Cyber Security
Apply onlineThis accredited programme offers a multi-disciplinary perspective to the subject of Cyber Security giving you an excellent basis for a future career in the field. This is particularly crucial given the Government Cyber Security Strategy and the current skills shortage in the marketplace.
Course overview
You will enhance your knowledge of cyber crime and information security management, including software development, advanced digital forensic investigation, multimedia networking and the Dark Web. You will benefit from links to professional and industry bodies, including EnCase Academic Programme, Cisco Networking Academy, GCHQ and the BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT.
This programme will provide you with the necessary skills to understand and apply specialised security knowledge to recognise and resolve complex threats faced by organisations and government bodies. You will develop a rounded perspective of key security domains such as network security, penetration testing, digital forensic investigation and secure software development.
What you need to know
Course start date
September
Location
Winchester campus
Course length
- 1 year full-time
- 2 years part-time
Apply
Apply online
Typical offer
A first or second-class honours degree in computing or a computing-related discipline
Fees
From £9,550 pa
Course features
- Learn from a specialist team of research-active academics who work at the forefront of the field
- Access a wide range of specialist software and tools including a dedicated Cyber Security and Forensics laboratory in our state-of-the-art West Downs Centre
- Develop an appreciation of the wider role information security plays in an organisational context
Course details
Learning and teaching
The programme is designed to ensure that learning, teaching and assessment is embedded within the programme to meet learning outcomes and provide ‘accessible and appropriate support for all aspects of student academic and personal skills development’ (Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy, 2015-18). The programme has a modular structure and learning outcomes and assessments are clearly defined for each module.
Location:
On campus, Winchester
Assessment
Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical performances.
We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details on assessment types used on the course you are interested in can be found on the course page, by attending an Open Day or Open Evening, or contacting our teaching staff.
Feedback
We are committed to providing timely and appropriate feedback to you on your academic progress and achievement in order to enable you to reflect on your progress and plan your academic and skills development effectively. You are also encouraged to seek additional feedback from your course tutors.
Further information
For more information about our regulations for this course, please see our Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures.
Modules
Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing. The University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed. For further information please refer to winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions
Modules
This module is designed to provide students with the knowledge and tools required to develop and undertake research in any area of business. Students will evaluate and synthesise research philosophies, develop research strategies, and select research methods using secondary and/or primary sources appropriate to particular research questions, relating these to existing business theories.
The module provides the foundation for further development of research skills through a dissertation by independent study.
This module focuses on the operation and improvement of information security and encompasses three roles commonly defined in the security community: Security and Information Risk Advisor, Security Architect and Security Officer. In addition, the following six domains are covered: Access Control, Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery, Information Security Governance and Risk Management; Software Development Security, Security Architecture and Design, Physical and Environmental Security.
This module provides an in-depth understanding of advanced penetration testing techniques. A heavy emphasis is given to practical pen-testing methodologies and various vulnerability assessment procedures. Legal and ethical issues are also considered.
This module provides an in-depth understanding of advanced penetration testing techniques. A heavy emphasis is given to practical pen-testing methodologies and various vulnerability assessment procedures. Legal and ethical issues are also considered.
This module critically evaluates state-of-the-art research in the areas of Cyber Crime and Cyber Security. The history of Cyber Crime is explored together with the key stakeholders in the business of preventing, controlling and policing cyber-criminal activities. Consideration is given to crypto currencies and the political economy of the Dark Web.
The dissertation enables students to specialise in an area of interest by conducting an independent, in-depth research project, guided by research-active tutors. Students will evaluate and synthesise research philosophies, develop research strategies, conduct research using secondary and/or primary sources and analyse their findings in relation to existing business theories.
The dissertation is of interest to potential future employers, demonstrating critical abilities, research expertise and business knowledge. It can also prompt student interest in conducting further research, whether in a consultancy role or in continued academic research at PhD level.
- Multimedia Networking - 20 credits
- Business Consulting - 20 credits
- Intercultural Business Communications - 20 credits
- Strategic Management - 20 credits
This module imparts a detailed understanding of digital forensics and the discipline of digital forensics. The module includes in-depth practical sessions in which students apply complex digital forensic techniques in realistic real-world scenarios. Tools include both commercial offerings and open source. Techniques associated with gathering, preserving and presenting digital evidence will also be covered
This module is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the concepts and principles of secure systems architecture for cyber-physical systems, with a specific emphasis on current technology trends, such as digital health applications. The module covers current threats and vulnerabilities in the specific context of application, and students learn to design robust security measures to protect against them. At the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to evaluate and select appropriate controls for cyber-physical systems. Through lectures and an incrementally built design portfolio, students will develop the skills to design, implement and maintain secure cyber-physical systems.
Optional
This module is designed to provide students with the knowledge and tools required to develop and undertake research in any area of business. Students will evaluate and synthesise research philosophies, develop research strategies, and select research methods using secondary and/or primary sources appropriate to particular research questions, relating these to existing business theories.
The module provides the foundation for further development of research skills through a dissertation by independent study.
This module focuses on the operation and improvement of information security and encompasses three roles commonly defined in the security community: Security and Information Risk Advisor, Security Architect and Security Officer. In addition, the following six domains are covered: Access Control, Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery, Information Security Governance and Risk Management; Software Development Security, Security Architecture and Design, Physical and Environmental Security.
This module provides an in-depth understanding of advanced penetration testing techniques. A heavy emphasis is given to practical pen-testing methodologies and various vulnerability assessment procedures. Legal and ethical issues are also considered.
This module provides an in-depth understanding of advanced penetration testing techniques. A heavy emphasis is given to practical pen-testing methodologies and various vulnerability assessment procedures. Legal and ethical issues are also considered.
This module critically evaluates state-of-the-art research in the areas of Cyber Crime and Cyber Security. The history of Cyber Crime is explored together with the key stakeholders in the business of preventing, controlling and policing cyber-criminal activities. Consideration is given to crypto currencies and the political economy of the Dark Web.
The dissertation enables students to specialise in an area of interest by conducting an independent, in-depth research project, guided by research-active tutors. Students will evaluate and synthesise research philosophies, develop research strategies, conduct research using secondary and/or primary sources and analyse their findings in relation to existing business theories.
The dissertation is of interest to potential future employers, demonstrating critical abilities, research expertise and business knowledge. It can also prompt student interest in conducting further research, whether in a consultancy role or in continued academic research at PhD level.
- Multimedia Networking - 20 credits
- Business Consulting - 20 credits
- Intercultural Business Communications - 20 credits
- Strategic Management - 20 credits
This module imparts a detailed understanding of digital forensics and the discipline of digital forensics. The module includes in-depth practical sessions in which students apply complex digital forensic techniques in realistic real-world scenarios. Tools include both commercial offerings and open source. Techniques associated with gathering, preserving and presenting digital evidence will also be covered
This module is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the concepts and principles of secure systems architecture for cyber-physical systems, with a specific emphasis on current technology trends, such as digital health applications. The module covers current threats and vulnerabilities in the specific context of application, and students learn to design robust security measures to protect against them. At the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to evaluate and select appropriate controls for cyber-physical systems. Through lectures and an incrementally built design portfolio, students will develop the skills to design, implement and maintain secure cyber-physical systems.
Entry requirements
Normally a first or second-class Honours degree or professional experience in the area of study. A lower degree classification may be considered if you can demonstrate a significant level of experience in the security area, with competence in computer programming.
If English is not your first language: IELTS: 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in writing or equivalent
Course enquiries and applications
Send us a message
International students
International students seeking additional information about this programme can email International@winchester.ac.uk.
Late applications can be accepted throughout the remainder of the application year, for more information see our How to Apply section.
If English is not your first language: IELTS: 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in writing or equivalent
International students seeking additional information about this programme can email International@winchester.ac.uk.
Late applications can be accepted throughout the remainder of the application year, for more information see our How to Apply section.
2025/2026 Course Tuition Fees
| UK / Channel Islands / Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland |
International |
|
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,550 | £17,450 |
| Part-time | £4,775 | £8,725 |
| Total | £9,550 | £17,450 |
Additional tuition fee information
If you are a UK student starting your degree in January / September 2025, the first year will cost you £9,550**.
If finance is a worry for you, we are here to help. Take a look at the range of support we have on offer. This is a great investment you are making in your future, so make sure you know what is on offer to support you.
**The University of Winchester will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year.
Additional costs
As one of our students all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures/guest lectures and tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions and specialist teaching facilities. You will also have access to a wide range of student support and IT services.
There might be additional costs you may encounter whilst studying. The following highlights the mandatory and optional costs for this course:
Optional
Core texts
Core texts are available from the University Library. However some students prefer to purchase their own copies. Some core texts can be bought second-hand or as an ebook which can often reduce this cost. Indicative cost is £150 for whole course.
Mandatory
Computer
Computers are available at the University, however some students prefer to bring their own device. If choosing to do so, it is advisable that it runs Windows for compatibility reasons. Indicative cost £800-£1,200.
SCHOLARSHIPS, BURSARIES AND AWARDS
We have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards.
CAREER PROSPECTS
Graduates will be equipped to enter a variety of cyber security graduate roles including cyber security analyst, malware analyst and cyber security software engineer.
OUR CAREERS SERVICE
“The MSc programmes at Winchester provide you with an excellent foundation from which to pursue your career.”
