Cyber Security (MSc)

You'll learn how to design systems able to resist cyber attacks. Gain the skills to deal with current and future cyber security threats. With our course, you'll develop the knowledge for a successful career in industry or research. 

The programme has received full GCHQ accreditation.

• The University has been officially recognised as an ‘Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research’ (ACE-CSR) by the UK government. The recognition of Birmingham as an ACE-CSR signifies the consistently high-quality research being conducted in the Security and Privacy group at the University. The group has expanded greatly in recent years, reflecting the University's continued commitment to supporting world-leading research into cyber security issues affecting industry, government and society.

Course overview

• Launch a career in the world of cyber security. Learn how to keep systems safe and help companies worldwide prevent terrorist and criminal cyber attacks.

Course structure

• Teaching is led by our world-leading research group, an academic centre of excellence in Cyber Security research. you'll select modules in cryptography, network security, secure hardware, and secure programming.

Autumn Term

• You'll undertake modules in cryptography, network security, and secure programming. This Term combines lectures, practical assignments, and guided independent study to build foundational skills in cyber security principles and practices.

Spring Term

• You'll focus on advanced topics such as penetration testing, secure software development, and cyber risk management. The term continues with a mix of lectures, hands-on assignments, and project-based learning to deepen technical expertise and practical skills. 

Summer Term

• You'll undertake any examinations for modules studied in Terms 1 and 2, then undertake a substantial research project. You'll apply your learning to a significant cyber security problem, conducting a scientific or engineering investigation, and producing a comprehensive report under expert supervision.

Course highlights

• Building on your degree, we will equip you with the skills to tackle complex cyber challenges. You'll learn how to design and build secure systems,  develop knowledge of cryptography, network security and programming.

Shaped by leaders in the world of cyber security, our course will get you ready for roles in a demanding industry. You'll learn from our experts and those key figures who also give guest lectures and supervise projects.

• Benefit from our partnership with The Alan Turing Institute
• Take advantage of our state-of-the-arts facilities
• Network with key individuals from the industry involved in the course 

Course delivery

The core components of this course are laboratory work giving you experience using industry-relevant equipment, compulsory taught modules and a summer project.

• Learn through of a series of engaging lectures which demonstrate how experts will approach problems in your field, helping you think critically and apply concepts
• Gain valuable experience by engaging in practical assignments that simulate real-world tasks and cultivate job-ready skills
• Develop critical technical and analytical skills, including experimental design, data collection and analysis, problem-solving, and familiarise yourself with specialised equipment and techniques through laboratory work

Module information

The MSc programme consists of 180 credits. you'll study four 20-credit taught modules, work on a 60-credit project and gain 40 credits from optional modules.

• The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
• Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.

Career opportunities

• Our security and privacy graduates are in high demand in an ever-growing industry, and will gain the knowledge to become leaders in the field of cyber security, shaping the technologies that will be developed in the future. They are equipped to work on secure software development within the software and IT industry, or to become cyber security consultants. They may also choose to move on to PhD research.
• A dynamic, fast-moving sector that offers exciting careers and excellent rewards
• Our graduates find themselves in a variety of environments within academia, research, industry, government and private organisations

You could join a firm like Accenture and PwC, or one of the global IT giants such as Microsoft and Google

• Exciting career prospects await computing graduates with strong qualifications. As the number of UK computer science graduates decreases while job opportunities rise, pursuing a postgraduate degree enhances your chances of securing excellent employment opportunities.

Careers Network

• Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
• Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.

Student experience

• At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
• Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.