Cyber Security (MSc)

You’ll need an upper 2:1 degree (with a mark of 65% or above) 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:

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

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.

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

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 2022). 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

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £29,512.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

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:

• accommodation costs

• living costs

• budgeting advice

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.

Other postgraduate funding options

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

1. Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
2. Search for the course you want to apply for.
3. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
4. Submit your application.

Application deadlines

We receive a high volume of applications for this programme and therefore use a gathered fields approach. This means that we look at batches of applications together and send offers to applicants with the greatest academic ability.

To ensure a balanced international student cohort, and recognising that students from different countries apply at different points in the application cycle, we may close earlier in the year to applications from some countries.

Application stages and deadlines

• China-domiciled applicants: the deadline for applications is Friday 27 January 2023 (11:59pm UK time)
• Rest of World and UK-domiciled applicants: the deadline for applications is Friday 24 March 2023 (11:59pm UK time)

Applications open on 21 September 2022, and we allocate places to exceptional candidates on a continuous basis. The very latest date by which we will send you a decision on your application is Friday 19 May 2023 (5pm UK time).

If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.

Unfortunately, due to the volume of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. 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, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. 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.

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 will send you a decision on your application up to 6-8 weeks after the final application deadline. We will offer places to exceptional candidates on a continuous basis.

If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, your offer will be withdrawn.

Unfortunately, due to the volume of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

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