Joint 103 for Computer Science and Information Systems, QS World University Rankings 2024
In our rapidly evolving digital landscape, cyber security has become an urgent and multifaceted challenge. Technological advances in Cloud computing, Internet of Things, and Artificial Intelligence are all creating ever more sophisticated and diverse cyber threats. At Lancaster University, we recognise the critical importance of researching and directly addressing these complexities.
One of the first UK universities to offer an MSc in Cyber Security, our well-established Master’s has launched hundreds of careers. We have held the following recognitions since they were introduced:
NCSC certified Master’s degree in Cyber Security
NCSC recognised Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research (ACE-CSR)
NCSC recognised Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Education at the Gold level (ACE-CSE:GOLD)
We are the only university in the Northwest with both recognitions
What will you learn?
Our emphasis is on providing you with an in depth understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of cyber security, drawing on and supported by the world-leading research we carry out at Security Lancaster - one of the largest interdisciplinary security research institutes in the UK. This means that what you learn is at the cutting-edge of cyber security.
Studying eight modules, you will cover topics from penetration testing to networks and systems security, as well as cybercrime. The theory you learn and the skills you develop can be mapped to many of the specific careers set out by the UK Cyber Security Council, preparing you for a rewarding and exciting career.
Practical experience
You will develop your cyber security skills by learning how to implement secure systems, evaluate risks, and gain hands-on experience using our virtual labs, identifying and successfully exploiting vulnerabilities.
Your individual dissertation research project is where you come into your own. It is a chance to take everything you’ve learnt and apply it to real-world cyber security problems, demonstrating creative thinking and an in-depth understanding of the issues that face businesses, researchers, governments and more.
"I chose to study at Lancaster as their Cyber Security MSc programme is National Cyber Security Centre (NSCS) certified and the University has a reputation of being an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research (ACE-CSR) in the UK. The academics that teach the course are internationally recognised for their contributions to cyber research areas such as cyber defence, forensics, threat intelligence, artificial intelligence and network security. The University also focuses on giving back to the community and empowering young people through programmes like Cyber First, which stood out to me.
One of my favourite parts of the course was getting the opportunity to analyse real-life cyber-attacks that occurred in the UK whilst we were studying! I also really enjoyed the Zero-Day Entrepreneurship sessions, which gave me insights into cyber innovation and provided me with a framework for identifying business opportunities and solutions to cyber security problems through entrepreneurship.
Studying MSc Cyber Security at Lancaster has broadened my view of Cyber Security and provided me with some knowledge I can directly implement in my line of work. The course also armed me with a toolkit to think critically about cyber security problems including bg-none areas related to legal implications of cyber-attacks and compliance. I also feel more confident about assessing existing standards, methods and solutions by taking a more critical approach."
Fabiola Amedo, MSc Cyber Security graduate now working as a Manager at KPMG Ghana
Entry requirements
Academic Requirements
2:1 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering or Physics.
Applicants with a 2:2 Hons degree with consistent grades in relevant subjects such as information systems security, programming and computer networking, are strongly encouraged to apply.
Applicants with equivalent professional experience are invited to contact our admissions team to discuss whether this programme is appropriate for them
We may also consider non-standard applicants, please contact us for information.
If you have studied outside of the UK, we would advise you to check our list of international qualifications before submitting your application.
English Language Requirements
We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously.
We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 6.0 in each element of the test. We also consider other English language qualifications.
Delivered in partnership with INTO Lancaster University, our one-year tailored pre-master’s pathways are designed to improve your subject knowledge and English language skills to the level required by a range of Lancaster University master’s degrees. Visit the INTO Lancaster University website for more details and a list of eligible degrees you can progress onto.
Course structure
You will study a range of modules as part of your course, some examples of which are listed below.
Information contained on the website with respect to modules is correct at the time of publication, but changes may be necessary, for example as a result of student feedback, Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies' (PSRB) requirements, staff changes, and new research. Not all optional modules are available every year.
Core
core modules accordion
The module is led by the Politics, Philosophy and Religion department with input from colleagues in Computing Science, Sociology and Criminology. We aim to foster interdisciplinary teaching and learning across social sciences and computing sciences. PPR491 Cybercrime is a core module on the MSc Cybersecurity degree and an optional module for PPR students MA students as well as those in Sociology and Law, so has been designed with you all in mind.
The module is block-taught across an intense two-week period, through lectures and seminar activities in Summer Term. There will be an hour for lunch each day, and several comfort breaks. Each lecture examines a specific issue relating to ‘cybercrime’. In week 23 you will present the final findings from your group task to the whole class.
In the group task you will learn how to use evidence-based methods to explore a cybercrime topic. We will show you how to do this on day 1. Sessions/topics are delivered by experts in their field, and there will be plenty of time for questions and debate.
Academic Week 20 (Mid March, Lent Term)
This module aims to develop technical investigative skills with regard to the gathering of information from compromised systems. The module covers skills and technologies that a student will require in order to gather information and draw inferences from that data regarding the attack as it occurred or as it unfolds. Students will develop the skills required to apply the knowledge in order to carry out an investigation in a range of situations and on differing devices.
Academic week 11 (First week of January, Lent term)
This module focuses on the current Information System Risk Management processes and best practices. In order for security staff to be effective it is important that they have a firm understanding of risk management strategies. Such an awareness would enable them to be able to analyse business threats and the risks they pose within well-known frameworks and take countermeasures to those threats commensurate with the level of risk they carry.
This module will identify key frameworks, international standards and best practices involved in Risk Assessment, Business Impact Analysis, Asset Identification and Risk Management.
The ultimate aim is to develop the students’ critical appreciation for importance of Information Risk Management in the Information Systems Security arena.
Academic Week 1 (first week of October, Michaelmas Term)
Introducing cyber security and its relevant fields, this module conforms to the certified information systems and security professional (CISSP) programme standards.
Whilst participating in this module, students will gain a solid understanding of the current information security technologies and practices, and will develop a wide appreciation of IT security by exploring access control systems, business continuity and disaster recovery, all within the context of legal and ethical frameworks. Additionally, this module will equip students with knowledge in basic and fundamental telecommunications standards, and will promote an appreciation for the flow and control of information within a computer network.
Students will grow accustomed to general research, reflection, problem solving and presentation skills. The module aims to teach students how to place theoretical aspects of information security within the context of real-world examples and practical experience. Students will also develop critical and reflective thinking with regards to the impact of information security on modern information processing networks and systems.
The aim of the module is to give students a basic working knowledge of relevant legal systems, sources, institutions and personnel.
Topics to be covered will include:
Demystifying legal culture
Introducing legal materials
Where to find the legal material - Introducing legal research methods online and in libraries
An introduction to legal forums: Courts and Court hierarchy - Civil & Criminal
English Legal Reasoning 1: Case Law
English Legal Reasoning 2: Reading Statutes
European Law
Human Rights Law
International Law
Cyber Law
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
Understand different legal institutions, systems, sources and personnel
Identify, locate and interpret different legal sources
Locate the English Legal System within a wider European and International Context.
Submission Date: end of August
A large part of the master's involves completing a dissertation project. This starts with students selecting a project by December in the first year of study. This piece of work will involve writing 20-30,000 words and at least 200 hours of work.
This is primarily a self-study module that is designed to provide the foundation of the main dissertation, at a level considered to be publishable quality. On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to make value judgement relating to technologies and applications, and to justify these to peers and academic staff.
The topic of the project will vary from student to student, but will be at a level commensurate with the weight and level of the module. Students will refine, extend, and perfect their own scientific reflection and practice. The project also offers students the opportunity to apply their technical skills and knowledge on current world-class research problems and to develop expert knowledge of a specific area.
Academic Week 15 (first week February, Lent Term)
This module provides an introduction to the process of networked system security, reviewing network and system security issues and threats, and presents a broad view of network and system security services and mechanisms, whose understanding is essential in the design and implementation of security strategies for a networked environment. Students will gain an awareness of the risks that are present in modern networked IT environments, and will develop an understanding of how to protect these environments and especially communication links from an attacker.
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to assess the security of networked systems, and will be familiar with security requirements and how these can be implemented in a deployed system. The module will provide students with an understanding of how communication among computer systems can be secured.
This module aims to prepare students with the skills and understanding required to test IT infrastructures for vulnerabilities to malicious attack.
Practical sessions will allow students access to the tools and techniques required to attack a system in order to recognise its limitations, therefore finding ways to maximise protection. Malicious hacking is explained in order to test the system, and students will also gain a reinforced awareness of the legal and ethical frameworks they will operate in.
This module will provide students with skills in system hacking and testing, and they will become familiar with a range of strategies including zero-touch reconnaissance, cryptographic techniques and attack detection mechanisms and how to evade them.
This module introduces the current challenges facing the state and citizens in an increasingly digital and online world. As a future cyber security professional, understanding the motivations and contexts behind security decisions in a globalised environment is crucial and will enhance appreciation for the importance of critical security studies within the digital age.
Throughout the module, students will explore key concepts, influential thinkers, and debates in critical security studies, particularly within the realm of cyber security, and compare different political, strategic, and policy perspectives on security issues. This will develop students’ ability to critically analyse arguments in security studies as they relate to cyber security and help build skills for approaching, summarising and evaluating written documents.
There may be extra costs related to your course for items such as books, stationery, printing, photocopying, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. Following graduation, you may need to pay a subscription to a professional body for some chosen careers.
Specific additional costs for studying at Lancaster are listed below.
College fees
Lancaster is proud to be one of only a handful of UK universities to have a collegiate system. Every student belongs to a college, and all students pay a small College Membership Fee which supports the running of college events and activities. Students on some distance-learning courses are not liable to pay a college fee.
For students starting in 2025, the fee is £40 for undergraduates and research students and £15 for students on one-year courses.
Computer equipment and internet access
To support your studies, you will also require access to a computer, along with reliable internet access. You will be able to access a range of software and services from a Windows, Mac, Chromebook or Linux device. For certain degree programmes, you may need a specific device, or we may provide you with a laptop and appropriate software - details of which will be available on relevant programme pages. A dedicated IT support helpdesk is available in the event of any problems.
The University provides limited financial support to assist students who do not have the required IT equipment or broadband support in place.
For most taught postgraduate applications there is a non-refundable application fee of £40. We cannot consider applications until this fee has been paid, as advised on our online secure payment system. There is no application fee for postgraduate research applications.
For some of our courses you will need to pay a deposit to accept your offer and secure your place. We will let you know in your offer letter if a deposit is required and you will be given a deadline date when this is due to be paid.
The fee that you pay will depend on whether you are considered to be a home or international student. Read more about how we assign your fee status.
If you are studying on a programme of more than one year’s duration, tuition fees are reviewed annually and are not fixed for the duration of your studies. Read more about fees in subsequent years.
Scholarships and bursaries
You may be eligible for the following funding opportunities, depending on your fee status and course. You will be automatically considered for our main scholarships and bursaries when you apply, so there's nothing extra that you need to do.
Unfortunately no scholarships and bursaries match your selection, but there are more listed on scholarships and bursaries page.
The information on this site relates primarily to 2025/2026 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.
The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.
More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.
Our Students’ Charter
We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies.
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