Cyber Security MSc
Our Cyber Security MSc focuses on information and system security and the analysis of complex systems, including machine learning.
You are currently viewing course information for entry year:
Start date(s):
- September 2024
Overview
Cyber Security is a dynamic area of computing science. It's about understanding:
- how the features and vulnerabilities of a system can be exploited by attackers
- how 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 Cyber Security 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.
Our research and development in dependable and secure computing is world leading. Our international research groups and research centres focus on a wide range of computer science fields, including:
- security and resilience
- dependable systems
- cybercrime
- cloud computing
This course is part of a suite of closely related courses:
All four courses share modules. This creates a tight-knit student cohort that has encouraged collaborations on projects undertaking interdisciplinary research.
READ MORE
Important information
We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
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, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2023-24.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
What you'll learn
You'll develop the practical and high-level skills to assess the security of systems, including the following factors:
- cyber
- physical
- human
You'll also learn how to make security recommendations and build more secure and safe systems.
Throughout the course, you'll also develop in-depth analysis and communication skills.
As a student on this Cyber Security MSc you'll be encouraged to play a full part in the life of the School. You can take advantage of dedicated computing and study facilities and participate in seminars delivered by researchers and distinguished external speakers.
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.
Module information 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.
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.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
How you'll learn
The School of Computing delivers the course. You can study over one year full time or two years part time. The course has three phases.
In phase one (60 credits) we introduce core knowledge and skills through modules. These modules are taught in intensive block mode. Pairs of modules are taught concurrently in 4 weeks of lectures and lab classes during the day.
In phase two (60 credits) we emphasise analysis, research and communication skills, including a team project.
Phase three (60 credits) is an individual research or development project undertaken with personal supervision in one of the School's research labs, or in industry. Recent projects have involved original work in areas like:
- biometrics
- cloud computing
- secure e-voting
- anti-phishing technology
Phase 2 and Phase 3 overlap.
Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:
- Design or creative project
- Dissertation
- Essay
- Professional skills assessments
- Oral examination
- Practical lab report
- Report
- Written exercise
Project work
Your five-month individual project gives you an opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills in depth, and to work in a research or development team. You'll be supervised by experienced member of the faculty, as part of their research groups.
The project can be carried out in:
- one of the research groups at Newcastle University
- an industry laboratory
- your place of work
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You'll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- personal tutors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
You'll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
The Cyber Security MSc is hosted by the Secure and Resilient Systems group, with staff members from across the School contributing for specialist topics (Dependability, HCI, Machine Learning, etc).
The Degree Programme Director is Dr Essam Ghadafi, a Senior Lecturer in Cyber Security in the School of Computing. He has expertise in many areas of cyber security, including:
- cryptography
- provable security
- data privacy
- blockchain
- AI security
Your development
Placement opportunities
Members of our industry advisory group help to ensure that the programme is relevant to the needs of business and industry today. You can choose a project for your final dissertation that has some industry involvement associated with it, including the possibility of working on-site.
Your future
Graduate destinations
Our Cyber Security MSc 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
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Quality and ranking
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Facilities
You'll have access to dedicated computing facilities in the School of Computing. You'll have access to the latest tools for system analysis and development, as well as an allocated PC and desk space in a project lab. For certain projects, special facilities for networking can be set up as required.
You'll enjoy access to specialist IT facilities to support your studies, including:
- over 300 PCs running Linux and Windows
- an immersive virtual reality suite
- motion capture facilities
- 3D printing facilities
- Graphics Processing Unit
- Cloud scale virtualisation facilities
- Linux based home pages and student hosting services
- haptic and wearable computing hardware
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for 2024 entry (per year)
If your studies last longer than one year, your tuition fee may increase in line with inflation.
Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.
EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.
If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.
Scholarships
We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our searchable postgraduate funding page for more information.
What you're paying for
Tuition fees include the costs of:
- matriculation
- registration
- tuition (or supervision)
- library access
- examination
- re-examination
- graduation
Find out more about:
If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.
You can check this in the How to apply section.
If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.
For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.
Search for funding
Find funding available for your course
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2024 entry.
Qualifications from outside the UK
English Language requirements
Admissions policy
This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.
Download our admissions policy (PDF: 201KB)
Other policies related to admissions
Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course
How to apply
Using the application portal
The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.
You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.
If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.
Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages.
Apply Online
Open days and events
You'll have a number of opportunities to meet us throughout the year including:
- campus tours
- on-campus open days
- virtual open days
- webinars
Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually
Overseas events
We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University.
Get in touch
Questions about this course?
If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:
Admissions Secretary
School of Computing
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 2736
Email: Computing.Admissions@ncl.ac.uk
Online
For more general enquiries you could also complete our online enquiry form.
Live chat
Our Ncl chatbot might be able to give you an answer straight away. If not, it’ll direct you to someone who can help.
You'll find our Ncl chatbot in the bottom right of this page.
Keep updated
We regularly send email updates and extra information about the University.
Receive regular updates by email
Chat to a student
Chat online with current students with our Unibuddy platform.