Cyber Security - MSc
With master's level expertise in cyber security you will tackle real-world challenges and gain practical experience with the latest tools and technologies. From exploring cryptography techniques to ethical hacking, our employability-driven MSc provides opportunities to engage with industry through advanced project work. Upon graduation, you'll develop the analytical, problem-solving, communication and research skills to pursue careers in areas such as cloud security, IT compliance, and forensic analysis.
Month of entry
- September
Mode of study
- Full time
Fees for 2026/27 academic year
- UK - Full time £11,700 per year.
International - £18,200 per year.
Fees
Duration of study
- Full time: 1 year | 'With placement': +6–12 months
This course is no longer accepting applications from international students for the 2026/27 academic year.
Why study Cyber Security at Keele University?
About the course
The cybersecurity sector is experiencing rapid growth, driven by the rise in cybercrime and the expanding digital landscape. As businesses embrace digital transformation, the need for skilled cybersecurity professionals has never been higher. From defending against threats to securing cloud environments, the demand for expertise in areas like network security, ethical hacking, and data protection continues to surge.
With governments and businesses alike prioritising cyber defence, cybersecurity is not only a growing field but also one that offers immense career opportunities and a chance to make a significant impact in safeguarding the future of our interconnected world.
At Keele, we have a rich history of innovation in computing, being one of the first UK universities to offer computer science education over 50 years ago. We've built on this legacy by integrating pioneering research with practical industry insights, ensuring that our Cyber Security MSc equips you with the skills needed to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
To ensure the course is relevant and aligned with industry needs, we’ve shaped our curriculum through collaborations with a diverse range of national and international employers. Our curriculum is based on several related standards and guidelines such as the Cyber Security Body of Knowledge and the Level 7 Cyber Security Technical Specialist Apprenticeship Standard, as well as being aligned with the requirements for ISC2 industry certification (the world’s leading member association for cybersecurity professionals).
Whether you come from a computing or a different academic background, our inclusive teaching approach will guide you through the core principles of cyber security while providing hands-on experience in areas such as cryptography, network security, data management, and cloud technologies.
Specifically designed for students from non-computing backgrounds, initial modules will introduce you to the essential mathematical concepts and programming required for effective study. This foundational knowledge will support and enhance your understanding of the core cyber security and cryptography concepts covered later in the course.
Building on this foundation, you'll explore the theory and application of cryptography and network security, while gaining a deeper understanding of data management, cloud technologies, and the usability and security of operating systems. You will also develop and extend the practical skills that are necessary for the designing, building, deployment and evaluation of cyber security countermeasures.
Our strong focus on employability ensures you gain valuable industry exposure through guest lectures, seminars and industry-related projects, allowing you to apply your advanced skills to real-world challenges.
Gaining industrial experience during your MSc will not only impress potential employers but also give you the opportunity to apply what you have learned to industry-relevant problems. To ensure you gain valuable industry-relevant experience, your final assessment will provide you with the opportunity to complete an industrial placement project or address an industry-focused challenge as part of your MSc project.*
There are two placement options available:
Placement Opportunity 1: Integrated Industrial Placement Project (8-12 weeks)
This is an optional module integrated within the programme, which you can choose in the final stage of your studies (instead of undertaking an academic MSc project). The Industrial Placement Project involves a short placement with a relevant organisation and offers the chance to apply your learning to industry-relevant problems.
Placement Opportunity 2: Extended Industry Placement (6-12 months)
This longer placement is undertaken once the standard part of the MSc course is complete (180 credits). It offers a more immersive experience in a professional setting, giving you the opportunity to build on your academic learning and gain substantial industry insight.
*Please note that the choice of industry placement will be dependent on your suitability and availability of an appropriate placement.
Course structure
With a September start date, this course is studied full-time over one year.
During the first part of the programme, you will study five core taught modules (120 credits). The second part of the programme gives you freedom to choose between either a ‘traditional’ formal academic project or opt for an industry placement*.
If you choose the 'with Placement' route, you will complete a 6-12 month placement module after the taught element of your programme.
What you will study
The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods, as well as student voice. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.
Compulsory modules
Mathematical Techniques for Computational Sciences (15 credits)
A knowledge of some of the fundamental concepts in mathematics is important to all our MSc programmes, and something that will give you enhanced understanding in areas such as AI, data management and cyber security. This module is designed for students without recent mathematical knowledge or experience and will support you to explore the power of Linear Algebra for solving complex systems, use Probability and Statistics to make data-driven decisions, and harness the beauty of Calculus to understand dynamic changes.
Foundations of Programming and Software Engineering (15 credits)
Programming is an essential skill in all areas of Computer Science. This module is specifically designed for students from non-computing backgrounds, building confidence and competence in programming, using Python, the most widely used programming language in the world. Through a series of closely supported practicals, you will gain an understanding of concepts such as Data Types, Variables, Functions and Control Structures, as well as the basics of Software Engineering and industry tools such as GitHub to manage your projects.
Cryptography and Network Security – Theory and Applications (30 credits)
Linked with current industry certification requirements e.g. ISC2, this module will build your proficiency in the theory and application of cryptography and network security. After an overview of the Cyber Threat Landscape and Basic Cyber Hygiene practices, you will master Symmetric and Asymmetric Cryptography, Cryptographic Protocols, and Key Management. You will also learn about Networks, Protocols and Architectures, and the role of Firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems. You will then explore Malware and Attack Technologies and effective Incident Response techniques.
Data Management and Cloud Technologies (30 credits)
A solid understanding of data and its management is crucial for all areas of computer science, driving innovation and informed decision-making. You will learn how to prepare data and how to design and build databases for efficient data management using a language called SQL; the most in-demand technical skill for data jobs. You will also explore Big Data technologies like Hadoop and Spark and gain hands-on experience with Cloud Platforms such as Amazon Web Services.
Usable Cyber Security – Analytics and Management (30 credits)
For security to be effective, it must be usable and designed to work for people. This module sits at the intersection of usability and security and covers areas such as Operating Systems and Virtualisation Security, Software and Application and Platform Security. We will then look at the influence of human factors such as social engineering and usability on security, along with training and ethical and legal issues; giving you a comprehensive view of the area, beyond standard approaches.
Optional modules
Industrial Placement Project (60 credits)
Obtaining industrial experience during your MSc will not only impress potential employers but also give you the opportunity to apply what you have learned to industry relevant problems, as part of an 8-12 week placement. Preparation for this module starts as soon as you arrive at the University and you will be supported with finding and applying for relevant opportunities by our experienced placements’ team, making sure that the placement is suitable for you and the area of your degree.
Advanced Research and Development Project (60 credits)
Students often wonder how they can differentiate themselves from other graduates in the job market. Your “Advanced Research and Development Project” will help you to do just that by enabling you to work on a problem, either set by our industrial partners, an academic at the University or yourself. Under 1-to-1 supervision of an experienced academic, you will undertake in depth research and development, that will not only improve your skills but also give you something to show employers in the UK and abroad.
Entry requirements
The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don't see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications.
Typical offer
Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.
Please select your country from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information
UK
2:2 degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Algeria
12/20 or Assez Bien degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Bahrain
Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.7/4.0 in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Bangladesh
60% in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in any subject from a public university or CGPA 2.8 in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in any subject from a private university
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
We don’t accept degrees from certain universities, please see our Bangladesh Country Page for more information
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Canada
70% or C or a GPA of 2.5 in a degree (Ordinary or Honours) in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
China
70% in a degree in any subject or 65% in a degree in any subject from a '211' university
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Egypt
Bachelor degree from a Public or Private University with 65%/CGPA = 2.7/Good in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Ghana
Second class degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Hong Kong
Bachelor's Honours degree with 2:2 or CGPA of 2.5 OR Bachelor Ordinary degree with a CGPA of 3.4 in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
India
55% or CGPA 6/10 in any degree of three years or longer
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Kenya
Second class degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Kuwait
Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.75/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Nepal
60% / 2.4 in a 4-year Bachelor's degree in any subject
or
65% / CGPA 2.8 in a 3-year Bachelor's degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Nigeria
Second class degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Oman
Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.5/4.0 in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Pakistan
We accept a range of qualifications from Pakistan. Please visit our Pakistan Country Page for more information
or we will consider demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need an English language qualification (see below)
Qatar
Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.75/4.0 in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
South Africa
Second class division 2 / 60% in a Bachelor's degree with Honours in any subject
or
Second class division 1 / 70% in an Ordinary Bachelor's degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Sri Lanka
55% in a Special Bachelor's degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Turkey
A CGPA of 2.5/4.0 in a Bachelor degree (Lisans Diplomasi) in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
UAE
Bachelor's degree with a CGPA of 2.5/77%/B- in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Uganda
Second class degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
USA
Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.6 in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Zimbabwe
Second class degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Pre-Master's in Computing
The Keele University International College offer a one semester Pre-Master's in Computing programme for international students who do not meet the traditional entry requirements for a postgraduate computing degree at Keele University.
Please visit the Keele University International College for more information on how to apply, entry requirements and course details.
English language requirements
All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group B.
References
Normally, you will need to provide at least one academic reference to support your application unless you have been out of study longer than two years. If it has been more than two years since you last studied on a degree-level programme, you will normally need to provide an employment reference instead. For more information about Academic References, please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages.
Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose
Please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages for guidance on what to include in your personal statement.
Recognition of Prior Learning
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which enables applicants to receive recognition and formal credit for learning acquired in the past through formal study or work and life experiences.
RPL can also be requested for admission onto the start of a programme in lieu of the admission requirements. For more information, see our Recognition of Prior Learning web pages.
Professional qualifications and work experience
The majority of our courses will consider relevant work experience and/or professional qualifications at the appropriate level, as an alternative to an undergraduate degree for entry. The work experience should be for a sustained period and at a suitable level, based within a relevant sector to your chosen course.
Admissions staff will review your work experience and/or professional qualifications during the assessment of your application to ensure suitability in terms of relevancy, level and appropriate learning outcomes.
General information
The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application. For international students, find out how we work with approved agents as part of our admissions process.
Postgraduate funding and scholarshipsFees, funding and scholarships
Fees
2027/28 academic year
For start dates between September 2027 and July 2028.
| Type of study | Fees (per year) |
|---|---|
| UK - full time | £10,800 |
| International - full time | £23,900 |
For continuing students, fees will increase annually by RPIX, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.
Placements: The placement year fee for students on a 'with Placement' programme will be £1,955 for 2026/27 entrants and £2,010 for 2027/28 entrants.
Funding
Whether you're continuing from undergraduate study or returning to education, our dedicated financial support team is here to help.
Please note, if your course offers a January start date, the January 2026 start date falls in the 2025/26 academic year. Please see the tuition fees archive for the 2025/26 fees.
Planning your funding
It's important to plan carefully for your funding before you start your course. Please be aware that not all postgraduate courses and not all students are eligible for the UK government postgraduate loans and, in some cases, you would be expected to source alternative funding yourself. If you need support researching your funding options, please contact our financial support team.
For continuing students, fees will increase annually by RPIX, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.
Scholarships
We know that understanding what support is available for postgraduate students is an important step in planning your future and we are committed to rewarding excellence and potential.
Visit our scholarships and bursaries webpage to find out more about our scholarships, including:
- Keele Global Scholarship – up to £5000 tuition fee discount for international students (2027/28)
- Keele Graduate Scholarship – up to £3000 tuition fee discount for home students (2027/28)
Terms and conditions apply.
Additional costs
Optional costs
There may be optional costs that students can choose to incur to enhance their learning experience. These are not required to complete the course. Details of these optional costs are outlined below to help you plan accordingly.
Students may also incur general expenses related to university study, such as for printing, textbooks and other materials. Students who undertake a placement may be responsible for additional costs, such as travel, accommodation, and subsistence costs. For further information, please refer to the additional costs information.
- Key fob for accessing the building out of hours: £6.50
Teaching, learning and assessment
Teaching
Developed with input from both employers and students, our MSc provides distinctive and inclusive teaching tailored for individuals from diverse non-computing backgrounds.
The main methods for acquiring knowledge include interactive lectures and hands-on practical sessions, complemented by smaller group tutorials tailored to the topics covered in each module. The smaller group tutorials and practicals enable both consolidation of this material and an understanding of the practicalities of its application in industry and research.
The tutorials and practicals achieve this aim by you having to apply the taught concepts to real world problems and data sets, in a supportive environment where we can assess individual progress and offer you one-to-one support. Self-study materials are also available through our Virtual Learning Environment.
Assessments
Wherever possible, assessments will be closely aligned with industry expectations, helping you develop relevant skills. These will mainly take the form of coursework, such as programming tasks and applied cyber security scenarios, complemented by demonstrations, presentations, teamwork, and class tests. This includes unseen examinations, class tests and various pieces of authentic assessments such as coursework (e.g. programming tasks, data science investigations), team working, professional reports and presentations.
