Ranking
6th
Complete University Guide 2025
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Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly postgraduate students to get their thoughts on our courses, stunning campus and life in a vibrant and cultural city.
Course overview
Launch a career in the world of cyber security. Learn how to keep systems safe and help companies worldwide prevent terrorist and criminal cyber attacks.
You'll learn how to design systems able to resist cyber attacks. Gain the skills to deal with current and future cyber security threats. With our course, you'll develop the knowledge for a successful career in industry or research.
The programme has received full GCHQ accreditation.
The University has been officially recognised as an ‘Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research’ (ACE-CSR) by the UK government. The recognition of Birmingham as an ACE-CSR signifies the consistently high-quality research being conducted in the Security and Privacy group at the University. The group has expanded greatly in recent years, reflecting the University's continued commitment to supporting world-leading research into cyber security issues affecting industry, government and society.
The lecturers are stalwarts in their respective fields, with years of industry and teaching experience which makes their lectures exciting, and its easy to grasp the concepts. There is also a wide variety of optional modules on offer, and the mandatory modules consider all the practical and theoretical aspects that come to mind when you think of cyber security.
Course structure
Teaching is led by our world-leading research group, an academic centre of excellence in Cyber Security research. you'll select modules in cryptography, network security, secure hardware, and secure programming.
You'll undertake modules in cryptography, network security, and secure programming. This Term combines lectures, practical assignments, and guided independent study to build foundational skills in cyber security principles and practices.
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Course highlights
Building on your degree, we will equip you with the skills to tackle complex cyber challenges. You'll learn how to design and build secure systems, develop knowledge of cryptography, network security and programming.
Shaped by leaders in the world of cyber security, our course will get you ready for roles in a demanding industry. You'll learn from our experts and those key figures who also give guest lectures and supervise projects.
- Benefit from our partnership with The Alan Turing Institute
- Take advantage of our state-of-the-arts facilities
- Network with key individuals from the industry involved in the course
Recognised as a fully National Cyber Security Centre certified degree
- 6th
in the UK. Complete University Guide 2025
Study our continually updated curriculum and degree programmes that align with industry needs, ensuring you are highly sought after in the global job market.
Course delivery
The core components of this course are laboratory work giving you experience using industry-relevant equipment, compulsory taught modules and a summer project.
- Learn through of a series of engaging lectures which demonstrate how experts will approach problems in your field, helping you think critically and apply concepts
- Gain valuable experience by engaging in practical assignments that simulate real-world tasks and cultivate job-ready skills
- Develop critical technical and analytical skills, including experimental design, data collection and analysis, problem-solving, and familiarise yourself with specialised equipment and techniques through laboratory work
Lecture
Projects
Practical assignments
1:1 Supervision
Laboratory
Module information
The MSc programme consists of 180 credits. you'll study four 20-credit taught modules, work on a 60-credit project and gain 40 credits from optional modules.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
2025/26
Core modules
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Designing and Managing Secure Systems | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Forensics, Malware, and Penetration Testing | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Network Security + Cryptography | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Secure Software and Hardware Systems | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Project (CompSci - MSc) | 60 | Full term |
Optional modules
Select 40 credits, examples of options:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Computer-Aided Verification (Extended) | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Dependable and Distributed Systems (Extended) | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Intelligent Data Analysis | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Machine Learning | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Mobile & Ubiquitous Computing (Extended) | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Programming Language Principles, Design, and Implementation (Extended) | 20 | Semester 1 |
Teaching staff
Dr Pascal Berrang
Programme Director
Staff profile for Dr Pascal Berrang
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2:1 Honours Degree
You should have a 2:1 Honours Degree in a relevant subject (eg, Computer Science or a closely related discipline) or international equivalent in Computer Science or a closely related discipline. A solid foundation in programming and knowledge of data structures and algorithms will be a strong asset.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
English Presessional Programmes
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Fees and scholarships
- £13,040
Full-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Postgraduate Masters Loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Birmingham Masters Scholarships
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
- 29 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Career opportunities
Our security and privacy graduates are in high demand in an ever-growing industry, and will gain the knowledge to become leaders in the field of cyber security, shaping the technologies that will be developed in the future. They are equipped to work on secure software development within the software and IT industry, or to become cyber security consultants. They may also choose to move on to PhD research.
A dynamic, fast-moving sector that offers exciting careers and excellent rewards
Our graduates find themselves in a variety of environments within academia, research, industry, government and private organisations
You could join a firm like Accenture and PwC, or one of the global IT giants such as Microsoft and Google
Exciting career prospects await computing graduates with strong qualifications. As the number of UK computer science graduates decreases while job opportunities rise, pursuing a postgraduate degree enhances your chances of securing excellent employment opportunities.
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
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Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.