Program Overview

Cyber Security, MSc

Attendance

• Full-time
• Part-time

Campus

• Burnley Campus
• Preston Campus

Start

• September 2025
• January 2026

Duration

• 1 year

Delivery

• In-person

Why study with us

We need to respond to more threats from illegal or unwanted activities as we increase our use of communication technology and information-based applications. Delivered in Burnley, our MSc in Cyber Security will develop your computing skills in the theory and practice of computer security.

You’ll gain an in-depth understanding of the problems and techniques of cyber security development and improve your employability prospects.

You’ll be able to choose additional modules to complement your interests and career goals, such as forensics or software development.

And you’ll have the opportunity to work on a substantial project of your choice in the field of computer security.

Modules

Compulsory modules

• Object-Oriented Programming
  • Module code: CO4404
  • Description: This module assumes you have previous experience with an imperative programming language and teaches key software development skills using a single object-oriented language.
• Digital Security
  • Module code: CO4509
  • Description: This module aims to outline a range of vulnerabilities and attacks on computer systems and networks. You will be able to put theory into practice and study a range of security networks and apply these to various computer systems.
• Information Security Management
  • Module code: CO4512
  • Description: Our module will prepare you to become a security professional by providing you with a robust knowledge of security and risk management standards. You will be able to analyse and apply this information within a variety of organisations through demonstrations and activities.
• Advanced Topics in Cybersecurity
  • Module code: CO4517
  • Description: The aims of the module are to develop your ability to find, interpret, explain and evaluate security-related articles. You'll explore the application of cyber security to real situations and discuss security research and practice.
• Web Application Development
  • Module code: CO4752
  • Description: The web is all around us, embedded into all aspects of our daily lives. In this optional module you will learn the basics of building web applications, exposing you to the programming and a further dimension to compliment your User Experience skillset.
• Practical Experience
  • Module code: CO4808
  • Description: The aim of this module is to develop your knowledge of ideas from philosophy to clarify your aims and assumptions for your research. You'll analyse the philosophy of research projects in different disciplines and criticise their output in order to be able to make a clear statement of your own research.
• Research Methods
  • Module code: CO4828
  • Description: The module aims to develop your research, critical analysis and academic writing skills to Master's level.

Entry requirements

• 2:2 Honours Degree or above in a Computing or closely-related discipline
• Degree and substantial relevant industrial experience
• BCS Postgraduate Diploma plus PGD project
• Qualifications deemed by the University to be equivalent to the above
• Students will be expected to display communication skills appropriate to an Honours graduate. In particular, students whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate competence in the language. The normal minimum standard required is IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.

Fees and funding

UK

• Full-time: £9,450 per year
• Part-time: £1,050 per 20 credits

International

• Full-time: £17,900 per year

Learning and assessment

The School provides an 'electronic learning' environment to facilitate flexible learning.

You’ll be taught using a blend of traditional face-to-face and online lectures and practical sessions with additional, resource-rich, online materials.

Assessment methods include individual and group assignments, presentation, seminars, and examinations.

Pathway opportunities

There are opportunities to continue your studies to MPhil or PhD level.