MSc Cyber Security

Join our master’s information session in computer science. Join our online information session where you will hear from our esteemed academic and admissions colleagues about our career-boosting master’s courses in computer science which include ai, cyber security, machine learning and software engineering. 

As technology continues to evolve, equip yourself with the skills needed to craft trustworthy technology with this research-led MSc

Entry requirements:

• We operate a selective staged admissions process. We give preference to students with the strongest grades from high-ranking institutions.
• Successful applicants typically hold a First-class honours degree (70% average) from a UK university, or the overseas equivalent, in a Computer Science degree with a minimum of 50% Computer Science content.
• We require that all applicants have a strong background in Computer Science reflected, for example, in solid programming and software development skills.

We accept a range of qualifications, and welcome applications from overseas applicants. A typical successful offer-holder will evidence:

• China : a minimum of 87% in a 4-year bachelor's degree from a well ranked institution.
• India : a minimum of 65% (First Class with Distinction) in a BSc Eng, BEng or BTech degree, depending on the institution.

Course overview

• Develop state of the art algorithms, methods and protocols to build trustworthy centralised, networked and intelligent systems
• Part of pioneering history: take your computer science understanding to the next level at Manchester, a pioneer of computer science history and home to the modern computer
• Comprehensive curriculum: explore a broad range of expansive units, including core security topics and a choice from a wide range of optional units
• Diverse specialisations: tailor your route to you, by choosing the areas which will best further your interests
• Hands-on experience: gain practical experience through your individual project that lets you apply advanced computer security techniques to real-world problems
• All fees for entry will be subject to yearly review and incremental rises per annum are also likely over the duration of courses lasting more than a year for UK/EU students (fees are typically fixed for international students, for the course duration at the year of entry). For general fees information please visit: postgraduate fees . Always contact the department if you are unsure which fee applies to your qualification award and method of attendance.
• Self-funded international applicants for this course will be required to pay a deposit of £1000 towards their tuition fees before a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) is issued. This deposit will only be refunded if immigration permission is refused. We will notify you about how and when to make this payment.

Policy on additional costs

• All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

School/Faculty

• The School of Engineering creates a world of possibilities for students pursuing skills and understanding. Through dynamic research and teaching we develop engineering solutions that make a difference to society in an ethical and sustainable way.  Science-based engineering is at the heart of what we do, and through collaboration we support the engineers and scientists of tomorrow to become technically strong, analytically innovative and creative. Find out more about Science and Engineering at Manchester .

Regulated by the Office for Students

• The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website.
• You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website.
• Cryptography, network security, software security, computer architecture – our MSc Cyber Security is both comprehensive and cutting edge.
• Providing you with an introduction to all the fundamentals, and then challenging you to creatively implement that knowledge, as a postgraduate of this course you will graduate with the tools needed to build verifiable, trustworthy software and machine learning systems.
• In high-demand across a number of sectors, our research-informed content puts you at the cusp of discovery, enabling you to learn how to evolve your skillset with industry developments.
• On this course, you will follow 75% of core security material whilst also enjoying the freedom to tailor the rest of your study with optional units. You may find one of the most rewarding elements of your course is your Master’s Project, which enables you to carry out a substantial technical task which truly focuses in on your area of interest.
• As a postgraduate of this course, you will have already experimented with, and developed your specialisms of choice, preparing you to choose how best to apply your skill-set.

Aims

• The aim of the Cyber Security MSc programme is to enable graduate computer scientists to deepen their knowledge in one or a few specialisms. 

Specifically, the programme aims to:

• Enable graduate computer scientists to deepen their knowledge in cyber security, so that they can identify potential risks, select and explain appropriate countermeasures, and apply effective techniques to build secure solutions.
• Provide students with the opportunity to specialise in a variety of cyber security topics that provide a combination of skills that together address distinctive requirements.
• Enhance students’ ability to communicate complex technical results, through submissions on laboratory work in course units.
• Provide students with the opportunity to develop, apply and evaluate advanced cyber security techniques through an individual project.
• Meet the needs of universities, industry, and other employers by supplying graduates with an ability to devise, apply, compare and evaluate advanced cyber security techniques.

Flexibility

• You will follow three specialised themes, each of which combines two related course units, and choose a fourth theme from a wide range of options.

Strong links with employers

• We maintain close relationships with potential employers and run various activities throughout the year, including career fairs, guest lectures, and projects run jointly with partners from industry.

Excellent facilities

• You will have access to a fantastic range of facilities and equipment. In the Kilburn Building, our hub of Computer Science, this includes our hardware library – equipped with everything from basic electronic components to VR headsets and drones. You can also study, research and benefit from O ur Home for Engineering and Materials .

Welcoming community

• You can join some of the various student societies, such as the Manchester University Data Science Society, UniCS, Sustainable Engineering Initiative, Volunteering and Outreach, Women in Science and Engineering and many more. Meet like-minded people, make new friends, master your subject, and discover just how powerful collaboration can be!

Championing gender diversity

• It's our priority to make sure students feel seen and supported on their journey, so we're always looking to spotlight and uplift women, non-binary, and otherwise marginalised voices. Get first-hand guidance and insight from students, lecturers, and industry professionals from all different stages of their journey, on our podcast Big Sisters in STEM .

Teaching and learning

• At Manchester you will be taught by academic staff who are leading experts in cyber security, in a diverse and inclusive learning environment.
• We use a combination of methods, including lectures, tutorial classes, computer-based sessions, and blended learning.

Coursework and assessment

• You will learn through a mix of lectures and seminars and supported by practical exercises. These skills are augmented through an MSc project, enabling you to put into practice the techniques you have been taught throughout the course.

Course unit details

• This course aims to impart advanced knowledge within Cyber Security, offering training in advanced skills. It is suitable for those who wish to enhance their computing skills to improve their contribution to IT-related industry or to pursue R&D in academia or industry.

A student following the Cyber Security MSc follows three specialised themes, each of which combines two related course units, and chooses a fourth theme from a wide range of options.

Mandatory :

• Masters Project (60 credits)
• Introduction to Cyptography (15 credits)
• Network Security (15 credits)
• Formal Methods for Software Verification, Security and Computer Science (15 credits)
• Software Security (15 credits)
• Secure Computer Architecture and Systems (15 credits)
• Security and Privacy in Artificial Intelligence (15 credits)

Optional : Logics for Knowledge Representation and Reasoning, Advanced Topics in Knowledge and Representation Reasoning, Cognitive Robotics and Computer Vision, Transforming Text Into Meaning, Topics in Machine Learning, Advanced Topics in Machine Learning, Uncertain Reasoning and Learning, Reinforcement Learning, Software Engineering Concepts in Practice, Software Discovery and Delivery, Engineering Interactive Systems, Mobile and Ubiquitous Interactions, Data Engineering Concepts, Data Engineering Technologies

Scholarships and bursaries

• We offer a number of postgraduate taught scholarships and awards to outstanding UK and international students each year.
• The University of Manchester is committed to widening participation in master's study, and allocates £300,000 in funding each year. Our Manchester Master's Bursaries are aimed at widening access to master's courses by removing barriers to postgraduate education for students from underrepresented groups.
• For more information, see the Department of Computer Science Fees and funding page or visit The University of Manchester funding for master's courses website for more information.

Facilities

• Our facilities are second to none. Based within Kilburn Building – hub of Computer Science – we have over 300 computers, newly refurbished labs, and substantial collaborative working labs with specialised computing and audio-visual equipment.
• As our student, your projects and extra-curricular pursuits also benefit from our hardware library – equipped with everything from basic electronic components to VR headsets and drones.
• You can also study in Our Home for Engineering and Materials – an academic playground signifying our 200-year history of innovation in Science and Engineering at Manchester. The University of Manchester also offers an extensive library and online services , helping you get the most out of your studies.

Disability support

• Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service.