Master the skills and knowledge needed to excel in today's cyber security domains. In our Cyber Security MSc, you'll explore cyber security theories, principles, practices, technologies and more.

Cyber security is a dynamic area of computing science.

It's about understanding:

how attackers can exploit the features and vulnerabilities of a system
how to detect, prevent and respond to these attackers

Cyber security is also a process, requiring input from and interaction with end-users, stakeholders, decision-makers or system designers.

You'll study cyber security theories, principles, practices and technologies, and build your expertise in:

information security
system security
network security

This curriculum also includes machine learning.

The MSc Cyber Security is designed for honours graduates in computing science, or a discipline with a significant computing component, for example:

engineering
systems engineering
mathematics

You should have a good background in computer systems, including programming. We also value relevant industrial computing experience and transferable skills.

Our research and development in dependable and secure computing is world-leading. Our international research groups and research centres focus on a wide range of computer science fields, including:

security and resilience
dependable systems
cybercrime
cloud computing

We are a hub of digital innovation. You'll benefit from our:

leadership of the National Edge AI Hub, next-generation innovations via edge computing
recognition as an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security, supported by the National Cyber Security Centre and the EPSRC
direct link with the UK's National Innovation Centre for Data
partnership with The Alan Turing Institute, the UK’s national institute for data science and AI

How to apply

Quality and ranking

Global Top 140 University - QS World University Rankings 2026
Top 145 for Engineering and Technology - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
Top 25 in the UK and Top 200 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025
42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
Global Top 145 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026
Joint 64th in the world and 22nd in the UK for sustainability – QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026
Top 170 for Computing Science and Information Systems - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
Top 5 city for affordability in the UK – QS Best Student Cities 2026
World Top 50 and UK Top 5 student city – QS Best Student Cities 2026
89th in the world - TIME Magazine: World’s Top Universities 2026

Professional accreditation and recognition

Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research (ACE-CSR)

Newcastle University has been recognised as an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research (ACE-CSR) by the National Cyber Security Centre and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

British Computer Society (BCS)

The course is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS). The BCS is the chartered institute for IT. Studying a BCS-accredited degree provides the foundation for professional membership of the BCS on graduation and is the first step to becoming a chartered IT professional.

National Cyber Security Centre

This degree is provisionally certified by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC, part of the GCHQ).

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK

If you’re studying an accredited degree and thinking about working in Europe after you graduate, the best place to find current information is the UK Government’s guidance on recognition of UK professional qualifications in EU member states. This official resource explains whether your profession is regulated in another country, what steps you need to take, and which organisation you should contact.

The university shows a great level of care and consideration for students, which is something I hardly ever experienced back in my home country. Also, the laboratory facilities are outstanding, and I was genuinely impressed by the quality of the equipment.

Xichao School of Computing postgraduate student

Next: Course details

What you'll learn

You'll develop the practical and high-level skills to assess the security of systems, including the following factors:

cyber
physical
human

You'll also learn how to make security recommendations and build more secure and safe systems.

Throughout the course, you'll also develop in-depth analysis and communication skills.

As a student on this Cyber Security MSc, you'll be encouraged to become actively involved in the life of the School. You can take advantage of dedicated computing and study facilities and participate in seminars delivered by researchers and distinguished external speakers.

Modules

You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.

Cyber Security MSc modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Information Security and Cryptography	10
Secure Software Development	10
Security of Complex Systems	10
Research Methods and Group Project in Security and Resilience	20
Project and Dissertation in Cyber Security	60
Advanced Topics in Cyber Security	10
Systems Security	20
Network Security and Ethical Hacking	20
Risk and Trust Management	10

Optional Modules	Credits
Cloud Computing	10
Machine Learning with Project	10

How you'll learn

Delivery and teaching methods

The School of Computing delivers this course.

The course has three phases.

Phase one

In phase one (60 credits) we introduce core knowledge and skills through modules. These modules are taught in intensive block mode. Each block consists of 20 credits - four weeks of lectures and lab classes during the day.

Phase two

In phase two (60 credits) we emphasise analysis, research and communication skills, including a team project.

Phase three

Phase three (60 credits) is an individual research or development project with a cyber security focus undertaken with personal supervision. This includes opportunities for industry-orientated projects.

Recent projects have involved original work in areas such as:

privacy and security aspects of artificial intelligence
security of smart infrastructure
privacy-enhancing technologies

Phase two and phase three overlap.

Assessment methods

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

Design or creative project
Dissertation
Essay
Professional skills assessments
Oral examination
Practical lab report
Report
Written exercise

Additional assessment information

Project work

Your five-month individual project gives you an opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills in depth, and to work in a research or development team. You'll be supervised by experienced member of the faculty, as part of their research groups. \ \ The project, with a cyber security focus, can be carried out in:

one of the research groups at Newcastle University
an industry laboratory
your place of work

Wellbeing advisor support

The School of Computing has a dedicated Wellbeing Advisor who understands the needs of our students.

They can be a confidential listening ear and provide guidance on a range of wellbeing issues.

Student support

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:

academic staff
personal tutors and research supervisors
our University Student Services Team
student representatives
peers

You'll also be assigned an academic member of staff, who will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.

Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You'll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:

module handbooks
course materials
groups
course announcements and notifications
written feedback

Our staff

The Cyber Security MSc is hosted by the Secure and Resilient Systems group. Staff from across the school contribute to specialist topics, including:

dependability
human-computer interaction
machine learning

The Degree Programme Director is Dr Essam Ghadafi, a Senior Lecturer in Cyber Security in the School of Computing. He has expertise in many areas of cyber security, including:

cryptography
provable security
data privacy
blockchain
AI security and privacy

Philip Robinson Library (Student Texts Collection)

Your development

Practical skills

You’ll learn how to identify and manage security risks across networks, systems, and software, as well as detect and respond to cyber threats using industry standard tools. You’ll design and install secure systems, factoring in user behaviour, policies, and compliance and be able to understand legal, ethical and regulatory frameworks.

Professional skills

You'll gain transferable skills that are valuable across a wide range of careers. These include:

communication
teamwork
creative and critical thinking
time and resource management using industry-level tools and software adaptability

Course information: Disclaimers, policies and changes

Previous: Overview Next: Entry requirements

Entry requirements

The entrance requirements below apply to 2026 entry.

Academic entry requirements

A 2:2 honours degree, or international equivalent, in computer science or a discipline with significant computing content, such as:

mathematics
engineering
systems engineering

You should also have a good background in computer systems, including programming.

We will also consider your application on an individual basis if you have lower or non-standard qualifications provided you have several years of relevant industrial computing experience.

Qualifications from outside the UK

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English Language requirements

Select your qualification IELTSPearsonsDuolingo English TestTOEFLOtherPre-Sessional Entry - 6 weeksPre-Sessional Entry - 10 weeks

Previous: Course details Next: Careers

Your future

Graduate destinations

Our Cyber Security MSc graduates have an excellent record of finding employment.

Graduates from this course have undertaken various roles including:

Data Warehouse Consultant at NCR Corporation
Senior Quality Assurance Engineer at Ixia
Civil Servant at GCHQ
IT Analyst at the National Health Service (NHS)
IT Security Engineer at Venustech

This course provides a route into PhD level study. Several of our recent graduates have progressed to postgraduate research study at Newcastle University.

Further study

This course provides a route into PhD level study. It offers well-rounded knowledge in both theoretical and applied aspects of Cyber Security. As a graduate, you'll be prepared to:

pursue advanced research opportunities
contribute to the academic community through doctoral programmes

Industry links

Industrial Advisory Board

Members of our Industrial Advisory Board help to ensure that the programme is relevant to the needs of business and industry today. You can choose a project for your final dissertation that has some industry involvement associated with it, including the possibility of working on-site.

The Industrial Advisory Board and our links with industry ensure our course:

content stays relevant to current trends and technologies in cyber security
creates valuable opportunities for students. This includes guest lectures from professionals, industry-led projects, internships, and potential job pathways

Our Careers Service

Our expert Careers Service is here to help you take the next steps in your professional life. We will support you while you’re studying with us and for up to three years after you graduate.\ \ You will have access to expert one-to-one advice and guidance through our campus careers centre and online, along with digital resources, workshops, networking opportunities, and careers and recruitment events.\ \ We’ve been awarded 5 QS Stars for Student Employability (2025). Many of our degrees are shaped by strong links with national and international businesses. We are committed to helping you access real-world experience opportunities and develop key skills through paid work placements and internships.

Visit our Careers Service website

I'm so excited about Newcastle University. It's one of the few Academic Centres of Excellence in Cyber Security Research in the country, so students are in a great position to benefit from amazing lecturers, programmes, and connections to industry.

Previous: Entry requirements Next: Facilities

Facilities

Cyber security facilities

You'll have dedicated computing facilities in the School of Computing. You'll have access to the latest tools for system analysis and development, as well as an allocated PC and desk space in a project lab. For certain projects, special facilities for networking can be set up as required.

You'll enjoy access to specialist IT facilities to support your studies, including:

over 300 PCs running Linux and Windows
an immersive virtual reality suite
motion capture facilities
3D printing facilities
cloud-scale virtualisation facilities
Linux-based home pages and student hosting services
haptic and wearable computing hardware

Urban Sciences Building

The School of Computing is based in the £58 million Urban Sciences Building (USB), a flagship development located on the £350 million Newcastle Helix regeneration site in the heart of Newcastle. It brings together:

academia
the public sector
communities
business and industry

Explore the Urban Sciences Building

Learn more about the Newcastle Helix

Postgraduate student facilities

As a Master's student, you'll have access to specialist teaching spaces and facilities in the USB. These are only available to postgraduate students.

Wellbeing and inclusivity are at the heart of our School. The USB has several wellbeing spaces for students, including:

The Retreat: A sensory space with relaxing stimuli to distract from busy student life.
Wellbeing room: Designed for relaxation and quiet time. Here you can take a moment to breathe and unwind. It can also be used by students with special medical requirements.
Prayer room: For all faiths and none, this space can be used for prayer or quiet reflection.

Find out more about our wellbeing and computing facilities

Previous: Careers Next: Fees & funding

Fees, Funding and Scholarships

Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year)

Qualification: MSc Full time
Home students Full time: 12 months	Tuition fees (per year) £14,500
International students Full time: 12 months	Tuition fees (per year) £31,700

Tuition fee increases

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals - tuition fee status

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support. You may be eligible for a scholarship worth 25% off the international fee. Search our funding database.

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our searchable postgraduate funding page for more information.

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

matriculation
registration
tuition (or supervision)
library access
examination
re-examination
graduation

Find out more about:

Deposit

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.

You can check this in the How to apply section.

Funding deadlines

If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.

For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.

Search for funding and scholarships

Find funding available for your course

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Previous: Facilities Next: How to apply

How to apply

Before you start

Start Dates

The course starts in September.

Closing Dates

There is no application closing date for this course. We suggest international students apply at least two months before the course starts. This is so that you have enough time to make the necessary arrangements.

Specialised application information

As part of the application process, you are required to conduct a compulsory self-assessment of your programming skills using Rafael Poss’ matrix.

The results of the self-assessment are categorised as follows:

Basic user (A1, A2)
Independent user (B1, B2)
Proficient user (C1, C2)

View the programming skills self-assessment matrix (PDF:34KB) for more information about the categorisation.

You should attach the statement that contains your self-assessment according to the matrix with your application.

If you score Level A1 or A2, we do not require you to evidence the results using other parts of your application (eg your CV, personal statement).

If your assessment is at Level B1 or higher, you should refer to elements of your application (eg transcript, CV, personal statement) with evidence supporting this self-assessment for specific categories.

An example of a statement is:

“I score at least A2 in all categories. For Writing code and refactoring, I score B2, as evidenced by my high marks in Programming in Java module in my Stage 3. For Exploring and self-learning, I score B1, as evidenced by my involvement in the open-source project XYZ, referenced in my CV”

The maximum limit of the statement is 400 words. You can attach your answer as a file in the applicant portal.

There are no minimum requirements for programming skills for this MSc. However the course does not include programming modules and if you have limited programming experience, you might not be able to fully engage in the course.

Deposit

All International students

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you must pay a deposit or submit an official letter of sponsorship. The deposit is payable after you receive an offer to study with us. This deposit is non-refundable and will be deducted from your tuition fees when you register. You may also be subject to academic and English language qualification verification, confirmation of funds and credibility interviews.

International students who received an offer before 18 March 2026

You are required to pay a £1,500 deposit or submit an official letter of sponsorship.

International students Bangladesh, Ghana, Myanmar, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan who received an offer after 18 March 2026

You are required to pay a deposit of £5,000 or submit an official letter of sponsorship by 01 August 2026.

All International students (excluding those from the markets above) who received an offer after 18 March 2026

You are required to pay a deposit of £1,500 or submit an official letter of sponsorship by 01 August 2026.

Programme codes

Qualification: MSc Full time
Full time: 12 months	Programme Code: 5144F

Using the application portal

The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.

You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.

If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.

Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages.

\ Apply Online

Previous: Fees & funding Next: Get in touch

Open days and events

Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually

Overseas events

We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University.

Visit our events calendar for the latest events

Get in touch

Questions about this course?

If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:

Admissions Secretary\ Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 2736\ Email: computing.admissions@ncl.ac.uk\ School of Computing\ ncl.ac.uk/computing

General enquiries

For more general enquiries, you could also complete our online enquiry form.

Fill in our enquiry form

Application enquiries

If you've got a question about your application, send us an enquiry via the application portal you applied through.

If you haven't applied yet, you can send your questions via our enquiry form.

Fill in our enquiry form

Live chat

Our Ncl chatbot might be able to give you an answer straight away. If not, it’ll direct you to someone who can help.

You'll find our Ncl chatbot in the bottom right of this page.

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Keep updated

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Cyber Security MSc

Overview

Quality and ranking

Professional accreditation and recognition

The university shows a great level of care and consideration for students, which is something I hardly ever experienced back in my home country. Also, the laboratory facilities are outstanding, and I was genuinely impressed by the quality of the equipment.

What you'll learn

Modules

How you'll learn

Phase one

Phase two

Phase three

Project work

Your development

Practical skills

Professional skills

Entry requirements

Academic entry requirements

Qualifications from outside the UK

English Language requirements

Your future

Graduate destinations

Further study

Industry links

Industrial Advisory Board

Our Careers Service

Facilities

Cyber security facilities

Urban Sciences Building

Postgraduate student facilities

Fees, Funding and Scholarships

Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year)

Scholarships

What you're paying for

Search for funding and scholarships

How to apply

Before you start

Programme codes

Using the application portal

Open days and events

Overseas events

Get in touch

Questions about this course?

General enquiries

Application enquiries

Live chat

Chat to our students

Keep updated

Social media