Cyber Security, MSc, University of Essex Online

the United Kingdom

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Study options for this course

The award	How you will study	Study duration	Course start	Domestic course fees	International course fees
MSc	Part-time, Distance, Online	24 months	January, April, July	GBP 12858 total	GBP 13427 total

About Cyber Security, MSc - at University of Essex Online

In today's always connected environment, it is important for organisations to implement robust cyber defences capable of mitigating an increasing range of cyber attacks.

Our MSc Cyber Security, delivered 100% online and part-time, will introduce you to the key concepts, tools, guidelines and approaches used to protect an organisation's online environment. The course goes beyond technical competencies to consider managerial and psychological concerns, while simultaneously developing essential skills such as teamwork, risk assessment and decision making.

This conversion course starts with an overview of the fundamental aspects of cyber security, highlighting the trends and developments in this field. In later modules, you will explore topics such as:

fundamentals of network security and information security governance principles
an inter-disciplinary perspective involving psychology that considers the human factor in cyber security challenges
traditional and contemporary Software Development Life Cycle models and how they are affected by risk management considerations

Towards the end of your studies, you will consider a topic of interest within the Cyber Security Body of Knowledge and produce an individual project on that topic.

We're proud to be rated Gold in the Times Higher Education (THE) Online Rankings 2024. Our achievement, which is based on four pillars - resources, engagement, outcomes and environment - recognises our commitment to excellent online education.

Learn more about Cyber Security, MSc - at University of Essex Online

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Notes about fees for this course

Our fees are the same for all students, and anyone will receive a 5% discount if they pay the full course fee payment up-front.

10% Course Scholarship available for the January 2026 intake.

International students residing in specific regions outside of the UK may be eligible for a partial scholarship for our undergraduate and postgraduate online courses.

Students residing in Africa can also enjoy a 20% scholarship for the January 2026 intake of all eligible undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

You don’t need to complete a separate application form for a scholarship; it’ll be applied once you’ve received your official offer letter. Please note, scholarships can’t be combined but can be used alongside our full payment discount.

Entry requirements

We know that many people from non-traditional backgrounds would succeed on our courses! That's why we offer two different entry routes, taking into account your prior work experience and relevant qualifications. You will also need to meet our English language requirements.

Additionally, within your two-week induction period you will be set a number of activities designed to test your ability to handle the intellectual and practical demands of the course. You will need to pass these activities in order to continue with your studies.

Academic entry route

In order to satisfy the academic entry route requirements for our MSc Cyber Security, as a minimum you must have an undergraduate degree from an approved institution, equivalent to a UK Honours degree, or a relevant professional qualification.

Work experience entry route

In order to satisfy the work experience entry route requirements for our MSc Cyber Security, you must have at least three years' relevant work experience.

English language requirements

As our courses are delivered in English, a high proficiency with English is required. If English is not your first language, your English ability should be equivalent to an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0. Don't worry if you don't hold an IELTS or equivalent qualification - we offer a free online English test to assess your proficiency.

You don't need to prove your English ability if you are a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, any of these countries.

Fees, Funding and Scholarships at University of Essex Online

A university education is one of the biggest investments in yourself and career. Our tuition fees include all teaching materials and required reading – there aren't any hidden charges for assessments or resits.

We also offer students a range of tuition fee discounts, scholarships and payment options for our online courses*.

Full payment discount: Pay the full tuition fee upfront and you will get a 5% discount.
Alumni discount: Graduates from the University of Essex or University of Essex Online are eligible for a 10% discount.
Regional scholarship: If you're living outside the UK you might be eligible for a scholarship.
Student loan: Students based in England might be eligible for a loan from Student Finance England for our Bachelors and Masters degrees.
Monthly payment plan: Available for those who are self-funding.

* Please note that a maximum of two discounts or scholarships can be applied. For more information on our discounts and scholarships and to discuss your eligibility please contact our Admissions team.

Student reviews of University of Essex Online

Find out what students say about University of Essex Online

Nathan Jarvis - BSc (Hons) Computer Science

"The university’s excellent reputation heavily influenced my decision to enrol, as I wanted to ensure my degree would be highly respected. The University of Essex Online also offered the exact course I wanted in a shorter timeframe than many other part-time options, making it a practical choice as well."