Cyber Security

Course overview

Embark on a career in cyber security with our MSc Cyber Security programme, designed to build solid foundations, technical knowledge and strong employability skills. This programme offers meaningful and practical learning experiences, from offensive security (white-hat hacking) to hardening existing and legacy systems, from enterprise IT to autonomous vehicles. Our curriculum is grounded in real-world practice, focused on designing cyber security programmes aligned with key standards like ISO27001 and Cyber Essentials, such as professional certifications from ISC2, ensuring graduates possess highly sought-after skills.

A standout feature is our 'Cyber Security Project and Practice' module, providing hands-on consulting experience and helping you gain valuable insight and contacts within industry. Unique to this course you will also benefit from a module of developing your own software, collaborating with other teams to assess and enhance the cyber security of a software product as if preparing it for release. This comprehensive approach ensures you will gain awareness, skills, and best practices in secure product development, readying you for successful careers in the exciting field of cyber security.

"This MSc is unique as it is centred in designing secure systems, be it a website, a mobile app, a smart light bulb, or a connected car. Beyond a solid foundation in computer security, one needs a deep understanding of modern systems, and where to find best-practices and standards for each particular situation."

Dr Vitor Jesus

MSc Cyber Security

Programme Director

Why Cyber Security at Aston University?

Bridges industry gaps

This course is designed specifically to address industry skills gaps

Safe in our hands

Aston University was ranked 12th overall in the UK (Computer Science and Information Systems; Guardian, 2025)

Excellent prospects

Ranked 8th in the UK for 'graduate prospects - on track' (Computer Science; Complete University Guide, 2025)

Careers and Placements

Whatever your Aston University journey, we're here to help. Discover what's possible with Careers and Placements.

Course description

MSc Cyber Security

The MSc Cyber Security programme at Aston University equips you with the technical skills, in-depth knowledge and confidence needed to thrive in the tech world.

What we will provide
This course equips you with the skills and qualifications to excel in cyber security, including a fast track to CISSP certification. You'll receive first-class teaching on fundamental and advanced computer security concepts. Gain technical proficiency, develop consulting skills and engage in hands-on experimentation. This programme combines security thinking with real-world practice, enhancing your employability and industry readiness.

We are an Adobe Creative Campus meaning you will have access to top-notch software licenses, including Adobe and Solidworks, commonly used in industry. To find out more, visit here.

What you will provide
Are you captivated by the ever-evolving digital landscape, particularly the cyber threats in everyday life? Then this is the course for you! We are looking for students who are dedicated, looking to immerse themselves within the subject, have a technical mind and an interest and desire to tinker with technology. You do not need prior cyber security experience to thrive on this course, we encourage students from a range of academic and professional areas as cyber security is crucial to all.

What skills we teach
This course equips you with advanced cyber security skills through hands-on experiences in penetration testing, cloud and mobile security, data privacy and cyber operations. You'll develop consulting skills to design comprehensive cyber security programs and gain expertise in standards like ISO 27001, NIST CSF, and UK Cyber Essentials. You will learn about data protection, ethical hacking and security verification, and enhance your communication, teamwork, project management and time management skills. The programme also focuses on analysing and securing various technological systems, from laptops to IoT devices.

Career prospects
You'll be well equipped for various career paths such as cyber security analyst, specialised cyber security roles (such as threat intelligence for the government), ethical hacking and data protection. Our curriculum aligns with key market needs, featuring a Cyber Security Operations module to train you in monitoring and responding to cyber incidents, a highly demanded career path.

How you will learn

You will learn through a blend of lectures, hands-on practicals and group projects. Industry talks and networking events provide valuable insights and connections, while peer-to-peer learning will help you master collaboration and knowledge sharing. This comprehensive approach will ensure you gain theoretical understanding and practical skills, preparing you for a successful career in cyber security.

We have strong connections with leading companies and organisations in the tech sector, through our Computer Science Industry Club. You will also benefit from guest lectures, placements and networking opportunities that provide a direct link to potential employers.

Here at Aston University, we are passionate about supporting our students. You will have a personal tutor throughout your studies to provide support and guidance, and a dedicated programming support officer for additional support. The Learning Development Centre provides maths support, academic writing development, advice and strategies for managing your studies. You will also have the opportunity to get involved in PAL sessions, learning from your peers who have been through the course content before you.

Extracurricular activities:

You can join a vibrant community of like-minded individuals in our Aston Computer Science Society.
Become a member of the 'Industry Club', where you'll gain access to hands-on industry experience, internships and projects with tech companies, helping you build your professional network from the get-go.
Challenge yourself in the annual Aston Hack hackathon, a frenzied 24 hours of designing, coding and making.
Let your creativity run wild in our Design Challenge, whilst you tackle real-world engineering problems and propose innovative solutions.

What you will learn

On the MSc Cyber Security programme, you'll benefit from a dynamic learning experience. Modules like Information Security and Assurance, Cyber Resilient Systems, Advanced Ethical Hacking, and Cyber Security Operations provide a strong theoretical foundation, while practical modules like the Cyber Security Project and Practice offer hands-on experience.

Through lectures, lab work, group projects and industry interactions, you'll evaluate the cyber security landscape and its societal challenges. You'll critique research and propose innovative approaches, considering the inter-relationships of people, organisations, processes, systems, technology, regulations, ethics and sustainability.

You'll design robust programmes using appropriate techniques and theories, evaluate cyber security weaknesses and recommend mitigation strategies. You'll learn to embed resilience, privacy and trustworthiness across various systems. By the end of the course, you'll be well-equipped to address the multifaceted challenges in cyber security.

Course objectives

Develops your understanding of key concepts, techniques, frameworks and best practices in cyber security across technology, systems, people, processes, organisations and society.
Builds your knowledge of research methods, practical methodologies and theoretical approaches for developing research in cyber security.
Equips you with insights into current and emerging topics, challenges and research questions in cyber resilience and privacy, from enterprise, industrial, community and personal perspectives.
Prepares you to apply and communicate cyber security principles, practices and codes of practice in multidisciplinary projects across industrial, workplace, consulting and research-led environments, considering legal, social, cultural, environmental and ethical dimensions.
Contextualises your learning within workplace practice and empowers you with professional-level transferable skills for the professional environment.
Enables you to identify needs, articulate goals, locate and employ resources and follow action plans to support independent learning and professional development.

Modules

Modules and learning outcomes

Taught stage modules

In the taught stage you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Information Security and Assurance This module teaches the principles and practices of cyber- and information security and assurance. It informs the cyber security contexts and explains approaches to risk management for processes, systems and people, and related controls and mitigations	15
Cyber Security Operations This module covers the cyber security operations cycle: preparation, action, monitoring and correction. You will focus on monitoring systems, processes and people to respond effectively to malicious activity. It includes post-implementation security, monitoring, detection and response phases to reduce cyber incident risks.	15
Cyber Security Project and Practice This module covers the design, development and security of systems or products, focusing on mitigating software supply chain attacks. You will gain hands-on experience with the software development lifecycle, emphasising hardening and implementing security controls.	15
Secure Programming This module teaches the principles and techniques of secure programming, exploring common software vulnerabilities and mitigation strategies. You will learn to build security into software design, validate input, handle exceptions properly, and apply robust programming techniques.	15
Advanced Ethical Hacking This module covers offensive security through ethical hacking, focusing on techniques and strategies for securing systems. You will learn about security testing tools, practices and processes, preparing you for potential professional certification.	15
Cyber Resilient Systems This module covers the technical knowledge needed to design and secure modern systems, including IT, web, mobile and cloud systems. You will learn about individual components like cryptography and authentication, as well as systems-of-systems, including IoT, industrial IoT and distributed ledgers.	15
Aston Global Advantage 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
Cloud, IoT, ICS Security This module covers cyber security for systems based on cloud, the Internet of Things and industrial control systems (or operational technologies). You will learn to design, characterise and evaluate these systems from a cyber security perspective, understanding their technologies and designs, and developing security recommendations.	15
Total	120

Dissertation stage modules

In the dissertation stage you will study the following core module:

Module Title	Credits
Dissertation You will demonstrate your ability to design, conduct and report the results of a research project in cyber security. You will work independently, under the guidance of a supervisor.	60

Programme outcomes

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

Evaluate the current landscape and challenges in cyber security within a societal context, as informed by academic research and professional practice.
Critique current research and advanced scholarship in cyber security and, where appropriate, propose new approaches, methodologies, techniques, technologies or systems.
Interpret the changing cyber landscape in professional cyber security taking into consideration the inter-relationships of people, institutions, organisations, processes, systems, technology, regulations, ethics and sustainability.
Design cyber security programmes using appropriate techniques, principles and theories.
Evaluate cyber security weaknesses, vulnerabilities, threats and systems of incentives within a complex set of stakeholders, technical systems and development processes.
Recommend appropriate mitigation and control strategies that can meet desired levels of risk and operational efficiency while meeting technical, organisational and compliance constraints.
Embed resilience, dependability, privacy and trustworthiness by considering devices, components, software, data, human interfaces, networks, systems, systems-of-systems and socio-technical systems.
Synthesise innovative or entrepreneurial approaches to real-world challenges by working as part of a multi-disciplinary team within the constraints and limitations of a project brief.

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.

Facilities

Aston University's campus is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including modern computer labs, collaborative spaces and resources to aid your studies and research. We have dedicated lab officers and laptop support technician’s available to all students.

MSc Cyber Security students will learn in our isolated CyberLab - a virtualised infrastructure dedicated to mimic actual security operations centres - giving you an authentic but safe environment to refine your skills.

We also have a range of high-spec gadgets such as augmented reality headsets, driving simulator, and Pepper the AI robot, which can be utilised for individual student projects.

Augmented reality headset

Driving simulator

Entry requirements

One of the following:

2:2 (lower second-class honours) degree or equivalent in a technical subject such as engineering, computer science or cyber security.
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.

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

UK students
(2025/26)

Annual tuition fees:

£11,200

International students
(2025/26)

Annual tuition fees:

£24,000

More information on fees

For Home students: Tuition fees for UK/Home students may change in line with government policy.

For International students: The International students fee is a fixed annual fee for the duration of the Programme, except whilst on placement when a placement year fee applies.

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

Assessment on this MSc Cyber Security programme is designed to reflect real-world application and effectiveness. It includes a mix of reports, presentations, hands-on practical lab work, portfolio work, coursework and quizzes. This open-book approach allows you to demonstrate your understanding and skills in a practical context.

Each module employs a range of authentic assessment methods tailored to evaluate your performance most effectively. These methods vary to ensure they accurately reflect the knowledge and skills gained from each module. You’ll be assessed through various formats, allowing you to showcase your ability to apply cyber security principles and techniques in real-world scenarios. This comprehensive approach ensures that you not only grasp theoretical concepts but also develop the practical skills necessary for a successful career in cyber security.

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 at Aston University?

This course will prepare you for a successful career in an exciting and in-demand sector.

In this cutting-edge course, you'll delve into security dynamics and the art of risk management, exploring the human factors that shape cyber threats. You will gain a holistic understanding of cyber security, as the curriculum uniquely intertwines cyber security concepts with the power of computer science skills.

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

Why should international students choose to study at Aston University?

Study at Aston University and you will be part of a multi-cultural community located at the heart of the dynamic city of Birmingham. Our courses are practical, inspired by industry and many have internationally recognised accreditations. Renowned for our employability prospects and connections to business and industry, we provide outstanding career support, advice and placement opportunities.

For those interested in working in the UK after they have graduated, the UK Government has created a new post-study work visa.