Distance learning Masters | 2 years | Part-time | Multiple intakes
Cyber security is one of the biggest concerns for organisations around the world, which will grow as the capabilities of cyber criminals, and the AI tools they use, continue to advance.
We’ve developed our part-time, NCSC accredited MSc Cyber Security (Online) programme to empower working professionals with experience or qualifications in a related field to elevate their expertise and advance their careers.
You will be taught by cyber industry experts who will help you to:
There will also be an optional on-campus session for each module for students who are able to attend.
Certified by the NCSC
Northumbria University’s Cyber Security Masters degree is fully certified by the UK Government’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), a part of GCHQ.
Industry-specific skills
Our courses are developed with expert and professional body input, ensuring you learn up-to-date and career-focused cyber security knowledge and skills.
Career opportunities
Cyber security affects businesses and organisations of every size and having an industry-certified MSc Cyber Security could open the door to various roles in practically any industry.
Study online with support
Study this part-time degree online to fit your studies around your commitments.
You can access support and guidance from your course tutor whenever you need.
WHY STUDY WITH US
Modules
All modules on this distance learning programme are core modules and worth 20 credits, unless stated otherwise.
During this module you will critically explore the governance and cyber security principles that underpin the management of an organisation’s information assets, developing a practical foundation on which to evaluate different approaches to information governance and cyber security.
Through critical analysis of the key concepts, theories, standards, and frameworks on information governance and security, including risk management, this module will provide you with a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of information management and security.
Data security and network security are two important aspects of cyber security and this module will provide you with a theoretical and practical understanding of both.
Multiple topics will be covered in this module including:
These concepts will be reinforced with the help of hands-on laboratory workshops through our Learn on Demand tool – used for online delivery and teaching of technical modules. You will also consider the wider impact of information security through the consideration of related legal, ethical, and social issues, as well as develop practical networking skills by using Cisco IOS, a configuration of firewalls, switches, and routers.
This module will provide you with a deeper understanding of 802.11 protocols, security, and enterprise deployment, suitable for a variety of networking professional roles.
You will study:
Part of this module will be taught using Learn on Demand – a tool used for the online delivery and teaching of technical aspects of this course.
This module will provide you with a comprehensive knowledge of the processes to ensure the security of information during use, sharing, storage, transmission, and disposal. You will learn about the protection of integrity, availability, authenticity, and confidentiality of all classes of information.
By the end of this module, you will have a comprehensive framework for ensuring business activities remain resilient during threats and disruptive events, enabling you to assess the potential risks that could result from disasters or emergency situations. You will also develop a thorough understanding of the different types of business disruption, such as man-made; natural; and technology failures, and the potential damage or revenue losses that can result from them.
Ethical hacking is an essential part of modern e-security. It includes rigorous testing and analysis to determine an organisation’s vulnerabilities. This module is designed to provide you with a deep understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of ethical hacking.
Carrying out the work of an ethical hacker requires a specific set of skills that encompass legal issues, psychology, and computer networks, along with a detailed understanding of information system vulnerabilities and how to exploit them.
Throughout this module you will be exposed to industry-standard hacking tools and how to apply them in an ethical manner to determine system vulnerabilities.
Part of this module will be taught using Learn on Demand – a tool used for the online delivery and teaching of technical aspects of this course.
This module will teach you about the nature of research and the processes involved in carrying out that research, along with a variety of project management skills, enabling you to apply this knowledge to develop your Masters project proposal.
Throughout this module, you will learn about the different approaches to research and research methods, including literature searching; evaluation; and review, along with project management tools and techniques. Alongside the practical elements of research and project management, you will also consider the relevant legal, ethical, and social issues, and good professional practice.
By the end of the module, you will have constructed your project proposal and this will include:
This module will comprise a substantial academic research project at Masters level, and you will present your results in both written and oral form.
Your project will consist of entirely independent and original research focused on the forefront of your cyber security programme discipline and within the wider sphere of the computer science and digital technologies field.
The course information displayed on this page is correct for the academic year 2024/25. We aim to run the course as advertised, however, changes may be necessary due to updates to the curriculum (due to academic or industry developments), student demand, or UK compliance reasons.
Teaching
The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Blackboard will be used for this programme and the tool Learn of Demand (LoD) will be used for technical modules: Network Security, Wireless Networks and Security and Ethical Hacking for Cyber Security.
On this programme, modules will be split into weeks and further broken into smaller, manageable units. Your tutor will make weekly announcements to indicate which tasks need completing.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
Non-standard entry requirements
If you don’t meet the academic requirements
If you do not have the required technical expertise from either previous study, professional qualifications, or work experience, you may find our MSc Cyber Security Technology (Online) more suitable.
Academic requirements
Non-standard entry requirements
If you don’t meet the academic requirements
If you do not have the required technical expertise from either previous study, professional qualifications, or work experience, you may find our MSc Cyber Security Technology (Online) degree more suitable.
Fees and funding
For our first two intakes (April and July 2025) save £1,000 on your student tuition fees.
For self-funded students, we have an interest-free payment plan to help spread the cost of your tuition fees following your initial deposit payment.
Find out more about payment plans, student loans and other discounts on our Finance page.
Access to a laptop/PC and a reliable internet connection is required for this online distance learning course.
Alongside the cost of running this online programme, your tuition fees also cover the cost of providing a range of student services including:
Teaching staff
Our teaching staff here at Northumbria University London are experts in their field, with a wealth of industry experience to help you get the most out of your studies. Meet our Deputy Dean, Dr Rose Fong, below.
What career opportunities do I have after completing MY STUDIES?
After completing your degree, you will be prepared to meet the educational requirements of the BCS (The Chartered Institute for IT) for the purposes of meeting the further learning requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
Typical careers and roles for cyber security Masters graduates include (but are not limited to):
We offer multiple intakes, enabling you to apply to study when you’re ready.
Our online application portal allows you to upload your supporting documents at the time of application and your student application number, which you will need throughout the application process, will be automatically generated and issued to you.
Please note that we are not currently able to sponsor International students to study online programmes at Northumbria University London. For more information about our full-time on-campus programmes please visit the course pages on our Northumbria University London site.
If you have any questions about studying with us, take a look at our frequently asked questions to find out more.
Choose the intake you wish to apply for to study MSc Cyber Security (Online):
We strongly recommend that you submit your application as early as possible to allow enough time to complete all the preparations needed to study your programme. Please refer to the Finance page for more information.
View more information about the application process and how to apply, including guidelines for the application forms.
Information for applicants with disabilities
At Northumbria University London, we are committed to ensuring an equal and accessible application journey for all of our students. Your application will be considered on an equal basis to all other applications, and if you require any assistance please contact us. This website is continually optimised to adhere to accessibility best practice guidelines; tools to assist users with specific accessibility requirements have also been provided. More information is available in our accessibility statement.
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Dr Rose Fong
Dr Fong is our Programme Leader for Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Applied Computing (Top-Up) and teaching across QA Higher Education IT programmes for Northumbria and Ulster Universities. Her credentials include: BSc (Hons) N. London (UK); MBA Surrey (UK); and MEd PolyU; EdD Durham (UK).
Prior to her current role, Rose was a Senior Lecturer in Computing in Hong Kong with over 25 years’ experience teaching IT subjects at sub-degree and Bachelor levels. She held leadership positions in programmes across media production, business analytics, information systems, and network administration, and served as Director of Student Services, overseeing college-level scholarships. A certified Personality Dimensions® Level 1 facilitator, she managed the Personal and Career Development Centre at City University (2012–2014), delivering over 150 career and personal development sessions.
Rose’s research interests include user-centred design, information systems, and educational technologies. She is a full member of the Hong Kong Computer Society and actively promotes learning technologies by organising conferences and reviewing related journals