Advanced Cybersecurity (with optional Placement/Project year) MSc

Apply as Home StudentApply as International Student
Request a ProspectusVisit Us
Smart Male IT Programer Working on Desktop Computer.

You are viewing Course summary

Course Summary

The Advanced Cybersecurity MSc is designed to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity, covering every major aspect of its existence and practice. You will develop advanced expertise in the complex concepts central to the field, with a focus on mastering cutting-edge tools and techniques.

Throughout the degree, you’ll dive deep into the theories that shape cybersecurity, gaining hands-on experience to hone your skills. By the end, you’ll be ready to join the highly skilled workforce, prepared to meet the growing demands of industry and government in the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape.

There is an option to choose a Project/Placement year for this course, at an additional cost.

 

Switch combined course content

Optional 2-year master's to suit your needs

Choosing a Professional Placement MSc is a win-win for your career, giving you the chance to get real experience, apply your cutting-edge skills in the workplace and stand out to future employers.

In the first year you will have help from the University to find a placement, whilst developing your expertise. You will then spend your second year out in industry on placement, getting the chance to work with industry professionals and grow your network of industry contacts. Bringing your university-acquired knowledge and insights to industry, you will get to make a difference to the workplace and make lasting links with your employer.

Students need to find and secure their own placement, supported by the University. A preparation module will also help you to get ready for your placement.

What You'll Study

There is an emphasis on real-world practice and supporting theory, to develop towards an expertise in digital forensics, incident response, penetration testing, active defence, software exploitation and system protection methods, and cybersecurity in business.

Students studying on the 2 year full time course will not undertake the research project. They will undertake the Professional Placement or Professional Project pathway instead.

Modules

  • Research Methods (20 Credits) Core
  • Software Exploitation (20 Credits) Core
  • Digital Forensics and Penetration Testing (20 Credits) Core
  • Business Implication of Cybersecurity (20 Credits) Core
  • Databases & Security (20 Credits) Core
  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (20 Credits) Option
  • Bio-Inspired Computing (20 Credits) Option
  • Advanced Embedded Systems and Internet of Things (20 Credits) Option
  • MSc Project (if not studying a project/placement year)

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

If chosen, your second year of study will consist of your Project or Professional Placement

MODULES

  • Professional Placement Option
  • Professional Project Option

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

Who You'll Learn From

Dr Toyosi Oyinloye

Senior Lecturer
Toyosi Oyinloye

Paul Underhill

Lecturer
Paul Underhill

How You'll Learn

add

There are six modules and a supervised research module

add

The majority of work will be assessed by coursework

add

This course is designed around in-person study

add

There may be some online learning activities

Modules will be taught on-site (Exton Park) in 3-hour weekly sessions over 10 weeks of tutor contact sessions that take place in PC labs and Cyber labs.

There is a blended learning approach (asynchronous) where resources for your learning will be made available via Moodle which is accessible on the University's VLE. The course is delivered over three terms with each term covering one or two modules depending on the optional modules selected. You can access real and virtual machines in the library which can be used for independent practice times.

The modules are delivered by experienced academics in each of the subject areas. This will occasionally involve engagements with guest lecturers and speakers from relevant industries.

The learning process also includes a broad range of assessment methods mostly involving realistic tasks to expose you to the tasks you might encounter in the workplace. You may be required to solve tasks in groups which is aimed to develop your ability to function in a team as well as learn other academic skills.

Entry Requirements

2:1honours degree

A good first Degree (normally a 2:2 or above) in IT-related or Engineering subject areas is required. All
applicants are expected to have good experience in using one desktop and one mobile operating system.
They must have skills in using basic computing or cybersecurity tools and competency in using any
of the relevant operating systems (Windows, Linux). All applicants should be willing to develop
technical skills at an advanced level as part of this course and may be required to attend a short
interview before confirmation of acceptance into the course.

English Language Requirements

  • IELTS Academic: Postgraduate: 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each band)

For more information on our entry requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.

Where You'll Study Exton Park, Chester

The location

Exton Park is close to the city centre of Chester, a city like no other and an amazing place to live as a student. While it is undoubtedly beautiful and packed with history, Chester is also a bustling 21st-century city balancing big-name shopping, eating and living with a thriving independent scene.

Modern learning resources and library

We have dedicated resources and IT services across campus, as well as our Seaborne Library; home to an extensive selection of books, e-books and e-journals, as well as bookable multimedia rooms, video conferencing space, 24-hour access computer labs, and The Hub; a comfortable two-floor study zone, suitable for independent and group study.

Seaborne library, seating and reception area.

Fitness facilities

Exton Park boasts an impressive choice of indoor and outdoor sports and leisure facilities, which are used for both competitive and recreational sports. Our facilities include a swimming pool, gym, squash, and tennis courts, running track and two floodlit pitches.

A male student wearing goggles is swimming in the training pool between the red rope lane marker lines.

Student Services

Exton Park is home to a number of our central support services, including Disability and Inclusion, Careers and Employability, and Student Support.

Chapel, chaplaincy and multi-faith spaces

Built in 1847 by former students, the University Chapel offers regular services and a venue to services. The University of Chester also has multi-faith spaces across the campus for prayer or quiet reflection.

Accommodation

Most of our student accommodation is located either on or near Exton Park.

Catering

We have several catering outlets available onsite, offering a wide selection of hot and cold food to students and visitors. Term-time Meal Schemes are also available for those students interested in non-residential catering schemes.

Fees and Funding

£10,530for the full course (2025/26)

Guides to the fees for students who wish to commence postgraduate courses are available to view on our Postgraduate Taught Programmes Fees page. Here you will also find information about part-time fees and project/placement year fees.

The professional placement/project year will cost an additional £2,750, due at the start of the second year of the course.

£15,000for a full-time course (2025/26)

The tuition fees for international students studying Postgraduate programmes in 2025/26 are £15,000.

Please note: For MSc programmes where a placement or project year is undertaken there will be an additional charge of £2,750 for the placement/project year (due at the start of the second year of the course).

The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships for postgraduate study, providing a significant reduction to the published headline tuition fee. You will automatically be considered for these scholarships when your application is reviewed, and any award given will be stated on your offer letter.

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees. 

The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships. 

Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees and Finance section of our website.

Your Future Career

Job Prospects 

Graduates have gone on to leading roles in industry in the field of security and penetration testing, in policing, and in government.

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.

Enquire about a course