Newcastle University Postgraduate programs
Cyber Security MSc
Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
24 months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
GBP 31,700 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* no application closing date for this course
** international students | GBP 14,500 - home students full-time | GBP 7,250 - home students part-time 24 months per year
Key Summary
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.
Professional accreditation and recognition
British Computer Society (BCS)
The course is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS). The BCS is the chartered institute for IT. Studying for a BCS-accredited degree provides the foundation for professional membership of the BCS upon graduation and is the first step to becoming a chartered IT professional.
Network of Teaching Excellence in Computer Science
The School of Computing at Newcastle University is an accredited and recognised Partner in the Network of Teaching Excellence in Computer Science.
Newcastle University has been recognised as an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research (ACE-CSR) by the National Cyber Security Centre and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University - QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
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.
Compulsory Modules
- Information Security and Cryptography
- Secure Software Development
- Security of Complex Systems
- Research Methods and Group Project in Security and Resilience
- Project and Dissertation in Cyber Security
- Advanced Topics in Cyber Security
- Systems Security
- Network Security and Ethical Hacking
- Risk and Trust Management
Optional Modules
- Cloud Computing
- Machine Learning with Project
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
This course provides a route into PhD level study. Several of our recent graduates have progressed to postgraduate research study at Newcastle University.