As our reliance on digital technologies grows, so does the need to defend them. With increasing cyber-attacks on critical infrastructures and personal information, the demand for cyber security has surged. This MSc aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills, including AI and machine learning techniques, to identify, mitigate, and prevent cyber threats and set you up for a thriving career in this rapidly evolving field.
Our Cyber Security MSc programme provides a solid foundation for you if you want to pursue a career or become a researcher within the field of cyber security.
The programme offers an exciting blend of learning experiences, delivered by world-leading experts and members of the University of Liverpool Cybersecurity Institute. We dive into the strategies, technologies, and methodologies used to protect digital systems from cyber threats, exploring critical issues and ethical considerations in the discipline.
You’ll learn how to identify and respond to cyber-attacks and how to design, develop, and implement robust security systems. This includes studying essential areas like communication network security, cryptographic protocols, artificial intelligence, and digital forensics.
With training in machine and deep learning, intrusion detection, firewalls, and ethical hacking, you’ll be prepared to detect and defend against evolving threats while understanding the legal and ethical dimensions of cyber security. You’ll also gain insight into emerging fields such as quantum cryptography, Internet of Things (IoT) and nanotech security, equipping you to tackle future cyber challenges.
You will graduate with a wide range of career opportunities and will be equipped with the skills, knowledge and experience to make a real-world impact.
This is an exciting time to join this brand-new course. The University is recognised as an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research (ACE-CSR) by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and is committed to support and invest in the University’s cybersecurity research capacity and capability.
This course is for you if you want to take the leap into cyber security. Our MSc is for graduates with a good first degree in a related subject including, but not limited to, computer science, IT, engineering, mathematics, physics, chemistry & medical sciences.
You do not require a programming background as there will be optional modules on programming.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
You’ll study three compulsory modules and one optional module in semester one. Based on prior knowledge and experience of programming, the optional module will either be Programming Fundamentals (COMP517) or one of either Quantum Computing (COMP345 – currently in development) and Knowledge Representation (COMP521). Prior programming knowledge will be assessed with an informal, ungraded programming task.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| RESEARCH METHODS IN COMPUTER SCIENCE (COMP516) | 15 |
| PRIVACY AND SECURITY (COMP522) | 15 |
| COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS (ELEC461) | 15 |
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| PROGRAMMING FUNDAMENTALS (COMP517) | 15 |
| KNOWLEDGE REPRESENTATION (COMP521) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
You’ll study four compulsory modules in semester two. In addition to the three compulsory modules listed below, you’ll also study Digital Forensics (COMP536). Students who have previously taken the module Computer Forensics (COMP343) on another course at the University of Liverpool will replace the module Digital Forensics (COMP536 – currently in development) with a suitable alternative. This will be agreed with the Director of Studies.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| MSC GROUP PROJECT (COMP530) | 15 |
| SAFETY AND DEPENDABILITY (COMP524) | 15 |
| APPLIED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (COMP534) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Your final project will give you the opportunity to work independently to explore a substantial problem in depth, making practical use of the principles, techniques, and methodologies you have acquired during the programme.
You will create a proposal, a presentation, and a final dissertation.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| MSC PROJECT (COMP702) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Teaching on this programme comprises of formal lectures, small group tutorials and practical sessions in computer laboratories. You will also take part in one or more group projects. At the end of the year, you’ll complete a major individual project under expert supervision.
Modules are assessed through a combination of examinations and coursework. The examinations take place at the end of each semester and typically take the form of an in-person written assignment, usually to be completed in a couple of hours. You’ll be assigned coursework across the length of each semester. This typically takes the form of class tests, programming assignments or small projects.
Your dissertation is assessed through a combination of written reports and a presentation of your achievements.
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
The Department of Computer Science (with history going back to the 1960s) is a Centre of Excellence for teaching and research. The latest Research Excellence Framework rated 100% of our research outputs as being world-leading or internationally excellent, the highest proportion of any Computer Science department in the UK.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
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Cyber Security graduates have excellent employment prospects and the demand for qualified professionals is growing each year. With salaries across the sector rising, now is the perfect time to start your career.
The University of Liverpool is one of the most targeted universities by top employers, according to The Graduate Market 2024, High Fliers Research. This means our graduates are in demand for employment, and sought after by top employers worldwide.
Qualifying with a Cyber Security degree from Liverpool will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to explore opportunities in many sectors. The career opportunities in Cyber Security are vast. Graduates find work in roles such as:
In the UK, Salaries for cyber security analysts with one to three years’ experience typically range from £37,500 to £52,500.
Experienced cyber security analysts with four to six years’ experience can earn between £47,500 and £60,000, rising to between £65,000 and £80,000 for senior analysts with seven to nine years’ experience.
In higher-level managerial or leadership roles, they may receive salaries ranging from around £72,500 to in excess of £100,000.
source: Prospects, Sept 2024
Our graduates are also highly sought after in other industries for their analytical, communications, management, business and IT skills.
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £13,300
Full-time place, per year - £30,800
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies..
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
If you’re a UK University of Liverpool graduate joining a master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive £3,000 off your tuition fees. You must have graduated in the last two years and received a widening access scholarship during your undergraduate studies.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in a Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or Medical subject, including Computer Science. Previous experience with programming is not required. |
| International qualifications |
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements. Completing your Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17 and speaking 19 |
| Duolingo English Test | 120 overall, with no component below 95 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 overall, with no skill below 60 |
| PSI Skills for English | B2 Pass with Merit overall and no band below B2 Pass |
| INDIA Standard XII | National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English. |
| WAEC | C6 or above |
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 6 weeks | On campus |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 10 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 12 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 4.5 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no component below 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5, for further details.
Discover more about the city and University.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
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Last updated 14 January 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions