Delivered by the triple-accredited Aston Business School, our MSc in Cyber Security Management addresses multifaceted cybersecurity challenges beyond technical dimensions.
Effective risk management is crucial for organisational data security, business continuity, regulatory compliance, reputation protection and financial stability amidst evolving threats. This programme will develop the skills needed to address these challenges, fostering strategic thinking and practical insights.
You will emerge adept at leading proactive risk mitigation, adapting to emerging threats and implementing robust security measures. In an increasingly digital world, our programme will empower you to safeguard organisational interests holistically. Combining theoretical knowledge with practical applications, you will gain a deep understanding of cyber threats and strategies for protection.
“In a world where cyber threats constantly evolve, traditional solutions are no longer sufficient. Our programme goes beyond the technical realm, addressing the organisational, legal, regulatory and compliance dimensions of cyber security.”
Dr Anitha Chinnaswamy
MSc Cyber Security Management
Programme Director
Why Cyber Security Management at Aston University?
Professional accreditations
Opportunity to be professionally accredited by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA)
Recognised for quality
Aston Business School is proud to be among 1% of business schools worldwide with triple accreditation
In-demand graduates
There is a high demand among employers for graduates of this course, who are equipped with the skills that global employers seek
Gain the advantage
Get ahead of the competition with the Aston Global Advantage professional development module
66th in the world
We’ve been ranked as 66th in the world for business and management studies (QS World University Rankings By Subject 2024)
We're serious about employability
As a postgraduate student, you will have access to dedicated careers guidance with specialist support from our experienced team of careers consultants
Gain a competitive edge
As well as opening doors, an Aston University postgraduate degree builds on your experience, develops your skills and gives you a competitive edge in a crowded job market.
Course description
MSc Cyber Security Management
Our MSc Cyber Security Management programme equips strategic leaders with the skills to effectively navigate complex cybersecurity challenges in an increasingly digital world.
What we will provide First-class teaching in the UK’s second-largest city, delivered by a diverse array of staff who will inspire and excite you. You will benefit from applied learning, research-informed teaching and constructive assessment.
We are also an Adobe Creative Campus meaning you will have access to top-notch software licenses, including Adobe and Solidworks, commonly used in industry.
What you will provide It is important you learn how to adapt a growth mindset to your studies – understanding that intelligence and success come from applying yourself, a willingness to learn and an ambition and drive to excel.
What skills we teach Our MSc Cyber Security Management programme develops digital forensic investigation, digital analysis and artificial intelligence skills, along with expertise in risk management and governance. You will excel in providing crucial information to business leaders, enhancing commercial decision-making and improving overall business performance in an increasingly digital landscape.
Career prospects Cyber Security Management graduates are highly sought-after, given the significant skills gap in the field. They find diverse career opportunities as fraud analysts, security engineers, technology consultants and more. Accreditation by ISACA and the UK Cyber Security Council offers further certification options, giving you a competitive edge and enhancing career advancement prospects.
How you will learn
In our MSc Cyber Security Management programme, you will experience a blend of lectures, seminars and workshops, delving into real-world cyber scenarios. Through practical simulations and analysis of authentic cases, you will develop expertise in digital forensics, risk management and cyber governance, ensuring you're well-prepared for strategic cybersecurity challenges.
At the start of your course, you will be allocated a personal tutor who can offer individual study advice and guidance. You will also benefit from access to the University Library's extensive collection of over 25,000 books and electronic journals. Aston University's virtual learning environment supports your journey, providing resources like lecture slides, e-books and online journals.
In the Aston Global Advantage module, you will enhance your employability and global citizenship through experiential learning and reflective practice. Dedicated employability support, skill-building workshops and diverse learning streams will prepare you for both academic and professional success.
Gain the advantage
Our flagship professional development module provides a range of opportunities to apply your learning and increase your employability.
Our MSc Cyber Security Management programme offers in-depth knowledge for safeguarding digital assets and mitigating cyber threats. It covers cyber risk management, governance frameworks and strategic planning to protect sensitive information and systems. You will gain insights into contemporary challenges and evolving technologies in the cybersecurity landscape.
In the taught stage, you will develop skills in threat analysis, incident response and security architecture design. Through practical exercises and case studies, you will learn vulnerability assessment, implementation of security measures and risk mitigation strategies. This phase includes exploring legal and ethical considerations in cybersecurity, preparing you to navigate complex regulatory environments and make informed decisions.
In the dissertation phase, you will complete a research project on a cyber security management topic of your choice, showcasing your ability to conduct independent research with a clear consideration of ethics, theory and methods.
Learn business, do business
Our classroom goes beyond traditional lectures, focusing instead on real-life projects and hands-on experiences.
Meets the needs of recent graduates, and those already in employment who wish to acquire specialist skills and knowledge in cyber security management in order that they may embark on or progress successfully in their chosen careers.
Provides you with an excellent learning experience that draws on the research and consultancy of Aston University academic staff, utilising the University’s links with business, professional and public sector organisations.
Provides you with opportunities to enhance your employability by developing lifelong learning and personal development skills.
Produces well-qualified graduates who are equipped for and aspire to senior positions.
Causes you to reflect upon and develop your own position in relation to corporate responsibility, sustainability and ethics.
Enables you to formulate, evaluate and select from specialist skills and knowledge in cyber security management and make associated strategic decisions in a cyber strategy context.
Enables a critical examination of theory including tools and models used in cyber security management in different business contexts.
Enables you to critically examine the role and contribution of cyber security objectives to the achievement of organisational aims and objectives.
Develops your analytical skills essential for the analysis and presentation of cyber governance and compliance to enhance and support the decision-making process.
In the taught stage you will study the following core modules:
Module Title
Credits
Strategic Digital Forensic Management In this module, you will comprehend the evolving cybercrime landscape and the importance of digital forensics in investigations. You will acquire skills to gather digital evidence and combat cybercrimes. Additionally, you will learn incident response strategies and organisational management of digital forensic processes.
15
Management of Cryptosystems In this module, you will explore cryptocurrency management, blockchain technology and cybersecurity issues. You will delve into regulatory frameworks, investment strategies and blockchain applications. You will also learn about data privacy, distributed system security and applied cryptography best practices in the crypto ecosystem.
15
Cyber Security Risk Management and Governance Due to the interconnected nature of contemporary societies and their rapid digitisation, organisations are at continuous risk to their information systems and assets. This module seeks to provide students with a comprehensive knowledge of cyber risk management and skills to critically analyse and evaluate existing practices.
15
Cyber Security Human and Regulatory Aspects It is essential to critically understand the stakeholder engagement in security awareness and the need to comply with privacy and core regulatory principles to mitigate the risks. This module will critically discuss individual security awareness along with risk assessment and management principles to understand human and regulatory aspects.
15
Managing Offensive Cyber Security Operations This module equips you with in-depth knowledge to manage red teams and plan penetration testing activities. You will learn how to manage intelligence gathering, supervise technical teams and coordinate penetration testing while adhering to legal and ethical standards. You will foster skills applicable to cyber security roles such as leadership, communication, problem-solving and decision-making.
15
Effective Management Consultancy This module will help you to understand different approaches to consulting projects. You’ll explore what is good and what is bad consulting practice. It will also prepare to you to carry out successful consulting projects within organisations either as an external consultant or as a line manager given a one-off problem-solving task.
15
The Aston Global Advantage The Aston Global Advantage is our professional development programme that runs throughout all MSc programmes at Aston Business School. Focusing on professional development and employability, this integrated module gives you the opportunity to identify, develop and apply the key transferrable skills you will gain throughout the year.
15
Total
105
You will choose one of the following optional modules:*
Module Title
Credits
Network and Cloud Security Management Along with the technological advancements, cyberthreats and security challenges are also becoming more serious. This module exposes you to the fundamental concepts and principles of network and cloud security management. You will learn about malwares, adversarial behaviours, key security measures and techniques to secure P2P models, distributed networks and cloud-based systems.
15
Digital Analytics and Artificial Intelligence This module explores the role of big data and artificial intelligence (AI) in digital marketing practice. It also covers the key digital metrics and analytical processes involved in assessing digital marketing performance and what actions need to be taken based on the resultant data.
15
Crisis Management and Decision Making This module introduces you to the practical application of decision-making within chaotic and urgent circumstances. We critically examine the stages of the crisis life-cycle and align them with an appropriate decision-making method, such that you will be equipped with the tools to take appropriate action to resolve or mitigate a crisis at each stage of the crisis life cycle.
15
*Availability of any optional modules will be subject to staff availability and a minimum number of students who express an interest in studying the optional modules.
Dissertation stage modules
In the dissertation stage you will study the following core modules:
Module Title
Credits
Applied Research
15
MSc Cyber Security Management Research Project You will carry out an original piece of work applying material that you have learnt in the taught element of your degree. Specific requirements will be explained relating to different degree programmes but in summary you must demonstrate both theoretical and practical knowledge of your chosen area of specialism.
45
Total
60
Programme outcomes
On successful completion of both the taught and dissertation stage, you will be able to:
Develop an in-depth appreciation of relevant knowledge about organisations, their external context and how they are managed.
Demonstrate knowledge of the changing cyber threat landscape and the developments in cyberspace.
Evaluate critically a range of complex situations, including IT security, finance, accounting, organisational behaviour and people issues, taking account of the inter-relationships of these topics and their interactions with other areas of the business and the industry and external environment.
Integrate IT risk management and techniques to mitigate threat to an organisation and its decision-making processes.
Evaluate critically the role of a security policy for protecting information assets and demonstrate self-direction in designing security policies to defend those assets within the context of global communication and the web.
Identify vulnerabilities and threats within a current cyberspace context and develop and apply suitable strategies for defence against their exploitation.
Evaluate risk assessment strategies including identifying and assessing level of risk.
Create an information security management system with documentation in accordance with accepted standards.
We may update our courses to reflect best practices and academic developments. If we do, we’ll let you know of any changes at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages. If you have already received an offer, we’ll write to you directly to let you know of the changes.
Entry requirements
One of the following:
2:2 (lower second-class honours) degree or equivalent
Equivalent overseas degree recognised by Aston University (see international students tab below for more information)
If you are a current student or recent graduate (within the last 2-3 years), we will ask for an academic reference
If you are currently employed and not a recent graduate, we will ask for a professional reference
An official academic transcript of your university grades to date
A completed application form.
Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our postgraduate programmes. Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year. Based in the centre of Birmingham, Aston is not only a great place to study but also a great place to live.
Qualifications in your country
For details of equivalent qualifications in your country, use our area pages below:
Aston University provides a range of opportunities for international students to join our community and study on our campus. A key part of our strategy is our relationships with teaching partners, providing multiple pathways to Aston.
Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and, as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career. One of the great things about Aston is our focus on employability. Our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.
Aston University welcomed the creation of a new Graduate Immigration Route which enables international students to remain in the UK for two years after you complete your studies to find work. This new post-study work visa applies to international students completing full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
If you don’t meet our entry requirements, we have a range of pathway programmes offered by our partner, ONCAMPUS Aston, which you can complete to progress onto one of our degrees.
We recognise the value of extensive professional experience. If you do not have the academic qualifications but have extensive and relevant professional experience and a proven ability to succeed, we would welcome your application.
The information contained on this website details the typical entry requirements for this course for the most commonly offered qualifications.
Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to enquire with the relevant admissions teams prior to application whether or not their qualifications are deemed acceptable. For less commonly encountered qualifications this will be judged on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic admissions tutor.
Speak to our Admissions Team
If you have any questions about the application process please get in touch with our postgraduate admissions team:
The United Kingdom government has confirmed that European Union (EU), other European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals commencing academic courses in England from August 2021 will no longer be charged the same tuition rates as UK students.
Tuition fees for students are reviewed annually and may increase in subsequent years in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) to take account of the University’s increased costs of delivering the Programme. Any such increase shall always be in accordance with the law. When undertaking a placement year, a placement year fee applies.
At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.
The programme will be assessed through a combination of written and oral examinations, class tests, individual and group coursework, projects, presentations and practical assessments.
Career prospects
The transferable skills that our Cyber Security Management programme provides mean that our graduates are well equipped to find employment in a wide range of roles such as:
Cyber security consultant
Information security analyst
Cybersecurity manager
Security architect
Compliance officer
These roles span industries such as finance, healthcare and technology, offering graduates diverse opportunities for career advancement and specialisation. With accreditation from ISACA and the UK Cyber Security Council, along with options for ISACA certifications, graduates are equipped to address evolving cyber threats and safeguard digital assets effectively.
Exceptional lecturers
“The thing I enjoyed the most about studying at Aston University was the people. The lecturers were great, and their knowledge base was exceptional.”
Our graduates achieve amazing things all over the world – whether it’s setting up their own businesses, landing jobs with high profile organisations, or making real differences within their communities.
Why study Cyber Security Management at Aston University?
As a Cyber Security Management student at Aston University, you will explore real-world cyber threats, merging theory with practical experience. Accredited by ISACA and the UK Cyber Security Council, our programme offers industry-recognised certification options.
You will benefit from strong industry connections and an integrated professional development module. Opportunities for internships, global challenges and study abroad enhance your readiness for the dynamic field of cyber security.
What is the ‘Aston Global Advantage’?
Embedded in all our masters degrees, this assessed, year-long credit-bearing module aims to develop professional and personal transferrable skills relevant to any workplace and create a bridge between the degree and the world of work.
Why should I study my postgraduate degree at Aston University?
There are lots of benefits of studying a postgraduate degree at Aston University.
Watch this video from MBA student, Monique, who talks about just a few of them:
Is Birmingham a good place to study?
Our campus is based in the centre of Birmingham, the youngest major city in Europe and a great place to live, work and study.
Great music and entertainment with a vibrant nightlife. Bars, clubs, pubs, live music, festivals, concerts. Whatever your tastes, there's something here for everyone.
Fantastic food. Birmingham's diverse community means you can try anything from the famous Balti triangle, the Chinese Quarter, high street chains, halal and vegan food, and Michelin-star dining.
World-class shopping. The Bullring and Grand Central is a shopper's paradise. From the world's biggest Primark to luxury brands at the Mailbox.
Arts and culture. Museums, galleries, theatres, concerts and Birmingham's art collection is as wide as it is impressive - not to be missed.
Green, open spaces. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Birmingham has hundreds of publicly accessible parks and green spaces across the city.
Sporting action. Birmingham has some of the most exciting venues for watching or participating in sport in the UK.
We understand how important it is to know your timetable in advance for planning around work, childcare, or other responsibilities. Here's some basic guidance on what to expect regarding your student timetable.
Full-time programmes
As a rough estimate, full-time postgraduate students in the College of Business and Social Sciences should expect to spend about 12-15 hours per week in lectures and on-campus seminars. This is in addition to independent study, and there may be additional guided learning activities during certain weeks. The exact distribution of these hours will vary depending on your course and module choices.
Part-time programmes
Part-time students will have fewer weekly on-campus hours compared to full-time students. This reduction is proportional to the number of modules you're enrolled in.
Timetable availability
Complete timetables are usually released shortly before the start of your programme. This timing is necessary to ensure that we accommodate all course requirements and that rooms are allocated based on the number of students likely to enrol on each programme. We aim to provide these timetables as early as possible, to assist you in your planning.
As your induction week approaches, you will be sent more information about your timetable via email, and you will be able to access your timetable by logging into MyAstonPortal. For any further queries or information regarding your timetable, you can reach out to your programme director or the Student Support team.
Online/distance learning programmes
The above information also applies to students enrolled in online/distance learning programmes. Please note that both full-time and part-time distance learning students are still required to attend scheduled synchronous learning sessions.
What can I get involved in at Aston Business School?
At Aston Business School, you will dive into a dynamic blend of innovative learning and hands-on experiences. With our acclaimed triple-crown accreditation, we offer you academic excellence and a track record of producing successful graduates.
Located in Birmingham, the UK's vibrant second city, Aston Business School provides you with a culturally rich environment and superb connectivity. You will benefit from real-world business engagements, international study opportunities and entrepreneur support programmes like BSEEN and Pitchfest.
You can also engage in practical consultancy at the Aston Business Clinic and collaborate with global peers in events such as the Maastricht Case Competition or the Universities Business Challenge. Our partnership with The Prince’s Trust, alongside a range of student clubs including TEDx and Enactus further enriches your learning experience.
What kind of career will I develop with a masters in Cyber Security Management?
With a MSc in Cyber Security Management, you will qualify for diverse roles in the cyber security field. You could pursue a range of careers, including:
Cybersecurity analyst
Information security manager
Security consultant
Risk analyst
Security engineer
Penetration tester
Compliance manager
Your expertise will be valued in various sectors, including technology firms, financial institutions, government agencies and healthcare organisations.
With the increasing demand for cyber security professionals globally, your masters degree will equip you with the knowledge and skills to excel in this rapidly evolving field. Accreditation from organisations like ISACA and the UK Cyber Security Council enhances your employability and opens doors to advanced career opportunities.
Hello, what would you like to ask us?
Hello! We are a team of current Aston University students from various parts of the world, studying a wide range of postgraduate subjects.
Feel free to ask us anything about studying at Aston University.
