MSc Cyber Security at York: Entry, Fees and NCSC Status
The University of York's MSc Cyber Security is a one-year, full-time course in its Department of Computer Science. York's course page describes it as one of the few cyber security master's degrees in the UK that is fully certified by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). This guide collects what York and the NCSC publish for September 2027 entry, and says clearly what we could not confirm.
The key facts
| Item | What York or the NCSC publishes |
|---|---|
| Length and start | 1 year full-time; starts September 2027 |
| NCSC status | Listed by the NCSC as fully certified, with an expiry date of 30 September 2027. The NCSC notes that for some listed degrees, certification applies to a specific pathway through the degree. |
| Tuition fee, 2027/28 | £33,900 for international and EU students; £14,390 for UK students |
| Typical offer | A 2:2 or equivalent in computer science or a relevant discipline, with a strong background in programming, maths and networks |
| English language | IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component; York lists other accepted tests on its English requirements page |
| Final project | An individual project starting around April; you hand in a dissertation and paper in September |
What you study
York lists six core modules: Research Methods in Computer Science; Ethical Hacking, Analysis and Investigation; Cryptography Theory and Practice; Network Security; Professional and Academic Development; and Human Factors: Technology in Context. The first half of the year is taught modules, and the second half is the individual project. York says modules may change.
Teaching combines lectures, problem classes and practical classes. Assessment includes practical exercises, reports and closed examinations. York also says that, because the course is intensive, you need to be in York for both semesters and over the summer while you do the project.
Who it suits, in our reading
This is a technical course. York asks for a strong background in programming, maths and networks, although it says it will consider applicants who do not fit the standard profile if they can show the knowledge and experience to succeed. If your degree is in another field, read our guide to cybersecurity degrees without a computer science background before applying.
Costs and funding
Besides the tuition fee, York says there are unlikely to be mandatory additional costs, and suggests setting aside about £200 for optional printing and stationery. It offers a 10% discount to its own undergraduate graduates and works with Chevening, which funds one year of study for eligible international students.
York is outside London, so the Student visa living-cost figure for outside London applies: £1,171 a month for up to nine months on GOV.UK today. Under Statement of Changes HC 584, laid on 3 September 2026, it rises to £1,203 for applications made from 30 November 2026, as reported by immigration law firms. GOV.UK had not yet shown the new figure when we checked. Our financial requirement calculator switches automatically on that date.
What York says about careers
York says its graduates have gone into roles such as malware analysis, security design and penetration testing, and into risk assessment, security planning and consultancy. Some returned to their home countries to teach security and others went on to a PhD. We have not found independent figures on graduate salaries or employer recognition for this course, so this guide gives none.
Correction, November 2026
An earlier version of this guide said the course starts in October, asks for a 2:1 degree, can be extended with a Year in Industry, and that graduates receive automatic recognition from GCHQ and named employers. We could not support those statements from York or the NCSC, and they have been removed. The fee, entry requirement and certification details above replace them.
Sources and checks
- University of York, MSc Cyber Security course page (2027/28 entry), read on 5 November 2026
- National Cyber Security Centre, NCSC-certified degrees (page reviewed by the NCSC on 7 September 2026), read on 5 November 2026
- University of York, postgraduate taught fees, linked from the course page
- GOV.UK, Student visa: money you need, read on 5 November 2026
- Richmond Chambers, commentary on Statement of Changes HC 584 (the 30 November 2026 change)
Figures checked: November 2026. This is general information, not immigration or admissions advice. Fees, entry requirements and certification change, so confirm them on York's own page and the NCSC list before you apply.