MSc Cyber Security Engineering

What you'll learn

The programme comprises 120 credits of taught modules and a 60-credit dissertation project.

Core modules

• Cyber Security Research MethodsLink opens in a new window
• Managing Cyber Risk, Audit and ComplianceLink opens in a new window
• Network SecurityLink opens in a new window
• Applied CryptographyLink opens in a new window
• Digital Forensic InvestigationLink opens in a new window
• Ethical HackingLink opens in a new window
• Proactive Cyber DefenceLink opens in a new window

Elective module

Alongside the core modules listed above, you will choose one elective. The available options will be confirmed at the start of the academic year, but an illustrative list is provided below. Please note that these options may be subject to change.

• Cloud and Virtualisation SecurityLink opens in a new window
• Enterprise Cyber SecurityLink opens in a new window
• Automotive Cyber SecurityLink opens in a new window 
• AI for Cyber Security

Project

In addition to the taught modules, you will complete a dissertation project which is worth a third of your final Master's grade (60 credits). This substantial individual project is designed to strengthen your academic and research skills, while allowing you to explore a specific area of cyber security that reflects your interests and career goals.

The project for Cyber Security Engineering must demonstrate technical depth and will ideally involved coding and/or practical experimentation. The project will be presented as a written dissertation, submitted at the end of the academic year.

You are expected to devote an appropriate portion of your time and intellectual effort to the project during the course i.e. approximately 600 hours over the course of the academic year.

Learning style and assessment

Tutors adopt their own distinctive style within their taught weeks. Most modules are taught by more than one tutor, which, together with the wide range of guest speakers, gives real breadth of insight into any topic. The external input is especially evident in the Enterprise Cyber Security module where colleagues from industry make a substantial contribution to the week's activities.

This course has two components – a taught component accounting for two-thirds of your time and effort, and a research component (dissertation) accounting for one-third.

A taught module typically consists of a combination of lectures, seminars, simulations, case studies, practical lab work, group exercises, reflective practices, on-line learning and self-study. Module leaders are experts in their fields and are supported by external speakers working in organisations at the forefront of their fields.

Each module is nominally 150 hours of learning which includes your class attendance, independent study, and assessments. Modules are delivered in a four-week learning block, allowing you to focus on one module at a time and engage deeply with the subject material*.

Modules are predominantly assessed by way of written assignments, but assessment can also be in other formats. In addition to the main assessment, you may have assessed presentations, online tests, practicals, self-reflection, and a range of other assessment methods during each module.

Your project will be assessed by your Project Supervisor plus an independent assessor. As part of the assessment, you may be required to present your research project and answer questions at a poster session.

*The Cyber Security Research Methods module is taught across the year rather than in a four-week block.

Entry requirements

In order to meet our academic entry requirement, you should have obtained the minimum of a UK 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent).

Candidates with a UK 2:2 (or equivalent) may be accepted upon demonstration of relevant professional experience.

Cyber Security Engineering is designed for Computer Science, Informatics, IT or other STEM graduates, looking to become a cyber security professional, or take a leading technical role in an organisation critically dependent upon data and information communication.

English language

If you are a non-native English speaker, we need to confirm that your English language competency is sufficiently good for you to get the most out of your Master's study. You therefore require you to take a SELT (Secure English Language Test) and submit your results as one of your academic requirements. If you are taking an IELTS test, we require a score of 6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in any one component). Please view our web page hereLink opens in a new window for a full list of accepted tests, together with the grades required.

Tuition fees

For 2026 entry, the tuition fees are as follows:

• Home students: £13,040
• Overseas students: £37,460

If you are successful in receiving an offer, a deposit payment is required in order to secure your place on the course. Please note that sponsored students can apply for a deposit waiver. For further information, please see our tuition fee deposits pageLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window.

Your remaining tuition fee is then payable at the start of the academic year, or in three instalments. For information about how to pay your tuition fees, please review the University's finance web pagesLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window.

WMG Excellence Scholarships

At WMG, we invest more than £1 million per year into supporting our talented students and creating a diverse and inspiring learning environment.
Our funding opportunities range from the competitive merit-based WMG Excellence Scholarship open to all offer-holders, through to guaranteed bursaries for specific countries and partnership awards with third-party funders.

WMG Excellence Scholarships are merit-based awards, available on a competitive basis. Awards range from £5,000 to £15,000 tuition fee discount.

Applications will be judged on past academic achievement, professional experience, reasons for study, and your vision for the future. View our WMG Excellence Scholarship pageLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window for full details on how to apply for this award.

Additional Scholarship opportunities

You might also be eligible to apply for other scholarships from the University of Warwick, such as the Warwick Taught Masters Scholarship Scheme; as well as awards from external funding bodies, including Chevening Scholarships. For additional funding opportunities and eligibility details please visit our Funding web pageLink opens in a new window

Careers

As a CSE graduate, you can expect rapid career progression within a wide range of organisations that rely on data and information communication.

Typically, graduates will work within corporate information, security and technology teams, consultancies, government information-security departments, or cyber security related research. As an increasingly critical area, opportunities for cyber security professionals are continuously expanding.

Below we have provided some examples of positions recently secured by CSE graduates:

• Associate IT Security Consultant
• Cloud Security Engineer
• Penetration Tester/Red Teamer
• Cyber Security Analyst
• Cyber Security Consultant
• Cyber Security Engineer
• Algorithmic Trading Platform Developer
• UN Military Observer
• Cyber Security System Engineer
• Information Security Specialist
• Software Design Engineer
• SIEM Engineer
• DevOps Engineer
• Network Architect
• SOC Analyst
• Vulnerability Assessment Analyst
• VP Cybercrime - Global Security
• GRC Consultant
• SOC Engineering Consultant
• Graduate Engineer - Cyber Security
• Cyber Operations Analyst
• Compliance Risk Analyst
• Information Security Manager

The breadth of companies that our graduates are now working for is impressive. Below we’ve listed a few you may recognise:

• Atos
• BT Group plc
• Citi Bank
• Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S)
• Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL)
• GE Healthcare
• Bridewell
• HM Revenue & Customs
• Innova
• DNA Payments
• Wells Fargo
• Exalens
• Dyson
• Deloitte
• GSS - Global Screening Services
• Digital Security Authority (DSA)
• Expleo Group
• Arctic Wolf
• NCC Group
• Noovus Technology Business Unit
• Nuclear Regulatory Authority
• PWC
• Schillings
• Jaguar Land Rover
• Hellenic Bank
• Synopsys Inc
• One Young World
• NHS (National Health Service UK)
• BT (British Telecom)

How to apply

Application is through the University’s online form. The course code for MSc Cyber Security Engineering is P-H1S1

You will need to select Department: WMG and tick Type of course: 'Postgraduate Taught' to bring up the full list of WMG courses available for application.

What to include with your application:

• A completed application form and £75 application fee.
• A Personal Statement which can be included in the online application.
• A scan of your transcript (marksheet). If you are still studying, please send us your transcripts to date. NB: if you are made an offer, we will then require you to upload your degree transcripts and certificate in order to clear your conditions.
• English language test result (if applicable) - this can be submitted after you have an offer.
• One reference. If you completed studies less than 2 years ago, this should be an academic reference. If you graduated more than 2 years ago, we will require a professional reference. We contact your referee directly, so please include their valid professional email address on your application form.
• Candidates with professional experience should include their CV with their application.

You can read more about the application process, and access a link to the application form, on our how to apply web page.

Application Deadline

The official application deadline is 31 August 2026, however please note that this course will close early if capacity is reached ahead of that deadline. We strongly recommend you apply as soon as you are ready in order to avoid disappointment.