Cyber Security

Entry requirements

2:1 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in Computer Science, Computer Security or similar degrees.

It is highly recommended the your previous studies have included Operating Systems, Networking and Computer programming (preferably Python).

We may also consider non-standard applicants, please contact us for information.

If you have studied outside of the UK, we would advise you to check our list of international qualifications before submitting your application.

Months of entry

October

Course content

In our rapidly evolving digital landscape, cyber security has become an urgent and multifaceted challenge. Technological advances in Cloud computing, Internet of Things, and Artificial Intelligence are all creating ever more sophisticated and diverse cyber threats. At Lancaster University, we recognise the critical importance of researching and directly addressing these complexities.

One of the first UK universities to offer an MSc in Cyber Security, our well-established Master’s has launched hundreds of careers. We have held the following recognitions since they were introduced:

• NCSC certified Master’s degree in Cyber Security
• NCSC recognised Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research (ACE-CSR)
• NCSC recognised Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Education at the Gold level (ACE-CSE:GOLD)

We are the only university in the Northwest with both recognitions

What will you learn?

Our emphasis is on providing you with an in depth understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of cyber security, drawing on and supported by the world-leading research we carry out at Security Lancaster - one of the largest interdisciplinary security research institutes in the UK. This means that what you learn is at the cutting-edge of cyber security.

Studying eight modules, you will cover topics from penetration testing to networks and systems security, as well as cybercrime. The theory you learn and the skills you develop can be mapped to many of the specific careers set out by the UK Cyber Security Council, preparing you for a rewarding and exciting career.

Practical experience

You will develop your cyber security skills by learning how to implement secure systems, evaluate risks, and gain hands-on experience using our virtual labs, identifying and successfully exploiting vulnerabilities.

Your individual dissertation research project is where you come into your own. It is a chance to take everything you’ve learnt and apply it to real-world cyber security problems, demonstrating creative thinking and an in-depth understanding of the issues that face businesses, researchers, governments and more.

Information for international students

We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously.

We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 6.0 in each element of the test. We also consider other English language qualifications.

If your score is below our requirements, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language programmes.

Contact: Admissions Team +44 (0) 1524 592032 or email pgadmissions@lancaster.ac.uk

Fees and funding

Learn more at our fees and funding page.