Security and Resilience: Science and Technology
Deepen your understanding of the science and cutting-edge technologies that underpin global security.
Security and Resilience: Science and Technology
Deepen your understanding of the science and cutting-edge technologies that underpin global security.
Security and Resilience: Science and Technology
Deepen your understanding of the science and cutting-edge technologies that underpin global security.
Deepen your understanding of the science and cutting-edge technologies that underpin global security
Train in the quantitative and qualitative research methods that help organisations meet security and resilience challenges
Benefit from a flexible study programme that allows you to fit learning around your existing career goals
Course key facts
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Qualification
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MSc
-
-
Duration
1 year, 2 years
-
Start date
September 2025
-
Study mode
Full-time, Part-time
-
Fees
£16,000 Home
£37,000 Overseas
-
Delivered by
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Location
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South Kensington
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Minimum entry standard
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2:1 in a relevant engineering, mathematical or physical sciences subject
-
Non-STEM degrees or 2:2 degrees and relevant experience through studies or work may also be considered
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Qualification
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PG Cert
-
-
Duration
1 year, 2 years
-
Start date
September 2025
-
Study mode
Full-time, Part-time
-
Fees
£8,000 Home
£18,500 Overseas
-
Delivered by
-
Location
-
South Kensington
-
Minimum entry standard
-
2:1 in a relevant engineering, mathematical or physical sciences subject
-
Non-STEM degrees or 2:2 degrees and relevant experience through studies or work may also be considered
-
Qualification
-
PG Dip
-
-
Duration
1 year, 2 years
-
Start date
September 2025
-
Study mode
Full-time, Part-time
-
Fees
£12,800 Home
£29,600 Overseas
-
Delivered by
-
Location
-
South Kensington
-
Minimum entry standard
-
2:1 in a relevant engineering, mathematical or physical sciences subject
-
Non-STEM degrees or 2:2 degrees and relevant experience through studies or work may also be considered
Course overview
Discover the science and cutting-edge technologies that underpin global security in this Master's course.
Organisations, communities, cities and nations have a growing need to be secure and resilient.
This course equips you with a broad range of skills to address this need across industry, government and academic sectors.
You'll study how emerging and disruptive technologies are driving both challenges and solutions to security.
You'll examine cyber and physical threats in critical national infrastructure sectors such as finance, transport, energy, space and healthcare.
Additionally, you'll learn qualitative and quantitative research methodologies with significant reference to human cognition and behaviour.
The course is intentionally broad in focus, giving you the foundations for a range of career trajectories in a world of ever-changing security concerns.
Discover the science and cutting-edge technologies that underpin global security in this Master's course.
Organisations, communities, cities and nations have a growing need to be secure and resilient.
This course equips you with a broad range of skills to address this need across industry, government and academic sectors.
You'll study how emerging and disruptive technologies are driving both challenges and solutions to security.
You'll examine cyber and physical threats in critical national infrastructure sectors such as finance, transport, energy, space and healthcare.
Additionally, you'll learn qualitative and quantitative research methodologies with significant reference to human cognition and behaviour.
The course is intentionally broad in focus, giving you the foundations for a range of career trajectories in a world of ever-changing security concerns.
Discover the science and cutting-edge technologies that underpin global security in this Master's course.
Organisations, communities, cities and nations have a growing need to be secure and resilient.
This course equips you with a broad range of skills to address this need across industry, government and academic sectors.
You'll study how emerging and disruptive technologies are driving both challenges and solutions to security.
You'll examine cyber and physical threats in critical national infrastructure sectors such as finance, transport, energy, space and healthcare.
Additionally, you'll learn qualitative and quantitative research methodologies with significant reference to human cognition and behaviour.
The course is intentionally broad in focus, giving you the foundations for a range of career trajectories in a world of ever-changing security concerns.
Structure
This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.
Find out more about potential course changes.
Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.
You'll study the following core modules.
Core modules
Evaluate security threats and risks in the wider societal context, and understand the main physical threats, detection and mitigation measures in key sectors.
Examines the ways in which behavioural science research has been used to inform security. The different types of threat actors are considered with their aims and targets. The role of media, and managing the positive and negative potential of both the mainstream and social media, is discussed.
Understand the history and underlying science of CBRNE and environmental security and evaluate the threat posed by a wide variety of entities.
Focus on the security of critical national infrastructure and transport systems, introducing the student to key concepts of both, and how security vulnerabilities are analysed
Examine the procedures related to commonly used behavioural research methods and build your appreciation of research ethics.
Explore the principles of environmental sensing, highlighting the context of point and standoff detection/sensor systems. A range of different detection technologies will be covered, including structure-based, chemistry-based and function-based sensors.
Complete an individual research project with the guidance of an academic supervisor. Industry sponsored projects available.
Learn fundamental concepts and necessary tools to understand security risks to cyber-physical systems, focusing on critical infrastructure systems and industrial control systems, and how to protect against these risks.
You’ll choose two optional modules.
Optional modules
Develop core entrepreneurial skills by developing a solution to a real-world problem from our industry and government partners.
Through real-world examples, become introduced to the area of materials behaviour under ballistic, explosive and impact loading.
Undertake a short project and produce a critical review in the form of an extended discussion document, white paper, technical review, or theory-oriented study.
Optional modules from other departments may be available at the discretion of the Programme Director.
These include Physics, Mathematics, Computing, and Civil and Environmental Engineering.
Gain a broad knowledge of network and web security from the network to the application layer and understand underlying principles and techniques.
You'll undertake a three-month, full-time long project consisting of a piece of original scientific research with an academic supervisor.
Your studies will be relevant to one of the areas explored throughout the academic year. Industry-sponsored projects are available.
You'll study a series of core modules. The module choices will be confirmed by the programme director prior to the start of the course.
Core modules
Evaluate security threats and risks in the wider societal context, and understand the main physical threats, detection and mitigation measures in key sectors.
Examines the ways in which behavioural science research has been used to inform security. The different types of threat actors are considered with their aims and targets. The role of media, and managing the positive and negative potential of both the mainstream and social media, is discussed.
Understand the history and underlying science of CBRNE and environmental security and evaluate the threat posed by a wide variety of entities.
Focus on the security of critical national infrastructure and transport systems, introducing the student to key concepts of both, and how security vulnerabilities are analysed.
Examine the procedures related to commonly used behavioural research methods and build your appreciation of research ethics.
Learn fundamental concepts and necessary tools to understand security risks to cyber-physical systems, focusing on critical infrastructure systems and industrial control systems, and how to protect against these risks.
Explore the principles of environmental sensing, highlighting the context of point and standoff detection/sensor systems. A range of different detection technologies will be covered, including structure-based, chemistry-based and function-based sensors.
You'll study all the following core modules and complete a short project.
Core modules
Evaluate security threats and risks in the wider societal context, and understand the main physical threats, detection and mitigation measures in key sectors.
Examine the ways in which behavioural science research has been used to inform security. The different types of threat actors are considered with their aims and targets. The role of media, and managing the positive and negative potential of both the mainstream and social media, is discussed.
Understand the history and underlying science of CBRNE and environmental security and evaluate the threat posed by a wide variety of entities.
Focus on the security of critical national infrastructure and transport systems, introducing the student to key concepts of both, and how security vulnerabilities are analysed.
Examine the procedures related to commonly used behavioural research methods and build your appreciation of research ethics.
Learn fundamental concepts and necessary tools to understand security risks to cyber-physical systems, focusing on critical infrastructure systems and industrial control systems, and how to protect against these risks.
Explores the principles of environmental sensing, highlighting the context of point and standoff detection/sensor systems. A range of different detection technologies will be covered, including structure-based, chemistry-based and function-based sensors.
Complete an individual research project with the guidance of an academic supervisor. Industry sponsored projects available.
You’ll choose one optional module.
Optional modules
Develop core entrepreneurial skills by developing a solution to a real-world problem from our industry and government partners.
Through real-world examples, become introduced to the area of materials behaviour under ballistic, explosive and impact loading.
Undertake a short project and produce a critical review in the form of an extended discussion document, white paper, technical review, or theory-oriented study.
Optional modules from other departments may be available at the discretion of the Programme Director.
These include Physics, Mathematics, Computing, and Civil and Environmental Engineering.
Gain a broad knowledge of network and web security from the network to the application layer and understand underlying principles and techniques.
Teaching and assessment
Balance of teaching and learning
Key
- Lectures, tutorials and practicals
- Projects
- Independent study
- 33% Lectures, tutorials and practicals
- 45% Projects
- 22% Independent study
Teaching and learning methods
- Computational exercises
- Laboratory work
- Lectures
- Individual project work
- Virtual learning environment
- Online discussions
- Workshops and case studies
Balance of assessment
Key
- Coursework
- Practical
- Examinations
- 20% Coursework
- 10% Practical
- 70% Examinations
Assessment methods
- Independent project (four months)
- Oral examinations
- Problem sheets
- Practical work
- Short group projects
- Written examinations
Balance of teaching and learning
Key
- Lectures, tutorials and practicals
- Projects
- Independent study
- 47% Lectures, tutorials and practicals
- 13% Projects
- 40% Independent study
Teaching and learning methods
- Computational exercises
- Laboratory work
- Lectures
- Individual project work
- Virtual learning environment
- Online discussions
- Workshops and case studies
Balance of assessment
Key
- Coursework
- Practical
- Examinations
- 20% Coursework
- 10% Practical
- 70% Examinations
Assessment methods
- Oral examinations
- Problem sheets
- Practical work
- Short group projects
- Written examinations
Balance of teaching and learning
Key
- Lectures, tutorials and practicals
- Projects
- Independent study
- 44% Lectures, tutorials and practicals
- 23% Projects
- 33% Independent study
Teaching and learning methods
- Computational exercises
- Laboratory work
- Lectures
- Individual project work
- Virtual learning environment
- Online discussions
- Workshops and case studies
Balance of assessment
Key
- Coursework
- Practical
- Examinations
- 20% Coursework
- 10% Practical
- 70% Examinations
Assessment methods
- Oral examinations
- Problem sheets
- Practical work
- Short group projects
- Written examinations
While individual modules may vary, the balance of assessment represents a typical breakdown of the overall grade for a module.
Coursework includes problem sets and feedback provided will be predominantly formative.
Practical exercises include communication and presentations with and feedback will be predominantly formative.
Formal examinations will be predominantly summative.
Entry requirements
We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.
How to apply
Apply online
You can submit one application form per year of entry. You can choose up to two courses.
Application deadlines – Round 1 closes on Thursday 16 January 2025
Application deadlines – Round 1 closes on Thursday 16 January 2025
Application deadlines – Round 1 closes on Thursday 16 January 2025
We operate a staged admissions process with several application rounds throughout the year.
Apply by 23.59 (UK time) on the closing date of an application round, to ensure you receive a response on your application by the relevant decision date.
Application rounds
Round 1
- Applications open on Friday 27 September 2024
- Applications close on Thursday 16 January 2025
- Decision by Thursday 6 March 2025
Round 2
- Applications open on Friday 17 January 2025
- Applications close on Thursday 27 March 2025
- Decision by Thursday 1 May 2025
Round 3
- Applications open on Friday 28 March 2025
- Applications close on Thursday 15 May 2025
- Decision by Thursday 17 July 2025
Round 4
- Applications open on Friday 16 May 2025
- Applications close on Friday 4 July 2025
- Decision by Thursday 31 July 2025
There is no application fee for MRes courses, Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas, or courses such as PhDs and EngDs.
If you are applying for a taught Master’s course, you will need to pay an application fee before submitting your application.
The fee applies per application and not per course.
- £80 for all taught Master's applications, excluding those to the Imperial College Business School.
- £100 for all MSc applications to the Imperial College Business School.
- £150 for all MBA applications to the Imperial College Business School.
If you are facing financial hardship and are unable to pay the application fee, we encourage you to apply for our application fee waiver.
Find out more about how to apply for a Master's course, including references and personal statements.
Unless you are from an exempt nationality, you will need an ATAS certificate to obtain your visa and study this course.
Nationals from the following countries are exempt: Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, USA and EEA members.
Use this information when applying for an ATAS certificate to study this course:
- CAH code: CAH10-01-09
- Descriptor: chemical, process and energy engineering
- Supervisor name: Professor Michele Dougherty
Get guidance and support for obtaining an ATAS certificate.
Tuition fees
Home fee – Full-time
MSc
£16,000 total fee
PG Dip
£12,800total fee
PG Cert
£8,000total fee
Home fee – Part-time
MSc
£8,000 per year
PG Dip
£6,400per year
PG Cert
£4,000per year
You may apply to enter this programme at any level of study.
If you enter the MSc, without having studied the PG Cert or PG Dip, then you will pay the full fee listed for the MSc.
If you complete a PG Cert or PG Dip level award and return following a break to complete a higher award, you will pay the top-up fee instead of the full fee for your chosen course.
If you continue uninterrupted from one award to the next, you will pay the top-up fee above, plus any annual inflationary increases that have subsequently been applied by the College to the entry fee.
You should expect and budget for your fees to increase each year.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
For courses starting on or after 1 August 2024, the maximum amount is £12,471. The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Overseas fee – Full-time
MSc
£37,000 total fee
PG Dip
£29,600total fee
PG Cert
£18,500total fee
Overseas fee – Part-time
MSc
£18,500 per year
PG Dip
£14,800per year
PG Cert
£9,250per year
You may apply to enter this programme at any level of study.
If you enter the MSc, without having studied the PG Cert or PG Dip, then you will pay the full fee listed for the MSc.
If you complete a PG Cert or PG Dip level award and return following a break to complete a higher award, you will pay the top-up fee instead of the full fee for your chosen course.
If you continue uninterrupted from one award to the next, you will pay the top-up fee above, plus any annual inflationary increases that have subsequently been applied by the College to the entry fee.
You should expect and budget for your fees to increase each year.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
For courses starting on or after 1 August 2024, the maximum amount is £12,471. The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
How will studying at Imperial help my career?
Open-up a range of exciting career paths in security and resilience.
Our graduates are well positioned for career paths in industry, academia, government as well as entrepreneurship.
Your skills will be highly sought after by companies in the security and resilience sector, which employs over 100,000 people in the UK.
You will learn from experts with experience working with multiple government departments in the UK and internationally/
Access to the Enterprise Lab and Advanced Hackspace will help you build your entrepreneurial potential.
Several recent start-ups launched at the College work within cyber security, next-generation armour and facial recognition.
Further links
Contact the department
- Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7594 8635
- Email: secres-msc@imperial.ac.uk
Course Co-Directors: Jane Lac and Dr Bill Proud
Visit the Institute for Security Science and Technology website.
Request info
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Events, tasters and talks
Meet us and find out more about studying at Imperial.
Terms and conditions
There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.
You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.
Programme specifications