Cyber Security MSc

Overview

Cyber security is a dynamic area of computing science.

It's about understanding:

• how attackers can exploit the features and vulnerabilities of a system
• 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.

You'll study cyber security theories, principles, practices and technologies, and build your expertise in:

• information security
• system security
• network security

This curriculum also includes machine learning.

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

We are a hub of digital innovation. You'll benefit from our: 

• leadership of the National Edge AI Hub, next-generation innovations via edge computing 
• recognition as an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security, supported by the National Cyber Security Centre and the EPSRC 
• direct link with the UK's National Innovation Centre for Data 
• partnership with The Alan Turing Institute, the UK’s national institute for data science and AI

Quality and ranking

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK

If you’re studying an accredited degree and thinking about working in Europe after you graduate, the best place to find current information is the UK Government’s guidance on recognition of UK professional qualifications in EU member states. This official resource explains whether your profession is regulated in another country, what steps you need to take, and which organisation you should contact. 

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 become actively involved 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.

Course content changes

The module information below 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.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

Optional modules availability

Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

 

Cyber Security MSc modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Information Security and Cryptography	10
Secure Software Development	10
Security of Complex Systems	10
Research Methods and Group Project in Security and Resilience	20
Project and Dissertation in Cyber Security	60
Advanced Topics in Cyber Security	10
Systems Security	20
Network Security and Ethical Hacking	20
Risk and Trust Management	10

Optional Modules	Credits
Cloud Computing	10
Machine Learning with Project	10

How you'll learn

Delivery and teaching methods

The School of Computing delivers this course.

The course has three phases.

Phase one

In phase one (60 credits) we introduce core knowledge and skills through modules. These modules are taught in intensive block mode. Each block consists of 20 credits - four weeks of lectures and lab classes during the day.

Phase two

In phase two (60 credits) we emphasise analysis, research and communication skills, including a team project.

Phase three

Phase three (60 credits) is an individual research or development project with a cyber security focus undertaken with personal supervision. This includes opportunities for industry-orientated projects.

Recent projects have involved original work in areas such as:

• privacy and security aspects of artificial intelligence
• security of smart infrastructure
• privacy-enhancing technologies

Phase two and phase three overlap.

Assessment methods

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

Additional assessment information

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, with a cyber security focus, can be carried out in:

• one of the research groups at Newcastle University
• an industry laboratory
• your place of work

Wellbeing advisor support

The School of Computing has a dedicated Wellbeing Advisor who understands the needs of our students.

They can be a confidential listening ear and provide guidance on a range of wellbeing issues.

Student support

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:

• academic staff
• personal tutors and research supervisors
• our University Student Services Team
• student representatives
• peers

You'll also be assigned an academic member of staff, who will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.

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

 

Our staff

The Cyber Security MSc is hosted by the Secure and Resilient Systems group. Staff from across the school contribute to specialist topics, including:

• dependability
• human-computer interaction
• machine learning

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 and privacy

Your development

Practical skills

You’ll learn how to identify and manage security risks across networks, systems, and software, as well as detect and respond to cyber threats using industry standard tools. You’ll design and install secure systems, factoring in user behaviour, policies, and compliance and be able to understand legal, ethical and regulatory frameworks.

Professional skills

You'll gain transferable skills that are valuable across a wide range of careers. These include:

• communication
• teamwork
• creative and critical thinking
• time and resource management using industry-level tools and software adaptability

Your future

Graduate destinations

Our Cyber Security MSc graduates have an excellent record of finding employment.

Graduates from this course have undertaken various roles including:

• Data Warehouse Consultant at NCR Corporation
• Senior Quality Assurance Engineer at Ixia
• Civil Servant at GCHQ
• IT Analyst at the National Health Service (NHS)
• IT Security Engineer at Venustech

This course provides a route into PhD level study. Several of our recent graduates have progressed to postgraduate research study at Newcastle University.

Further study

This course provides a route into PhD level study. It offers well-rounded knowledge in both theoretical and applied aspects of Cyber Security. As a graduate, you'll be prepared to:

• pursue advanced research opportunities
• contribute to the academic community through doctoral programmes

Industry links

Industrial Advisory Board

Members of our Industrial Advisory Board 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.

The Industrial Advisory Board and our links with industry ensure our course: 

• content stays relevant to current trends and technologies in cyber security
• creates valuable opportunities for students. This includes guest lectures from professionals, industry-led projects, internships, and potential job pathways

Our Careers Service

Our expert Careers Service is here to help you take the next steps in your professional life. We will support you while you’re studying with us and for up to three years after you graduate.

You will have access to expert one-to-one advice and guidance through our campus careers centre and online, along with digital resources, workshops, networking opportunities, and careers and recruitment events.

We’ve been awarded 5 QS Stars for Student Employability (2025). Many of our degrees are shaped by strong links with national and international businesses. We are committed to helping you access real-world experience opportunities and develop key skills through paid work placements and internships.

Visit our Careers Service website

Facilities

Cyber security facilities

You'll have 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
• cloud-scale virtualisation facilities
• Linux-based home pages and student hosting services
• haptic and wearable computing hardware

 

Urban Sciences Building

The School of Computing is based in the £58 million Urban Sciences Building (USB), a flagship development located on the £350 million Newcastle Helix regeneration site in the heart of Newcastle. It brings together:

• academia
• the public sector
• communities
• business and industry

Postgraduate student facilities

As a Master's student, you'll have access to specialist teaching spaces and facilities in the USB. These are only available to postgraduate students.

Wellbeing and inclusivity are at the heart of our School. The USB has several wellbeing spaces for students, including:

• The Retreat: A sensory space with relaxing stimuli to distract from busy student life.
• Wellbeing room: Designed for relaxation and quiet time. Here you can take a moment to breathe and unwind. It can also be used by students with special medical requirements.
• Prayer room: For all faiths and none, this space can be used for prayer or quiet reflection.

Fees, Funding and Scholarships

Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year)

Tuition fee increases

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals - tuition fee status

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. You may be eligible for a scholarship worth 25% off the international fee. Search our funding database. 

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:

• living costs
• tuition fees

Deposit

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.

Funding deadlines

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 and scholarships

Find funding available for your course

Select your country

How to apply

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