master of science in cybersecurity msc

Master of Science in Cybersecurity

MSc (Online)

Study a flexible, affordable postgraduate cybersecurity degree with a globally ranked university and experts in online learning. 

With Aston Online, online learners benefit from an immersive learning experience, dedicated support services, and a world-class digital campus. Master the skills of cyber risk management and strategic decision-making, emerging as a leader in safeguarding organisational interests in an ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape.  

date_range
Start date
September, January, May
mode_off_on
Study mode
100% online
hourglass_empty
Duration
24 months
currency_pound
Total tuition fees
£11,500 - (Flexible payment options – monthly, in instalments or in full)

Programme Overview

Effective cyber risk management is essential for organisations in an increasingly digital world. The Master of Science in Cybersecurity (MSc) Online from Aston University empowers learners to safeguard data security, business continuity, compliance, reputation, and financial stability amid evolving threats.

Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, you will understand cyber threats deeply and develop the skills to become strategic decision-makers. The programme fosters proactive risk mitigation, adaptation to emerging threats, and implementation of robust security measures.

Advance your career in cybersecurity, gain valuable skills at your own pace, and become a key contributor to organisational success. You will emerge as a leader in protecting organisational interests within the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape.

College of Engineering and Physical Sciences: The College of Engineering and Physical Sciences (EPS) at Aston University is a hub of teaching and research excellence, engaging in collaborative and impactful research throughout our institutes and schools.

Top 25 UK University: Aston University is ranked 21st in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2025.

Runner Up for Graduate Employment: Aston University is the University of the Year Runner Up for Graduate Employment in The Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2024. Aston University is ranked at 18 for graduate prospects and at 22 for continuation rate. 

Outstanding graduate employability: Our employed graduates achieved the 16th largest median salary in the UK out of all Higher Education Institutions five years after graduation (Longitudinal Education Outcomes, 2022), and we are ranked in the UK top 10 for graduate career satisfaction 15 months after graduation (‘Graduate Prospects-On-Track’, Complete University Guide, 2024.)

Excellence in teaching and research: Rated 79% in the REF (2021) for research that is world leading or internationally excellent, Aston University has an excellent reputation for research which shapes and improves lives.

A global university: Aston University is in the top 10% of global institutions (top 10% of evaluated universities, QS World Rankings 2025) and is known for world-class teaching and strong links to industry.

Experts in online education: Aston Online programmes are carefully designed to offer flexibility without compromising on academic rigour. With a wealth of expertise in online pedagogy, we ensure that students receive a rich, engaging, and supportive learning experience.

Download brochure

What You Will Learn

  • Develop a specialist skill set: You will be provided with the necessary background to understand, develop and apply key concepts, techniques, frameworks and best practices in cybersecurity across technology, systems, people, processes, organisations, and society.
  • Acquire knowledge of methods and practices: Acquire knowledge of research methods, practical methodologies, and theoretical approaches for developing research in the field of cybersecurity. 
  • Gain an understanding of cyber resilience and privacy: Get to grips with current and emerging topics, challenges, and research questions in cyber resilience and privacy, covering diverse angles such as enterprise, industrial, community, and personal perspectives.
  • Apply and communicate cybersecurity concepts: Be prepared to apply and communicate cybersecurity principles, practices, and codes of practice to a multidisciplinary project in industrial, workplace, consulting, and/or research-led environments, and across legal, social, cultural, environmental, and ethical dimensions. 
  • Prepare students for the professional environment: Contextualise your learning within workplace practice and empower yourself with professional-level transferable skills. 

Meet The Head of Informatics and Digital Engineering

quote icon
At Aston University, we have an unwavering commitment to academic excellence, coupled with our dedication to equality, diversity, and inclusion. By fostering a fair and accessible learning environment, the university ensures that high-quality education is attainable for all. This inclusive approach is what makes our Aston University Online programmes so compelling. Our curriculum seamlessly blends theory and application, providing graduates with the skills required to thrive in today’s dynamic global marketplace. By equipping you with the knowledge and tools to navigate a wide range of industries, we prepare you for a successful and impactful career.
Damien Foster, Head of Informatics and Digital Engineering
Damien Foster Head of Informatics and Digital Engineering

Why Study Online With Aston University?

Studying online through Aston University offers various advantages, making it an appealing choice for prospective students globally.

Flexibility and convenience – fit your studies into your work-life balance.

Built for online – interactive, engaging, and purpose-designed curriculum available 24/7.

Affordable – spread the cost, pay monthly or in instalments, and earn as you learn.

Supported – dedicated student support and online tutors.

Expert tutors – staff with industry experience and experts in their fields.

Empowering creativity – complimentary full access to Adobe Creative Cloud tools for developing dynamic multimedia content and presentations through video, graphics and audio.

Transparent pricing – apply for free, with no hidden costs.

Ready for work and life – rigorous academic standards and curriculum focusing on the skills sought by employers (for now and the future).

why study master of science cybersecurity

Why Study Master of Science in Cybersecurity (MSc) Online Through Aston University?

I had always wanted to go back to studying but couldn’t justify stopping work.

quote icon
Studying online gave me the flexibility to work whenever I needed to on my downtime from work and I could do it from anywhere! This helped as I frequently travelled abroad during my course, but it didn’t impact my studies!
Elijah Hunter-Finn – Aston Online Graduate
Elijah Hunter Finn Business Analytics MSc

Career Prospects

Our Master of Science in Cybersecurity (MSc) Online will equip you with the knowledge and skill set for high-demand positions in cybersecurity. The programme will take you through a series of practical simulations and analysis of authentic cases to assist in your development expertise in digital forensics, risk management and cyber governance, ensuring you are well-prepared for strategic cybersecurity challenges.

Graduates often find success in the following roles:

 

Cybersecurity consultant: Identify and evaluate security issues and implement solutions to address threats to a company's computer networks and systems.

Information security analyst: Determine improvements for security policies and protocols through the study of computer networks and systems.

Cybersecurity manager: Coordinate operations across the network and manage systems and networks that facilitate those operations.

Security architect: Design and implement secure systems, networks, and applications to protect a company’s digital assets.

Career Prospects Cybersecurity

Assessment types

The programme will be assessed through a combination of online examinations, individual and group coursework, projects, presentations and practical assessments.

Programme Structure

Our Master of Science in Cybersecurity (MSc) Online equips you to navigate the complexities of cybersecurity in today's digital world. Delivered entirely online, this programme allows you to gain valuable skills and knowledge at your own pace, fitting your studies around your busy schedule.

Each credit of study is equivalent to 10 learning hours (e.g. 15 credits reflects 150 hours of learning).

Optional modules are reviewed each year and may change to reflect the expertise of staff, current trends in research, as a result of student feedback, or demand for certain modules.

Stage - Taught
Stage - Dissertation

We may update our programmes to reflect best practices and academic developments. If we do, we’ll let you know of any changes at the earliest opportunity by updating our programme webpages. If you have already received an offer, we’ll write to you directly to let you know of the changes.

Entry Requirements

One of the following:

  • A UK 2:2 (lower second-class honours) degree in a numerate, technical or scientific subject.
  • Equivalent international degree recognised by Aston University. Click here for more information or contact our Admissions Team to check your eligibility: enquiries@astononline.ac.uk

*Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification.

Alternative entry requirements:

We take a holistic approach to evaluating applications and accept applications from candidates with relevant work experience who still need to complete a graduate qualification. Contact our Admissions Team for a consultation before applying:  enquiries@astononline.ac.uk

Additional requirements:

A professional reference:

  • If you are a current student or recent graduate (within the last 2–3 years), we will ask for an academic reference. 
  • If you are currently employed and not a recent graduate, we will ask for a professional reference.

English language requirements:

To be accepted onto our programmes, you must be able to satisfy the University's English language requirements. We aim to make your application process as easy as possible, however in all cases we reserve the right to request an English language qualification and / or conduct an interview.

We accept a wide range of English language qualifications including:

IELTS Academic and IELTS Academic Online
IELTS One Skill Retake
TOEFL and TOEFL iBT
Oxford ELLT (Global and Digital)
Pearson Academic (PTE)
Password Test
Language Cert International ESOL SELT
Kaplan Test of English (KTE)
Cambridge Advanced Test (CAE)
Cambridge Proficiency Test (CPE)

Tests must be taken within the last 2 years from the start date of the course you are applying to study at Aston University.


Find Out If You Qualify

If you have any questions about your eligibility or the application process, please get in touch with the Aston Online Admissions Team:

Email: enquiries@astononline.ac.uk 

Call: +44 (0) 121 824 6374 

Our office is open Monday to Friday, 09:00-17:00 GMT

Contact Us

FAQs

Download brochure

Download our brochure to learn more about the programme, careers, online learning, fees, and admissions.

* All required fields must be filled out.

The information you provide will be used by Aston University to contact you about the University courses you may be interested in.

For anything outside of these purposes, we will obtain your consent. You are free to unsubscribe or change your contact preferences at any time by emailing unsubscribe@astononline.ac.uk. If you choose to unsubscribe, this will only apply to receiving marketing communication on other courses or events. You will still receive communications in response to questions you have raised directly. The processing of your data is subject to the privacy notice and cookie notice. For further information, please visit www.aston.ac.uk/dataprotection.