MSc Cyber Security (Online)

Gain a comprehensive and critical understanding of the theory and techniques of cyber security and how to apply them to real-world situations with this part-time, fully online Cyber Security MSc from the University of Liverpool.

This specialist degree will build your ability to research, design, implement and deploy creative cyber security solutions. Graduates will be equipped with all the tools needed to take up a rewarding career in this fast-growing sector which is currently suffering from a significant skills shortage.

The programme is accredited by the BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, for the purposes of meeting the further learning academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.

Is this the right course for you?

This programme will give you a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical underpinning that supports the domain of cyber security. You will develop a critical understanding of the challenges in assessing and managing security risks within the modern workplace and gain familiarity with the tools and techniques that may be deployed to prevent and limit cyber-crime. You will also be equipped with an in-depth understanding of the processes available to investigate suspected cyber-attacks.

The MSc programme is accredited by the BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, for the purposes of meeting the further learning academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.

Through this programme, you will:

• Develop the theoretical underpinning needed to specialise in the critical domain of cyber security. You will gain the ability to manage security risks within the modern workplace and an understanding of the tools and techniques needed to prevent or limit cyber-crime.
• Apply your practical skills to one of the biggest challenges in modern society. Throughout the programme, you will create a professional development plan and build an e-portfolio to exhibit your understanding of the domain of cyber security and its practical application.
• Learn from leading experts in a culture of research excellence. Our passionate lecturers are highly regarded within the field for the topic they teach, from security engineering to cyber forensics. Our research-led ethos encourages students to participate in an innovative and stimulating environment.
• Access our online development environment to practice and refine your new skills. Throughout your programme, you will be exposed to state-of-the-art technologies and have access to industry-standard solutions, available to you as cloud services, open-source software, or commercials technology; all included within your tuition fee.

Module information

The Cyber Security MSc consists of the following taught modules and a final dissertation project.

• Global Trends in Computer Science (15 credits)
• Security Engineering and Compliance (15 credits)
• Applied Cryptography (15 credits)
• Cyber Crime Prevention and Protection (15 credits)
• Cyber Forensics (15 credits)
• Security Risk Management (15 credits)
• 1 elective module from (15 credits):
  
  • Deep Learning
  • Machine Learning in Practice
  • Multi-Agent Systems
  • Natural Language Processing and Understanding
  • Reasoning and Intelligent Systems
  • Robotics
• Research Methods in Computer Science (15 credits)
• Computer Science Capstone Project (60 credits)

There is a brief break scheduled between modules to allow students to refresh themselves and reflect on what they have learned.

Shorter postgraduate diploma (120 credits) and postgraduate certificate (60 credits) awards are also available in this subject.

Learn from industry experts.

Computer science at the University of Liverpool is research-driven and internationally renowned for its cutting-edge work. The 2021 Research Excellence Framework rated us 5th in the UK for world leading (4*) research outputs, and 100% of research environment rated as world-leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*). We are especially well-regarded for our expertise in artificial intelligence, and our Digital Innovation Facility, which officially opened in 2022, provides a further hub for our collaborative research in emerging technologies.

Enhance your career opportunities.

As the level of internet-facilitated working has grown and continues to grow, robust cyber security measures are increasingly necessary for businesses of all sizes and from all sectors. Through this programme, you will develop skills with an immediate practical application in the workplace. It will provide a solid foundation for your further career development towards senior technical and managerial positions in the field of cyber security.

Learn online anytime, anywhere.

Get the University of Liverpool experience wherever you are in the world. This 100% online course features interactive classes and regular contact with staff and fellow students across the globe. Teaching is delivered through our state-of-the-art Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), which provides students with access to all resources required for interactive study online. On this platform, you will be encouraged to work collaboratively with classmates and actively read around your topic through our comprehensive library of eBooks and journals.

Assessments are exclusively through online assignments rather than examinations. You will be assessed through a range of activities, including written assignments, discussion forum participation and journal entries.

The Cyber Security MSc programme is aimed principally at graduates who are already in IT-related employment who seek to enhance their abilities in the rapidly expanding field of cyber security. The programme will provide students with a comprehensive but critical understanding of the theory and techniques of cyber security, and the practical application of these techniques in the context of business information and real-world problems.

Applicants should possess either:

(i) a degree in any subject equivalent to a UK Bachelor’s degree (2:2 or above), or

(ii) at least 2 years experience in employment, which would normally be of a technical nature, comparable with the award of a bachelor’s degree.

All applicants must provide evidence that they have an English language ability equivalent to an IELTS (academic) score of 6.5.

Cyber security experts can find roles in many different sectors, including IT, finance, healthcare, government agencies and technology. Organisations across these sectors, both commercial and non-commercial, are experiencing a significant recruitment challenge and employment opportunities are expected to outstrip the supply of qualified cyber security graduates.