Ranking
68th
QS World Rankings 2027
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Cyber Security (Dubai) MSc
- CampusDubaiDelivery formatIn person
- Start dateJanuary (part-time); September (full-time or part-time)Duration1 year (full-time); 2 years (part-time)
- AwardMaster of Science
- Entry requirementsA 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant subject (e.g. Computer Science or a closely related discipline)
- Fees (UK/Ireland)September/January 2026: AED 166,356 per year (full-time) / AED 83,178 per year (part-time)
Course overview
Launch your career as a leader in the global world of cyber security. With our MSc you’ll learn to keep systems safe and help companies worldwide prevent cyber attacks.
Learn to design systems that resist security threats and shape the technologies of the future. Study with us to enhance your career prospects as a cybersecurity consultant, secure software engineer or IT security manager.
This programme is accredited by the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
Course structure
Designing and Managing Secure Systems will be offered in spring term, and Secure Software and Hardware systems will be offered in the autumn term. The MSc is a 12-month full-time advanced course, comprising of lectures, tutorials, projects, and independent study. The course can also be taken part-time over two years.
Semester 1
Semester 1
In the first semester you'll focus on securing software and hardware systems. You'll gain an understanding of common vulnerabilities and defence strategies which are critical to building resilient systems.
Additionally, you'll explore the defence of computer networks through cryptography and secure communication methods and gain practical experience with machine learning techniques to predict outcomes and analyse data patterns effectively.
Semester 2
Semester 2
During the second semester you'll immerse yourself in designing and managing secure systems, with an emphasis on data protection and risk assessment.
This term will also focus on identifying vulnerabilities and investigating security breaches, equipping you with the skills to respond to and analyse cyberattacks.
Additionally, you'll address the challenges of mobile computing, gaining hands-on experience in developing secure mobile systems.
Research project
Research project
Over the summer, you'll undertake an MSc project, applying the knowledge acquired throughout the course to a significant cybersecurity challenge.
Projects may be based on staff suggestions or your own ideas, potentially involving interdisciplinary co-supervision or collaboration with industry. This project will offer you the opportunity to demonstrate your professional competence in a real-world setting.
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Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly students to get their thoughts on our courses, state-of-the-art campus, and life in Dubai.
Course highlights
Birmingham is ranked 68th in the QS World University Rankings 2027, maintaining our position in the top 100 universities globally and placing us in the top 10 amongst UK universities.
A leading UK university in Dubai for postgraduate studies in computer science
Benefit from our careers service and global community
Building on your degree, we will equip you with the skills to tackle complex cyber challenges. You'll learn how to design and build secure systems, develop expertise in cryptography, network security, machine learning, digital forensics, penetration testing, malware analysis and reverse engineering.
Study at our new, technology-enhanced 'smart' campus. Shaped by leaders in the world of cybersecurity, our course will prepare you for roles in a demanding industry. You'll work alongside students in the UK and learn from academics from Birmingham as well as on the Dubai campus.
- Graduate with the same University of Birmingham degree as our UK-based students
- The equivalent UK programme is GCHQ accredited, ensuring the highest standards in cybersecurity education
- Research-led teaching so you learn about the latest developments
- Join our global community of computer science students
Course delivery
Our MSc is delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops and projects.You'll specialise in key cybersecurity areas and complete an individual research project, with flexible study options.
- Learn about cutting-edge developments in your chosen areas of interest, with lectures delivered by world-leaders in their fields.
- Receive tailored guidance and feedback in tutorials, enabling you to tackle specific challenges and enhance comprehension of the material.
- Foster independence through project work, preparing you for professional environments and ongoing personal development.
- Participate in practical assignments that provide hands-on, real-world experience, allowing you to put theory into practice.
Assessment will include a combination of group projects, individual continuous assessments, and written exams. You'll engage in practical labs, case studies, and real-world scenarios, ensuring a comprehensive understanding and application of cybersecurity principles in various contexts.
We offer a combination of evening and weekend classes which are designed to accommodate working professionals and those who choose to study full-time.
Our draft timetable for full-time students is designed to deliver teaching on one or two evenings from 18:00-21:00 and on Saturday from 09:00-17:00 (day varies per module). Each module is block taught over 11 weeks in Semester 1 and 12 weeks in Semester 2. Part-time students will study during these hours as per the number of modules they choose to study.
Lecture
Tutorial
Workshop
Projects
Practical assignments
Module information
This programme is a 1 year full time (2 years part time) taught master's degree (180 credits) consisting of 120 credits of taught modules and a 60 credit of a project-based module.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
2026/27
The following must be taken:
Teaching staff
Dr Nabeel Khan
Associate Professor and Cyber Security Programme Director
Profile for Dr Nabeel Khan, Computer Science, University of Birmingham Dubai
Entry requirements
To secure your place at the University of Birmingham Dubai, you must meet both our general entry requirements and the specific criteria for your chosen course. Your application will be carefully reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will determine if you will receive an offer.
- 2:1 Honours degree
In a relevant subject (e.g. Computer Science or a closely related discipline)
International equivalent in Computer Science or a closely related discipline. A solid foundation in programming and knowledge of data structures and algorithms.
English language requirements
To study at the University, you must be able to demonstrate a good level of written and spoken English. Many applicants do this by submitting a recent IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE result, or by completing a Presessional English course.
The level of English language proficiency required varies depending on your level of study and subject area.
You can view the full English language requirements, including accepted tests and required scores, on our entry requirements page for the Dubai campus.
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, examination and graduation.
- AED 166,356
Full-time (September 2026/January 2027) per year
- AED 83,178
Part-time (September 2026/January 2027) per year
Paying your tuition fees
We charge an annual tuition fee. The fees quoted are by full time or part time per year of study. For those studying courses over two or more years, the tuition fee will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Tuition fees can be paid in full or in three instalments per year of study.
Scholarships
Birmingham attracts the best and brightest students from across the globe. For students with the potential to thrive here, we have a number of scholarships available at our Dubai campus.
Application process
Please note: Applications for September 2026 entry to this programme are now closed. Information about September 2027 entry and application details will be available at a later date.
Choosing to study with the University of Birmingham Dubai is an exciting decision and you may have many questions on what to do next. Follow the steps below to help guide you through the process.
Career opportunities
Our MSc in Cyber Security offers specialised training for a diverse range of careers in academia, industry, and research. You can expect to pursue roles in secure software development, cybersecurity consultancy, network security engineering, cybersecurity analysis, digital forensics, penetration testing, or move on to PhD research.
Career opportunities include positions at leading technology firms, global IT giants, investment and retail banking and telecommunications, with companies such as Deloitte, Accenture, IBM, Google, and PwC.
Benefit from the prestige of a degree from a leading World Class University, making you attractive to companies in the engineering, finance, consultancy and commerce sectors worldwide.
Dubai is an exciting global city with a rapidly developing economy, actively embracing digitisation and prioritising cybersecurity to protect its digital infrastructure.
Careers Network
In a competitive global market, you need to be ready for work before you graduate. At the University of Birmingham Dubai, our careers services will help you plan and achieve your ambitions. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network Dubai information, advice, and guidance service offers support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life at our Dubai campus.
Our state-of-the-art Dubai campus, with its iconic buildings overlooking stunning parkland and friendly community, will quickly make you feel at home in the UAE's second city. Expect plenty of exciting activities to get involved in outside of your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to the University of Birmingham Dubai to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation partners allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming, and sociable surroundings.
Living in Dubai
Enrich your life with endless attractions, entertainment and lifestyle opportunities. In just over 50 years, Dubai has transformed itself from a tiny settlement to a glistening city and world-class destination. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Campus life
Our state-of-the-art Dubai campus is where our diverse community comes together, providing a home for up to 3,000 students to learn, relax, and socialise.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus, so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our Dubai campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.