What you'll learn

This course comprises of the following 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 your core modules, you will be required to select one elective module. Elective module options will be provided to you at the start of the academic year, but an illustrative list can be found below. These options may be subject to changes.

• Enterprise Cyber SecurityLink opens in a new window
• Cyber Incident ManagementLink opens in a new window
• Cloud and Virtualisation SecurityLink opens in a new window

Please note that whilst the module catalogue shows the latest approved version of each module and what is currently being taught (academic year 2024), there may be minor updates to content or learning objectives year on year to reflect the evolving state of knowledge and the requirements of teaching best practise. Any such amends will be updated following the department 'module approvals process' and reflected in the module catalogue before the start of the next academic year in 2025.

Project

The research element of your Master's degree is worth 33% of your final grade. That is 60 CATS points, or nominally 600 hours or learning. Your project is your opportunity to specialise in a particular area of cyber security that interests you, whilst developing your personal research skills. The project for Cyber Security Engineering must demonstrate technical depth and will ideally involved coding and/or practical experimentation.

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, practical's, 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 2025 entry, the tuition fees are as follows:

• Home students: £12,300
• Overseas students: £35,340

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 £1.5 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
• Cyber Security Analyst
• Cyber Security Consultant
• Cyber Security System Engineer
• Information Security Specialist
• Network Architect
• SOC Analyst
• Vulnerability Assessment Analyst

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
• HM Revenue & Customs
• Innova
• Noovus Technology Business Unit
• Nuclear Regulatory Authority
• PWC
• Schillings
• Synopsys Inc

How to apply

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

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 2 August 2025, 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.