edX Online

About the programme

  • Study part time:

    advance your career while balancing your personal and professional obligations

  • Advance your career with or without prior experience:

    build your cyber security skills, no matter your current background

  • Gain in-demand insights:

    understand emerging cyber security trends, including cyber conflict, threat management and incident analysis and forensics

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Curriculum

The online MSc Cyber Security programme is designed to support students in building the skills and knowledge to confidently and collaboratively address the increasing number of cyber threats facing people and organisations worldwide. By developing the foundational knowledge, key practical skills and holistic approach required to thrive in the field, students are equipped to safeguard digital assets, manage cyber risks, implement secure systems and enhance overall security – benefitting both digital infrastructure and the people who rely on it. 

As you progress through the programme, you’ll: 

  • Explore foundational cyber security concepts:

    cover the basics and learn how to apply them to real-world scenarios through application-based learning.

  • Assess and analyse incidents:

    Identify security incidents by applying digital forensics techniques.

  • Encounter contemporary cyber security challenges:

    understand and explain cyber conflicts and cooperation within the international system.

  • Complete a dissertation:

    conduct independent work and present your findings effectively.

Ready to advance your career?

Admissions

The online MSc Cyber Security programme is ideal for anyone with a keen interest in cyber security and an aptitude to succeed in the field. Non-degree-holding applicants with relevant professional qualifications or work experience are welcome to apply, and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Applicants who do hold a degree may hold one in any discipline (technical or non-technical), with preference given to those with at least a 2:2 Honours degree (UK or equivalent) and a consistent 2:2-level performance throughout the undergraduate studies. Nevertheless, all degree holders are encouraged to apply. 

The following are required for your application: 

  • Online application (no fee); 

  • Transcripts from all the previous postsecondary institutions you’ve attended; 

    • You may upload unofficial transcripts to the online application for the purposes of application review, but official transcripts are required upon enrolment.

  • One reference from either an academic who has taught or supervised you directly (if you are still studying at degree level or equivalent) or a professional (if you have been working for a few years). If you are supplying the letter as the applicant, the reference should be on headed paper with a clear date and a signature. If the letter is provided directly by the referee, it should be sent from an official institutional email address;

  • A personal statement of 1-2 pages (either single or double-spaced) that expresses your motivation for pursuing this programme, outlines your professional goals and highlights what you wish to gain from the programme, and; 

  • A CV or resumé that includes your academic background, the name of your employer(s), dates employed, your title and job responsibilities/description. Your application should also validate any gaps in your work experience. 

You may be asked to provide a recognised English language qualification depending on your nationality and where you have studied previously. 

If English is not your first language, you’ll be required to provide evidence of your English language proficiency, with a score of 6.5 or higher from IELTS, and a minimum of 6.0 in each element of the test. Other English language qualifications may be considered.

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About Lancaster’s Cyber Security Research Centre

The Cyber Security Research Centre at Lancaster University is an internationally-renowned centre for interdisciplinary cyber security research that puts people at the heart of security decisions. We are a rich and vibrant community of multidisciplinary researchers passionate about developing effective solutions to the challenges of modern digital life. For over a decade, the CSRC has tackled the complexities of cyber security research by taking an all-encompassing approach that considers both the human and the technological aspects of socio-technical systems.

This approach enables us to take a broader view of where cyber security challenges emerge, and where the solutions to those challenges might be found. Our strength lies in applied and practical research. We like to say that we build what we study, and study what we build. By collaborating closely with industry innovators, we are in a position to help organisations grow, adapt and protect themselves in an increasingly complex world of cyber threats.