Our societies are critically dependent on computer software. Electronic systems are everywhere, and governments, financial and transport organisations, or telecommunication companies all possess and manage huge amounts of sensitive information concerning all of our everyday activities. With the emergence of new systems and services, every aspect of our life is relying on / is recorded by some computerised system, such as: electronic IDs and passports electronic payment systems and loyalty schemes electronic tickets telecommunication systems As such, we have been witnessing a significant increase in attacks targeting computing infrastructure. Cyber security and privacy is the study of the computational principles, methods and mechanisms for safe-guarding these sensitive applications. Graduates of the programme will learn how to evaluate, design, and implement secure and trustworthy systems in complex distributed systems. Many research areas have tackled parts of this problem – students on this degree will experience training from academic experts in a uniquely broad combination of theory and practice: Secure Software Cryptography Secure Hardware Verification Post Quantum Data Privacy Usability Fintech Health Smart Contracts Distributed Ledgers Privacy Preserving Data Mining The overall programme delivers intellectual and practical experience in all aspects of cyber security, privacy, and trust, such as: dealing with real-world applications applying and extending state-of-the-art defence mechanisms engineering end-to-end secure and trustworthy systems communicating results through oral and written reports NCSC Certification The Cyber Security, Privacy and Trust MSc is fully certified by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), a part of GCHQ. In order to attain NCSC certification, you will have to choose 100 credits from specific course combinations. Certified course combinations Find out about NCSC-certified degrees Reputation The University of Edinburgh consistently ranks top 30 globally for Computer Science. The Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 ranked our School 1st in the UK for research power in Computer Science and Informatics. This means you will learn from experts at the forefront of their fields, undertaking cutting-edge research in a wide range of areas. Environment You will be part of a large, vibrant department with around 1,750 students across undergraduate, master’s and research programmes and 150 academic staff. You will study in the heart of Edinburgh city centre, regularly voted as one of the most desirable places to live in the world, and one of the UK’s fastest-growing tech hubs. (Revised 4 April 2025 to add link to certified course combinations)