Taught course

Cybercrime, Terrorism and Security

Institution
University of Portsmouth · School of Criminology and Criminal Justice
Qualifications
MSc

Entry requirements

A minimum of a second-class honours degree in a relevant subject (Social Science, Humanities, Law, Psychology, or Management subject). Information Technology or science related subjects will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Applicants with equivalent professional experience in a relevant organisation will also be considered on a case-by-case basis.

English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.

Months of entry

January, September

Course content

Overview

Be part of the next generation of cybercrime research and investigation experts with this full or part-time MSc Cybercrime, Terrorism and Security degree.

You’ll explore different aspects of cybercrime, terrorism and security, while building your theoretical understanding of crime and offending behaviour in both a national and international context. You’ll investigate online terrorism, radicalisation, and security and risk management, and the ways in which your knowledge can be used to link technological forensics and police investigators.

You'll also develop skills in data analysis and critical perspectives with the option to study the global landscape of cyber security, money laundering, or dangerous offenders and vulnerable victims.

When you graduate, you'll understand the current needs of the cybersecurity security sector and have the skills to make a difference in the face of future digital threats.

Course highlights

  • Follow a Master’s course designed by expert researchers and practitioners in cybercrime, terrorism and security from our School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, and hear from industry expert guest speakers from around the world
  • Use our lab equipment to carry out your own research, such as our operational policing simulation spaces
  • Be part of our community of researchers by getting involved with our criminology research groups, such as the Cybercrime and Cybersecurity group, the Economic Crime group, and the Centre for Cybercrime and Economic Crime
  • Learn through real cybercrime case studies in interactive workshops that allow you to explore possibilities and share skills with fellow students
  • Complete a major project based on your chosen area of research, with the support of qualified and enthusiastic experts in the field

Career planning

During your course you'll have expert career support from our Careers and Employability Centre, your tutors and our Business and Law Career-Ready Programme. This support will continue for 5 years after you graduate.


Career support

You'll benefit from:

- Networking events

- Regular emails from the Career Ready Programme sharing job opportunities, application tips and events

- Applied projects with companies such as IBM, Boeing and Hampshire County Council

- Workshops to enhance your employability skills

- Recruitment events including the Student and Graduate Opportunities Fair

- 1-to-1 appointments

- CV and cover letter advice

- Interview preparation and practice

- Support starting your own business

Careers and opportunities

Careers this Master's prepares you for

Cybercrime is continuing to rise in scale and complexity, affecting essential services, businesses and private individuals alike (National Crime Agency). Studying this complex subject within the wider contexts of terrorism and international security is crucial to creating a safer world.

Once you graduate from this MSc Cybercrime, Terrorism and Security degree, you'll have the skills and knowledge demanded by this growing sector. You'll be ready for a career working to the highest standards of professional cybersecurity practice and seeking new solutions that contribute to keeping the field moving forward.

You’ll be able to demonstrate your ability to develop the strategies against cybercrime threats demanded by roles within criminal justice agencies, law enforcement, probation or data analysis and intelligence, and for organisations such as the Civil Service, local government, private security, businesses and charities. You'll also be well placed to move on to further study in cybercrime from a legal, technical or investigatory perspective.

If you already work in the field of criminal justice, you'll be ready to pursue higher-level roles, or to break into a different area of the discipline. If you're preparing to start your career in criminal justice, you'll gain the knowledge and advanced research problem-solving skills you need to stand out to employers and contribute positively to justice system reform.

You could also go on to a graduate scheme such as PoliceNow or the Civil Service Fast Track Apprenticeship Scheme.

Graduates of this course can go on to roles such as:
  • policing (as an officer or civilian staff)
  • crime, security and intelligence analysis
  • cybersecurity
  • private security
Graduates of this course can go on to work for organisations such as:
  • national and international Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)
  • international government agencies and departments
  • probation and prison service
  • the Courts
  • local administration / authorities
  • charities

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • MSc
    part time
    24 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
    full time
    12, 16 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name
University Admissions Centre
Email
admissions@port.ac.uk
Phone
+44 (0)23 9284 5566