Overview
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.
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Important information
We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
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.
Course content changes
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
| Optional Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Cloud Computing | 10 |
| Machine Learning with Project | 10 |
How you’ll learn
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.
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
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.
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
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- personal tutors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
You’ll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
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
Your development
Industry Advisory Group
Members of our Industry Advisory Group 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.
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
This course provides a route into PhD level study. Several of our recent graduates have progressed to postgraduate research study at Newcastle University.
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Quality and ranking
- 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 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024Â
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 CentreÂ
This degree is provisionally certified by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC, part of the GCHQ).Â
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
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
Cyber Incident Room
The School of Computing has a specialist Cyber Incident Room where students can conduct experiments and projects. The servers in this room are specifically designed for this purpose.
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
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:Â A sensory space with relaxing stimuli to distract from busy student life.
- Wellbeing room:Â 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:Â For all faiths and none, this space can be used for prayer or quiet reflection.
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
A 2:1 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.
