Entry requirements

Applicants require, at a minimum, a second-class (2:2) Honours degree or international equivalent in computer science or a closely related discipline.

Significant programming experience in one or more programming languages such as Python, Java, C++ and Haskell.

Several modules will use Python.

If you come from a closely related subject, you would be expected to have experience in the following areas:

computer networking (familiarity with OSI layer networking such as Ethernet/Wi-Fi, MAC addressing, IP addressing, TCP/UDP, sockets, DNS, DHCP, and HTTP/HTTPS protocols)
mathematics behind computer science, particularly discrete mathematics topics such as logic, set theory, graph theory, probability, and automata theory

English Language Requirements

You must have an English language minimum score of IELTS 6.0 (with no component below 5.5).
We offer comprehensive English language courses for students whose IELTS scores are below 6.0. Please see English Language Teaching for full details.
As a university, we now accept many more English language tests other than IELTS for overseas applicants, for example, TOEFL and PTE Cambridge. View the full list of accepted English language tests.

Months of entry

January

Course content

Our MSc in Advanced Computer Science with Cyber Security (January start) offers a balanced set of modules that cover the depth and breadth of the cybersecurity landscape, as well as relevant modules from computer science.

Our modules provide an understanding of both technological and sociological perspectives. You'll discover the roles of people, processes and technology - and how their interaction creates risks and vulnerabilities, as well as opportunities - to ensure individual and organisational cyber security.

The course will create new cyber security leaders capable of formulating their own abstractions, which enable them to manage conceptually the infinite range of attack vectors that increasingly sophisticated actors may attempt to exploit.

Students will take modules in threat modelling and secure programming, human-centric security, and network security, along with supporting modules from computer science, delivered by experts in these areas. This takes students and lecturers together on an adventure deep into specialised topics. Students will reflect on the bigger picture, appreciating how each skill set earned is just one perspective required to face the realities of mitigating cyber security-related challenges.

In MSc in Advanced Computer Science with Cyber Security (January start), you will study two 11-week semesters, each with four modules.

Each module typically has four contact hours per week, comprising lectures, laboratory practicals, tutorials, and seminars. Additional study time is required to enhance and apply your understanding of the topics covered through further reading, self-directed study, and assignments.

In the summer, between June and August, you’ll undertake an in-depth three-month research project in the form of an MSc dissertation.