Improve your understanding of cyber security on this master’s degree at the University of Southampton. This course is one of only 25 MSc Cyber Security programmes in the UK to be awarded a full certification against the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) Certified Master’s standard.
We’re recognised as an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research by the UK government, and our academics have helped establish a European Data Science Academy.
Cyber security is critically important to commercial and academic organisations, as well as to governments and the public. There is currently a global shortage of experts in this field, and demand for their skills is growing significantly.
Our master's in cyber security offers a multi-disciplinary approach, covering both technical and non-technical subjects, to give you a well-rounded collection of skills that will make you attractive to future employers. Our researchers draw on their own research to offer modules on topics such as:
We’ll give you access to specialist project labs, computer workstations, and online tools to support your learning in an ideal environment. Our researchers will equip you to handle new and unique challenges in a variety of cyber security fields. At the end of the course, you’ll be able to design, build, analyse and problem-solve in many areas relating to cyber security.
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.
Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
Your course leader has research interests in distributed and ubiquitous computing, semantics of programming languages, and models of computation. Visit Dr Julian Rathke’s staff profile to learn more about his work.
This course is based at Highfield.
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
You’ll need an upper 2:1 degree (with a mark of 65% or above) in:
You must also have a good 2:1 (65%) score in the following:
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
This programme only accepts applicants who have studied at an X1, X2, X3 or X4 institution.
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with ONCAMPUS. Learn more about the programmes available.
If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.
Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
This is a full-time master’s course. You’ll study for 12 months, from September to the following September.
In the first 9 months (semesters 1 and 2) you'll study the taught part of your course.
This is made up of modules that everyone on the course takes, and modules we’ll ask you to choose from a list of options. You'll take exams at the end of both semesters.
You’ll also begin preparing for your research project during semester 1, and continue this work in semester 2.
For the last 3 months, over the summer, you’ll work independently to research and write your dissertation. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
You must study the following modules :
This module covers the mathematics, techniques, and applications of modern cryptography. We will look at the history of code making and code breaking, and draw lessons for the future from the mistakes and successes of the past. We will also give a gentle ...
This module aims to give an overview of cyber security. The module will equip students with a clear view of the current cyber security landscape considering not only technical measures and defences, but also the other subject areas that apply, including l...
Your research project will enable you to explore in depth some aspect of your specialist subject area. You will be allocated a project supervisor with whom you will meet and agree a project brief and plan. These must be submitted to, and agreed by, ...
The module complements the Foundations of Cyber Security module for Cyber Security MSc students by providing a practical grounding in cyber security practices in larger scale, networks, distributed systems and web applications. The module is also offered ...
The Module will prepare students for the summer Research Project and research based coursework exercises. It will give students a grounding in the research methods and techniques necessary in order for planning and successful execution and completion of t...
The course requires to understand C code, assembly language, x86 architectures and memory allocation (a refresher will be provided).
This module focuses on both theoretical and practical perspectives in the security of software and software systems, by exploring software analysis and reverse engineering. The aims of the module at a high level are to: - Explore common threats to ...
You must also choose from the following modules :
This module is designed to introduce you to the human dimension of cybercrime and cyber security. It is not coming from a technical perspective, but instead a critical criminological approach is applied to the topic. This means that we will be questioning...
We will study the tools and techniques used in digital forensics and its relevance to incident responses and criminal investigations. This will include: Network Traffic, Disk and Memory Forensics, Hardware Architectures, Forensics frameworks, Attributions...
This module prepares students to develop an understanding of the critical issues and application of software project management. It introduces the students to the tools, techniques and body of knowledge involved in each stage of the project management lif...
The learning activities for this course include the following:
We'll assess you through a combination of:
This is an opportunity to demonstrate your mastery of all relevant techniques and methods of enquiry. You will carry out a research project lasting 3 to 4 months, assessed by a 15,000-word dissertation.
You’ll have access to:
On completion of the course, you’ll be ready for a career in the cyber security field or further research in industry or academia. You’ll graduate with a strong understanding of the technical aspects of cyber security, as well as the broader context in which these sit.
Our graduates go on to careers in:
Alternatively, you can continue towards a PhD qualification or research assistant position.
We also support aspiring entrepreneurs through a blend of networks, mentors, societies and our on-campus start-up incubator. Find out more about enterprise and entrepreneurship opportunities.
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
Fees for a year's study:
If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.
Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.
Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
Explore:
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
For further details, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.
The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 26 August 2025, midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
References are not required for this programme.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We receive a high volume of applications for this course. This means you may not receive a response to your application for up to 12 weeks.
If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.
Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.
We may invite you to an interview, which will take place by phone if you live abroad. You'll get an email from the admissions tutor if we'd like to talk to you before offering you a place.
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
