data science and security practice.
- Individual Project in Applied Data Science and Cyber Security: Undertake an independent research project supervised by academic staff, culminating in a dissertation that demonstrates your ability to integrate data science and security skills to show potential employers.
- Academic Integrity: Grounds you in principles of academic honesty, including understanding plagiarism, collusion and how to produce responsible, credible scholarship.
The course emphasises hands-on learning backed by sound theory. You’ll practice your skills, complete assignments, and prepare for your dissertation under expert supervision.
Meet the Programme Director
Dr Jassim Happa is a Senior Lecturer in Information Security, based at Royal Holloway, University of London. His research spans cybersecurity analytics, threat-modelling, privacy, cyber resilience, cyber threat intelligence, ethical AI and human-factors, often blending data science and visualisation to improve situational awareness and incident decision support.
