Become a digital crime fighter. Learn how to protect the world’s computer systems, programs, networks and devices from cyber threats and attacks by exploring cyber security and digital forensics.
Networked computers run our world. From homes to hospitals, airports to banks and all stops in between, everything is connected – but these systems are susceptible to infiltration and attack. On our MSc Cyber Security course, you’ll gain the expertise to become part of the defence.
By learning to design, implement and manage computer-based systems security on this masters, you’ll develop the skills and confidence to succeed in a wide range of cyber security roles. This could include security designer, ethical hacker, and digital forensics officer.
Starting with the fundamentals, you’ll gain a broad understanding of the different levels of computer and network security. You’ll then explore both the technical aspects and the logistics o...
1 year full-time
2 years part-time
2 years full-time with placement
Our masters in cyber security is made up of nine core units covering topics from the principles of cyber security to Penetration Testing and IOT Security. You can choose to study the course full-time over one year, or part-time, where you’ll complete the units over two years. You may also choose to take an additional one-year optional industry placement on the full-time route.
Starting with the fundamentals, you’ll gain a broad understanding of the different levels of computer and network security. You’ll focus on the principles, architectures and protocols used in modern large-scale networked systems. As you progress, you’ll explore the technical aspects more thoroughly. This includes wireless systems, operating systems and interfacing socket programming, as well as servers and their security implications, and encryption algorithms. You’ll look at the logistics of planning and implementing network security management, including security, risk analysis and disaster recovery planning.
But putting in defences to deter hackers is only one side of the cyber security coin. You’ll also become something of a digital detective, as you learn how to investigate systems after a breach. You’ll look at the phases of a forensics investigation, from understanding how the breach occurred, to analysing the digital evidence trail, to learning how to plug the gap for the future. And because you’ll be dealing with other people’s private data, you’ll explore the legal and ethical issues involved.
Finally, you will complete an in-depth independent research project. With the support of our academic and technical team, you’ll undertake a piece of research on a topic of your choice related to your studies. This will involve designing, implementing and evaluating a substantial piece of software and documenting the research through writing a dissertation.
Throughout this cyber security masters, you’ll be supported by highly professional staff with practical experience at the forefront of this dynamic landscape. You’ll have access to our specialist labs with the latest hardware and software that will give you hands-on project experience in real-world network security scenarios.
Areas of research include:
Our department is characterised by its distinctive mix of expertise, research strengths and cross-discipline working. Our overarching aim is to use computer science to address societal challenges and ensure research has a significant impact in areas such as healthcare, future cities and security.
The Chartered Institute for IT
Oracle Academy
Chartered Institute of Information Security
British Computer Society
Institute of Coding
Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA)
Whether you've already made your decision about what you want to study, or you're just considering whether postgraduate study is right for you, there are lots of ways you can meet us and find out more about postgraduate student life at Manchester Met.
We offer:
Your studies are supported by a department of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field.
We often link up with external professionals too, helping to enhance your learning and build valuable connections to the working world.
You’ll need a UK Honours degree – at least a 2:2 – or the international equivalent, in a computing-related subject with knowledge of programming and computing networks. We might also consider your application if you have a different kind of computing qualification, together with substantial experience in a computing-focused role.
International students please see mmu.ac.uk/international
Overseas applicants will require IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in any category, or an equivalent accepted English qualification.
Full-time fee: £9,500 per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
Part-time fee: £1584 per 30 credits studied per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
Full-time fee: £18,500 per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
Part-time fee: £3084 per 30 credits studied per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
A masters qualification typically comprises 180 credits, a PGDip 120 credits, a PGCert 60 credits, and an MFA 300 credits. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of study provided the course is completed in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
Optional estimate: £1850
Following completion of the academic credits for your MSc award, this course is available with an optional one-year placement in your second year. The industry placement allows you to gain additional practice credits by working in an industry setting, relevant to your studies.
Students who do a placement year will be required to pay a placement fee of £1,850.
Optional estimate: £30
Students can choose to join the BCS at any point in their study. It is not required but is useful. The charge is £20 for one year and £30 for four years. More information can be found on the membership page of their website.
Optional estimate: £400
All of the books required for the course are available from the library. The University also has PC labs and a laptop loan service. However, many students choose to buy some of the core textbooks for the course and/or a laptop. Students may also need to print their assignments and other documents. Campus printing costs start from 5p per page. Estimated costs are £300 for a laptop up to £100 for books and printing.
The advanced skills and understanding you’ll develop on our MSc course can take you into cyber security roles across a range of industries, in both the public and private sectors. You could apply for jobs like information security specialist, software engineer for information security, ethical hacker, security designer or security tester, to name a few.
Your masters could also provide a foundation for further studies. For example, going on to study a PhD.
Careers support is available from the moment you join us, throughout your time here, and for up to three years after the completion of your course. We have a range of services available through the Department of Computing and Mathematics and the University Careers Service including dedicated careers and employability advisors.
Please contact our course enquiries team.
Get advice and support on making a successful application.
You can review our current Terms and Conditions before you make your application. If you are successful with your application, we will send you up to date information alongside your offer letter.
Programme Review
Our programmes undergo an annual review and major review (normally
at 6 year intervals) to ensure an up-to-date curriculum supported by the
latest online learning technology. For further information on when we
may make changes to our programmes, please see the
changes section of our Terms and Conditions .
Important Notice
This online prospectus provides an overview of our programmes of study
and the University. We regularly update our online prospectus so that
our published course information is accurate. Please check back to the
online prospectus before making an application to us to access the most
up to date information for your chosen course of study.
Confirmation of Regulator
The Manchester Metropolitan University is regulated by the Office for
Students (OfS). The OfS is the independent regulator of higher education
in England. More information on the role of the OfS and its regulatory
framework can be found at
officeforstudents.org.uk.
All higher education providers registered with the OfS must have a student protection plan in place. The student protection plan sets out what students can expect to happen should a course, campus, or institution close. Access our current Student Protection Plan .