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MSc CYBER SECURITY

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Overview

Building on our rich history of training the digital skills workforce of the future, we are delighted to launch a new MSc Cyber Security programme. This programme is new for 2025 entry and subject to validation - we will update the fees and how to apply section as soon as the course has been fully validated.

Master the future of Cyber Security

If you have a computer science or STEM background, get ready to dive into a groundbreaking course that fuses the latest in AI and cybersecurity! You will work with cutting-edge technologies to tackle real-world challenges in threat analysis while benefitting from the latest research in IoT, blockchain, 5G/6G networks, cloud computing, and AI.

The course builds on our strengths in Data Science and AI, with added modules covering the theory and practical application of network engineering, risk management, and cutting-edge network and cloud security. What sets it apart is its focus on foundational cybersecurity techniques combined with next-gen, AI-driven solutions that are transforming the industry at lightning speed. Apply for this programme to stay ahead of the curve and master the future of cybersecurity!

Why Cyber Security at LSBU?

The course has been designed using guidelines from leading accreditation bodies such as  Chartered Engineer (CEng) and Chartered IT Professional (CITP).
You will gain a wealth of experience in using industry-standard equipment, computer programming and simulation facilities.  These include high performance PCs running KALI Linux and an isolated network for network scanning and penetration testing.  You can also use Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, Python and SAS.
You can start the programme in January or September, and there are full-time and part-time study options available.
From AI machine learning boot camp to silent film processing, there is a range of extracurricular activities for Engineering students to get involved in.

Location

London South Bank University student union is located at 103 Borough Rd, London SE1 0AA.

If you are visiting our Southwark Campus, you may wish to use our downloadable campus map (PNG File 466 KB). For information on accessibility, see our DisabledGo access guides. See our location page for more details.

Entry Level Requirements

Want to start your course this September? call 0800 923 8888 for entry requirements.

  • 2:2 UK honours first degree or international equivalent in Computer Science or related subjects, a GCSE Grade 4 in Mathematics or equivalent, a GCSE Grade 4 in English or equivalent, OR;
  • We recognise that many people have a wealth of valuable skills and knowledge they've developed at work or through training. If candidates have the potential to succeed in postgraduate or post-experience studies, we'll consider their application on its individual merit. Applications may be considered where candidates demonstrate a combination of educational qualifications and work experience.
  • We welcome qualifications from around the world. English language qualifications for international students: IELTS score of 6.5.
  • After admission, perspective students can apply for the accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL), following the approved School of Engineering procedure.

Choose your country

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Missing English and Maths qualifications?

If you do not have the required English and Maths qualifications needed to satisfy the entry requirements for this programme, we have courses available at our partner College that you can take to upskill in these areas. Find out more at South Bank College.

For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for postgraduate students.

See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 391 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 775 KB).

Possible fee changes

The University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions.

The fees for international students are reviewed annually and the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fees in line with the RPIX measure of inflation up to 4 per cent.

Postgraduate loan (PGL) for Masters study

If you are starting a Masters course, studying either full- or part-time, you may be entitled to apply for a postgraduate study loan. Find out more at our postgraduate fees and funding section.

Scholarships

We offer several types of fee reduction through our scholarships and bursaries. Find the full list and other useful information on funding your studies on the scholarships and fee discounts page.

Fee status

Please check your fee status and whether you are considered a Home, EU or International student for fee-paying purposes and for our regulatory returns, by reading the UKCISA regulations.

Course related costs

The course fee does not include the cost of textbooks or personal devices (student laptops). These items are not required for study as alternatives exist (e.g. free to access Computer laboratories): All textbooks that are mandatory for study are usually available via the library in a free form (for example as e-books) and the computer labs provide the essential equipment. The costs of field trips are not included, but where a field trip is required for the purpose of study costs will not exceed typical transport costs within the London area.

Postgraduate students and research students should apply through our dedicated application system. Full details of how to do this are supplied on our How to apply section for postgraduate students and our How to apply section for research students.

See our admissions policy (PDF File 1,043 KB) and complaints policy (PDF File 516 KB).

Accommodation

Students should apply for accommodation at London South Bank University (LSBU) as soon as possible, once we have made an offer of a place on one of our academic courses. Read more about applying for accommodation at LSBU.

Finance

It's a good idea to think about how you'll pay university tuition and maintenance costs while you're still applying for a place to study. Remember – you don't need to wait for a confirmed place on a course to start applying for student finance. Read how to pay your fees as a postgraduate student.

Prepare to start

We help our students prepare for university even before the semester starts. To find out when you should apply for your LSBU accommodation or student finance read the How to apply tab for this course.

Enrolment

Before you start your course we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our Enrolment pages.

  • Information and Data Privacy
    In the information era, more companies and organisations rely on data-driven technologies to provide better service quality. However, with the broader collection and deeper digging of data, social participants raise more concerns about information privacy and ethics in data processing. This module targets on delivering the knowledge and skills revolving around this topic. The contents include but are not limited to database hardware and software structure, data security in storage, information transferring safety, ethics in processing sensitive data, safety in cloud service, security frameworks and privacy regulations. The module will provide both theoretical knowledge and practical exposure to the students. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
  • Computer Network Infrastructure and Security
    Explore the fundamentals of network engineering in this comprehensive module. Learn the principles of designing, implementing, and managing computer networks, including LANs, WANs, and wireless networks. Dive into topics such as network protocols, routing, switching, security, and troubleshooting. Gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and technologies used in modern networking environments. The emergency of cloud computing has challenged the way networking is viewed. We will look at how to plan and implement networks in the cloud.  The module will provide both theoretical knowledge and practical exposure to the students and equip for the world of work. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
  • Deep Learning
    The module introduces neural networks and deep learning, one of the key topics in modern applied AI. The module will provide the student with an in depth understanding of all the components of neural networks, from the different computational building blocks to the functions to be optimized and finally to the different optimization strategies. The module will present how neural networks can be trained and validated to learn from data to solve specific tasks, and how they evolved into deep neural networks, convolutional neural networks and graph networks, presenting their major architecture concepts. The module will introduce some core concepts of the legal aspects of data protection and decision fairness in the application of deep learning technologies. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
  • Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking
    Computer systems worldwide are systematically falling prey to rampant hacking. This hacking, characterized by its widespread nature and flawless execution, results in attackers infiltrating systems, plundering valuable assets, and leaving behind no traces of their intrusion. The objective of ethical hackers is to assist organizations in proactively defending against malicious attacks by simulating such attacks themselves, all while adhering to legal boundaries. This approach is founded on the principle of understanding and anticipating the tactics of potential adversaries, akin to catching a thief by thinking like one. This module will help students to develop the necessary skills Needed to succeed as a Penetration Tester and Ethical Hacker. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
  • Systems: Cyber Threats, Vulnerabilities and Countermeasures Systems
    To develop an in-depth, critically evaluative knowledge of concepts of security in networks and systems and the acquisition of knowledge about the processes, techniques, and security technologies to achieve an end-to-end security system. The course will analyse the security requirements and the vulnerabilities that threaten the smooth functioning of a computer system / network and will inform about ways of prevention, protection, recognition, and treatment of malicious attacks using appropriate technologies and security tools. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
  • Research Methods
    The module provides students with the ability to discuss, evaluate and use a variety of research methods and techniques for their chosen subject area of Computer Science and Informatics and to develop a professional and ethical approach to carrying out research-based projects. It also equips students with entrepreneurial and innovation skills increasingly sought by industry and employers. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
  • Future Internet Technologies
    Future Internet technologies comprise set of enablers to deal with the limitation of existing Internet. This includes but not limited All-IP Networking Architectures, evolution towards 4G+/5G networking architectures, open-based networking technologies, Cloud Computing challenges and IoT technologies and its interworking with 4G+/5G networks. The module will provide both theoretical knowledge and practical exposure to the students. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
  • Ethics in AI and Seminars
    The module will provide students with the critical skills, knowledge and analytical abilities needed to identify and address ethical challenges as they arise in practice from the application of AI. The module will engage with the ethical and societal challenges of AI and is thoroughly informed by the knowledge, theories and methods of established academic disciplines from philosophy to computer science. Industrial seminars on AI applications will complement the content of the module, exposing the students to the challenges of developing an AI application, considering the short- and long-ranging societal fallout. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
  • Dissertation
    The module requires students to undertake an independent piece of research / development work, investigating in depth a subject, in which they have a particular interest and of their own selection. The dissertation assesses students’ ability to integrate information from various sources, to conduct an in-depth investigation, where necessary specify, appropriately develop bespoke software/technology-based solutions, to critically analyse results and information obtained and to propose improvements/further work. Each student will submit a dissertation of between 12,000-15,000 words. Assessment method: 100% coursework.

The order that you study these modules will depend on your course start date and whether you are studying full or part time.

Careers

Employability Service

We are University of the Year for Graduate Employment for the second year in a row - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018, 2019.

At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:

  • An online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
  • Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.

Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.

Careers

As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, demand for top-tier cybersecurity experts is skyrocketing across all industries. Organisations are racing to protect their digital assets and data, creating a huge need for skilled professionals who can stay ahead of emerging threats.

You will graduate from this programme with expertise in threat detection, risk management and security protocols, which will make you invaluable to future employers. In a field that constantly evolves, you'll have endless opportunities for career growth and advancement, as the need for cybersecurity specialists shows no signs of slowing down!

Your career development is our top priority. We provide dedicated career talks, job postings on Moodle, and access to employability resources like the Job Shop and Career Gym, ensuring students are well-prepared for the evolving job market. The Career Management Talks each semester provide students with information of the Informatics labour market and systematic support on skill development such as CV writing skills and job interviews.

Placements

You have the option of taking an industrial placement in the UK as part of your study programme. This is a great opportunity to understand the way that the industry functions and to gain an appreciation of the commercial environment. You’ll spend time in the workplace, honing your skills and enacting what you've learnt in real-world systems. Regular online contact with tutors, peer-contact and placement support will be maintained throughout the year.

All modules have been mapped according to Engineering Council guidelines.

Examples of commercial organisations that we have consulted with to enhance the development of our programmes include:

1. Amazon Web Services (IS software development and IT infrastructure). We have consulted with AWS on Data Engineering and Cloud/Security Technologies and on various aspects of IS software development and IT infrastructure. All proposed postgraduate courses can benefit directly from the support of a state-of-the-art virtualised environment. Our team have spent a considerable amount of time discussing our new course plans with experts from the AWS team in order to ensure our proposed curriculum aligns with expected industry standards and best practice.

2. Taylor and Francis Group (IT Publishing Industry). We have collaborated in web development and security projects, including various aspects of software development and IT infrastructure. They have supplied guest speakers providing advice in software project management for IT based projects. We have consulted with them on ways to enhance course content and delivery.

3. EC-Council | Cybersecurity Certifications

Students have access to a state-of-the-art Cloud Virtual Environment to simulate real-life scenarios. These labs are crafted and aligned to the CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) and similar Cyber Security certifications. On complication of modules you can sit CEH exams which is widely recommended by employers in the industry. As an EC-Council Academic Partner our students can sit the exam at a discounted fee. As part of our consultation with EC-Council, we’ve aligned our cybersecurity curriculum content to reflect best practice and industry expectations.

Teaching and Assessment

  • Academic expertise:  The majority of our teaching body have a standing with a professional body such as The Chartered Institute of IT (BCS), and either a research background or industry experience in their teaching area. The teaching of some modules may also be supported by postgraduate students.
  • Teaching methods: There will be a combination of lectures, tutorials and computer laboratory activities. Modules support the development of study, communication, self-management and teamwork skills (in certain modules cross discipline).
  • Independent study: You will be required to undertake self-study and prepare solutions/discussions relating to various topics.
  • Assessment methods: You will be assessed through coursework.
  • Subject-related resources: Our labs are equipped with high-performance PCs running KALI Linux for hands-on activities like network scanning and penetration testing. Students benefit from access to over 200 PCs and Macs, and various ICT tools, including Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, Python, and SAS.
  • Learning support: Personal tutoring, academic skills support sessions, peer-led support sessions, practical skills workshops, online learning materials, opportunities for work placements and projects with employers,  tailored field trips and much more.

Register your interest

Contact information

Course Enquiries - UK

Tel: 0207 815 7500