The Information Security Group at Royal Holloway has a long and distinguished history of leadership and innovation in information security and cyber security, and also teaches on a distance learning masters programme.
The Information Security Group distance (online) learning version of the MSc operates through the University of London and is ideal for those who are unable to attend the campus version in the UK. Distance learning is particularly suitable for students in full- or part-time employment, since there are no attendance requirements and the degree can be spread over a number of years according to the amount of time available for study. Final assessments of the former MSc Information Security by distance learning will take place in 2026–2027, after which that programme will close.
The new DL programme is MSc Cyber Security. This online degree is run with Coursera and it is designed for aspiring professionals who are looking to gain valuable insight into the methods, approaches and concepts in cyber security. Further information about the distance learning MSc Cyber Security including structure & syllabus, fees and application form is available on the University of London website here.
How does the distance learning MSc relate to the campus MSc programme?
The distance learning version of the MSc broadly mirrors the campus course, with a slightly reduced selection of modules. All staff supporting the distance learning programme are all members of the ISG or approved information security professionals, including some distinguished past graduates of the MSc programme itself. The content, quality and assessment of modules is very closely monitored between the distance and campus-based version of the programme.
How is the distance learning MSc supported?
Is there any need to attend the Royal Holloway Campus?
Note that the distance learning programme normally starts at the beginning of October, just as for the campus-based programme, and runs through to the end of April. Examinations take place during May at a centre within your own country, so there is absolutely no need to attend the Royal Holloway campus at any stage of the study programme, although you will always be very welcome to.
How does the study experience compare with a campus based programme?
Studying by distance learning is a very different experience to studying on campus, but is equally rewarding, as the hundreds of graduates from this programme will testify. All our distance learning graduates also join our extensive MSc Alumni Network of over MSc graduates and have the opportunity to build their future careers through the contacts that result.
If you are contemplating studying the distance learning MSc Cyber Security but are unsure if distance learning works for you then there is also an option of studying some specific modules first as short courses. These can then be credited towards the full MSc should you decide to take the degree programme forward.
For more information, see planning your studies
For a flavour of the types of issue explored on the MSc, please watch this academic inspiration video from former student Andy Smith
