• Postgraduate

Maritime Cyber Security MSc

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Overview

Overview

With over 90% of goods shipped by sea and 30 million cruise passengers yearly, a cyber attack on the maritime sector could be devastating. As technology integration increases, so do the vulnerabilities. 

Our MSc Maritime Cyber Security course gives you a broad understanding of the latest practices and techniques for cyber security systems development and operations to address current and future global maritime needs.

We offer an in-depth knowledge of the maritime sector and prepare you for a range of cyber security careers in the shipping industry. 

Our postgraduate Maritime Cyber Security course, delivered by the Hellenic Institute of Maritime Studies, primarily focuses on the maritime business sector. The modules cover state-of-the-art techniques, technologies, and supporting tools, and expose you to their applications in meeting emerging cybersecurity challenges in maritime businesses.  

This master's course combines theoretical concepts with practical case studies, covering key maritime business areas with an emphasis on cyber security preparedness and response. 

Upon successful completion, you will be ready to excel in your professional career, leading to higher levels of managerial positions in shipping companies and organisations.

Aerial view of multicoloured containers on a ship at sea

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 Maritime Cyber Security with us?

Why study Maritime Cyber Security with us?

A collage of students

What our students say…

Enrolling on the MSc, I was guided by an expert faculty and a curriculum blending practical skills with theoretical knowledge. Looking forward to completing my master’s, I am already reaping the benefits of the Business College of Athens' education. It was crucial in securing my role as a Commercial Director at V.Group where over 1000 ships are managed worldwide. BCA isn't just an educational institution—it's a forge for future industry leaders, and it's an honour to be among this great community.

Efe Sipahi, MSc Maritime Cyber Security, Business College of Athens
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The course is studied in an Ideal location close to the international maritime centre of London
This course aims to enhance your career prospects by training you for managerial roles
The Hellenic Institute of Maritime Studies has links with over 120 maritime organisations and associations
This course is delivered by the Hellanic Institute of Maritime Studies and supported by the Business College of Athens
Course detail & modules

Course detail & modules

The MSc in Maritime Cyber Security is the ideal postgraduate degree for a cyber security career in the shipping industry. 

You will gain in-depth knowledge and practical understanding of issues surrounding the design, analysis and implementation of modern secure IT systems in the maritime sector.

The course balances advanced academic theories and research with practical knowledge, and its structure is suitable for shipping graduates who aim to expand their knowledge and skills, and for graduates without a shipping background who seek a demanding conversion course. 

The course develops an appreciation of commercial and/or open-source cyber security equipment, software and services based on maritime industry-standard technologies.

Additionally, HIMS is linked to BCA College, the oldest Maritime Business School in Greece and Europe. BCA has offered maritime business studies since 1971, and has produced more than 10.000 alumni now working with some of the largest ship management companies in Athens, Limassol, Singapore, Genoa and more.

Skills and learning

The MSc Maritime Cyber Security modules cover three key at-risk areas of the maritime industry that a maritime cyber security specialist needs to be proficient in:

  • management - shipping headquarters and port operations 
  • on-board technology
  • regulatory requirements.

A distinctive feature of the course is the individual research project, allowing you to demonstrate expertise in specialised techniques and deliver advanced applications or systems within a tight deadline, culminating a significant dissertation or maritime cyber security project.

Optional non-credited modules

The course includes two non-credited modules titled Learning and Professional Development, and Programming Support, which are optional and available to those who would like extra support in any of the areas addressed by these modules.

Course subject to approval

Approval is the formal process by which the University ensures that the proposed design, content and delivery of a course will provide a high quality learning experience for all students.

You will study six core modules and produce a significant piece of research dissertation or applied project.

Compulsory modules

  • 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 introduces security operations and assurance of systems, networks, data and user identities, which is an essential aspect of organisation and information systems. New threats are emerging as digital technologies permeate into most aspects of work and social life and in transactions between parties opening potential for fraud, deception and corruption. Coverage includes information assurance, incident management, audit and business continuity.

  • Maritime Cyber Security Regulations and Best Practices

    This module will provide you with an in-depth review of Maritime Cyber Security regulations and industry best practices, in view of the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization move for cyber risks to be considered as part of a company’s safety management system.

    It provides awareness of the various regulatory frameworks on a global, regional and national scale, understanding of the industry-led best practice aspects of managing cyber risks and develops the ability to ensure compliance with all applicable requirements and operation in a safe and secure manner against an ever-changing cyber threat.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Maritime Cyber Security Management Systems

    This module provides you with an introduction to the development and implementation of Cyber Security management systems and their principles and concepts within the maritime industry and their incumbent management systems in use. It provides awareness and guidance of the various elements of a Cyber Security system, understanding of the applicability within shipping company offices, vessels as well as port facilities in order to comply with relevant regulatory requirements and best practices and continuously improve performance accordingly.

  • Research Methods and Dissertation/Project

    The module exposes you to contemporary perspectives in academic research, and in particular focuses on developing a range of skills affecting the identification and formulation of project titles. Special focus is placed on the critical review of available literature and information resources, the use of online databases and other sources. Emphasis is given to the methods used in scientific research, reviewing a range of statistical and non-statistical methods of analysis appropriate for projects in terms of both qualitative and quantitative research. You will become aware of any research issues associated with conducting research. Finally, you will carry out and submit an original piece of independent research work, adding to existing knowledge and demonstrating an ability to select, define and focus on the topic chosen in your research proposal at an appropriate level.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

You should have an honours degree (2:2 or above) in a computing, business or engineering subject with a significant level of computing from a UK university or equivalent. Merchant Marine Academy graduates or holders of equivalent qualifications can be admitted. 

We will also consider mature applicants without a first degree, as long as they possess:

  • the highest-grade certificate of competency (CoC) for unrestricted service as a master mariner or chief engineer, or equivalent maritime qualifications

    AND
     

  • substantial relevant professional experience
  • competence in English language, demonstrated by an internationally recognised standard test (see the full English language requirements below)
  • computer competence (at least the ability to use Microsoft Office).

We may also offer applicants a place based on relevant experience or training, normally from within the work environment. All applications are considered individually.

6.5 IELTS or above

You need to meet our English language requirement of 6.5 overall score for IELTS, with a minimum of 5.5 for each of the 4 individual components (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening). Visit our English language requirements page for information on other English language tests we accept.

You also need academic 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.

We offer pre-sessional English language courses if you do not meet these requirements. Find out more about our English Language courses.

Fees & funding

Fees & funding

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The fee above is the cost per 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.

Government regulation does affect tuition fees and the fees listed for courses starting in the 2025/26 academic year are subject to change.

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 business students are also on offer. 

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

The fee above is the cost per 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.

Government regulation does affect tuition fees and the fees listed for courses starting in the 2025/26 academic year are subject to change.

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
Study & career progression

Study & career progression

A red cargo ship holding containers travelling across a smooth sea

The types of cyber security jobs available in the maritime industry are similar to those in other cyber security sectors. 

The Maritime Cyber Security course will prepare you for a range of jobs and careers.

Roles open to MSc Maritime Cyber Security graduates could include:

  • Information Security Manager
  • Information Security Auditor
  • Security Principal or Architect
  • Security Senior Engineer
  • Data Privacy Expert.

After completing your studies, you may also consider applying for a doctoral course in a specialism of your choice.

How to apply

How to apply

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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 2022 and 2023 - Based on an average of all 27 questions. 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.