MSc Cyber Security

What you will study

The MSc Cyber Security program aims to expand upon the foundational knowledge and skills obtained during undergraduate studies, offering students advanced expertise and specialised training in the realm of cybersecurity. Its main goals include deepening students' comprehension of intricate cybersecurity concepts, nurturing critical thinking and analytical abilities, and honing their capacity to devise and execute secure systems and strategies. By integrating advanced coursework, research endeavours, and hands-on exercises, the program strives to cultivate graduates capable of proficiently analysing and mitigating risks, crafting resilient security frameworks, spearheading incident response and forensic inquiries, and making well-informed decisions to safeguard sensitive data and vital infrastructure.

MODULES

• Networking and Defensive Security 
• Secure Computing
• Advanced Data Structures and Algorithms
• Advanced Machine Learning
• Offensive Security and Incident Response
• Research Methods for Digital Technologies
• Dissertation

Entry requirements & applying

The standard entry requirements for these programmes are an honours degree of at least 2:2 classification in a Cyber Security related subject area, or equivalent in any science-based degree with a strong computing and/or engineering element. In some cases, applicants with substantial commercial or industrial experience can be accepted, subject to interview and references.

Teaching & Assessment

Teaching 

The computing program suite employs a diverse range of cutting-edge industry tools and software, complemented by innovative teaching methods. This dynamic approach not only imparts industry-relevant skills but also empowers you to elevate your work to new heights when possible.

Assessment 

Assessments in cyber security at university level are designed to evaluate your understanding, application, and proficiency in various aspects of the discipline. These assessments encompass a diverse range of methods, including:

• Coursework and Projects: Assignments and projects provide hands-on experience, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. This may include software development projects, research papers, or problem-solving tasks. 
• Coding Assignments: Practical coding assignments assess your programming skills, logical reasoning, and ability to develop efficient and effective code. 
• Group Projects: Collaborative projects evaluate teamwork, communication, and the ability to work in diverse teams, reflecting the collaborative nature of the tech industry. 
• Presentations: You may be required to present your findings, solutions, or project outcomes, enhancing your communication and presentation skills. 
• Laboratory Work: Practical sessions in computer labs assess your ability to apply concepts, troubleshoot issues, and work with various tools and technologies. 
• Problem-solving Exercises: These exercises challenge you to solve complex problems, encouraging critical thinking and analytical skills. 
• Reports and Documentation: Writing reports or documenting project processes assesses your ability to communicate technical information clearly and concisely. 

Personalised Support      

The department follows a well-established open-door approach, actively interacting with students, alumni, and industry stakeholders. Essential information and communication avenues are facilitated through tools like Teams and Moodle. Additionally, every student is assigned a personal tutor, fostering regular meetings, while additional personalised support is extended to part-time students through the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). 

Career prospects

One obvious advantage of a Cyber Security master’s degree is that students become more employable. Jobs include, but are not limited to:  

• Cyber Security Analyst
• Security Consultant
• Penetration Tester/Ethical Hacker
• Security Architect
• Incident Architect
• Incident Response Analyst
• Security Operations Centre Analyst
• Forensic Analyst
• Security Software Developer
• Information Security Manager
• Security Auditor/Compliance Analyst
• Threat Intelligence Analyst
• Security Operations Manager

Fees & funding

You do not have to pay your tuition fees upfront.

The fees you pay and the support available will depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on our fees & finance pages. You will also find information about what your fees include in the fee FAQs.

All fees are subject to any changes in government policy, view our postgraduate fees.

Programme specification

International

If you are applying as an European / International Student, and live outside of the UK, you should make your application through our online application system, Centurus.

For information about the university’s entry requirements for EU/international students, please visit our international section.