A high 2:1, at least 65%
The standard requirement is a high 2:1 undergraduate degree with a final mark of at least 65% or above in the UK marking scheme; if you are still studying, you should be achieving an average of at least 65%.
Master's · King's Informatics
King's MSc Cyber Security: a high 2:1 and first-year computer science programming
King's College London's MSc Cyber Security is a one-year, full-time, in-person course in the Department of Informatics, starting in September 2027. Its page asks for a high 2:1 with a final mark of at least 65% in computer science or a relevant quantitative discipline, a sound background in basic mathematics and programming competence to the level of the end of the first year of a computer science BSc. The first application deadline is 9 March 2027.
2027-28 entry · Official information
What King's asks for in King's College London MSc in Cyber Security
Taken from the King's College London course pages (overview and entry requirements) for the Cyber Security MSc and read on 3 November 2026. The page describes 2027-28 entry; confirm every date and rule on the page before you rely on it.
Computer science or a relevant quantitative degree
The programme-specific requirement is Computer Science or another relevant quantitative discipline such as Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Natural Science, Electronic Engineering, General Engineering or Operations Research.
Mathematics and programming expected
Applicants should have a sound background in basic mathematics, including calculus, trigonometry, linear algebra, vectors and matrix mathematics, and be competent in programming to the level expected at the end of the first year of a computer science BSc.
Three 250-word prompts and one academic reference
The personal statement section lists three prompts of up to 250 words each, although its introduction says two questions, so check the application form. One academic reference is required, and a professional reference is accepted if you completed your qualifications over five years ago.
First deadline 9 March 2027
The first application deadline is 9 March 2027 (23:59 UK time). Final deadlines are 25 July 2027 for overseas fee status and 25 August 2027 for home fee status.
A major cyber security project
Students undertake a major project applying their knowledge to a cyber security challenge, such as an original piece of software, code or prototype, or in-depth network security testing.
Official sources
Read on 3 November 2026 on the King's College London course pages (overview and entry requirements) for the Cyber Security MSc, which describes 2027-28 entry. The country-specific equivalent qualifications, the English language requirements page, the module lists, the fee and funding sections and the careers page were not read and are not stated.
Fit
A computing-ready course, not a conversion course
The page expects programming and mathematics at a stated level. The readings below mix King's wording with Avandy's judgment, and the labels say which is which.
A computer science or quantitative graduate
Named degrees fit, provided you have the mathematics and the programming level the page describes.
An applicant with an unrelated degree
The page says applications may be considered with significant relevant work experience or a related graduate qualification. Treat it as an exception to evidence.
A mathematically strong graduate without programming
The page expects programming competence to the first-year BSc level. If you lack it, consider a conversion-style course instead and compare entry rules before choosing.
Decision
What the year asks of you
The page describes a course built around security engineering, testing, network security and cryptography, and the wider cybercrime landscape.
Content
Security engineering, security management and testing, network security and cryptography, with the wider cybercrime landscape, its legal and social dimensions, and computer forensics.
Project
A major project that applies the knowledge, skills and techniques you have developed to a cyber security challenge, such as creating software, code or a prototype, or carrying out network security testing.
Avandy's judgment (heuristic, not a university rule)
The third prompt asks what you hope to contribute to the computer science community. Prepare a concrete answer, such as a security project or collaboration, rather than a general ambition.
Application
The statement, reference and deadlines
The page lists the documents and a staged deadline structure.
Personal statement
Three prompts of up to 250 words each: why this programme and how it fits your plans; how your experience and education make you suitable; and what you hope to contribute to the computer science community. The section introduction says two questions, so check the application form.
References
One academic reference. A professional reference is accepted if you completed your qualifications over five years ago.
Avandy's judgment (heuristic, not a university rule)
The page says decisions may not be reached until after February and that applications are very competitive. Apply before the first deadline of 9 March 2027 if your documents are ready.
Planning
Planning for the September 2027 start
The page describes a September 2027 start, and the dates above belong to that cycle.
What to do now
Check your marks against the 65% line, your programming against the first-year BSc level and your mathematics against the listed topics, then draft the three answers and arrange the reference. Re-read the pages before submitting, because King's can change them.
Support
Independent support with course choice and the written application
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with King's College London or any of its departments. Support sits within the Avandy Trinity Advisory Model: a Strategic Admissions Consultant, a PhD-level Academic Mentor and a Subject-specific Tutor, working to the published requirements of each course. No outcome is promised.
Questions
Questions applicants ask
What grade does King's MSc Cyber Security ask for?
A high 2:1 undergraduate degree with a final mark of at least 65% or above in the UK marking scheme.
Do I need programming experience?
Yes. Applicants should be competent in computer programming to the level expected at the end of the first year of a BSc honours degree in computer science.
How long is the personal statement?
The page lists three prompts, each up to 250 words. Its introduction says two questions, so check the application form.
What are the deadlines?
The first deadline is 9 March 2027. Final deadlines are 25 July 2027 for overseas fee status and 25 August 2027 for home fee status.
How many references are needed?
One academic reference. A professional reference is accepted if you completed your qualifications over five years ago.
Students and families
Talk to us about the King's College London MSc in Cyber Security
Tell us about your degree, your grades, your relevant experience and the master's courses you are weighing. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare the application.