The Information Security Group (ISG) is a world-leading interdisciplinary research group dedicated to research and education in the area of information (cyber) security.The ISG comprises more than fifteen full-time academic faculty members, including a mix of computer scientists, mathematicians and social scientists. They are supported by visiting academics, research assistants and a large number of research students, making the ISG one of the largest academic information security teams in the world.We also host an EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Cyber Security for the Everyday, which funds a four-year PhD programme (first year of taught training followed by three years of research).The ISG has supervised over 200 PhD students, many now holding influential positions in the cyber security industry. The ISG was formed in 1990 with the intent of providing an academic institution which understood and collaborated with government and industry in the area of information security. Today the ISG continues to attract some of the best minds in the world working in the field of cyber security, helping to shape the National Cyber Security Strategy and develop the talent and services of tomorrow.Royal Holloway is recognised as a UK Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research (ACE-CSR). Our breadth of coverage, coupled with our size, distinguished educational and academic track record, and long-standing and deep engagement with industry, makes the ISG a unique research group in the UK. The research tradition of the ISG was validated in an ESPRC review of mathematical sciences in the UK which stated that 'UK researchers remain world leaders in information security (Royal Holloway)'.From time to time, we make changes to our courses to improve the student and learning experience. If we make a significant change to your chosen course, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.
Information Security PhD at Royal Holloway University of London
The Information Security PhD is a PhD degree offered by Royal Holloway University of London on the Egham campus in London, United Kingdom. The program is delivered on campus as a Full Time course in English and requires approximately 3 years to complete. Students study at the Egham campus while gaining the knowledge and practical experience expected for this area of study. The tuition fee is USD 34,856 / year, and the next intake is available from September 1, 2026.
About Information Security PhD
Disciplines
Requirements
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements
The minimum entry requirement for an MPhil or an MPhil leading to a PhD degree is the equivalent of a UK Second Class Honours degree in an appropriate subject, although in many cases a Masters level qualification will also be expected. Candidates must also be demonstrably proficient in English.
English language requirements
All teaching at Royal Holloway is in English. You will therefore need to have good enough written and spoken English to cope with your studies right from the start.
The scores we require
- IELTS: 6.5 overall. Writing 7.0. No other subscore lower than 5.5.
- Pearson Test of English: 61 overall. Writing 69. No other subscore lower than 51.
- Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE): ISE III.
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) grade C.
- TOEFL ib: 88 overall, with Reading 18 Listening 17 Speaking 20 Writing 26.
Country-specific requirements
For more information about country-specific entry requirements for your country please see here.
English Requirements
- PTEMin 61
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 88
English Program Requirements
All teaching at Royal Holloway is in English. You will therefore need to have good enough written and spoken English to cope with your studies right from the start.
The scores we require
- IELTS: 6.5 overall. Writing 7.0. No other subscore lower than 5.5.
- Pearson Test of English: 61 overall. Writing 69. No other subscore lower than 51.
- Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE): ISE III.
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) grade C.
- TOEFL ib: 88 overall, with Reading 18 Listening 17 Speaking 20 Writing 26.
Career
Your future career
The degree can be used as an entry into corporate information security research or academic research, or may serve as a method to demonstrate the candidates advanced skills in a manner beyond that demonstrated by a taught course. Ex-students can now be found working at high levels in all branches of information security and in such companies such as Microsoft and Google.
Fee Information
United Kingdom, London