- Study
- International
- Business and employers
- Research
- About us
Become a digital crime fighter. Learn how to protect the world’s computer systems, programs, networks and devices from cyber threats and attacks by exploring cyber security and digital forensics.
Networked computers run our world. From homes to hospitals, airports to banks and all stops in between, everything is connected – but these systems are susceptible to infiltration and attack. On our MSc Cyber Security course, you’ll gain the expertise to become part of the defence.
By learning to design, implement and manage computer-based systems security on this masters, you’ll develop the skills and confidence to succeed in a wide range of cyber security roles. This could include security designer, ethical hacker, and digital forensics officer.
Starting with the fundamentals, you’ll gain a broad understanding of the different levels of computer and network security. You’ll then explore both the technical aspects and the logistics o...
1 year full-time
2 years full-time with industrial placement
2 years part-time
Rida“What I love most about Manchester Met is the way the academics help and support their students. They're always friendly and polite and try to expand your knowledge.”
MSc Cyber Security student
Our masters in cyber security is made up of core modules covering topics from the principles of cyber security to Penetration Testing and IOT Security. You can choose to study the course full-time over one year, or part-time, where you’ll complete the modules over two years. You may also choose to take an additional one-year optional industry placement on the full-time route.
Starting with the fundamentals, you’ll gain a broad understanding of the different levels of computer and network security. You’ll focus on the principles, architectures and protocols used in modern large-scale networked systems. As you progress, you’ll explore the technical aspects more thoroughly. This includes wireless systems, operating systems and interfacing socket programming, as well as servers and their security implications, and encryption algorithms. You’ll look at the logistics of planning and implementing network security management, including security, risk analysis and disaster recovery planning.
But building defences to deter hackers is only one side of the cyber security coin. You’ll also become something of a digital detective, as you learn how to investigate systems after a breach. You’ll look at the phases of a forensics investigation, from understanding how the breach occurred, to analysing the digital evidence trail, to learning how to plug the gap for the future. And because you’ll be dealing with other people’s private data, you’ll explore the legal and ethical issues involved.
Finally, you'll complete an in-depth independent research project. With the support of our academic and technical team, you’ll undertake a piece of research on a topic of your choice related to your studies. This will involve designing, implementing and evaluating a substantial piece of software and documenting the research through writing a dissertation.
Throughout this cyber security masters, you’ll be supported by highly professional staff with practical experience at the forefront of this dynamic landscape. You’ll have access to our specialist labs with the latest hardware and software that will give you hands-on project experience in real-world network security scenarios.
The Chartered Institute for IT
Oracle Academy
Chartered Institute of Information Security
Institute of Coding
Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA)
National Cyber Security Centre
Whether you've already made your decision about what you want to study, or you're just considering whether postgraduate study is right for you, there are lots of ways you can meet us and find out more about postgraduate student life at Manchester Met.
We offer:
Your studies are supported by a department of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field.
We often link up with external professionals too, helping to enhance your learning and build valuable connections to the working world.
These typical entry requirements may be subject to change for the 2025/26 academic year. Please check back for further details.
You’ll need a UK Honours degree – at least a 2:2 – or the international equivalent, in a computing-related subject with knowledge of programming and computing networks. We might also consider your application if you have a different kind of computing qualification, together with substantial experience in a computing-focused role.
International students please see mmu.ac.uk/international
Overseas applicants will require IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in any category, or an equivalent accepted English qualification.
Full-time fee: £10,250 per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
Part-time fee: £1709 per 30 credits studied. The fee per credit will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (eg no repeat years or breaks in study). The total amount you pay each year may differ based on the number of credits studied.
Full-time fee: £20,000 per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
Part-time fee: £3334 per 30 credits studied. The fee per credit will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (eg no repeat years or breaks in study). The total amount you pay each year may differ based on the number of credits studied.
A masters qualification typically comprises 180 credits, a PGDip 120 credits, a PGCert 60 credits, and an MFA 300 credits. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of study provided the course is completed in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
Optional estimate: £1,850
Following completion of the academic credits for your MSc award, this course is available with an optional one-year placement in your second year. The industry placement allows you to gain additional practice credits by working in an industry setting, relevant to your studies.
Students who do a placement year will be required to pay a placement fee of £1,850.
Optional estimate: £30
Students can choose to join the BCS at any point in their study. It is not required but is useful. The charge is £20 for one year and £30 for four years. More information can be found on the membership page of their website.
Optional estimate: £400
All of the books required for the course are available from the library. The University also has PC labs and a laptop loan service. However, many students choose to buy some of the core textbooks for the course and/or a laptop. Students may also need to print their assignments and other documents. Campus printing costs start from 5p per page. Estimated costs are £300 for a laptop up to £100 for books and printing.
The advanced skills and understanding you’ll develop on our MSc course can take you into cyber security roles across a range of industries, in both the public and private sectors. You could apply for jobs like:
Your masters could also provide a foundation for further studies. For example, going on to study a PhD.
Study in the Dalton building
We've invested £115m into cutting-edge facilities and advanced technology to enhance your learning. With newly refurbished computing labs and interactive study spaces, this redevelopment has been built to prepare students for the modern workplace.
Please contact our course enquiries team.
Get advice and support on making a successful application.
You can review our current terms and conditions before you make your application. If you are successful with your application, we will send you up to date information alongside your offer letter.
Programme review
Our programmes undergo an annual review and major review (normally
at 6 year intervals) to ensure an up-to-date curriculum supported by the
latest online learning technology. For further information on when we
may make changes to our programmes, please see the changes section of our
terms and conditions.
Important notice
This online prospectus provides an overview of our programmes of study
and the University. We regularly update our online prospectus so that
our published course information is accurate. Please check back to the
online prospectus before making an application to us to access the most
up to date information for your chosen course of study.
Confirmation of regulator
The Manchester Metropolitan University is regulated by the Office for
Students (OfS). The OfS is the independent regulator of higher education
in England. More information on the role of the OfS and its regulatory
framework can be found at
officeforstudents.org.uk.
All higher education providers registered with the OfS must have a student protection plan in place. The student protection plan sets out what students can expect to happen should a course, campus, or institution close. Access our current student protection plan.