Postgraduate MSc

Computer Science (Cyber Security)

In a world with more smart devices than people and an increasing reliance on connectivity across the Internet, cyber threats are a growing concern for organisations, governments and individuals. Acquiring skills in Cyber Security has, therefore, become an advantage for a range of professions and roles across different sectors and disciplines.

For those with prior knowledge of computer science, see our specialist MSc Cyber Security course.

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Overview

The Computer Science (Cyber Security) conversion course will give you the opportunity to establish a foundation in cyber security from technical and multidisciplinary perspectives.

Cybercrime is a growing threat to society, democracy and organisations with increasing high profile cyber security cases in the news. This conversion course has been designed to meet the demands of organisations seeking to protect valuable data. This course will provide you with the key skills and knowledge in computer science and systems security to enhance your career prospects in identifying and solving complex security problems.

The University of Kent is recognised by the British Government as being an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research, meaning you will be taught by staff who are top researchers in this area.

It's possible to take this course with an additional placement. If you don't meet our entry requirements, you can also access this course with an Internationally Incorporated Master's (IIM).


Accreditation

This degree has been partially accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.

About the School of Computing

Our world-leading researchers, in key areas such as cyber security, programming languages, computational intelligence and data science, earned us an outstanding result in the recent Research Excellence Framework (REF); an impressive 100% of our research was classified as either 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' for impact.

Strong links with industry underpin all our work, notably with Cisco Systems Inc, Microsoft, Oracle, IBM, Nvidia, Erlang Solutions, GCHQ and Google.

Our courses are taught by leading researchers who are experts in their fields. The School of Computing at Kent is home to several authors of leading computer science textbooks.

We have a large range of equipment providing both Linux and PC-based systems. Our resources include a multicore enterprise server and a virtual machine server that supports computer security experiments. 

The School also has a unique makerspace called the Hackspace, which offers exciting teaching and collaboration opportunities.

Everything you need to know about our Computer Science (Cyber Security) course

Entry requirements

The University will consider applications from students holding a wide range of qualifications.

Course structure

Postgraduate taught modules are designed to give you advanced study skills, a deeper knowledge of the subject, and the confidence to achieve your ambitions.

How you'll study

Our expert teaching staff are leaders in their field who use innovative teaching methods to bring the subject to life. Programme aims and learning outcomes are set to ensure you get the most from your study.
We're modernising the way you learn at Kent.

In September 2025, we're launching a new curriculum and a progressive approach to assessment, timetabling and employability.

Time to plan.

Your timetables will be communicated well before the start of term. This means you can balance your studies with work and other commitments.

Teaching throughout the year.

Teaching is spread over three teaching terms for undergraduates and four for postgraduates. You'll typically take two modules per term, so you can explore topics in depth.

Assessments within each term.

You'll be tested on what you've just learned as you learn it - not everything at once at the end of the year.

Enhanced employability skills.

You'll make real-world connections and gain career-relevant knowledge and skills. We don't create graduates for job roles, we create graduates who are ready to make a real impact.

Frequent, ongoing feedback.

You'll receive continuous feedback as you study. This helps you to build on your knowledge as you learn and improve the experience during your degree.

Your future

Graduate destinations

Our graduates have gone on to work in:

  • software engineering
  • mobile applications development
  • systems analysis
  • consultancy
  • networking
  • web design and e-commerce
  • finance and insurance
  • commerce
  • engineering
  • education
  • government
  • healthcare. 

Recent graduates have gone on to develop successful careers at leading companies such as:

  • BAE Systems
  • Cisco 
  • IBM
  • The Walt Disney Company
  • Citigroup 
  • BT.

Help finding a job

The University has a friendly Careers and Employability Service, which can give you advice on how to:

  • apply for jobs
  • write a good CV
  • perform well in interviews.

You have access to a dedicated Employability Coordinator who is a useful contact for all student employability queries.

Industrial placements

You can gain practical work experience as part of your degree through our industrial placements scheme  - we have a dedicated Placement Team who can give advice and guidance.  All our placements are in paid roles.

In previous years, students have worked at a wide range of large and small organisations, including well-known names such as:

  • Accenture
  • BT
  • GSK
  • IBM
  • Kent Police
  • Microsoft
  • Morgan Stanley
  • The Walt Disney Company.

You can take your work placement abroad. Previous destinations include Hong Kong and the US.

An industrial placement gives you invaluable workplace experience, which greatly enhances your employment prospects and also helps put your academic learning into a real-world context.

Career support
Whether you want to get ahead in your current career, change lanes, or kickstart a new one – we are here to help you realise your ambition.
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Fees and funding

The 2025/26 annual tuition fees for this course are:
  • UK
  • International
  • UK
  • International

For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.

Tuition fees may be increased in the second and subsequent years of your course. Detailed information on possible future increases in tuition fees is contained in the Tuition Fees Increase Policy. If you are uncertain about your fee status please contact information@kent.ac.uk.

Your fee status

The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.

For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.

Tuition fees may be increased in the second and subsequent years of your course. Detailed information on possible future increases in tuition fees is contained in the Tuition Fees Increase Policy. If you are uncertain about your fee status please contact information@kent.ac.uk.

You'll need regular access to a desktop computer/laptop with an internet connection to use the University of Kent’s online resources and systems. We've listed some guidelines for the technology and software you'll need for your studies.

General additional costs

Find out more about accommodation and living costs, as well as general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent.

Search our scholarships finder for possible funding opportunities. You may find it helpful to look at both:

Scholarships

We have a range of subject-specific awards and scholarships for academic, sporting and musical achievement.

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Next steps

Ready to apply?

Learn more about the application process or begin your application by clicking on a link below.

You will be able to choose your preferred year of entry once you have started your application. You can also save and return to your application at any time.

Need help deciding?

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