Cyber Security MSc
Course Director: Daniel Prince
NEW- Faculty Studentships available for this course - Please see funding tab for details
Welcome to the MSc in Cyber Security
"Information Security is a significant and ever growing global issue. The Masters degree in Cyber Security adopts an interdisciplinary skills based approach to information security. As such it, has been designed to deliver the skills and knowledge necessary for the current and next generation of Cyber Security Specialists to deal with the challenges of an increasingly risky online world. The Masters degree blends world class academic teaching, research and the latest industry knowledge to deliver a comprehensive cutting edge postgraduate programme."
If you have any questions concerning the programme or your application please get in contact with me via email or on +44 (0)1524 510432.
Key Facts
Benefit from a unique multi-disciplinary approach to the programme, drawing upon expertise from the University's Applied Social Science, Psychology, Politics, and the School of Computing and Communications.
Enjoy a flexible range of study options. Tailored progression routes through Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma to MSc support part time student already in industry, or study full time and gain mastery of the subject within one year.
Study in block mode, which offers the luxury of focusing on one course at a time as a full-time student spending a year on campus or convenience as a part-time student balancing this course and your role in industry.
Build upon the industry recognized programmes embedded into the curriculum such as CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) and CHFI (Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator) to gain industry certified qualifications.
Enjoy unique state of the art interactive learning including novel methods of teaching.
Be taught by internationally renowned researchers, leading experts in their field, and enefit from significant individual research or industrial led projects with one-to-one supervision.
Course Details
The course contains a set of compulsory modules, option modules and a dissertation project.
Core Modules
- Information System Security Management
- Information System Penetration and Countermeasures
- Information System Forensic Investigation
- Information System Risk Management
- Cybercrime
- Introduction to Law
Optional Modules
- Crime and Criminal Behaviour
- Investigative Practices
- Network and System Security
- Security and Conflict in the Digital Age
Dissertation Project
A substantial piece of individual project work in the area of Cyber Security that is supervised by two members of academic staff spanning the University's Applied Social Science, Psychology and School of Computing and Communications.
John Couzins - Postgraduate Certificate in Cyber Security (Part Time)
"I have always been interested in the Security aspect of IT systems and particularly enjoyed the security modules that were included in my Foundation Degree at Lancaster. This PgCert/MSc allows me to gain both a professional qualification as well as an industry recognised qualifications such as Certified Ethical Hacker"
John graduated from Lancaster University with a Foundation Degree in Systems Engineering in 2009.
"I chose Lancaster University because they offered a wide and comprehensive selection of IT qualifications. I had looked at other universities but I found they didn’t offer a course that interested me or allowed me to attend them part-time, as I am in full-time employment.
John thinks that the MSc alongside the professional qualifications will show prospective employers his competency to secure even the most complicated systems.
Kevin Crichton - Postgraduate Certificate in Cyber Security (Part Time)
"I was unsure of the academic content and I found professional qualifications are too expensive. I want to further my interest in IT Security and this degree offers the right mixture of courses and value for money. This will help improve my career prospects and knowledge development."
Kevin currently works as an Operations Specialist for AXA Technology Services. He has an MA in History from Lancaster University but wants to develop his technical skills. He will continue to combine work and study and plans to convert the PgCert to a full MSc.
Anmol Garg - MSc in Cyber Security (Full Time Overseas)
"This course will give you global exposure. It’s not available anywhere else especially with this interdisciplinary approach. You have more developed systems in the UK."
Anmol was already working as a Networking Administrator at a large company in Delhi when family members and the Consulate alerted him to this course. He is optimistic about gaining employment as Cyber Security Consultant when his studies are complete.
Ian Kingdom - Postgraduate Certificate in Cyber Security (Part Time)
"I didn’t know this course existed. There is currently very little out there with regards to security. Lancaster University is leading the field."
Ian works as a Communications Engineer for the RAF. His employer (Ministry of Defence) provides funding towards the degree through the Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme.
He is taking the course as a part-time Postgraduate Certificate which allows him to continue working. He hopes to convert this to the full MSc.
The course was advertised in The Pathfinder Magazine, targeted specifically at those working for the Armed Forces.
Although he has some previous experience working in IT Security, Ian felt the course would help to develop his skills and enhance his future career prospects.
Ian already holds an Open University degree and is looking forward to becoming a student again, alongside his two sons who are both undergraduates.
William Knowles - MSc in Cyber Security (Full Time)
"My business studies background should complement this course as security is an organisational issue. The course gives students the opportunity to achieve professional qualifications like CEH and CHFI."
Lancaster native William graduated with a Business Studies degree at Lancaster University’s Management School in June.
William was looking into Masters Degrees when he spotted the Cyber Security course. He added:
"I chose Lancaster as it’s really developed its reputation and it helps to give students an opportunity for specialism in further study."
Sukanya Nallaiah - MSc in Cyber Security (Full Time)
"Lancaster is a highly-regarded University and the course is unique. There’s a lack of this type of course in the university market. The course provides a good mix of topics which I am excited about learning, in particular psychology. Having worked for 10 years, I feel ready to study something new and I am feeling very driven to do well."
Sukanya, holds a Degree in Computer Science, has worked in software testing for the last 10 years and was looking for a new challenge which aligned to her academic and professional background. The interdisciplinary approach of the programme and the alignment of the course modules to professional qualifications were the main reason she enrolled. Sukanya is expecting the programme to challenge her and is keen to explore new areas of her learning.
Adrian Venables - Postgraduate Certificate in Cyber Security (Part Time)
"Security is a key area and there is still a skills shortage. The topics are broad and they will give students an awareness of all areas. This course covers a range of areas and links into professional qualifications. Companies will look for this and it will stand out on a CV."
Adrian works as a Senior Consultant for Vega Consulting Services Ltd, where he will continue to work while undertaking the course. Previously, he spent 24 years in the Royal Navy.
He is advocate of continuous professional development because of increased competition for jobs in the IT sector.
He searched for the course on the web and was swayed by the multi-disciplinary nature of the programme.
This is Adrian’s fifth degree course and it will prove a challenge to combine it with raising a young family, travelling and a full-time job.
Ashwin Vijay - MSc in Cyber Security (Full Time Overseas)
"This degree offers a mixture of modules and you learn to specialise in one field that could set you apart from other graduates."
Ashwin had been working in Networking and Information Security for the last four years. He had undertaken his degree in Information Technology at Anna University in India. He conducted a web search on security and it led him to the course at Lancaster University.
Entry Requirements
At least an upper second class honours degree, or its equivalent, in Computer Science or a related discipline. Applicants who do not meet this criterion but who have significant industrial experience will also be considered subject to individual circumstances.
Overseas Students
For students whose first language is not English, there may be an additional requirement to demonstrate fluency in English. The school requires one of the following: a minimum of IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 580 (paper-based test), 238 (computer-based test), 93 (internet-based test); or Pearson PTE Academic 62.
You will require a visa to be able to study with us in the UK (you do not also need an ATAS certificate). From April, the UK Border agency will be scoring applications against a new points based system. There is more information on the Home Office website.
To get a visa you will need to show that you have the money to pay the course fees and to support yourself for 9 months. You must have held the funds for 28 days when you apply for the visa. See here for more information.
We have scholarships available for both Home/EU students and Overseas students. Successful applicants will receive a reduction in the tuition fee of £1,500 for UK and EU students, and £3,000 for overseas students. Applicants need to have applied for the course through the admissions portal and have uploaded relevant supporting documentation.
In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must submit a short essay (maximum of 2 sides of A4) tackling the following question:
- What has been the most significant cyber security event in the last 5 years and why?
Your answer should draw together research and public commentary in order to reinforce your reasoning.
The closing date for applications is Wednesday June 6th. Please submit to
scc-msc-enquiries@lancaster.ac.uk, as either an MS Word or PDF document.
Tuition fees
MSc in Cyber Security
- For UK and EU students: £8,167(full time)
- For overseas students: £15,650(full time)
Postgraduate Diploma in Cyber Security
- For UK and EU students: £6,000(part time)
- For overseas students: N/A
Postgraduate Certificate in Cyber Security
- For UK and EU students: £3,833(part time)
- For overseas students: N/A
Fees are revised annually; the above information is for guidance and relates to the 2012/13 academic year. Fees are normally payable on Registration Day. Alternatively, you may opt to pay the fees in three instalments with the first instalment being due on Registration Day in October, then January and April.
Course fees do not cover residential accommodation or living expenses. However, as a campus based University, Lancaster is a relatively inexpensive place to study. As a guide, a reasonable estimate of living expenses is about £8,500 for 12 months including rent. Being in the North West, you will also find that the cost of accommodation, food and entertainment are all cheaper than more major cities like London and Birmingham.
Additional information is available on the University website.
Many students choose to work during their studies to help make their studies here more affordable. Normally visa's permit part-time work of up to 20 hours per week and full time over the vacations. More information about this can be found on the University website. The Knowledge Business Centre, based in InfoLab21, can help you find full and part-time work using their ICT JobShop.
Open Days
We recognise that it will not always be possible to visit us before considering whether to apply to Lancaster. So we are always happy to receive your questions via email, the phone, or through the postgraduate applications portal.
If you are able to visit then please do contact the school and we will normally be able to arrange for an informal tour of our facilities.
Online tours
There are a number of 'virtual tour' options and videos describing the campus and campus life that may be of interest to you.
Applying for a Masters
You will need to apply online via the Postgraduate Admissions Portal. Once you have created an account you will be able to fill in your personal details, background and upload supporting documentation. If you are experiencing any technical problems when trying to apply please feel free to contact Faculty Admissions