Cyber Security MSc
Cyber Security MSc
Full time: 12 months, part time: 24 months
Profile
Our Cyber Security MSc focuses on information and system security and the analysis of complex systems, including machine learning.
Your course during COVID-19
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption.
Given the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the commitments outlined are subject to guidelines that may be in place from time to time.
View our COVID-19 Study page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2021-22.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK.
About this course
Cyber Security is a dynamic area of computing science, and is about understanding how:
- the features and vulnerabilities of a system can be exploited by attackers
- to detect, prevent and respond to these attackers.
Cyber Security is also a process, requiring input from and interaction with end-users, stakeholders, decision-makers or system designers.
The MSc is designed for honours graduates in computing science, or a discipline with a significant computing component, for example:
- engineering
- systems engineering
- mathematics.
You should have a good background in computer systems, including programming. We also value relevant industrial computing experience and transferable skills.
Research groups and centres
Newcastle has a first class record of research and development in dependable and secure computing. We have leading international research groups and three research centres focusing on a wide range of computer science fields, including:
- security and resilience
- dependable systems
- cybercrime
- cloud computing.
Related courses
This course is part of a suite of closely related courses:
All four courses share modules, creating a tight-knit student cohort that has encouraged collaborations on projects undertaking interdisciplinary research.
Downloads
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Modules for 2021 entry
Module changes
Course content changes
The information above is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Careers
Curious about what our graduates have gone on to do? Find out about opportunities they’ve pursued, and how we can help you develop your career.
Graduate destinations
Our graduates have an excellent record of finding employment. Recent examples have included:
- Data Warehouse Consultant at NCR Corporation
- Senior Quality Assurance Engineer at Ixia
- Civil Servant at GCHQ
Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service will help you to explore your options and make informed choices to achieve your career goals.
Work experience
Work experience placements are a great way to develop relevant skills to excel in your chosen career.
Find out about paid and unpaid work experience options and other ways you can add to your degree.
EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals
For courses commencing from September 2021 and beyond, EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals will no longer be eligible for home fees or Student Finance England support.
If you are from the EU you will pay international tuition fees.
All students
Find out more about our tuition fees, including how to pay them and available discounts.
Entry Requirements
A 2:2 honours degree, or international equivalent, in computer science or a discipline with significant computing content, such as:
- mathematics
- engineering
- systems engineering
You should also have a good background in computer systems, including programming.
We will also consider your application on an individual basis if you have lower or non-standard qualifications provided you have several years of relevant industrial computing experience.
Find out the equivalent qualifications for your country.
Use the drop down above to find your country. If your country isn't listed please email: international.recruitment@ncl.ac.uk for further information.
English Language Requirements
Select an English language test from the list to view our English language entry requirements.
Please email us at international.recruitment@ncl.ac.uk for further information.
How to Apply
You apply online, track your application and contact the admissions team via our applicant portal. Our step by step guide can help you on your way.
Compulsory self-assessment of programming skills
As part of the application process, you are required to conduct a self-assessment of your programming skills using Rafael Poss’ matrix.
The results of the self-assessment are categorised as follows:
- Basic user (A1, A2)
- Independent user (B1, B2)
- Proficient user (C1, C2)
View the programming skills self-assessment matrix (PDF:34KB) for more information about the categorisation.
You should attach the statement that contains your self-assessment according to the matrix with your application.
If you score Level A1 or A2, we do not require you to evidence the results using other parts of your application (eg your CV, personal statement).
If your assessment is at Level B1 or higher, you should refer to elements of your application (eg transcript, CV, personal statement) with evidence supporting this self-assessment for specific categories.
An example of a statement is:
“I score at least A2 in all categories. For Writing code and refactoring, I score B2, as evidenced by my high marks in Programming in Java module in my Stage 3. For Exploring and self-learning, I score B1, as evidenced by my involvement in the open-source project XYZ, referenced in my CV”
The maximum limit of the statement is 400 words. You can attach your answer as a file in the applicant portal.
There are no minimum requirements for programming skills for this MSc. However the course does not include programming modules and if you have limited programming experience, you might not be able to fully engage in the course.
Start dates
The course starts in September. There is no application closing date for this course.
We suggest international students apply at least two months before the course starts. This is so that you have enough time to make the necessary arrangements.
Deposit Conditions for International Applicants
If you are an international student you may need to pay a deposit of £1,500 to secure your place on the course. If this applies, we will tell you the payment deadline in your offer letter. You won’t need to pay another deposit if you need a visa to study in the UK.