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Seeking advice for Cybersecurity MSc at University of Glasgow.

Hello everyone,
I am an international student planning to pursue a CS master's degree in the UK, and I have recently received a conditional offer from the University of Glasgow for its Cybersecurity MSc.
I was hoping you could help get me a better idea of the following:
Employability prospects
Opportunities for industry experience via placements, internships etc.
Course and department quality
What it's like living at Glasgow as an international student
I am planning to seek employment in the UK as a software engineer after I graduate, so career prospects and industry experience opportunities are of major concern to me.
For reference, the universities that I have offers from are:
Cybersecurity MSc at University of Glasgow
Cybersecurity MSc at University of Lancaster
Cybersecurity MSc at University of Southampton
Cybersecurity and AI (MSc) at The University of Sheffield
Your input is greatly appreciated!

Reply 1

Original post
by boubie
Hello everyone,
I am an international student planning to pursue a CS master's degree in the UK, and I have recently received a conditional offer from the University of Glasgow for its Cybersecurity MSc.
I was hoping you could help get me a better idea of the following:
Employability prospects
Opportunities for industry experience via placements, internships etc.
Course and department quality
What it's like living at Glasgow as an international student
I am planning to seek employment in the UK as a software engineer after I graduate, so career prospects and industry experience opportunities are of major concern to me.
For reference, the universities that I have offers from are:
Cybersecurity MSc at University of Glasgow
Cybersecurity MSc at University of Lancaster
Cybersecurity MSc at University of Southampton
Cybersecurity and AI (MSc) at The University of Sheffield
Your input is greatly appreciated!

I can't speak much of the above, but if you intend to get a degree just to work in industry, I would check to see if the degree is accredited by NCSC: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/information/ncsc-certified-degrees
I'm not entirely sure whether the accreditation would mean much outside of the UK, but if it holds weight then it's something to look into.
From the above link, it seems Glasgow's MSc is the only one that's not accredited.

Personally, I would just prefer to do something like CompTIA's Security+ certificate to start off with, then do a CISSP certification once I have sufficient experience. It's a lot quicker than a degree, and a lot cheaper.

Reply 2

hi @boubie
Speaking as someone involved with the MSc Cybersecurity at Glasgow, this is an exciting new degree programme and we are engaging with CyBOK colleagues to align with their guidelines, preparing to submit for the next round of NCSC accreditation.
Thanks,
Jeremy
---

Reply 3

Hello @boubie ,

Congratulations on your offers!

Glasgow University is has a very high reputation for its Cybersecurity program. It teaches a wide range of topics, encouraging individuality and innovation for their students. The technology department more broadly is very developed, offering students plenty of facilities.

The city of Glasgow as well as the University welcome a large number of International students yearly, and value diversity and inclusion above all. You can read the statement on diversity here: https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/equalitydiversity/

Wishing you the best of luck,
Maria, PG Student Rep
MSc Sound Design and Audiovisual Practice

Reply 4

Original post
by boubie
Hello everyone,
I am an international student planning to pursue a CS master's degree in the UK, and I have recently received a conditional offer from the University of Glasgow for its Cybersecurity MSc.
I was hoping you could help get me a better idea of the following:
Employability prospects
Opportunities for industry experience via placements, internships etc.
Course and department quality
What it's like living at Glasgow as an international student
I am planning to seek employment in the UK as a software engineer after I graduate, so career prospects and industry experience opportunities are of major concern to me.
For reference, the universities that I have offers from are:
Cybersecurity MSc at University of Glasgow
Cybersecurity MSc at University of Lancaster
Cybersecurity MSc at University of Southampton
Cybersecurity and AI (MSc) at The University of Sheffield
Your input is greatly appreciated!

Only consider a course that has GCHQ (NCSC) accreditation

Reply 5

Royal Holloway, University of London has by far and away the strongest links to the Cybersecuty/SigInt sector, as they have been working with GCHQ the longest. The only other place is QUB.

Reply 6

Hi @boubie

Congratulations on your offer from the University of Glasgow!

As you're got your sights on your future career as a software engineer, building up industry-relevant experience and a strong network is essential.

If you're still undecided, can I suggest you take a look at our MSc Information Security course and MSc Information Security with a Year in Industry?

These courses combine world-leading research, GCHQ-certified training and strong industry links. As the first of their kind, certified by GCHQ and backed by one of the largest Information Security Groups globally, they provide strong credibility.

The curriculum is broad. Take a look at the course modules. They cover security management, cryptography and you can tailor the course to your interests with optional modules covering software security, digital forensics, cyber crime and security testing.

Our graduates gain technical expertise and the transferable skills that employers in the tech industry are looking for, leading to successful careers in banking, telecommunications, security consultancies, the civil service, public utilities and the retail sector.

You can find out more on our course pages

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!

Best wishes,
Royal Holloway University of London, Official PG Rep

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