Cyber Security MSc

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

Edge Hill University

Program Overview

The MSc in Cyber Security at Edge Hill University offers advanced training in securing digital systems, analysing threats and responding to cyber incidents across organisational environments. It suits students with technical or computing backgrounds, as well as motivated non-specialists, who want to work in cybersecurity, digital forensics, penetration testing or security management.

Curriculum Structure (Full-time, 1 Year)

Year of Study

Students begin with Information Security and Management, Infrastructure Security, and Systems and Platform Security, where they learn how to plan, configure and protect networks, operating systems and IT infrastructures. They then progress to Penetration Testing and Ethics and Forensic Computing and Malware Analysis, gaining skills in ethical hacking, vulnerability assessment, malware investigation and digital-forensic techniques. Modules such as Biometric Security introduce advanced authentication methods and identity-management concepts. The programme concludes with Advanced Professional Practice and a major Research and Development Project, allowing students to apply analytical, investigative and defensive-security skills to a substantial real-world or simulated challenge.

Focus areas: “Network and infrastructure security, penetration testing, malware and forensic analysis, biometric security, security management, applied cybersecurity project”

Learning outcomes: “Secure networks and systems; conduct penetration testing; analyse malware and digital evidence; apply biometric authentication methods; manage organisational security risks; complete an advanced cybersecurity project.”

Professional alignment (accreditation): Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, supporting progression toward Chartered IT Professional status.

Reputation (employability rankings): The programme benefits from strong teaching quality and industry-aligned content, and graduates are well positioned for roles in cyber-defence, incident response, forensics, consultancy and security operations.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MSc Cyber Security at Edge Hill University develops practical defensive and investigative skills through hands-on lab work in a secure, dedicated environment. Students engage with real-world security scenarios, using professional tools to analyse threats, conduct forensics, and implement defences.

Key experiential components:

Software & Tools: Practical use of security and forensic tools within Kali Linux (e.g., Wireshark, Metasploit), alongside vulnerability scanners, forensic suites, and secure network simulation software.
Dedicated Facilities: Access to the Cyber Security Lab, a controlled, isolated environment with configured networks for safe ethical hacking, penetration testing, and digital forensic investigations.
Group Projects: Collaborative security challenges, such as team-based Capture the Flag (CTF) exercises, incident response simulations, or security audit projects for a defined system.
Applied Focus: The programme emphasises practical skills for industry, culminating in an individual dissertation project that typically involves a technical investigation into a specific cyber security threat, defence mechanism, or forensic technique.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Edge Hill University's Cyber Security MSc secure roles as cyber security specialists, information security engineers, forensic analysts, and ISO27001 auditors in SMEs, consultancies, and government:

Careers Service offers CV support, mock interviews, job fairs.
95.8% employed/studying within 15 months; avg earnings £26,500.
NCSC/GCHQ certified; aligns with Cyber Security Body of Knowledge.
BCS accredited for partial Chartered IT Professional status.
Outcomes in security management, forensics, or PhD.

Further Academic Progression: Pursue PhD in cyber security at Edge Hill/elsewhere, using MSc modules and project as foundation.

Additional Information & Requirements

You should have a degree equivalent to UK first-class or second-class honours (2:2 or above), comprising 50% or more of content in a computing discipline.

India- Bachelor degree with minimum 55%

USA- Degree awarded with minimum GPA of 2.75 from a recognised University.

IELTS 6.5, with a score no lower than 6.0 in each individual component,

China- Bachelor degree from a recognised university with a minimum average grade of 75% overall. 70% may be considered from ‘Project 211’ Universities.

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