How to apply

Overview

The details

Course: Cyber Security

Start date: October 2025

Study mode: Full-time

Duration: 1 year

Location: Colchester Campus

Based in: Computer Science and Electronic Engineering (School of)

Our MSc Cyber Security course provides you with the essential skills to support cyber security within the private and public sector, with a strong focus on security by design, digital identity, digital forensics and network security. If you’re a computing graduate and are pursuing a career as a cyber security professional - or in other areas that need a systematic and deep understanding of the subject - or you want to carry out further research in the subject, this is the Masters degree for you.

You will develop your ability to critically evaluate the theories, techniques and systems used in your chosen area of specialisation. You will develop research and problem-solving techniques, and undertake research through practical project experience.

On this course, you will gain a practical, real-world embedding of current cyber security-related technologies to allow you the flexibility to deploy them imaginatively within a fast-developing threat-laden world. Alongside a general coverage, you will cast a sharp eye on:

security by design as an underlying ethos of software design
a grounding in computer security and cryptography
an understanding of network security
the technical side of online digital identity, authentication and biometrics
a detailed understanding of digital forensics
the influence of AI on cyber security
the ability to engineer practical solutions to cyber security problems, both individually and in groups

You will be part of our School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering: a community of scholars leading the way in technological research and development. Today's computer scientists are creative people who are focused and committed, yet restless and experimental. Our work is driven by creativity and imagination as well as technical excellence. That's why we are ranked 6th in the UK for research power in computer science (Times Higher Education research power measure, Research Excellence Framework 2021).

This course is available on a full-time (12 months) basis, starting in October.

Professional accreditation

This course is provisionally certified by the National Cyber Security Centre, a part of GCHQ.

Why we're great.

Complete a course provisionally certified by the National Cyber Security Centre.
Gain a strong understanding of current cyber security-related technologies and how to deploy them within a threat-laden world.
Become familiar with game-changing industry security and ensure career resilience in a fast-changing profession.

Our expert staff

Specialist staff researching computer networks include Prof Gareth Howells, Prof Haris Mouratidis, Prof. Martin Reed and Prof Klaus McDonald-Maier.

More broadly, our research covers a wide range of theoretical and practical cyber security topics from digital security by design to the investigation of techniques for deriving digital identity of physical circuits from their inherent characteristics to cyber physical and embedded systems. The work has led to the creation of several spin-out companies currently commercialising our research.

Our impressive external research funding stands at over £4 million and we participate in a number of EU initiatives and undertake projects under contract to many outside bodies, including government and industrial organisations.

Specialist facilities

We are one of the largest and best resourced computer science and electronic engineering schools in the UK. Our work is supported by extensive networked computer facilities and software aids, together with a wide range of test and instrumentation equipment.

We have six laboratories that are exclusively for computer science and electronic engineering students. Three are open 24/7, and you have free access to the labs outside of scheduled practical classes.
All computers are dual boot Windows 10 and Linux. Apple Mac Computers are dual boot MacOS and Windows 10.
Cyber security-related software includes Autopsy/Cyber Triage, Wireshark: Metasploit Framework: Nmap (Network Mapper), Auth0, Neurotechnology, BioID, and picoCTF.
You will also have access to standard facilities such as Python, Java, Prolog, C++, Perl, Mysql, Matlab, DB2, Microsoft Office, Visual Studio.
We also have specialist dedicated hardware “sandbox” facilities isolated from the existing network for secure cyber security experimentation.

Your future

Our goal is to provide you with postgraduate training in cyber security to ensure you leave us with a secure understanding of the principles and practice of cyber security and the services it supports.

Graduates with a Masters in cyber security are excellently equipped to work in a range of careers, such as:

Software development firms: Companies like Microsoft, Google, and Apple employ cyber security experts to safeguard their software, products, and cloud services.
Cyber security firms: Specialised firms such as Palo Alto Networks, FireEye, and CrowdStrike focus entirely on cyber security solutions and often hire graduates for roles in penetration testing, security architecture, and incident response.
Banks and investment firms: Banks like JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Citibank have dedicated cyber security teams to protect sensitive financial data, payment systems, and customer accounts.
Insurance companies: Cyber insurance is growing, and companies in this sector need cyber security experts to assess risk and prevent breaches.
Government agencies
Healthcare organisations
Consulting firms
Defence contractors

We also work with the University's Employability and Careers Centre to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.

You would also be able to progress to a postgraduate research degree (such as a PhD) with us in computer science and electronic engineering and computational finance.

Entry requirements

UK entry requirements

A 2:2 degree in one of the following subjects (with no module requirements):

Computer Engineering
Computer Games
Computer Networks
Computer Science
Computing
Mathematics
Physics
Software Engineering

We will consider applicants with any other 2:2 degree or above which includes:

At least one Maths module, such as:

Algebra
Calculus
Differential Equations
Mathematics
Probability
Statistics
Stochastic Processes

AND

At least one Programming module from the following list:

C, C# or C++
Introduction to Programming or Advanced Programming
Java
MATLAB
Object Oriented Programming (OOP)
Programming Languages
Python

International & EU entry requirements

We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries. Get in touch with any questions you may have about the qualifications we accept. Remember to tell us about the qualifications you have already completed or are currently taking.

Sorry, the entry requirements for the country that you have selected are not available here. Please contact our Graduate Admissions team at pgquery@essex.ac.uk to request the entry requirements for this country.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum component score of 5.5

If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.

Additional Notes

The University uses academic selection criteria to determine an applicant’s ability to successfully complete a course at the University of Essex. Where appropriate, we may ask for specific information relating to previous modules studied or work experience.

Structure

Components and modules explained

Components

Components are the blocks of study that make up your course. A component may have a set module which you must study, or a number of modules from which you can choose.

Each component has a status and carries a certain number of credits towards your qualification.

Status	What this means
Core	You must take the set module for this component and you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component but you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory	You must take the set module for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Compulsory with Options	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Optional	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.

The modules that are available for you to choose for each component will depend on several factors, including which modules you have chosen for other components, which modules you have completed in previous years of your course, and which term the module is taught in.

Modules

Modules are the individual units of study for your course. Each module has its own set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria and also carries a certain number of credits.

In most cases you will study one module per component, but in some cases you may need to study more than one module. For example, a 30-credit component may comprise of either one 30-credit module, or two 15-credit modules, depending on the options available.

Modules may be taught at different times of the year and by a different department or school to the one your course is primarily based in. You can find this information from the module code. For example, the module code HR100-4-FY means:

100

The department or school the module will be taught by.

In this example, the module would be taught by the Department of History.

The module number.

The UK academic level of the module.

A standard undergraduate course will comprise of level 4, 5 and 6 modules - increasing as you progress through the course.

A standard postgraduate taught course will comprise of level 7 modules.

A postgraduate research degree is a level 8 qualification.

The term the module will be taught in.

AU: Autumn term
SP: Spring term
SU: Summer term
FY: Full year
AP: Autumn and Spring terms
PS: Spring and Summer terms
AS: Autumn and Summer terms

COMPONENT 01: CORE

MSc Project and Dissertation

(60 CREDITS)

What fascinates you? Apply your learning in computer science or engineering to solve a problem. Design, implement and evaluate a solution, producing a dissertation on your investigation and giving an oral presentation of your work. Test your knowledge, while gaining practical experience and building your project management skills.

View MSc Project and Dissertation on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 02: COMPULSORY

Professional Practice and Research Methodology

(15 CREDITS)

This module aims to prepare students for conducting an independent research project leading to a dissertation and to provide them with an appreciation of research and business skills related to their professional career. As a precursor to their project students, individually select an area of Computer Science, or Electronic Engineering, or Computational Finance and perform the necessary background research to define a topic and prepare a project proposal under the guidance of a supervisor. The module guides them by a) introducing common research methods b) creating an understanding of basic statistics for describing and making conclusions from data c) helping to write a strong proposal including learning how to perform literature search and evaluation and d) giving an in-depth view into the business enterprise, financial and management accounting and investment appraisal.

View Professional Practice and Research Methodology on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 03: COMPULSORY

Group Project

(15 CREDITS)

Teamwork skills are essential for employability. The aim of this module is to provide students with the opportunity to apply their specialised knowledge to a realistic problem and gain practical experience of the processes involved in the team-based production of software. Wherever possible, teams are organised on the basis of shared interest, and the problem is designed to exercise their understanding of their area of specialised study. Starting from an outline description of a realistic problem, each team is required to develop a fully implemented software solution using appropriate engineering and project management techniques.

View Group Project on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 04: COMPULSORY

Computer Security

(15 CREDITS)

This course gives an introduction to computer security and cryptography, and then goes on to consider security as it relates to a single, network connected, computer. Introductory material is independent of any operating system but the consideration of tools will focus on those available for Linux, partly because its open-source nature facilitates this and partly because it is widely used on server systems. The introduction to cryptography will be used to consider its use in encryption and authentication.

View Computer Security on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 05: COMPULSORY

Network Security

(15 CREDITS)

This module considers the application of security to networked computers and systems. It will cover how to secure a network by applying methods to detect, mitigate and/or stop attacks. Based on the assumption that public networks will always be open to compromise, this course introduces techniques to secure transmitted data, including the management of encryption systems and communication.

View Network Security on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 06: COMPULSORY

Digital Identity and Biometrics

(15 CREDITS)

View Digital Identity and Biometrics on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 07: COMPULSORY

Computer Forensics

(15 CREDITS)

View Computer Forensics on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 08: COMPULSORY

Advanced Topics in Cyber Security

(15 CREDITS)

View Advanced Topics in Cyber Security on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 09: COMPULSORY

Secure Software Systems Engineering

(15 CREDITS)

View Secure Software Systems Engineering on our Module Directory

Teaching

Our School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering courses provide a thorough and up-to-date knowledge of the theory, methods and applications of computer science.

Whether you want to specialise or gain a broad understanding of the subject, your course will be structured with both core components and optional modules.

As a postgraduate student, we will regularly encourage you to attend conferences and seminars, as well as engage with the wider research community.

Assessment

On this course, you will be assessed on the results of your written examinations, together with continual assessments of your practical work and coursework.

Dissertation

To round off your degree, you will focus in-depth on a topic of your choice via a research project under the close supervision of our expert faculty staff.

Fees and funding

Home/UK fee

£12,125

International fee

£23,500

Masters fees and funding information

Research (e.g. PhD) fees and funding information

What's next

We hold Open Days for all our applicants throughout the year. Our Colchester Campus events are a great way to find out more about studying at Essex, and give you the chance to:

tour our campus and accommodation
find out answers to your questions about our courses, student finance, graduate employability, student support and more
meet our students and staff

If the dates of our organised events aren’t suitable for you, feel free to get in touch by emailing tours@essex.ac.uk and we’ll arrange an individual campus tour for you.

2025 Open Days (Colchester Campus)

Wednesday 19 March 2025 - Postgraduate Open Evening

Find out more

You can apply for this postgraduate course online. Before you apply, please check our information about necessary documents that we'll ask you to provide as part of your application.

We aim to respond to applications within two weeks. If we are able to offer you a place, you will be contacted via email.

For information on our deadline to apply for this course, please see our ‘how to apply' information.

A sunny day with banners flying on Colchester Campus Square 4.

Set within 200 acres of award-winning parkland - Wivenhoe Park and located two miles from the historic city centre of Colchester – England's oldest recorded development. Our Colchester Campus is also easily reached from London and Stansted Airport in under one hour.

Find out more

View from Square 2 outside the Rab Butler Building looking towards Square 3

If you live too far away to come to Essex (or have a busy lifestyle), no problem. Our 360 degree virtual tour allows you to explore the Colchester Campus from the comfort of your home. Check out our accommodation options, facilities and social spaces.

At Essex we pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive student community. We offer a wide range of support to individuals and groups of student members who may have specific requirements, interests or responsibilities.

Find out more

The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include, but are not limited to: strikes, other industrial action, staff illness, severe weather, fire, civil commotion, riot, invasion, terrorist attack or threat of terrorist attack (whether declared or not), natural disaster, restrictions imposed by government or public authorities, epidemic or pandemic disease, failure of public utilities or transport systems or the withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications. The University would inform and engage with you if your course was to be discontinued, and would provide you with options, where appropriate, in line with our Compensation and Refund Policy.

The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.