About this course
LJMU's Cyber Security MSc enables students with computing and related experience to further their studies in this challenging and much in-demand sector.
- Study a course based on the latest research and informed by industry liaison
- Follow a curriculum aligned with the Government's professional practitioner benchmark for Cyber Security Masters-level study
- Enhance your scientific, engineering and technical skills
- Gain the knowledge and practical skills required for a career in Cyber Security
- Benefit from the support of a personal tutor throughout your studies
Computer Security focuses on protecting computers, computer networks - such as public and private networks, critical infrastructure, smartphones, smart objects, software and digital information from unauthorised access, change or destruction.
This MSc is based on the latest research in the field. The programme and its modules are the result of extensive communications with industry and government, and the School maintains a regular industrial liaison panel. It is designed to equip you with advanced skills in the theory, practice, tools and applications necessary for a career in Cyber Security.
We are proud of our high teaching standards and the approachability of our staff. Informal staff-student relationships are excellent. If you decide to study with us, you will be joining a relaxed and friendly department where staff are committed not only to student welfare but also to ensuring that our courses are continually developed to meet the needs of employers.
Impressed by the amount of one-to-one teaching
Cyber Security Masters student Sandra Ise progressed to postgraduate study from her undergraduate degree in ICT at the University of Bradford.
I wanted to improve my chances of getting a job and a Masters is certainly very desirable. I chose John Moores because it offered the course I wanted and was conveniently close to home. I have been interested in cyber security since I studied a security module at undergraduate level.
I have been so impressed by the small class sizes and the amount of one-on-one teaching here. There is a lot more support available to me at this level than at undergraduate. Teaching is very practical and we have done lots of coding and programming which I love.
For anyone considering postgraduate study I'd say think about it carefully. Don't rush your decision and take a gap year if necessary. Masters study can be life-changing and that's an opportunity you don't want to miss.
It's good to challenge yourself
With an undergraduate degree in Computer Science and five years' work experience under her belt, Irene Bundi moved from Kenya to study for a Masters in Cyber Security at LJMU.
I have always had a passion for the security side of computer studies. Everything is moving in that direction these days so it seems like the perfect time to take my studies to the next level.
I chose to study at John Moores as it offered the perfect course for me and I knew a little about the University as my sister took her Masters here. I am really enjoying my course. I find it very interesting and it is great that it builds on what I already know. The academic support is really nice and it is very easy to talk to the lecturers they are not intimidating at all.
Studying alongside recent graduates came as something of a surprise to me at first. At home people tend to work for a few years after they graduate before going on to masters study but it has been good to mix with such a wide variety of people and hear about their experiences.
I would certainly recommend postgraduate study at LJMU to my friends back home. Sure, studying overseas is different and it is a change but change is a positive thing and it's good to challenge yourself.
Course modules
Discover the building blocks of your programme
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Core modules
Research Methods
20 credits
20 credits
The aim of this module is to develop your knowledge of effective and academic research design at Masters level and provide guidance on the purpose and design of literature reviews; the use of theory; writing strategies; citation and ethical considerations. It provides an understanding of how the range of qualitative, quantitative and mixed method data approaches can be most appropriately applied. It provides the knowledge and research skills you need to:
- establish the most effectual research design and method for the dissertation project and write a successful research proposal
- prepare for the project module and for a possible future research career
Computer Security
20 credits
20 credits
The purpose of the module is to provide the fundamental technical concepts and research issues essential for computer security. This module develops the understanding of threats to and the security requirements of computer systems, as well as tools and techniques to enforce security. It aims to:
- develop the knowledge of various security threats and vulnerabilities in computer systems as well as the importance of Computer Security
- critically assess a variety of generic security technologies for the protection of computer systems
- promote the use of appropriate methodologies and tools in the analysis, design, implementation and management of secure systems
- examine current research issues in Computer Security
Network Security
20 credits
20 credits
The growth of the Internet means that it is more important than ever to be aware of security threats to computer networks. This module explores security vulnerabilities and threats, emphasising the importance of network security. It looks at security issues and solutions to network protection, critically assessing security technologies and promoting the use of security techniques.
Project Dissertation
60 credits
60 credits
This module aims to develop your ability to plan, execute and report in-depth on a major investigation.
Information Security Management
20 credits
20 credits
This module will develop an appreciation of information security problems and develop skills relating to risk assessment and control analysis. You will develop an appreciation of using standards such as ISO-27001. You will gain experience in engaging in debates around legal, ethical and professional issues relating to information security.
Ethical Hacking
20 credits
20 credits
This module will help you to gain a significant understanding of various security vulnerabilities and cyber threats to computer systems/applications as well as the importance of cyber security. This will help you to assess critically a variety of ethical hacking tools and penetration testing techniques for the protection and evaluation of computer systems and applications.
The module will promote the use of appropriate ethical security techniques to solve cyber security problems. This will help you to understand practices of network forensics and intrusion analysis to aid cyber threat intelligence gathering. In doing so, you will develop independent research skills in threat intelligence to detect, respond to, and defeat focused and targeted threats.
Secure Systems
20 credits
20 credits
This module intends to familiarise you with common system security techniques, tools and methods that can be utilised during the design, deployment and maintenance of systems. This will help you to develop new advanced security skills and to combine your existing and new skills in a practical context.
Your Learning Experience
An insight into teaching on your course
Study hours
This Masters is completed full-time in one year. You will attend university for teaching on Monday and Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday mornings and Thursday afternoons.
Teaching methods
The course offers a range of approaches to learning, with peer and tutor feedback greatly encouraged. Workshop activities and tutor support facilitate formative feedback to enable you to work on your weaknesses and build on your strengths.
How learning is monitored on your programme
To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme.
Where you will study
What you can expect from your School
Studying at the Byrom Street site in the City Campus, which has recently enjoyed a 6 million investment, you will have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and teaching facilities. We have over 150 high performance computers including PC/ Linux Workstations and Networked Multimedia PCs for general use, in addition to the campus computing cluster. Youll also have access to an exclusive Game Technology Lab, a Computer Forensics Lab, two Multimedia Labs, a Distance Learning Lab and specialist labs for research on network security and networked appliances.
Course tutors
Our staff are committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning
Dr Rubem Pereira
Programme Leader
I really enjoy the stimulating environment associated with learning and teaching at the cutting edge of computing and ICT technology.
I really enjoy the stimulating environment associated with learning and teaching at the cutting edge of computing and ICT technology.
Before joining the LJMU team, Rubem completed his PhD in Computer Network Performance Modelling in 1997. In the same year he started working at LJMU. He has been a reader in Multimedia Networks and became programme leader for MSc programmes in Computing in 2003. He has also participated in many externally funded projects, supervised PhD students and organised national and international workshops and conferences. Rubem's special areas of interest include: network technologies, distributed systems, video encoding and streaming, the future of Internet, modelling and performance analysis and evaluation of computer systems.
Career paths
Further your career prospects
LJMU has an excellent employability record with 96% (HESA 2018) of our postgraduates in work or further study six months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.
With an MSc in Cyber Security your skills are highly sought after by companies employing ethical hackers, secure software developers, computer security consultants, network or system administrators and data analysts. You could find yourself working in one of a wide variety of fields including data mining, security applications development, the police, intelligence, security or computer forensics initiatives, network security management or education.
Fees and funding
Tuition Fees:
- Home fee:
- £9,840
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students
Fees
The fees quoted at the top of this page cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:
- library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
- access to programme-appropriate software
- library and student IT support
- free on-campus wifi via eduroam
Additional costs
Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:
- accommodation and living expenditure
- books (should you wish to have your own copies)
- printing, photocopying and stationery
- PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
- mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
- field trips (travel and activity costs)
- placements (travel expenses and living costs)
- student visas (international students only)
- study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
- academic conferences (travel costs)
- professional-body membership
- graduation (gown hire etc)
Funding
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages.
Please be aware that the UK’s departure from the EU may affect your tuition fees. Learn more about your fee status and which tuition fees are relevant to you.
- International fee:
- £18,250
International Scholarships and payment plans
Liverpool John Moores University is committed to supporting international students by providing a range of scholarships and flexible payment plans to help students manage their tuition fees.
Scholarships
LJMU provides a variety of scholarships to support international students. Scholarships are available to self-funded students who have accepted their offer and met all the conditions outlined in their offer letter. Students must also demonstrate that they can cover living costs, travel, and other expenses associated to studying at the university. Postgraduate scholarships include tuition fee reductions and are often offered in partnership with external funding organisations.
All self-funded international students are eligible for an automatic scholarship worth up to £4,000. For more details and to view our full list of scholarships, visit the international scholarship webpages.
Deposit
All students must pay a £5,000 deposit before they can receive their CAS letter.
For more information view our deposit page.
Tuition Fee Payment Plan
After paying their £5,000 deposit, students have the option to pay their fees in full or in three equal instalments minus any internal scholarships and discounts. There are two payment options available for international students. You can either pay your tuition fees in full before enrolment or opt for a payment plan. With the payment plan, you can pay your fees in three instalments after making your £5,000 deposit. The first instalment is due before enrolment.
All payments should be made through Flywire. Full details can be found in the How to Pay Guide.
Early Bird Tuition Fee discount
We are excited to introduce a £500 Early Payment Discount to all self-funded international students. Eligible self-funded students who pay their fees by the required deadlines will get a discount which will be automatically deducted from the 1st year of tuition fees.
To see the required deadlines please visit the webpage
Entry requirements
You will need:
Qualification requirements
Undergraduate degree
-
An honours degree in Computing or a Computing-related subject, including subjects with a significant core of computing
Alternative qualifications considered
-
A professional qualification equivalent to an honours degree
Further information
- Extra Requirements
-
RPL
- RPL is accepted on this programme
International requirements
IELTS
- IELTS English language requirement: 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each component)
How to apply
Securing your place at LJMU
To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.
Your applications will need to:
- demonstrate sufficient knowledge to embark on the programme
- display the potential to develop high level research skills
- demonstrate the ability and commitment to work at postgraduate level
Your student experience
There's so much more to university than just studying for a degree.
Postgraduate life at LJMU
See the amazing support you will get from the university, the academic expertise of the staff here, the first-class learning environment, fabulous libraries, excellent career guidance and their ongoing love affair with the city of Liverpool.
Accommodation
As a new student at LJMU, we guarantee accommodation right in the heart of the dynamic city centre, with easy access to the main University campuses.
You can view our approved accommodation to see the halls that we offer to new students.
Your campus
We’re very proud of our campuses. Not only because they provide a modern and inspiring learning space for all our students but also because they’re a place people really want to be.
Living in Liverpool
Liverpool is one of Europe's most dynamic and cultured cities. Come find out why it's a great city to study in.
Go abroad
LJMU aims to make international opportunities available to every student. You may be able to study abroad as part of your degree at one of our 100+ partner universities across the world. You could also complete a work placement or apply for one of our prestigious worldwide internship programmes.
Sports, societies and lifestyle
Getting involved in sports, clubs and societies at Liverpool John Moores University is a great way to challenge yourself, meet people who share your interests, and feel more connected to the University community.
Talk to our students
Connect with a current LJMU student through Unibuddy for insights and advice on university life, courses, and more.
See what our students are saying
At LJMU we want you to know you’re making the right choice by studying with us. You can see what our students are saying about their experience with us through their reviews on the following websites:
News and views
Browse through the latest stories and updates from the University and beyond
The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.