Program Overview

MSc Cyber Security

Course summary

The MSc Cyber Security course prepares students for a career in computing security, with a focus on developing skills in network security, information security, ethical hacking, and cyber threat intelligence. The course is accredited by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and covers the Cyber-Body of Knowledge (CyBok), industry-standard techniques that many employers are seeking.

How you learn

Students learn through a combination of lectures, tutorials, practical laboratory sessions, and access to digital and online resources. The course covers topics such as network security, information security, ethical hacking, cyber threat intelligence, and digital forensics.

Modules

• Cyber Threat Intelligence And Digital Forensics (40 credits)
• Dissertation For Cyber Security And Computer Networks (40 credits)
• Hacking Techniques And Countermeasures (20 credits)
• Network And Information Security (40 credits)
• Research Methods And Strategies (20 credits)
• Standard Based Security Audit And Assessment (20 credits)

Future careers

The MSc Cyber Security course prepares students for careers in:

• Pen testing
• Information security
• Security consultancy
• Threat analysis
• Risk management

Previous graduates have worked for companies such as Airbus, Deloitte, HSBC, DataGuard, South Yorkshire Police, and the Regional Cyber Crime Unit.

Equipment and facilities

Students have access to industry-standard specialist software and facilities, including:

• Virtual learning cyber security platforms like Hack The Box
• A dedicated red-blue team cyber security lab
• Digital forensics tools like FTK, Encase, Axiom, and Cellebrite

Where will I study?

The course is based at the City Campus, located in the heart of Sheffield.

Entry requirements

• A good level of general education with good analytical skills
• An ambition to develop to a high level in the area of information security
• A degree 2.2 or above in computing or a closely-related discipline
• At least one year's direct work experience in information security or a closely related discipline (for those without a degree)
• IELTS score of 6.0 with 5.5 in all skills (or equivalent) for non-native speakers of English

Fees and funding

• Home students: £10,940 for the course (2026/27)
• International/EU students: £18,600 for the course (2026/27)
• Postgraduate student loans: up to £12,858 available (2025/26)

Additional course costs

• General course additional costs
• Additional costs for School of Computing and Digital Technologies (PDF, 600.1KB)