Master in Cyber Security MSc

Tuition is Total programme fee (all costs inclusive, 2026/27): MSc: £17,947; PGDip: £11,965; PGCert: £5,983, while applications for the Sep 2027 intake are open until Aug 21, 2027.

Overview

As our reliance on digital technologies grows, so does the need to defend them. This MSc equips you with the knowledge and skills, including AI and machine learning techniques, to identify, mitigate and prevent cyber threats and prepares you for a thriving career in this rapidly evolving field.

Introduction

Delivered by world-leading experts and members of the University of Liverpool Cybersecurity Institute, the programme covers communication network security, cryptographic protocols, artificial intelligence and digital forensics, with training in machine and deep learning, intrusion detection, firewalls and ethical hacking. The University is recognised as an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research (ACE-CSR) by the National Cyber Security Centre.

Who is this course for?

Graduates with a good first degree in a related subject including computer science, IT, engineering, mathematics, physics, chemistry or medical sciences. No prior programming background required.

What you'll learn

• Design, development and implementation of secure systems
• Legal, ethical and social implications of cyber security practices
• Forensic investigations and secure system design
• Emerging fields including quantum cryptography and IoT security

Accreditation

Pending accreditation by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.

The University of Liverpool, founded in 1882 and located in the vibrant city of Liverpool, is a research-intensive institution with a global student body of around 32,000, including approximately 17,700 international students. The university offers a wide range of programs—over 200—across sciences, engineering, humanities, health and business, combining rigorous academics with practical industry links. Its historic campus and city connections provide a lively cultural setting and strong transport links across the UK and beyond.

Research and employability are central to the Liverpool experience, with interdisciplinary projects, industry partnerships and extensive placement opportunities embedded in many degrees. Students benefit from modern facilities, dedicated career services and a supportive academic community that helps translate theory into professional practice. The university's global networks also create exchange and collaboration pathways for study abroad and joint research.

International students receive comprehensive support from pre-arrival guidance to on-campus services, including English language support, visa advice and student societies that foster social integration. Liverpool’s affordable living costs relative to other UK cities, combined with its cultural life and sporting traditions, make it attractive to students seeking a balanced academic and social experience. The University of Liverpool is well-suited to ambitious students aiming for impactful research, strong career outcomes and a cosmopolitan student life.