Study location	United Kingdom, Southampton (Highfield campus)
Type	Master courses, full-time
Nominal duration	1 year
Study language	English
Awards	MSc

Entry qualification	Undergraduate diploma (or higher) Upper second-class honours degree or higher (or equivalent) in computer science or a closely related discipline (certain modules assume a level of programming and mathematics knowledge)

Language requirements	English Accepted proof of proficiency: Cambridge English, IELTS, TOEFL or other equivalent IELTS: 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.0 in each band) CAE: level B

Other requirements	At least 2 reference(s) must be provided. CV

More information	ecs.soton.ac.uk/..ammes/msc-cyber-security

Overview

Interested? To learn more about this study programme, entry requirements and application process, please contact one of our consultants in a country nearest to you.

Programme structure

The programme is primarily a broadening qualification for computer science graduates, but is also one that may appeal to suitable graduates from other disciplines. The programme features two semesters of taught modules, with a variety of optional modules available to allow students to selectively gain knowledge in some specific subject areas, followed by the MSc dissertation/project, which where possible is conducted in conjunction with an industrial partner.

Career opportunities

This programme provides an excellent platform for either immediate employment in the cyber security field or further research in industry or academia. Our graduates should not only understand technical aspects of cyber security, but also the broader context in which these sit.

Our students should be able to seek careers in:

Established companies designing and marketing specific off-the-shelf security products (anti-viruses, anti-spam, software analysers, firewalls, etc.);
Emerging cyber security professions embedded in companies and business of any sort. These include the expert figures required as companies are urged to take responsibility for the analysis of their cyber-threats and the design of their cyber-defences;
A growing range of cyber security consultancy companies who study and analyse trends in cyber security and who provide advice to a wide range of clients;
Professions for which cyber security plays a key role, and for which understanding the broader context is becoming increasingly important, e.g. the military, intelligence agencies, and crime prevention and investigation
Government departments, e.g. in the UK the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BiS), who provide analysis and strategy advice for the UK and its businesses.
Academic possibilities include further study towards a Ph.D. qualification, or research assistant positions undertaking cyber security related research.