• Postgraduate

Cyber Security MSc

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Overview

Overview

As demand for cyber security professionals in the UK and worldwide continues to surge, this course will prepare you for the challenge of keeping IT environments safe and secure in a world where data is constantly under attack. The MSc Cyber Security course gives you a broad understanding of the latest practices and techniques for cyber security systems development and operations.

You will be able to analyse the legal, social, ethical and professional issues involved in the human aspects of cyber security and be guided by the adoption of appropriate professional, ethical and legal practices. The course is particularly designed to tackle industry needs and job market challenges and produces informed graduates who are suitably equipped to thrive.

Upon graduation, you will have the critical skills and techniques essential for security-related jobs/roles in a rapidly evolving and diverse environment to appropriately solve typical cyber security problems.

You will also develop the necessary research competencies and build a solid foundation for applied research in cyber security, which will create pathways to further study such as a PhD.

The Course Leaders for the MSc Cyber Security course are Professor Wei Jie and Dr Alireza Esfahani. 

Study options

As well as the full-time and  part-time options, this course can be studied with:

Pre-Masters: If you have an undergraduate degree but do not meet the entry criteria or English language requirements for this course, you may qualify for our Extended Masters or Enhanced Extended Masters courses. 

Internship: Take this course with an eight-week internship.

Select your desired study option, then pick a start date to see relevant course information:

Study options:
We support flexible study by offering some of our courses part-time or via distance learning. To give you real world experience before you graduate, we also offer some courses with a placement or internship. All available options are listed here. Your choices may affect some details of your course, such as the duration and cost per year. Please re-check the details on this page if you change your selection.

Start date:

If your desired start date is not available, try selecting a different study option.

Why study Cyber Security with us?

Why study Cyber Security with us?

A collage of students

What our students say…

As an industry professional, I was sceptical about what postgraduate study could offer but the course was fantastic, with amazing facilities. The course challenged me to think in a different way and helped me to develop a holistic approach to the industry I work in. After finishing my course, I was promoted to Head of Global Security Operations and now I am moving to an even bigger company with a broader role.

Luca
Next
This degree is accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institure of IT
Internship Study Option
Tile: Mac and PC Labs
A female student sitting down with a mentor
Course detail & modules

Course detail & modules

Through this course, you will be geared up for a professional career in cyber security. You will gain a practical understanding of issues surrounding the design, analysis and implementation of modern secure IT systems in an industry context.

Along the way you will develop an appreciation of commercial and open source cyber security equipment, software and services based on industry standard technologies  In addition, you will discover how cyber security systems are designed and constructed, and the impact this technology has on organisations.

You will gain the skills you need to work effectively in a business environment, and provide a solid basis for cyber security research and development.

The course is taught by an academic team with extensive research and professional practice directly in cyber security. All the tutors have the academic and industry knowledge and experience to support your development. A strong supportive culture exists among the course tutors which enables you to grow and succeed.

We use a variety of teaching methods including lectures, seminars, laboratory work and report writing, to help you make the most of your learning experience. You will also have access to laboratories and dedicated ICT suites with specialist networks and software, plus ample space for private study and meetings.

The School of Computing and Engineering has strong industry links, creating opportunities for industry projects, work placements and internships for our students.

Pre-Masters (Extended Masters and Enhanced Extended Masters)

Our Extended Masters and Enhanced Extended Masters courses are intended for students who already have an undergraduate degree but don't meet the entry requirements to study for a Masters degree.

Over a full-time semester, you will study four modules specially designed to improve your academic and English language skills:

  • Advanced Study Skills
  • Critical Thinking, Analysis and Evaluation
  • Statistics
  • English (Business English on the Enhanced course)

Once completed, you will progress directly onto the core Masters course.

What's the difference between an Extended Masters and an Enhanced Extended Masters? The Enhanced Extended Masters is similar to the Extended Masters but with a greater focus on improving your English skills. It also includes a Business English module which will allow you to gain a full understanding of this critical subject area.

For more information see our Pre-Masters page. 

Internship*

You can choose to take this course with an eight-week internship at a relevant organisation. If you choose this option you can gain workplace experience, develop new skills and connect with potential employers.

You will have an academic supervisor throughout the duration of your internship.

Please note: There is no guarantee that you will be successful in securing an internship. If you are unable to secure a placement/internship opportunity, the University will transfer you to the non-internship/placement route. 

*The internship route for this course is open to UK students only.

You must take all compulsory modules and may choose two of the optional modules listed excluding Learning and Professional Development and Programming Support which are additional optional support modules.

If you are an international student the Learning and Professional development module is compulsory.

You must have an internship by May to qualify for an internship otherwise you will be transferred to the regular non-internship version of the course.

Compulsory modules

  • Fundamentals of Cyber Security

    On this module you will get an introduction to the key techniques and technologies used in cyber security. The module covers symmetric and asymmetric encryption, steganography, principles of cryptanalysis, message confidentiality, message authentication, security protocols and security in distributed systems as well as the application of cryptographic techniques to authentication and identity management.

  • Security Operations and Assurance

    This module will introduce you to security operations and assurance of systems, networks, data and user identities, which is an essential aspect of organisation and information systems.

  • Network and Systems Security

    This module will introduce you to network and systems security. You will start by looking at security threats, vulnerabilities and attack patterns, then progress to firewalls, intrusion detection, and protection systems for networks and computer systems. Finally, you will examine security management, such as Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems.

  • Research Methods

  • Dissertation with Internship

    With this module, you have the opportunity to carry out an original piece of research under supervision in addition to a six-month internship, adding to existing knowledge and demonstrating an ability to select, define and focus on a cyber security topic at an appropriate level. You will also develop and apply relevant methodologies to analyse your topic areas, and to develop recommendations and logical conclusions in the context of existing work in the area. 

    You need to complete all six modules of the course before starting your internship.

  • Employability Skills and Employment

    This module will give you an opportunity to prepare for employment. In addition to learning about the industry requirements for a professional career, you will develop study skills at postgraduate level to prepare you for the rest of your course.

Optional modules

  • Machine Learning

    Machine learning is an application of artificial intelligence that provides systems with the ability to automatically learn and improve from experience without being explicitly programmed.

    This module familiarises you with some basic machine learning algorithms and techniques and their applications, as well as general questions related to analysing and handling large data sets. Several software libraries and data sets publicly available will be used to illustrate the application of these algorithms. The emphasis will be thus on machine learning algorithms and applications, with some broad explanation of the underlying principles.

  • Mobile Web Component Development

    During this module you will be introduced to the concepts and techniques required to support component-based development for mobile web. The module will also give you practical experience in modelling component specifications as well as an indication of future developments in this area.

  • Principles of Project Management

    During this module you will be introduced to the concepts, principles and techniques needed for effective project management. The module covers the roles, responsibilities and skills required to work in ever-changing project environments and how these relate to effective project management.

  • Consultancy and Technological Innovation

    On this module you will explore the skills needed to understand, and work in, the complex multi-sourced environment that supports business change. Focusing on the strategic management of leading-edge technology, you will examine the organisational structure of IT, including systems integrators and consultancy, and gain an overview of the IT consulting world, its principles and practice.

  • Programming Support

  • Big Data Analytics

    Big data is a fast-growing field and skills in the area are some of the most in-demand today. Big data technologies cover a range of architectures, frameworks and algorithms designed to handle very large and often highly complex datasets.

    The module will enable you to understand big data, its applications and associated issues for storing, managing, processing and analysing massive amounts of datasets, as well as become familiar with software tools and frameworks underpinning big data analytics.

    You will also acquire the knowledge of statistical, mathematical and machine-learning techniques, and develop the ability to design and implement big data analytics modelling and applications to real-world problems.

  • Knowledge Management

    In this module you will be exposed to the concepts and fundamental principles of knowledge management. You will explore the methods, techniques and circumstances in which knowledge management principles can be applied. It will provide you with a range of views on the social, behavioural and organisational conditions associated with bioinformatics knowledge and data management. It will also introduce you to a range of tools and techniques to support the curation, management and dissemination of knowledge including knowledge representation, ontologies, data mining and knowledge storage.

  • Learning and Professional Development

    This preparatory module is for all students enrolling on master's courses. On it, you will study Learning and Professional Development (LPD), which is designed to orientate new master's students, and especially international students, to master's-level study.

Compulsory modules

You must take all compulsory modules and may choose two out of the seven optional modules listed.

If you are an international student the Learning and Professional Development module is compulsory.

  • Network and Systems Security

    This module will introduce you to network and systems security. You will start by looking at security threats, vulnerabilities and attack patterns, then progress to firewalls, intrusion detection, and protection systems for networks and computer systems. Finally, you will examine security management, such as Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems.

  • Security Operations and Assurance

    This module will introduce you to security operations and assurance of systems, networks, data and user identities, which is an essential aspect of organisation and information systems.

  • Fundamentals of Cyber Security

    On this module you will get an introduction to the key techniques and technologies used in cyber security. The module covers symmetric and asymmetric encryption, steganography, principles of cryptanalysis, message confidentiality, message authentication, security protocols and security in distributed systems as well as the application of cryptographic techniques to authentication and identity management.

  • Research Methods

    You will prepare to carry out master's-level applied research in computing, with a focus on cyber security. You will learn to use appropriate research methodologies and tools to support your research ideas and develop your writing skills.

  • Dissertation

Optional modules

  • Consultancy and Technological Innovation

    On this module you will explore the skills needed to understand, and work in, the complex multi-sourced environment that supports business change. Focusing on the strategic management of leading-edge technology, you will examine the organisational structure of IT, including systems integrators and consultancy, and gain an overview of the IT consulting world, its principles and practice.

  • Mobile Web Component Development

    During this module you will be introduced to the concepts and techniques required to support component-based development for mobile web. The module will also give you practical experience in modelling component specifications as well as an indication of future developments in this area.

  • Principles of Project Management

    During this module you will be introduced to the concepts, principles and techniques needed for effective project management. The module covers the roles, responsibilities and skills required to work in ever-changing project environments and how these relate to effective project management.

  • Machine Learning

    Machine learning is an application of artificial intelligence that provides systems with the ability to automatically learn and improve from experience without being explicitly programmed.

    This module familiarises you with some basic machine learning algorithms and techniques and their applications, as well as general questions related to analysing and handling large data sets. Several software libraries and data sets publicly available will be used to illustrate the application of these algorithms. The emphasis will be thus on machine learning algorithms and applications, with some broad explanation of the underlying principles.

  • Programming Support

  • Learning and Professional Development

    This preparatory module is for all students enrolling on master's courses. On it, you will study Learning and Professional Development (LPD), which is designed to orientate new master's students, and especially international students, to master's-level study.

  • Knowledge Management

    In this module you will be exposed to the concepts and fundamental principles of knowledge management. You will explore the methods, techniques and circumstances in which knowledge management principles can be applied. It will provide you with a range of views on the social, behavioural and organisational conditions associated with bioinformatics knowledge and data management. It will also introduce you to a range of tools and techniques to support the curation, management and dissemination of knowledge including knowledge representation, ontologies, data mining and knowledge storage.

  • Big Data Analytics

    Big data is a fast-growing field and skills in the area are some of the most in-demand today. Big data technologies cover a range of architectures, frameworks and algorithms designed to handle very large and often highly complex datasets.

    The module will enable you to understand big data, its applications and associated issues for storing, managing, processing and analysing massive amounts of datasets, as well as become familiar with software tools and frameworks underpinning big data analytics.

    You will also acquire the knowledge of statistical, mathematical and machine-learning techniques, and develop the ability to design and implement big data analytics modelling and applications to real-world problems.

  • Employability Skills and Employment

    This module will give you an opportunity to prepare for employment. In addition to learning about the industry requirements for a professional career, you will develop study skills at postgraduate level to prepare you for the rest of your course.

Compulsory modules

You must take all compulsory modules and may choose two out of the seven optional modules listed.

If you are an international student the Learning and Professional Development module is compulsory.

  • Network and Systems Security

    This module will introduce you to network and systems security. You will start by looking at security threats, vulnerabilities and attack patterns, then progress to firewalls, intrusion detection, and protection systems for networks and computer systems. Finally, you will examine security management, such as Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems.

  • Security Operations and Assurance

    This module will introduce you to security operations and assurance of systems, networks, data and user identities, which is an essential aspect of organisation and information systems.

  • Fundamentals of Cyber Security

    On this module you will get an introduction to the key techniques and technologies used in cyber security. The module covers symmetric and asymmetric encryption, steganography, principles of cryptanalysis, message confidentiality, message authentication, security protocols and security in distributed systems as well as the application of cryptographic techniques to authentication and identity management.

  • Research Methods

    You will prepare to carry out master's-level applied research in computing, with a focus on cyber security. You will learn to use appropriate research methodologies and tools to support your research ideas and develop your writing skills.

  • Dissertation

Optional modules

  • Consultancy and Technological Innovation

    On this module you will explore the skills needed to understand, and work in, the complex multi-sourced environment that supports business change. Focusing on the strategic management of leading-edge technology, you will examine the organisational structure of IT, including systems integrators and consultancy, and gain an overview of the IT consulting world, its principles and practice.

  • Mobile Web Component Development

    During this module you will be introduced to the concepts and techniques required to support component-based development for mobile web. The module will also give you practical experience in modelling component specifications as well as an indication of future developments in this area.

  • Principles of Project Management

    During this module you will be introduced to the concepts, principles and techniques needed for effective project management. The module covers the roles, responsibilities and skills required to work in ever-changing project environments and how these relate to effective project management.

  • Machine Learning

    Machine learning is an application of artificial intelligence that provides systems with the ability to automatically learn and improve from experience without being explicitly programmed.

    This module familiarises you with some basic machine learning algorithms and techniques and their applications, as well as general questions related to analysing and handling large data sets. Several software libraries and data sets publicly available will be used to illustrate the application of these algorithms. The emphasis will be thus on machine learning algorithms and applications, with some broad explanation of the underlying principles.

  • Programming Support

  • Learning and Professional Development

    This preparatory module is for all students enrolling on master's courses. On it, you will study Learning and Professional Development (LPD), which is designed to orientate new master's students, and especially international students, to master's-level study.

  • Knowledge Management

    In this module you will be exposed to the concepts and fundamental principles of knowledge management. You will explore the methods, techniques and circumstances in which knowledge management principles can be applied. It will provide you with a range of views on the social, behavioural and organisational conditions associated with bioinformatics knowledge and data management. It will also introduce you to a range of tools and techniques to support the curation, management and dissemination of knowledge including knowledge representation, ontologies, data mining and knowledge storage.

  • Big Data Analytics

    Big data is a fast-growing field and skills in the area are some of the most in-demand today. Big data technologies cover a range of architectures, frameworks and algorithms designed to handle very large and often highly complex datasets.

    The module will enable you to understand big data, its applications and associated issues for storing, managing, processing and analysing massive amounts of datasets, as well as become familiar with software tools and frameworks underpinning big data analytics.

    You will also acquire the knowledge of statistical, mathematical and machine-learning techniques, and develop the ability to design and implement big data analytics modelling and applications to real-world problems.

  • Employability Skills and Employment

    This module will give you an opportunity to prepare for employment. In addition to learning about the industry requirements for a professional career, you will develop study skills at postgraduate level to prepare you for the rest of your course.

Compulsory modules

You must take all compulsory modules and may choose two out of the seven optional modules listed.

If you are an international student the Learning and Professional Development module is compulsory.

  • Network and Systems Security

    This module will introduce you to network and systems security. You will start by looking at security threats, vulnerabilities and attack patterns, then progress to firewalls, intrusion detection, and protection systems for networks and computer systems. Finally, you will examine security management, such as Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems.

  • Security Operations and Assurance

    This module will introduce you to security operations and assurance of systems, networks, data and user identities, which is an essential aspect of organisation and information systems.

  • Fundamentals of Cyber Security

    On this module you will get an introduction to the key techniques and technologies used in cyber security. The module covers symmetric and asymmetric encryption, steganography, principles of cryptanalysis, message confidentiality, message authentication, security protocols and security in distributed systems as well as the application of cryptographic techniques to authentication and identity management.

  • Research Methods

    You will prepare to carry out master's-level applied research in computing, with a focus on cyber security. You will learn to use appropriate research methodologies and tools to support your research ideas and develop your writing skills.

  • Dissertation

Optional modules

  • Consultancy and Technological Innovation

    On this module you will explore the skills needed to understand, and work in, the complex multi-sourced environment that supports business change. Focusing on the strategic management of leading-edge technology, you will examine the organisational structure of IT, including systems integrators and consultancy, and gain an overview of the IT consulting world, its principles and practice.

  • Mobile Web Component Development

    During this module you will be introduced to the concepts and techniques required to support component-based development for mobile web. The module will also give you practical experience in modelling component specifications as well as an indication of future developments in this area.

  • Principles of Project Management

    During this module you will be introduced to the concepts, principles and techniques needed for effective project management. The module covers the roles, responsibilities and skills required to work in ever-changing project environments and how these relate to effective project management.

  • Machine Learning

    Machine learning is an application of artificial intelligence that provides systems with the ability to automatically learn and improve from experience without being explicitly programmed.

    This module familiarises you with some basic machine learning algorithms and techniques and their applications, as well as general questions related to analysing and handling large data sets. Several software libraries and data sets publicly available will be used to illustrate the application of these algorithms. The emphasis will be thus on machine learning algorithms and applications, with some broad explanation of the underlying principles.

  • Programming Support

  • Learning and Professional Development

    This preparatory module is for all students enrolling on master's courses. On it, you will study Learning and Professional Development (LPD), which is designed to orientate new master's students, and especially international students, to master's-level study.

  • Knowledge Management

    In this module you will be exposed to the concepts and fundamental principles of knowledge management. You will explore the methods, techniques and circumstances in which knowledge management principles can be applied. It will provide you with a range of views on the social, behavioural and organisational conditions associated with bioinformatics knowledge and data management. It will also introduce you to a range of tools and techniques to support the curation, management and dissemination of knowledge including knowledge representation, ontologies, data mining and knowledge storage.

  • Big Data Analytics

    Big data is a fast-growing field and skills in the area are some of the most in-demand today. Big data technologies cover a range of architectures, frameworks and algorithms designed to handle very large and often highly complex datasets.

    The module will enable you to understand big data, its applications and associated issues for storing, managing, processing and analysing massive amounts of datasets, as well as become familiar with software tools and frameworks underpinning big data analytics.

    You will also acquire the knowledge of statistical, mathematical and machine-learning techniques, and develop the ability to design and implement big data analytics modelling and applications to real-world problems.

  • Employability Skills and Employment

    This module will give you an opportunity to prepare for employment. In addition to learning about the industry requirements for a professional career, you will develop study skills at postgraduate level to prepare you for the rest of your course.

Compulsory modules

You must take all compulsory modules and may choose two out of the seven optional modules listed.

If you are an international student the Learning and Professional Development module is compulsory.

  • Network and Systems Security

    This module will introduce you to network and systems security. You will start by looking at security threats, vulnerabilities and attack patterns, then progress to firewalls, intrusion detection, and protection systems for networks and computer systems. Finally, you will examine security management, such as Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems.

  • Security Operations and Assurance

    This module will introduce you to security operations and assurance of systems, networks, data and user identities, which is an essential aspect of organisation and information systems.

  • Fundamentals of Cyber Security

    On this module you will get an introduction to the key techniques and technologies used in cyber security. The module covers symmetric and asymmetric encryption, steganography, principles of cryptanalysis, message confidentiality, message authentication, security protocols and security in distributed systems as well as the application of cryptographic techniques to authentication and identity management.

  • Research Methods

    You will prepare to carry out master's-level applied research in computing, with a focus on cyber security. You will learn to use appropriate research methodologies and tools to support your research ideas and develop your writing skills.

  • Dissertation

Optional modules

  • Consultancy and Technological Innovation

    On this module you will explore the skills needed to understand, and work in, the complex multi-sourced environment that supports business change. Focusing on the strategic management of leading-edge technology, you will examine the organisational structure of IT, including systems integrators and consultancy, and gain an overview of the IT consulting world, its principles and practice.

  • Mobile Web Component Development

    During this module you will be introduced to the concepts and techniques required to support component-based development for mobile web. The module will also give you practical experience in modelling component specifications as well as an indication of future developments in this area.

  • Principles of Project Management

    During this module you will be introduced to the concepts, principles and techniques needed for effective project management. The module covers the roles, responsibilities and skills required to work in ever-changing project environments and how these relate to effective project management.

  • Machine Learning

    Machine learning is an application of artificial intelligence that provides systems with the ability to automatically learn and improve from experience without being explicitly programmed.

    This module familiarises you with some basic machine learning algorithms and techniques and their applications, as well as general questions related to analysing and handling large data sets. Several software libraries and data sets publicly available will be used to illustrate the application of these algorithms. The emphasis will be thus on machine learning algorithms and applications, with some broad explanation of the underlying principles.

  • Programming Support

  • Learning and Professional Development

    This preparatory module is for all students enrolling on master's courses. On it, you will study Learning and Professional Development (LPD), which is designed to orientate new master's students, and especially international students, to master's-level study.

  • Knowledge Management

    In this module you will be exposed to the concepts and fundamental principles of knowledge management. You will explore the methods, techniques and circumstances in which knowledge management principles can be applied. It will provide you with a range of views on the social, behavioural and organisational conditions associated with bioinformatics knowledge and data management. It will also introduce you to a range of tools and techniques to support the curation, management and dissemination of knowledge including knowledge representation, ontologies, data mining and knowledge storage.

  • Big Data Analytics

    Big data is a fast-growing field and skills in the area are some of the most in-demand today. Big data technologies cover a range of architectures, frameworks and algorithms designed to handle very large and often highly complex datasets.

    The module will enable you to understand big data, its applications and associated issues for storing, managing, processing and analysing massive amounts of datasets, as well as become familiar with software tools and frameworks underpinning big data analytics.

    You will also acquire the knowledge of statistical, mathematical and machine-learning techniques, and develop the ability to design and implement big data analytics modelling and applications to real-world problems.

  • Employability Skills and Employment

    This module will give you an opportunity to prepare for employment. In addition to learning about the industry requirements for a professional career, you will develop study skills at postgraduate level to prepare you for the rest of your course.

You must take all compulsory modules and may choose two of the optional modules listed excluding Learning and Professional Development, Programming Support and Employability Skills and Employment which are additional optional support modules.

Internship students must take the Employability Skills and Employment module.

International students must take the Learning and Professional Development module.

Supporting modules

  • Employability Skills and Employment (for Internship students only)
  • Learning and Professional Development (for International students only)
  • Programming Support.

Compulsory modules

  • Fundamentals of Cyber Security

    On this module you will get an introduction to the key techniques and technologies used in cyber security. The module covers symmetric and asymmetric encryption, steganography, principles of cryptanalysis, message confidentiality, message authentication, security protocols and security in distributed systems as well as the application of cryptographic techniques to authentication and identity management.

  • Machine Learning

    Machine learning is an application of artificial intelligence that provides systems with the ability to automatically learn and improve from experience without being explicitly programmed.

    This module familiarises you with some basic machine learning algorithms and techniques and their applications, as well as general questions related to analysing and handling large data sets. Several software libraries and data sets publicly available will be used to illustrate the application of these algorithms. The emphasis will be thus on machine learning algorithms and applications, with some broad explanation of the underlying principles.

  • Network and Systems Security

    This module will introduce you to network and systems security. You will start by looking at security threats, vulnerabilities and attack patterns, then progress to firewalls, intrusion detection, and protection systems for networks and computer systems. Finally, you will examine security management, such as Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems.

  • Security Operations and Assurance

    This module will introduce you to security operations and assurance of systems, networks, data and user identities, which is an essential aspect of organisation and information systems.

  • Research Methods

    You will prepare to carry out master's-level applied research in computing, with a focus on cyber security. You will learn to use appropriate research methodologies and tools to support your research ideas and develop your writing skills.

  • Dissertation

    With this module, you have the opportunity to carry out an original piece of research, adding to existing knowledge and demonstrating an ability to select, define and focus on a cyber security topic at an appropriate level. You will also develop and apply relevant methodologies to analyse your topic areas, and to develop recommendations and logical conclusions in the context of existing work in the area.

Optional modules

  • Big Data Analytics

    Big data is a fast-growing field and skills in the area are some of the most in-demand today. Big data technologies cover a range of architectures, frameworks and algorithms designed to handle very large and often highly complex datasets.

    The module will enable you to understand big data, its applications and associated issues for storing, managing, processing and analysing massive amounts of datasets, as well as become familiar with software tools and frameworks underpinning big data analytics.

    You will also acquire the knowledge of statistical, mathematical and machine-learning techniques, and develop the ability to design and implement big data analytics modelling and applications to real-world problems.

  • Digital Transformation and Innovation

    This module aims to provide you with an understanding of digital transformation in a range of organisational contexts.

    It will provide you with an understanding of digital disruption and how tools and frameworks can be applied in the planning and implementation of a digital transformation strategy for an organisation.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

You should have an honours degree (2:2 or above) in a computing subject. A business or an engineering degree with a significant level of computing content may also be considered.

We will also consider equivalent professional qualifications or a relevant HND provided you can demonstrate relevant work experience. In this case you will have to complete an interview with your application and some optional modules may not be available without a first degree in computing.

Find out more about our processes for recognising previous experience.

Extended Masters Degree

To study the Extended Masters programme you will need:

  • a Bachelor's degree
  • international students need to meet our English language requirements of IELTS 6.5 or above and a minimum of 5.5 for each of the individual components (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening).
Enhanced Extended Masters Degree

To study the Enhanced Extended Masters programme you will need:

  • a Bachelor's degree
  • international students must meet our English language requirements at IELTS 6.0 or above, and a minimum of 5.5 for each of the individual components (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening).

Please note: If you qualify for a regular Masters, you will not be accepted on the Extended Masters or Enhanced Extended Masters course.

You need to meet our English language requirement - a minimum of IELTS 6.5, with a minimum of 5.5 for each of the 4 individual components (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening), TOEFL iBT at score 90 or above, Pearson PTW Academic at score 58 or above, or an equivalent English language test. Visit our English language requirements page for information on other English language tests we accept.

We offer pre-sessional English language courses if you do not meet these requirements.

Find out more about our English Language courses.

You also need Level 6 qualifications at the same level as UK applicants. In some countries where teaching is in English, we may accept local qualifications. Check for local equivalents.

Extended Masters Degree

To study the Extended Masters programme you will need:

  • a Bachelor's degree
  • international students need to meet our English language requirements of IELTS 6.5 or above and a minimum of 5.5 for each of the individual components (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening).
Enhanced Extended Masters Degree

To study the Enhanced Extended Masters programme you will need:

  • a Bachelor's degree
  • international students must meet our English language requirements at IELTS 6.0 or above, and a minimum of 5.5 for each of the individual components (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening).

Please note: If you qualify for a regular Masters, you will not be accepted on the Extended Masters or Enhanced Extended Masters course.

Fees & funding

Fees & funding

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Please note:

  • Fees for the 2026/27 academic year and onwards may be subject to Government regulation and change.
  • Tuition fees are charged for each year of your course. If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year.
  • If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.
  • If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

Funding your studies

If you are studying a Masters course you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan, this may help contribute towards your course fees and living costs.

Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as disabled students or those with dependants.

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries, including awards for specific subjects.

Awards for computing and engineering students are also on offer.

Help with funding
{{ formatCurrencyValue(currentVariantData.field_p_cv_int_main_fee.name) }} per year

Please note:

  • Fees for the 2026/27 academic year and onwards may be subject to Government regulation and change.
  • Tuition fees are charged for each year of your course. If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year.
  • If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.
  • If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

International students - funding your studies

We offer scholarships for international students including International Ambassador Scholarships. 

Further information about funding and financial support for international students is available from the UK Council for International Student Affairs.

 

Financial support for international students
Teaching staff

Teaching staff

Wei Jie

Professor Wei Jie

Professor Wei Jie has been teaching a wide range of computing modules at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, especially in the areas of data science, computer science, distributed systems, cyber security. He designed the BSc Cyber Security course and is currently leading the MSc Cyber Security course.

Professor Wei Jie has been teaching a wide range of computing modules at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, especially in the areas of data science, computer science, distributed systems, cyber security. He designed the BSc Cyber Security course and is currently leading the MSc Cyber Security course.

Study & career progression

Study & career progression

A female talking to colleagues in front of large data monitors

On completion of the course you have clear routes into a number of career opportunities especially in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry and in organisations that are data and knowledge intensive. Employers require information security officers at all levels including the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), network and computer security engineers, security managers and consultants, penetration testers, cyber security analysts, security investigators and security researchers to name a few of the roles. Additionally some security experts find themselves working in media, writing articles for magazines and papers etc. 

Typical job titles include:

  • Network or Computer Security Technician
  • Computer or Network Security Officer
  • Penetration Tester
  • Identity and Access Management Officer
  • Threat and Incident Response Analyst
  • Data Privacy Officer
  • Network Forensics Analyst
  • Data Protection Adviser
  • Security Operations Analyst
  • ISO27002 Lead Auditor
  • Cloud Security Architect
  • Security Consultant
  • IT Security Manager
  • Business Continuity Manager
  • Information Risk Manager
  • Information Governance Manager
  • Cryptographer/Cryptologist
  • Security Software Developer
  • Source Code Auditor
  • Virus Technician.

Outstanding graduates have gone on to further study at the level of MPhil and PhD at UWL and at other institutions.

We actively encourage students with potential for research to make their interest known early on in their course.
 

How to apply

How to apply

Search for courses

News

Important notes for applicants

Disclaimer

*Modern universities - defined as higher education institutions that were granted university status in, and subsequent to, 1992.

**The National Student Survey 2023 and 2024 - Average of answers to all questions by registered student population. Excludes specialist institutions.

Testimonials - our students or former students provided all of our testimonials - often a student from the course but sometimes another student. For example, the testimonial often comes from another UWL student when the course is new.

Optional modules - where optional modules are offered they will run subject to staff availability and viable student numbers opting to take the module.

Videos - all videos on our course pages were accurate at the time of filming. In some cases a new Course Leader has joined the University since the video was filmed.

Availability of placements - if you choose a course with placement/internship route we would like to advise you that if a placement/internship opportunity does not arise when you are expected to undertake the placement then the University will automatically transfer you to the non-internship route, this is to ensure you are still successful in being awarded a degree.