Cyber Security Management

Course overview

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.

Improving our students’ learning experience and wellbeing is at the centre of everything we do, and that is why we are implementing an innovative learning approach known as block teaching. This will enhance our students’ educational journey and emotional wellbeing.

The benefits of block teaching are numerous: it supports a balanced study-life experience, reduces the stress of multitasking across various subjects, and fosters a better understanding of each topic by concentrating on it fully. Students are more engaged, motivated, and resilient, which can lead to better learning outcomes and a healthier environment.

Anitha Chinnaswamy programme director MSc Cyber Security Management

“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?

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

87th in the world

We’ve been ranked as 87th in the world and 11th in the UK for business and management studies (QS World University Rankings By Subject 2025)

Top 100 in Europe

We've been ranked 17th in the UK and 97th in Europe (Financial Times European Business Schools ranking 2024)

Joint 11th the UK

Aston Business School is ranked joint 11th the UK (Eduniversal Business School Rankings 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.

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 gain a competitive edge by honing your professional skills and preparing for success in a fast-paced global environment. You will tackle real-world challenges, dive into entrepreneurship and work on team-based business simulations.

Our postgraduate programmes use a block learning structure. Block teaching condenses traditional semester-long courses into focused, consecutive blocks of learning. The ethos is to give students more time to engage with their learning by studying one subject at a time, instead of several at once.

Student holding laptop in student study space

Gain the advantage

Our flagship professional development module provides a range of opportunities to apply your learning and increase your employability.

The Aston Global Advantage

What you will learn

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.

Student experience

Course objectives

Meets the needs of recent graduates, who wish to acquire specialist skills and knowledge in cyber security management in order that they may embark or progress successfully on 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.
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
Develops analytical skills essential for the analysis and presentation (communication and reporting) of cyber governance and compliance to enhance and support the decision-making process.

Modules

You will study:

Two 15 credit modules in terms 1,2 and 3 and each module is 5 weeks long. You only study one block module at a time.
Each term, you will engage in one of three core modules, focusing on foundational knowledge and skills, professional skills development, and research methods. These core modules span 11 weeks and run concurrently with shorter block modules.

Modules and programme outcomes

Taught stage modules

In the taught stage you will study the following core modules in Term 1:

Module Title	Credits
Strategic Digital Forensic Management Cybercriminals are adopting new strategies to launch cyberattacks within an ever-changing digital world. Digital forensics support is crucial for law enforcement investigations in order to prosecute such cybercriminals. This module seeks to provide you with comprehensive understanding of digital forensics investigations and skills to acquire digital evidence and tackle cybercrimes. You will be guided through the process of conducting a digital forensic investigation and identify effective ways for incident response and management in an organisation.	15
Introduction to Cyber Security Human Factors and Regulatory Aspects Many organisations are rapidly implementing different technologies which has resulted in increased cyber-attacks. 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

You will choose one of the following optional modules:*

Module Title	Credits
Effective Management Consultancy As the future leaders of a society that is increasingly complex and challenging it is important that higher education students have a good grasp of social, political, economic, and environmental issues and also feel equipped to propose reasonable recommendations. The use of the Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) in a scaffolded, group-based learning approach which will provide you with a framework to learn about and engage with complex issues. You will select a business or social problem that is both complex and ambiguous. The use of topical and live problems are used in the assessment which relates to UN Sustainable Development Goals. The application of SSM to understand complex problems can be used to improve employability and experiential skills development.	15
Artificial Intelligence for Business Rapid progress of information technology advances in business have intensified. New technologies built on the web3 infrastructure deliver far more complex technologies in easy instantly accessible ways. The complexity and impact of such new technologies on business is profound. Artificial Intelligence is testimony to radical changes businesses are grappling with. We are at the cusp of switching from wondering what AI can do for business and how to implement effective redesign of businesses. Currently, a pragmatic relearning of the core elements representing technology as organizational structures, business models and the reach of technology within these primary spheres is transformed, along with people (employees and customers). Hence, this AI module will be a timely primer towards these objectives.	15

In Term 2 you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Management of Cryptosystems The module outlines the emerging cryptocurrency landscape, focusing on managing cryptocurrencies, tokens, decentralised finance (DeFi), smart contracts and cybersecurity issues. You will explore the fundamental concepts, regulatory frameworks, investment strategies, and practical applications of cryptoasset management. You will delve into blockchain technology, digital currencies and DeFi protocols. The module also explores data privacy, distributed system security, authentification and authorisation policies, and applied cryptography best practices in the crypto ecosystem. This module provides you with a solid foundation in managing cryptoassets, skills to analyse and evaluate existing practices. You will develop critical thinking skills, analytical abilities, and practical knowledge necessary to manage crypto assets professionally.	15
Managing Offensive Cyber Security Operations This module equips you with in-depth knowledge to manage a red team and plan penetration testing activities. You will learn how to coordinate penetration testing while adhering to legal and ethical standards. Skills include managing intelligence gathering, supervising technical teams, and understanding aspects of psychology. The module fosters leadership, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills applicable to cyber security managerial roles.	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

In Term 3 you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
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 you with a comprehensive knowledge of cyber risk management and skills to critically analyse and evaluate existing practices.	15
Applied Research Methods and Skills This is an exciting opportunity for you to develop key problem solving and research skills which will allow you to follow your passion, use the strengths and interests developed during your degree, and creatively learn how ethically to explore this. This module equips managers and leaders of the future with the skills critically to evaluate research-based information. It covers various research methods and techniques, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.	15

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. The module introduces students 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 Venture and Entrepreneurship The module equips you with comprehensive knowledge of the processes involved in creating new digital ventures, including understanding various funding options and securing financial backing. You will develop the skills necessary to critically evaluate how web-based systems interact with business models and processes. By examining a range of issues surrounding the commercial applications of information technologies, you will gain insights into how digital tools impact modern businesses. The module challenges you to apply your technical expertise and project management skills to real-world entrepreneurial tasks, encouraging innovation and practical problem-solving. This combination of theory and practical application will help you to develop a well-rounded approach to entrepreneurship and the technological landscape driving business growth.	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

Independent Project
The research project offers a unique opportunity for you to take the initiative and dive deep into a specific topic, fostering personal and academic growth. Building on the foundational knowledge gained in the taught portion of the programme, this module sharpens essential analytical and academic skills for lifelong learning in today's dynamic business landscape. By conducting independent empirical or theoretical research, you gain a deeper understanding of their chosen subject and contribute to the field. Additionally, this module serves as a stepping stone for those considering further research degrees.

Programme outcomes

On successful completion of both the taught and dissertation stage, you will be able to:

Critically evaluate relevant knowledge about security in organisations, their external context and cyber threats are managed.
Analyse knowledge of the changing cyber threat landscape and the developments in cyberspace.
Critically evaluate the complex IT security issues relevant to internal business units and external parties.
Integrate IT risk management and techniques to mitigate threat to an organisation and its decision-making processes.
Critically evaluate the role of a security policy for protecting information assets and demonstrate self-direction in designing security policies to defend those assets.
Design user-centric cybersecurity strategies that promote stakeholder engagement and collaboration.
Critically apply a diverse set of transferable skills essential for a successful career in Cyber Security Management, contributing to enhanced employability.
Undertake independent research by formulating well-defined research questions, critically evaluating and applying appropriate research techniques, and drawing informed conclusions and recommendations.

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)

You will also need to provide:

A professional reference
- 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:

English language requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification.

English language requirements

How to apply

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.

Find out more about applying

Post-study work visa

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.

Graduate Immigration Route

Pathway programmes

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:

Email: pgadmissions@aston.ac.uk

Call: 0121 204 3200 (Please note this line is open Monday-Friday between 09:30-16:30)

Read our guide to applying

Meet your programme director

Dr Anitha Chinnaswamy
Programme Director, MSc Cyber Security Management

If you have any questions about the course or modules you will be studying, you can get in touch via email and I will be happy to answer your queries.

Get in touch

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

UK students
(2025/26)

Annual tuition fees:

£12,000

International students
(2025/26)

Annual tuition fees:

£23,500

More information on fees

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.

Fees and funding

Scholarships

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.

Explore scholarships for UK students

Explore scholarships for international students

Assessment

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.

Davies Okeowo MSc Entrepreneurship graduate

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.”

Discover Davies' journey

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.

Hear from our graduates

Be part of our community

Once you have joined us at Aston University, you’ll always be part of our community, even beyond graduation.

Alumni services

Frequently asked questions

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 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.

The Aston Global Advantage

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.

Discover Birmingham

What will my timetable look like?

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.

MyAstonPortal

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.

Discover more

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.