Distance learning Masters | 2 years | Part-time | Multiple intakes
With cyber crime on the rise, Northumbria University London is passionate about improving access to cyber security careers, increasing the number of qualified professionals in the industry.
We’ve designed this online cyber security degree for anyone who wants to start a career in cyber security without prior experience or qualifications.
WHY STUDY WITH US
Recognised by the NCSC
Northumbria University is recognised as a Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research (ACEs-CSR) by the UK Government’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), a part of GCHQ.
Industry-specific skills
Our online cyber security degrees are developed with expert and professional body input. You’ll learn up-to-date and career-focused knowledge and skills, giving you the best possible chance at success.
Career opportunities
Cyber security affects businesses and organisations of every size and an online cyber security degree could open the door to a variety of roles in practically any industry.
Study online with support
Study this part-time degree online and fit your studies around your commitments.
You will be able to access help and guidance from your course tutors when you need it.
Modules
All modules on this distance learning Masters are core modules and worth 20 credits, unless stated otherwise.
This module will develop your knowledge of information governance and cyber security principles that underpin the management of an organisation’s information assets.
You will critically analyse the key concepts, theories, standards, and frameworks of information governance and security, including risk management. This will develop a practical foundation for a range of organisational approaches to information governance and cyber security.
This will enable you to evaluate an organisation’s approach to information governance, and advise on the design and implementation of an appropriate strategy for managing an organisation’s information assets to meet legal, regulatory, organisational, and/or societal needs for information governance and cyber security.
Indicative topics include:
You will be assessed by the development of an information governance and cyber security policy for an organisation. Alongside this, you will produce a report justifying the policy and recommending an implementation strategy.
This module will develop your knowledge, skills, and capabilities in leadership within a digital context. This will enable you to competently envision, develop, and deploy technological strategies and responses to challenges and opportunities in complex operational environments.
Multiple topics will be covered throughout this module including:
You will be assessed through the creation of a narrative report, which sets out an original technical managerial challenge and the process, decisions, and steps taken to develop the solution.
This is one of our specialist modules designed to provide you with an in-depth understanding of cloud and Big Data security. You’ll develop skills in a variety of aspects of cloud security, which are becoming increasingly sought after by employers as more organisations use cloud storage for sensitive data.
During this module you will gain an understanding of key concepts, including:
You will be assessed through the analysis, design, and implementation of security controls necessary to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and availability in a cloud and Big Data environment. In addition, you will produce a report demonstrating critical appraisal of the effectiveness of the security controls implemented in the cloud and Big Data environment.
This module will introduce you to the role and internal operation of computer networks, including relevant concepts and technologies at a layer’s level, demands placed upon computer networks, and the security requirements required to support current and emerging applications.
You will learn about the underpinning networking concepts and security considerations required to design and implement a secure network using appropriate technologies, and gain a critical appreciation of computer networks and security.
You will also study:
Assessment for this module will consist of a report presenting critical analysis and evaluation of the choices made during the design and implementation of a secure network, including ethical and social considerations.
This module builds on ‘Introductions to Computer Networks Security’, providing a deeper understanding of critical computer security techniques and in-depth knowledge of countermeasures. You will learn about the relevant cutting-edge computer security principles, terminology, models, technologies, and industry standards required to secure modern computers.
During this module you will learn about:
Assessment for this module will consist of submitting a report presenting critical analysis and evaluation of the optimal choices made to secure modern computers in a given scenario/organisational environment, including ethical/social considerations.
This module offers an immersive journey into contemporary computing topics essential for addressing complex challenges in both business and society.
This module will enable you to become a more agile and adaptive professional, ready to make meaningful contributions to business and society. You will rapidly develop new knowledge and skills that you can apply to your business and technical challenges.
You will take part in a range of activities that will deepen your technical understanding, improve your skills, and cultivate innovative thinking to tackle real-world problems effectively. This commences with virtual team work training designed to develop your leadership and team working skills, such as hackathons, virtual bootcamps, competitions, and conferences.
You will then undertake a project in which you will tackle a problem defined by a real business and use an applied research approach to solve it, demonstrating team working skills and leadership competences.
This module will be delivered across the entire programme and is designed to build your confidence and capabilities as a postgraduate student and researcher, and graduate with the skills needed to progress into high-skilled employment or doctoral study.
Terms 1-3: Academic and Employability Skills
During the first three terms, you will develop your academic confidence, reading, writing, and study effectiveness. You will also build on your ability to analyse and use source material; take your language and communication skills to a higher level; and enhance your employability skills such as:
You will also have the opportunity to attend careers and employability workshops organised by our Careers Team.
Terms 4-6: Research Methods
During terms four to six, you will further develop your knowledge and understanding of research methods, which will enable you to:
Terms 7 and 8: Dissertation
Your dissertation is the culmination of your Masters degree.
You will work alongside an academic tutor to complete a major research project. This will include attending individual and group project supervision and guidance sessions, which will further develop the skills required to complete a computing-related research enquiry.
You will learn how to identify a problem and how to design and implement an appropriate research methodology to answer your research questions and fulfil your research objectives.
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. 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.
There will also be an optional on-campus session for each module for students who are able to attend.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
Non-standard entry requirements
If you have prior experience and/or qualifications directly relating to cyber security
If you have demonstrable technical expertise from either previous study, professional qualifications, or work experience, you may find our MSc Cyber Security (Online) programme more suitable.
Academic requirements
Non-standard entry requirements
If you have prior experience and/or qualifications directly relating to cyber security
If you have demonstrable technical expertise from either previous study, professional qualifications, or work experience, you may find our MSc Cyber Security (Online) programme 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.
Additional costs
Access to a laptop/PC and a reliable internet connection is required for this online distance learning course.
Alongside running this online cyber security degree, your tuition fees also cover the cost of a range of excellent student services and experiences, 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 one of our MSc Cyber Security Technology professors, Dr. Saber Farag, below.
What career opportunities do I have after completing this Masters?
Cyber security is vital in most industries and, as such, the roles you could apply for aren’t limited to the cyber security sector alone. We’ve designed this online cyber security degree in consultation with industry partners to ensure that the cyber security knowledge and skills you gain are up-to-date and career-focused to give you the best possible chance at success in your career.
Typical careers and roles for Cyber Security Technology graduates include (but are not limited to):
We have also developed specific modules on the programme that lend themselves to specialist cyber security roles such as:
We offer multiple intakes, enabling you to apply to study this programme 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.
Choose the intake you wish to apply for to study MSc Cyber Security Technology (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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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.
ENQUIRE NOW
Dr. Saber Farag
Dr. Saber Farag is a distinguished academic, practitioner, and researcher in the field of Computing and Engineering, with over 10 years of experience in higher education. He currently serves as the Program Leader for the MSc Computing Frameworks (PT) at Northumbria University’s London campus, a position he has held since mid-2023.
In addition to his teaching duties, Dr. Saber leads a consultancy group that delivers real-life projects coordinated by Northumbria University, providing students with valuable industry experience while solving complex problems for external partners. He is also a module leader of key modules, including Programming for AI, Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence for IoT, ensuring a high standard of academic rigour and industry relevance.
Dr. Saber’s contributions to the field extend beyond the classroom, with a strong portfolio of publications in reputable conferences and journals. He actively engages in the academic community as an external reviewer for international conferences, further contributing to the advancement of knowledge in his discipline.
With a passion for continuous learning and innovation, Dr. Saber is dedicated to leveraging his expertise to drive impactful initiatives and inspire the next generation of professionals in Computer Science and Engineering.
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