About this course
This course is now closed to all applicants for 2022 entry. View our available courses.
Improve your understanding of cyber security on this master’s degree at the University of Southampton. This course is one of only 25 MSc Cyber Security programmes in the UK to be awarded a full certification against the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) Certified Master’s standard.
We’re recognised as an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research by the UK government, and our academics have helped establish a European Data Science Academy.
Cyber security is critically important to commercial and academic organisations, as well as to governments and the public. There is currently a global shortage of experts in this field, and demand for their skills is growing significantly.
Our master's in cyber security offers a multi-disciplinary approach, covering both technical and non-technical subjects, to give you a well-rounded collection of skills that will make you attractive to future employers. Our researchers draw on their own research to offer modules on topics such as:
- network and web-based security
- software security
- cryptography
- criminology
- risk management
- machine learning
We’ll give you access to specialist project labs, computer workstations, and online tools to support your learning in an ideal environment. Our researchers will equip you to handle new and unique challenges in a variety of cyber security fields. At the end of the course, you’ll be able to design, build, analyse and problem-solve in many areas relating to cyber security.
Course lead
Your course leader has research interests in distributed and ubiquitous computing, semantics of programming languages, and models of computation. Visit Dr Julian Rathke’s staff profile to learn more about his work.
Accreditations
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:1 degree in computer science or a closely related subject.
You must also have an upper 2:1 score in the following modules:
- a programming language
- a computer networks module
- a computer science module, such as: cryptography, software, data structures, databases, machine learning, web, networks
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
Recognition of professional experience
If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.
Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
This is a full-time master’s course. You’ll study for 12 months, from September to the following September.
In the first 9 months (semesters 1 and 2) you'll study the taught part of your course.
This is made up of modules that everyone on the course takes, and modules we’ll ask you to choose from a list of options. You'll take exams at the end of both semesters.
You’ll also begin preparing for your research project during semester 1, and continue this work in semester 2.
For the last 3 months, over the summer, you’ll work independently to research and write your dissertation. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
For entry in Academic Year 2022-23
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules:
This module covers the mathematics, techniques, and applications of modern cryptography. We will look at the history of code making and code breaking, and draw lessons for the future from the mistakes and successes of the past. We will also give a gentle ...
This module aims to give an overview of cyber security. The module will equip students with a clear view of the current cyber security landscape considering not only technical measures and defences, but also the other subject areas that apply, including l...
Your research project will enable you to explore in depth some aspect of your specialist subject area. You will be allocated a project supervisor with whom you will meet and agree a project brief and plan. These must be submitted to, and agreed by, ...
The module complements the Foundations of Cyber Security module for Cyber Security MSc students by providing a practical grounding in cyber security practices in larger scale, networks, distributed systems and web applications. The module is also offered ...
The Module will prepare students for the summer Research Project and research based coursework exercises. It will give students a grounding in the research methods and techniques necessary in order for planning and successful execution and completion of t...
The course requires to understand C code, assembly language, x86 architectures and memory allocation (a refresher will be provided).
This module focuses on both theoretical and practical perspectives in the security of software and software systems, by exploring software analysis and reverse engineering. The aims of the module at a high level are to: - Explore common threats to ...
You must also choose from the following modules:
This module presents a critical, interdisciplinary analysis of crime and criminality, requiring students to research beyond official understandings of 'criminal behaviour'. The module considers the behavioural, situational and cultural aspects of criminal...
This module is designed to introduce you to the human dimension of cybercrime and cyber security. It is not coming from a technical perspective, but instead a critical criminological approach is applied to the topic. This means that we will be questioning...
We will study the tools and techniques used in digital forensics and its relevance to incident responses and criminal investigations. This will include: Network Traffic, Disk and Memory Forensics, Hardware Architectures, Forensics frameworks, Attributions...
This module prepares students to develop an understanding of the critical issues and application of software project management. It introduces the students to the tools, techniques and body of knowledge involved in each stage of the project management lif...
Learning and assessment
Learning
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- small group teaching and one-on-one tutorials
- computer-based practical work
- group design exercises
- individual and group projects
- independent learning
Assessment
We'll assess you through a combination of:
- essays
- exams
- lab and exercise reports
- your dissertation
Dissertation
This is an opportunity to demonstrate your mastery of all relevant techniques and methods of enquiry. You will carry out a research project lasting 3 to 4 months, assessed by a 15,000-word dissertation.
Academic Support
You’ll have access to:
- a personal tutor to give you advice, help you choose modules, and provide general support if you need it
- the Electronics and Computer Science (ECS) Student Advisory Team for pastoral support
- postgraduate demonstrators for additional support on your design projects
Careers
On completion of the course, you’ll be ready for a career in the cyber security field or further research in industry or academia. You’ll graduate with a strong understanding of the technical aspects of cyber security, as well as the broader context in which these sit.
Our graduates go on to careers in:
- designing and marketing security products
- emerging cyber security professions to analyse cyber-threats and design defences
- cyber security consultancy companies who study and analyse trends in cyber security
- the military, intelligence agencies, crime prevention and investigation
- government departments (for example: the UK Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BiS)
Alternatively, you can continue towards a PhD qualification or research assistant position.
We also support aspiring entrepreneurs through a blend of networks, mentors, societies and our on-campus start-up incubator. Find out more about enterprise and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV/resume and interview skills workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
- our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
- a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
- our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £28,000.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
Funding your postgraduate studies
A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
Application deadlines
UK students
Make sure we receive your application at least 4 weeks before the start of the course. This gives us time to consider your application, if there are still places available.
International students
Make sure we receive your application at least 6 weeks before the start of the course.
This gives us time to consider your application, if there are still places available. It will also give you time to apply for a visa if we offer you a place.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, or if you're applying for a PGCE course via UCAS, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
You'll also need to send 2 academic references.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We'll assess your application on the strength of your:
- academic achievements
- relevant professional experience
- personal statement
- academic references
We'll aim to get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
We may invite you to an interview, which will take place by phone if you live abroad. You'll get an email from the admissions tutor if we'd like to talk to you before offering you a place.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Related courses
- Courses
-
Student life
- Accommodation
- Our campuses
- Our cities
- Student community
- Sports and gyms
- Support and money
- Halls Filter
- Research
- Business
- Global
- Open days and visits
- Clearing
- Schools and colleges
- About
- Visit
- Alumni
- Departments
- News
- Events
- Contact