MSc Cyber Security

In the always-connected modern world, it has become critical for organisations to implement robust cyber defences to protect against attacks. This 100% online and part-time conversion degree will provide individuals that don’t have a background in IT with the skills to work professionally in cybersecurity roles.

This online MSc Cyber Security will provide you with an insight into all areas of cybersecurity, from technical approaches and managerial concerns to legal ramifications and the psychological background to breaches. The course will prepare you to cope with cyber attacks in a measured and decisive way and will also help you to develop essential skills in teamwork and communication. Through this course, you will gain a strong academic foundation that will enable you to unlock a range of careers available to cybersecurity professionals.

Teaching methods

We’re a 100% online education provider, so we use a state-of-the-art virtual learning environment (VLE) to deliver our teaching, resources and assessments. Our system tracks and manages the learning process in real-time and provides you with immediate access to your learning materials. The VLE is accessible 24/7 and allows both students and tutors to actively take part in real-time conversations and live seminars.

For our MSc Cyber Security, there’s no need to download different software packages – all programming languages are included within the tuition fee and all work is carried out in an online development environment.

We believe you get the most out of your time spent studying when you are kept informed of your performance, and we achieve this by:

• assessing you throughout modules rather than waiting for the end of year assessments
• showing your marks in your grade book which can be viewed whenever you log onto the virtual learning environment (VLE)
• rapid turnaround on work assessed to ensure your grade book is always up to date
• ensuring you have regular contact with your Student Support team

Assessment methods

All assessments are delivered through our virtual learning environment (VLE). There is no requirement to travel to external test centres or to sit exams! Instead, you will submit assignments through the VLE, such as written reports, discussion forum participation or reflective journal entries.

We also have a policy of ensuring that the work submitted by students is authentic – we use a well-established electronic monitoring system to check for plagiarism.

Why Essex Online?

Study online. Graduate on campus.

You will complete your studies and assessments 100% online and your qualification will be awarded by the University of Essex, an award-winning university with a 50-year heritage of teaching and research excellence and one of the top 25 universities in the UK (Complete University Guide 2022). Upon completing your course, you will graduate with the same certificate as campus-based students – your mode of study is only mentioned on your academic transcript.

Quality assured experience

The UK Government’s Teaching Excellence Framework rated us Gold for delivering consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for students (TEF 2018). We are also the highest-rated online-only provider in the National Student Survey (NSS 2020).

We stand behind the academic quality of our online courses and that’s why we offer a money-back guarantee. If you decide your course isn’t for you within 21 days, we’ll give you a full refund.*

*Terms and Conditions apply. To find out more please contact our Admissions team.

World-class academic and mentoring support

Our online tutors are leading authorities and specialists in their respective fields. They are passionate about what they teach and combine their knowledge of industry practice with high-quality academic delivery, offering you an unparalleled learning experience.

We also have a dedicated team of Student Advisers and Study Skills Advisers that will support you from your first day to graduation. They will be on hand to help and guide you as you progress through your studies. Whatever the question or issue, they will work with you to find a solution.

Given the increasing need for robust cyber security measures and the skills shortage in this area, this course is designed to make you an attractive candidate in this sector. You will be able to succeed in a range of roles such as Policy Maker, Software Developer, Risk Analyst, Threat Management, Secure Systems Designer/Programmer, Information Systems Administrator or Forensic Analyst.

You can study the following modules on the MSc Cyber Security:

• Launching into Cyber Security*
• Network and Information Security Management
• Information Risk Management
• Secure Software Development
• The Human Factor
• Secure Systems Architecture
• Principles of Digital Forensics and Cyber Law
• Research Methods and Professional Practice*
• MSc Cyber Security Project*

*These modules are core and must be passed in order to achieve the award.