Overview

This programme has been designed for those who have an undergraduate degree in any discipline and wish to study for a qualification that focuses on cyber security in order to develop a career path in this discipline. The MSc in Cyber Security Technology is ideally suited to those who have no prior learning in cyber security, the modular content is reflective of this strategy.

This Masters programme has been designed in consultation with partners from the industry to ensure you learn up-to-date cyber security knowledge required by employers across the industry. Graduates from the programme will be equipped to work in a variety of careers at an entry or junior level in the cyber security sector and IT industry or to progress to academic or research-orientated careers.

Key facts

  • Enhance your theoretical and applied knowledge expertise in the rapidly growing cyber security industry
  • Demonstrate your security capabilities in important, emerging technologies such as the cloud and big data
  • Develop your business intelligence and leadership capabilities
  • Northumbria University is recognised as a Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research (ACEs-CSR) by the National Cyber Security Centre
  • Also available as a part-time programme
  • Upon graduating, opt to further develop your skills and employability with Professional Pathways programmes through one of the UK’s leading IT and project management training providers, QA
  • The Advanced Practice includes an Internship, Group Consultancy Project or Research Project, enhancing your employability with all-important work experience

What will I study?

By completing the MSc in Cyber Security Technology you will be able to demonstrate capabilities in the areas of Digital Leadership, Information Governance and Cyber Security, Cloud and Big Data Security, Introduction to Computer Networks Security, Computer Network Security, Research Methods for Professional Practice and Computing and Digital Technologies Project.

Alternatively, you can study the MSc Cyber Security Technology Part-Time.

The modular content has been designed to allow you to develop both a theoretical and applied knowledge of core specialisms essential for a cyber security expert. For example, the digital leadership module is designed to support future career progression into roles where there is a requirement to manage other cyber specialists. It also provides a useful foundation for those seeking to pursue a career in cyber security in a role where you are required to perform security vulnerability assessments and penetration testing for networked information systems. Knowledge gained from studying the programme will enable you to conduct threat intelligence analysis to keep up to date with the changing threat landscape.

As you progress through the programme you develop as an up to date, well rounded and outward-looking professional capable of taking responsibility for and effectively leading cyber security and technology projects and people, capable of making good decisions and improving the performance of yourself, your people, your areas of responsibility and your organisation.

How will I be taught and assessed?

  • Teaching is delivered through a mix of lectures, workshops, labs, seminars and tutorials, totalling between 10-12 hours per week.
  • You’re expected to engage in independent study and self-directed learning, around 30-32 hours per week.
  • The programme is 100% assessed through coursework, including critical report writing, portfolio, projects and a physical artefact such as a programme or a database.
  • Taught by experienced lecturers and academics who use their industry experience to demonstrate how theories translate into real-life situations.
  • Technology-enhanced learning is embedded throughout the course to guide your preparation for seminars and independent research
  • Benefit from weekly academic support sessions designed to build your ability and confidence as an academic learner
  • You will be assigned a guidance tutor at induction who you will meet with regularly during your studies

Careers and further study

This master’s programme has been designed to ensure that graduates from the programme will be equipped to work in a variety of careers in the cyber security/IT industry or to progress to academic or research-orientated careers. The qualification is designed to accelerate your skills and competence in a range of job roles, including:

  • Cyber Security Engineer
  • Cyber Security Analyst
  • Cyber Security Consultant
  • IT Security and Support Manager
  • Information Security professional
  • Business Analyst.

Advanced Practice stage

The Advanced Practice version of this course offers you a valuable opportunity to secure a 12-15 week internship, Group Consultancy Project or complete a Research Project, giving you the experience of the workplace environment or live computing issues, and an excellent way to put your learning into practice.

Upon successfully completing your course, you may undertake further professional development and training through Professional Pathways programmes. These are offered to our graduates for free, from our partner, QA. Find out more about Professional Pathways and your eligibility.

This programme is also available as MSc Cyber Security Technology with Advanced Practice which includes an internship or project.

Enquire now

  • 1 year MSc
  • Advanced Practice

Academic requirements

  • Minimum 2:2 honours degree from a UK university or equivalent, in any subject
  • Professional qualifications with equivalent standing which had a significant requirement for academic study may also be considered

English language requirements

  • IELTS 6.5 (or above) with no single element below 5.5 or equivalent.

If you don’t meet the academic requirements

Applicants who do not meet the academic requirements but who do have substantial experience of working in a business organisation and/or possess a relevant professional qualification will also be considered. If you are unsure if you meet the entry criteria, please contact us and our team will be able to advise you.

International entry equivalencies

We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Please visit our entry requirements page for country-specific qualifications.

Please note that if your qualifications are not in English, we might need certified translations in order to proceed with your application.

Masters Foundation programme

Alternatively, you may also be eligible for one of our Pre-Masters courses. These are pathway programmes designed specifically for students who require additional support to meet the entry requirements of their chosen Masters degree.

Pre-Sessional English and Study Skills

If you have IELTS 5.5 – 6.0, you may be eligible to join our Pre-Sessional English before starting this programme. This programme will help you develop language skills in a content-based approach to learning involving critical thinking, questioning, discussion, reflection and analysis.

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All modules on this course are core and 20 credits unless otherwise stated.

In this module, you will learn about the information governance and cyber security principles that underpin the management of an organisation’s information assets. In doing so you will critically analyse the key concepts, theories, standards and frameworks of information governance and security, including risk management. This will enable you to evaluate an organisation’s or the one in which you work, their current approach to information governance and cyber security and to advise on the design and implementation of an appropriate strategy for managing an organisation’s information assets to meet legal, regulatory, organisational and/or societal needs for information governance and cyber security.

In this module, you will develop new knowledge and skills in leadership in a digital context.  These capabilities are essential for your career development as they enable you to become competent at the visioning, development and deployment of technological strategies and responses to challenges and opportunities in complex organisational environments.

The purpose of this module is to provide you with an in-depth understanding of cloud and big data security. This module is a specialist module and as such will develop your skills in a variety of aspects of cloud security, these capabilities are becoming increasingly desirable by employers as more organisations use the cloud for storing sensitive data.

The module aims to introduce you to the role and internal operation of computer networks. You will learn relevant concepts and technologies at a layer’s level, and the demands placed upon computer networks and security requirements required to successfully support current and emerging applications.

This module provides you with a critical appreciation of computer networks and security. You will learn about the underpinning networking concepts and security considerations to design and implement a secure network using appropriate technologies.

The module builds on ‘Introduction to Computer Networks Security’ and aims to provide you with a deeper understanding of critical computer security techniques and in-depth knowledge of countermeasures. You will learn relevant cutting-edge computer security principles, models and terminologies require to secure modern computers.

This module is designed to ensure you have the skills and knowledge to complete a postgraduate research project which is relevant to Computing and Technology and career or future aspirations. As such, in the early part of your studies, you will work closely with careers and professional development specialists to consider your career or future learning opportunities post completion of your degree. You will subsequently develop a career plan and reflective log considering how your learning from the programme can accelerate the achievement of this plan.

To further prepare you for this final research project, this module will familiarise you with the nature of research and project management and the processes involved.

Research approaches and methods will be covered, including literature evaluation and review. In this module, you will additionally explore and use a number of tools and techniques that are in use in the field of project management to ensure that projects are completed successfully.

The aim of this module is to support your study, language and communication skills for academic purposes in the study in your chosen discipline. The module is designed to enable you to become an independent learner.

The module is supported by a teaching and learning plan which outlines the formal sessions, together with the tutor-directed study and independent reading. Interactive seminars will be tailored to address some of the specific issues that you meet within your discipline. Directed learning will require a range of activities including pre-reading, preparation for interactive activities and use of the e-learning platform. You will be expected to identify those skills which you need within your programme, and to develop these independently through a range of learning activities that might include extended reading and reflection.

The aim of this module is to enable you to undertake a substantial academic research project at the Masters level and present the results from this work in both written and oral forms. Your project itself will be a major piece of independent and original research centred at the forefront of your programme discipline within the wider sphere of the computer science and digital technologies field.

You will experience the full life cycle of a research project from initial conception and development of a research proposal, through a critical review of the literature, planning, design, implementation and analysis of your main research project, to final evaluation, reflection and dissemination. You will be expected to consider and address the professional, ethical, legal and social issues related to this academic research project. You will also be expected to apply your expertise, project management and practical skills within your particular domain of computer science and digital technologies and demonstrate critical and innovative thinking and problem-solving within a research environment.

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The course information displayed on this page is correct for the academic year 2023/24. We aim to run the course as advertised however, changes may be necessary due to updates to the curriculum (due to academic or industry developments), student demand or UK compliance reasons.

Tuition fees 2023/24

  • UK/Home students: £9,960
  • International students: £19,000

Tuition fees 2024/25

  • UK/Home: £10,460
  • International students: £19,750

Please note that your tuition fees do not include the cost of course books that you may choose to purchase, stationery, printing and photocopying, accommodation, living expenses, travel or any other extracurricular activities. As a Northumbria University London Campus student, you will have full access to our online digital library with over 400,000 e-books and 50,000 electronic journals.

The modules you will study do not require you to purchase additional textbooks although we recommend you allow an additional £200-250 for the duration of your studies should you choose to purchase any additional reading materials.

Information for international students

Northumbria University is committed to providing the best possible experience to all our students. To ensure you secure your place with us, we require our international students to pay a deposit towards their fees. More information can be found here.

Your tuition fees cover far more than your time in class with our expert academics, it covers the cost of providing you with excellent services and student experience.

  • Contact time in class – typically in lectures, seminars and tutorials
  • Access to facilities, including computers, on-campus Wi-Fi, printers, vending machines, quiet study spaces
  • The support of our Careers & Employment Service who help you to become more employable, secure placements and run workshops
  • Academic support – our ACE Team run multiple sessions on academic writing, presenting, exam techniques throughout the semester, as well as 1-2-1 appointments and drop-in sessions
  • Student support services such as our Ask4Help Service. Find out more about the services available to you on our Student Support page
  • Access to online resources, including 24/ 7 Library with over 400,000 e-books and 50,000 electronic journals.

Scholarships and bursaries for international students

Depending on the country you are from, you may be eligible for a country bursary and/or scholarship when studying the MSc Cyber Security Technology programme.

All of our scholarships and bursaries are automatically applied when we process your application and one of our team will be able to confirm your eligibility.

London Cost of Living Bursary

Eligible international students will receive an automatic bursary for £1,334, covering one month’s living costs in London*, applied at the Conditional Offer as a fee discount. This bursary is effective for intakes in May 2024, September 2024, January 2025 and May 2025. This offer excludes Pre-sessional English, standalone Graduate Certificate programmes and sponsored applicants.

If you receive this bursary, you may still be eligible for additional bursaries and scholarships, these will be confirmed at the Unconditional Offer stage. Full maintenance costs still need to be evidenced when applying for your visa.

This bursary is only available for international students from specific countries. Please visit our Scholarships page for more information.

*As defined by UKVI

Scholarships and bursaries

Payment plans for self-funded students

If you need support to spread the cost of your tuition, you may be eligible for our payment plan.

Payment plans

Government Loan for Masters study

If you are a UK or Home student, you may be eligible for a postgraduate loan of up to £10,000+ from the UK Government. Click here to find out more about the loan and whether you are eligible to receive it.

Postgraduate Loan

How to find out more

Enquire now to find out more information about the course, studying with us, the application process, and to ask any other questions you may have.

Enquire now

How to apply

Once you’re ready to apply, you can apply online to study the 1 year MSc Cyber Security Technology. This method allows you to upload your supporting documents at the time of application and automatically receive your student application number.

Apply for May 2024
Apply for 1 year MSc

 

Apply for September 2024
Apply for 1 year MSc

 

We strongly recommend that you submit your application as early as possible to allow you to complete all of the preparations needed to study your programme. Please refer to the Dates and Fees page.

You can check more information on how to apply here, including guidelines for the application forms.

Information For Disabled Applicants

At Northumbria University London we welcome applications from disabled students and are committed to ensuring an equal and accessible application journey. Your application will be considered on an equal basis to all other applications. Please contact us if you require any assistance. This website is continually optimised to adhere to accessibility best practice guidelines; tools to assist users with specific accessibility requirements have also been provided. More information is available in our accessibility statement.

 

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  • 1 year MSc
  • Advanced Practice

1 year MSc

Level of study:

Postgraduate

2023/24 Tuition fee:

UK/Home Fee: £9,960
International Fee: £19,000

Entry requirements:

Minimum 2:2 honours degree, or equivalent in any subject

English language requirements:

IELTS 6.5, with no single element below 5.5 or equivalent

Mode of study:

Full-time classroom

Duration:

1 year (up to 2 years with advanced practice)

Assessment methods:

Coursework

Scholarship or bursaries:

Available

Student finance:

Available

Payment plan:

Available

Starts:

January, May, September

Next application deadline

Advanced Practice

Level of study:

Postgraduate

2023/24 Tuition fee:

UK/Home Fee: £12,960
International Fee: £22,000

Entry requirements:

Minimum 2:2 honours degree, or equivalent in any subject

English language requirements:

IELTS 6.5, with no single element below 5.5 or equivalent

Mode of study:

advanced-practice

Duration:

16-24 months

Assessment methods:

Coursework

Scholarship or bursaries:

Not available

Student finance:

Available

Payment plan:

Available

Starts:

January, May, September

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