What will I study?
The programme aims to provide you with advanced and specialist knowledge and skills in the field of cyber security. Your MSc Cyber Security will cover topics such as
- Information Governance and Security
- Information Assurance and Risk Management
- Wireless Networks and Security
- Network Security
- Ethical Hacking for Cyber Security.
You will also develop your research and project management skills, in particular, to support your preparation for your MSc project. In your final semester, you will complete a major individual project, where you will receive one-to-one tuition and supervision from a relevant academic supervisor.
This project will provide you with a platform to undertake a substantial piece of individual research. To do this you will utilise appropriate advanced research, critical evaluation and synthesis techniques.
Our MSc Cyber Security has been awarded provisional certification in Cyber Security from the NCSC (National Cyber Security Centre). This places us in an elite group of postgraduate providers which have achieved this standard.
This programme is also available part-time or as MSc Cyber Security with Advanced Practice which includes either an internship, consultancy project or research project.
Ultimately, as a graduate of MSc Cyber Security you will be able to:
- Demonstrate complex, specialised knowledge and skills and appreciate innovations, advances and major issues in the field of cyber security
- Deal with complex issues both creatively and systematically, and show originality in tackling and solving problems
- Work both individually and as a member of a team, recognising different team roles and multi-cultural environmental issues
- Communicate balanced judgements effectively (in writing and verbally) at the appropriate business and technical level with users, management, customers and technical specialists, justifying work in the context of wider theories and practice, including when considering incomplete or ambiguous data
- Critically understand computing systems in relation to cyber security issues
- Act in a professional and ethical manner in the development and use of computing systems
- Satisfy the educational requirements of the BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT for professional membership
How will I be taught and assessed?
Throughout the course, you will be able to trial new approaches and processes in a safe environment, working on real-life scenarios and case studies.
- Teaching is delivered through tutorials, lectures and practicals, totalling between 12-13 hours per week.
- You will also be expected to engage in independent study, around 29 hours per week.
- Assessment includes a mix of coursework methods.
- 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
For those with high career aspirations, this programme can give you an extra edge in today’s competitive job market. Graduates from the programme will be equipped to work in a variety of careers in the IT industry or to progress to academic or research-orientated careers. Job roles, including roles in leadership and management, could include working in, for example, software engineering, network design and management, network security, artificial intelligence or IT consultancy.
This programme will prepare you to meet the educational requirements of the BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the further learning academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
Advanced Practice stage
The Advanced Practice version of this course offers you a valuable opportunity to secure a work placement or research placement, giving you the experience of the workplace environment or live Cyber Security issues, and an excellent way to put your learning into practice. This stage of the programme will take place between your second and final semester, and is a semester-long (12-15 weeks approx.) in duration. Internships as part of the Advanced Practice stage may be paid or unpaid. The alternative research placement allows you to work on a research project to carry out active research. Whether you choose the internship or research project, you will successfully develop your cyber skills and further enhance your employability.
Upon successfully completing your course, you may undertake further professional development and training through Professional Pathways programmes. This additional training is offered to our graduates for free, from our partner, QA and provides you with an excellent opportunity to undertake professional training at the end of your Masters from one of the UK’s leading corporate training providers, further enhancing your professional development and employability skills. Find out more about Professional Pathways and your eligibility.
Related reading
From your Programme Leader, Hamid Jahankhani:
Cyber Security reading:
Enquire now
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
- Minimum 2:2 (second class) honours degree or equivalent from a recognised university in a related subject (IT/Computer Science/related field)
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 with non-standard prior learning and or relevant work experience and training are encouraged to apply. A CV (curriculum vitae) made up of prior work experience and training would need to be submitted for consideration by our faculty alongside the standard application.
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.
Pathway courses and support for international students
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.
Enquire now
Modules
All modules on this course are core and 20 credits unless otherwise stated.
Information Governance and Security
In this module, you will learn about the information governance and cyber security principles that underpin the management of an organisation’s information assets. You will critically analyse the key concepts, theories, standards and frameworks of information governance and security, including risk management.
It will enable you to evaluate an organisation’s current approach to information governance and cyber security. You will have the expertise to advise on the design and implementation of an appropriate strategy for managing an organisation’s information (ensuring all assets meet legal, regulatory, organisational and/or societal needs for information governance and security.
Network Security
The main objective of this module is to provide you with in-depth coverage of the fundamental concepts, principles and technologies for network security. This module will provide you with a theoretical and practical understanding of two important aspects related to security namely, data security and network security.
The module will cover a number of topics including cryptography, classical systems, IP protocol security, private and public-key cryptography, cryptographic protocols, hash functions, authentication, signature schemes, email and web security, viruses, and firewalls. The concepts introduced in lectures are reinforced with the help of extensive hands-on laboratory workshops.
You will also have the opportunity to develop practical networking skills by using Cisco IOS, the configuration of firewalls, switches and routers. You will also explore the wider impact of security via a consideration of related legal, ethical and social issues.
Wireless Networks and Security
This module is designed to be suitable for a variety of networking professional roles including those wishing to gain a deeper understanding of 802.11 protocols, security and enterprise deployment. Additionally, it is suitable for wireless network administrators and support or design staff requiring a greater understanding of the new technologies and applications of modern converged networks and delegates seeking Certified Wireless Network Associate (or similar) certification. You will study the following areas:
- Enterprise wireless deployment elements and methodologies
- Basic RF characteristics for mobile systems
- 11 protocol operation and technologies
- Wireless security issues and attack vulnerabilities
Information Assurance and Risk Management
This module will provide you with an in-depth knowledge of the processes used in assuring the security of information during use, sharing, storage, transmission and disposal. It will cover the protection of the integrity, authenticity, availability and confidentiality of all classes of information.
The module is designed to provide a comprehensive framework for ensuring the resilience of business activities during threats and disruptive events thus enabling the assessment of potential risks to the business which could result from disasters or emergency situations.
You will develop an in-depth understanding of the different types of business interruptions – man-made, natural disasters and technology failures – and the potential damage/revenue losses that can result from them. It is crucial to perform regular disaster recovery testing exercises in order to prove that organisations can recover from a catastrophic loss of data and facilities.
Ethical Hacking for Cyber Security
This module will enable you to develop a deep understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of Ethical Hacking. An essential part of a modern organisation’s e-security. The module includes testing and analysis to determine vulnerabilities. Carrying out such work requires a special skill set, which crosses, legal issues, psychology, computer networks along with detailed understanding of system vulnerabilities and exploits. Additionally, you will be exposed to a collection of industry-standard hacking tools and will learn how to apply these in an ethical manner to determine system vulnerabilities.
Research Methods and Project Management
In this module you will learn about research and the processes involved in carrying out research and project management, and you will apply them to develop a master’s project proposal. This will include research approaches and methods of research, including literature searching, evaluation and review and project management tools and techniques. You will also consider relevant legal, ethical and social issues and good professional practice.
By the end of this module you will have constructed a project proposal which can be executed in a master’s project. This will contain a brief literature review justifying a research question, establish aims and objectives, and provide a plan of execution, using tools and techniques in project management, including an outline of deliverables (both artefacts and products).
MSc Computer Science and Digital Technologies Project (60 credits)
The aim of this module is to enable you to undertake a substantial academic research project at 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.
Enquire now
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.
Fees and finance
Tuition fees 2023/24
- UK/Home students: £9,960
- International students: £19,000
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 £100 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.
What’s included in your tuition fees?
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
If you are an international student and choose to study the full-time programme, you will be eligible for either our programme bursary or a country bursary, whichever is greater. High performing students may be eligible for an academic scholarship in addition.
Depending on the country you are from, you may be eligible for one of our country bursaries and/scholarships to help finance your studies.
All of our scholarships and bursaries are automatically applied when we process your application and our team will be able to confirm your eligibility.
Scholarships and bursaries
Payment plans for self-funded students
If you need 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 apply or find out more
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 1 year MSc Cyber Security. This method allows you to upload your supporting documents at the time of application and automatically receive your student application number.
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. After receiving an offer it can take time to arrange your finances and apply for your visa (if required) and it is important that you arrive in good time to enrol onto your course. 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.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
- Minimum 2:2 (second class) honours degree or equivalent from a recognised university in a related subject
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 with non-standard prior learning and or relevant work experience and training are encouraged to apply. A CV (curriculum vitae) made up of prior work experience and training would need to be submitted for consideration by our faculty alongside the standard application.
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.
Pathway courses and support for international students
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.
Enquire now
Modules
All modules on this course are core and 20 credits unless otherwise stated.
Information Governance and Security
In this module, you will learn about the information governance and cyber security principles that underpin the management of an organisation’s information assets. You will critically analyse the key concepts, theories, standards and frameworks of information governance and security, including risk management.
It will enable you to evaluate an organisation’s current approach to information governance and cyber security. You will have the expertise to advise on the design and implementation of an appropriate strategy for managing an organisation’s information (ensuring all assets meet legal, regulatory, organisational and/or societal needs for information governance and security.
Network Security
The main objective of this module is to provide you with an in-depth coverage of the fundamental concepts, principles and technologies for network security. This module will provide you with a theoretical and practical understanding of two important aspects related to security namely, data security and network security.
The module will cover a number of topics including cryptography, classical systems, IP protocol security, private and public-key cryptography, cryptographic protocols, hash functions, authentication, signature schemes, email and web security, viruses, and firewalls. The concepts introduced in lectures are reinforced with the help of extensive hands-on laboratory workshops.
You will also have the opportunity to develop practical networking skills by using Cisco IOS, a configuration of firewalls, switches and routers. You will also explore the wider impact of security via a consideration of related legal, ethical and social issues.
Wireless Networks and Security
This module is designed to be suitable for a variety of networking professional roles including those wishing to gain a deeper understanding of 802.11 protocols, security and enterprise deployment. Additionally, it is suitable for wireless network administrators and support or design staff requiring a greater understanding of the new technologies and applications of modern converged networks and delegates seeking Certified Wireless Network Associate (or similar) certification. You will study the following areas:
- Enterprise wireless deployment elements and methodologies
- Basic RF characteristics for mobile systems
- 11 protocol operation and technologies
- Wireless security issues and attack vulnerabilities
Information Assurance and Risk Management
This module will provide you with an in-depth knowledge of the processes used in assuring the security of information during use, sharing, storage, transmission and disposal. It will cover the protection of the integrity, authenticity, availability and confidentiality of all classes of information.
The module is designed to provide a comprehensive framework for ensuring the resilience of business activities during threats and disruptive events thus enabling the assessment of potential risks to the business which could result from disasters or emergency situations.
You will develop an in-depth understanding of the different types of business interruptions – man-made, natural disasters and technology failures – and the potential damage/revenue losses that can result from them. It is crucial to perform regular disaster recovery testing exercises in order to prove that organisations can recover from a catastrophic loss of data and facilities.
Ethical Hacking for Cyber Security
This module will enable you to develop a deep understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of Ethical Hacking. An essential part of a modern organisation’s e-security. The module includes testing and analysis to determine vulnerabilities. Carrying out such work requires a special skill set, which crosses, legal issues, psychology, computer networks along with a detailed understanding of system vulnerabilities and exploits. Additionally, you will be exposed to a collection of industry-standard hacking tools and will learn how to apply these in an ethical manner to determine system vulnerabilities.
Research Methods and Project Management
In this module, you will learn about research and the processes involved in carrying out research and project management, and you will apply them to develop a master’s project proposal. This will include research approaches and methods of research, including literature searching, evaluation and review and project management tools and techniques. You will also consider relevant legal, ethical and social issues and good professional practice.
By the end of this module you will have constructed a project proposal that can be executed in a master’s project. This will contain a brief literature review justifying a research question, establish aims and objectives, and provide a plan of execution, using tools and techniques in project management, including an outline of deliverables (both artefacts and products).
MSc Computer Science and Digital Technologies Project (60 credits)
The aim of this module is to enable you to undertake a substantial academic research project at 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.
Advanced Practice (60 credits)
Internship/Work Placement Option:
During the work placement/internship, the student will have a workplace mentor, normally a member of the employer’s senior staff and a visiting tutor from the Faculty.
When a work placement has been secured the students must complete a ‘work placement confirmation’ form. This form identifies the employer and job title and will assist allow the faculty to confirm that the work placement is academically acceptable.
The student will then be asked to complete and confidential personal risk assessment form which covers health issues and any travel risks inherent in the work role. The employer completes a learning agreement that identifies and work-related health and safety risks and confirms Employer and Public Liability insurance.
Prior to taking up the work placement students will complete a self-assessment questionnaire to establish personal competencies. Then, working with the employer and visiting tutor identify learning and development experiences available in the workplace. This will take the form of a personal learning contract. At the end of the placement, the student will repeat the competence assessment to provide a framework for the reflective account of the placement which forms the assessment of the module.
Study Log: During your placement, it is advisable to maintain a Study Log that details work experience and learning achieved. This gives you a framework for discussion with your supervisor.
Research Placement
The University has a number of Research Institutes and interest groups carrying out active research at the cutting edge of your Masters study. If you wish to participate in one of the research groups associated with your programme of study you will need to contact the module tutor who will introduce you to appropriate research professors. Following a successful interview, you will be assigned a role in an ongoing research project. The Faculty will take responsibility for health and safety issues around your placement.
The student, research team and module tutor will identify learning outcomes available within the research group and establish a personal learning contract with the student. At the end of the placement, the student will provide evidence of the learning achieved as part of the reflective account of the placement.
Enquire now
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.
Fees and finance
Tuition fees 2023/24
- UK/Home students: £12,960
- International students: £22,000
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 £100 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.
What’s included in your tuition fees?
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 can 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
If you are an international student and choose to study the full-time programme, you will be eligible for either our programme bursary or a country bursary, whichever is greater. High performing students may be eligible for an academic scholarship in addition.
Depending on the country you are from, you may be eligible for one of our country bursaries and/scholarships to help finance your studies.
All of our scholarships and bursaries are automatically applied when we process your application and our team will be able to confirm your eligibility.
Scholarships and bursaries
Payment plans for self-funded students
If you need 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 the UK or a 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 apply or find out more
How to find out more
Enquire now to find out 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 MSc Cyber Security with Advanced Practice. This method allows you to upload your supporting documents at the time of application and automatically receive your student application number.
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. After receiving an offer it can take time to arrange your finances and apply for your visa (if required) and it is important that you arrive in good time to enrol onto your course. 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.
