Develop skills in ethical hacking, penetration testing and network security while exploring global frameworks such as ISO 27001 and building towards industry-recognised certifications through our AWS Academy and Cisco Academy, preparing you for in-demand roles in the evolving cybersecurity sector.
Master of Science
MSc Computing and Cybersecurity
Our MSc Computing and Cybersecurity course combines software development, data management and cyber defence with hands-on experience in penetration testing, network security and ISO 27001 frameworks, preparing you to respond to evolving digital threats with confidence.
Course length
from 12 months to 24 months
Study mode
Full-time, Full-time (Weekend), Part-time or Part-time Weekend
Method
On Campus
Overview
Why choose our MSc Computing and Cybersecurity course?
- Fast-track your cybersecurity career – Develop advanced ethical hacking skills alongside global security and governance frameworks, preparing you to respond to evolving digital threats with confidence.
- Prepare for in-demand cybersecurity roles – Build expertise in penetration testing, network security and cybersecurity governance while developing the practical skills employers are looking for across the digital sector.
- Gain hands-on cyber defence experience – Identify vulnerabilities through practical penetration testing and network security challenges, learning how to strengthen digital resilience before threats emerge.
- Take on Capture the Flag and Hackathon challenges – Test your technical skills in collaborative cybersecurity competitions designed to reflect real industry scenarios and strengthen your problem-solving abilities.
- Present your work to industry professionals – Share your project work with our employer network, helping you build professional connections and showcase your skills to organisations within the cybersecurity sector.
About our MSc Computing and Cybersecurity course
As organisations increasingly rely on secure digital systems, our MSc Computing and Cybersecurity course prepares you to respond to the challenges shaping today’s technology landscape.
Taught by experienced computing and cybersecurity professionals at The University of Law, this industry-focused course combines core computing knowledge with modern cybersecurity practices, helping you develop skills in both software development and cyber defence.
You’ll explore data management, network security and penetration testing while learning how to identify vulnerabilities and respond to emerging digital threats. Through practical learning and applied problem-solving, you’ll gain hands-on experience with technologies used across the cybersecurity sector.
By the end of the course, you’ll graduate with the professional and industry-relevant skills needed for careers in cybersecurity, computing and digital innovation, including roles such as cyber security analyst, network engineer, IT support and governance and compliance security management.
Possible study locations and start dates
MSc Computing and Cybersecurity
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MSc Computing and Cybersecurity
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MSc Computing and Cybersecurity
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Course Content
Modules
Semester 1
| Compulsory modules |
Software Development (15 credits)This module provides the fundamental engineering bedrock for any career in computing. By mastering the core logic of programming from variable declarations and conditional iterations to recursion and GUI design, you transition from a user to creator. With a heavy emphasis on industry standard tools like GitHub and Python, this module develops self-directed problem-solving skills required to navigate partial information and build robust, real world software solutions.
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Data Security (15 credits)Develop the technical and ethical foundations required to protect sensitive information within modern AI and data systems. This module introduces Python programming tailored for security, focusing on secure data structures, encryption and robust access control frameworks. You’ll explore the lifecycle of personal data, from secure storage and processing to compliant disposal, while navigating cybersecurity protocols and information security principles.
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Semester 2
| Compulsory modules |
Data Management Technologies (30 credits)This module provides a deep dive into the structural backbone of modern computing: the database. From the theoretical foundations of relational modelling and algebra to the high-level administration of enterprise scale database servers. By mastering both traditional SQL and emerging NoSQL, Graph and Hierarchical models, you’ll develop the ability to architect, deploy and secure data environments. The module emphasises real world performance tuning and cloud-based management, ensuring you can manage data assets with precision, security and scalability.
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Applications of Artificial Intelligence (15 credits)This module provides a comprehensive exploration of the AI landscape, moving from its historical foundations to today's state-of-the-art applications. You’ll learn to navigate the complexities of Intelligent Agents and Machine Learning through a systematic lens, developing the ability to map real world problems to specific algorithmic solutions. By balancing technical implementation with a critical evaluation of risks and benefits, the module prepares you to handle uncertainty and partial information, delivering robust AI driven solutions to complex challenges.
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Semester 3
| Compulsory modules |
Network and Penetration Testing (15 credits)This module provides a rigorous introduction to cloud and network security within modern business environments. You’ll develop practical skills in securing cloud infrastructures, configuring Linux and web servers and ensuring business continuity. The course explores network protocols, security tools, cloud security frameworks and regulatory requirements such as GDPR. Through applied activities in situational awareness, intelligence analysis and penetration testing, you’ll gain experience in identifying threats and implementing mitigation measures.
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Cyber Security and Cyber Hygiene (15 credits)Build a robust defence-in-depth mindset to protect modern enterprise environments from evolving digital threats. This module explores the foundational CIA triad, the McCumber Cube and the principles of least privilege to architect multi layered security frameworks. You’ll engage in threat modelling to identify actors and vectors, mastering cryptographic tools, user authentication and intrusion prevention.
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Cyber Security Strategy and Risk Management (15 credits)Equip yourself with the strategic frameworks required to protect organisational assets and navigate complex regulatory landscapes. This module provides a comprehensive foundation in governance, information security models and policy implementation. You'll explore threat and risk assessment methodologies, incident management and forensic readiness, with a specific focus on compliance standards like PCI.
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Semesters 1 - 3
| Compulsory module |
MSc Project in Computer Science (60 credits)This final project is your opportunity to apply your deep understanding of software development, cybersecurity and AI to a significant independent task. You’ll manage the entire process from researching sustainable solutions to implementing a robust software, cyber tool or AI product. Working with limited guidance, you’ll learn to navigate uncertainty and find reliable solutions even when you only have partial information. By critically choosing the right tools for real world problems and explaining your decisions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences, you’ll demonstrate the professional initiative and responsibility needed to lead in the global tech industry.
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Professional Development (0 credits)This module develops the professional and employability skills required to succeed in a rapidly evolving, technology driven job market. You’ll explore potential career pathways and learn to identify employer expectations through practical, interactive workshops. Key focus areas include CV and application writing, interview techniques, professional networking through LinkedIn and the development of teamwork, emotional intelligence and business‑aware transferable skills.
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For part-time students, modules may vary per semester and academic year depending on your individual choices.
| Compulsory modules |
Software Development (15 credits)This module provides the fundamental engineering bedrock for any career in computing. By mastering the core logic of programming from variable declarations and conditional iterations to recursion and GUI design, you transition from a user to creator. With a heavy emphasis on industry standard tools like GitHub and Python, this module develops self-directed problem-solving skills required to navigate partial information and build robust, real world software solutions.
|
Data Security (15 credits)Develop the technical and ethical foundations required to protect sensitive information within modern AI and data systems. This module introduces Python programming tailored for security, focusing on secure data structures, encryption and robust access control frameworks. You’ll explore the lifecycle of personal data, from secure storage and processing to compliant disposal, while navigating cybersecurity protocols and information security principles.
|
Professional Development (0 credits)This module develops the professional and employability skills required to succeed in a rapidly evolving, technology driven job market. You’ll explore potential career pathways and learn to identify employer expectations through practical, interactive workshops. Key focus areas include CV and application writing, interview techniques, professional networking through LinkedIn and the development of teamwork, emotional intelligence and business‑aware transferable skills.
|
Data Management Technologies (30 credits)This module provides a deep dive into the structural backbone of modern computing: the database. From the theoretical foundations of relational modelling and algebra to the high-level administration of enterprise scale database servers. By mastering both traditional SQL and emerging NoSQL, Graph and Hierarchical models, you’ll develop the ability to architect, deploy and secure data environments. The module emphasises real world performance tuning and cloud-based management, ensuring you can manage data assets with precision, security and scalability.
|
Applications of Artificial Intelligence (15 credits)This module provides a comprehensive exploration of the AI landscape, moving from its historical foundations to today's state-of-the-art applications. You’ll learn to navigate the complexities of Intelligent Agents and Machine Learning through a systematic lens, developing the ability to map real world problems to specific algorithmic solutions. By balancing technical implementation with a critical evaluation of risks and benefits, the module prepares you to handle uncertainty and partial information, delivering robust AI driven solutions to complex challenges.
|
Network and Penetration Testing (15 credits)This module provides a rigorous introduction to cloud and network security within modern business environments. You’ll develop practical skills in securing cloud infrastructures, configuring Linux and web servers, and ensuring business continuity. The course explores network protocols, security tools, cloud security frameworks and regulatory requirements such as GDPR. Through applied activities in situational awareness, intelligence analysis and penetration testing, you’ll gain experience in identifying threats and implementing mitigation measures.
|
Cyber Security and Cyber Hygiene (15 credits)Build a robust defence-in-depth mindset to protect modern enterprise environments from evolving digital threats. This module explores the foundational CIA triad, the McCumber Cube and the principles of least privilege to architect multi layered security frameworks. You’ll engage in threat modelling to identify actors and vectors, mastering cryptographic tools, user authentication and intrusion prevention.
|
Cyber Security Strategy and Risk Management (15 credits)Equip yourself with the strategic frameworks required to protect organisational assets and navigate complex regulatory landscapes. This module provides a comprehensive foundation in governance, information security models and policy implementation. You'll explore threat and risk assessment methodologies, incident management and forensic readiness, with a specific focus on compliance standards like PCI.
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MSc Project in Computer Science (60 credits)This final project is your opportunity to apply your deep understanding of software development, cybersecurity and AI to a significant independent task. You’ll manage the entire process from researching sustainable solutions to implementing a robust software, cyber tool or AI product. Working with limited guidance, you’ll learn to navigate uncertainty and find reliable solutions even when you only have partial information. By critically choosing the right tools for real world problems and explaining your decisions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences, you’ll demonstrate the professional initiative and responsibility needed to lead in the global tech industry.
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Teaching and Assessment
How you'll learn
You’ll learn through a blend of lectures, seminars, workshops, live labs, coding exercises and presentations, giving you the opportunity to apply your knowledge in practical and collaborative learning environments. You’ll also have access to a wide range of online learning resources, including programme handbooks, module guides, e-books and digital reference materials.
Assessment
We use a variety of assessment methods designed to develop critical evaluation, problem solving, technical skills and self-reflection. These include:
- Portfolios
- Coursework reports
- Presentations
- Project reports
- Project artefacts (usually software based)
- Research methods assessments
- Practical cybersecurity activities and labs
The course is delivered across three terms for full-time students or six terms for part-time and part-time weekend students, combining face-to-face teaching with flexible online study.
You’ll take part in lectures, seminars, live labs, coding exercises and presentations designed to develop your technical knowledge and practical cybersecurity skills. Teaching is supported through our virtual learning environment, giving you access to digital learning materials and resources throughout your studies.
You’ll also benefit from virtual guest talks led by industry professionals, helping you explore current trends, challenges and career opportunities within computing and cybersecurity. Independent study will play an important role in helping you strengthen your research, problem-solving and technical development skills.
Our Student Journey Advisors at The University of Law will support and advise you throughout your studies with us, ensuring you have the best possible experience.
Our Academic Coaches will offer guidance throughout your course as well as assistance and advice as required during your time with us. They'll also be on hand to help you develop your plans for your future career.
In addition, our dedicated Computing technicians at our Leeds and London campuses are available both on campus and online, offering practical support throughout your course.
Our Academic Coaching module further supports your development as an independent and successful postgraduate learner.
Course dates
Application and booking deadlines vary by intake - take a look at our key application and enrolment deadline dates for more information.
Fees and Applying
Course fees
| 2026/27 Course Fees (from 1 July 2026) | |
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London |
£10,900 |
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Outside London |
£10,300 |
All fees above include a deposit amount of £250.
The University of Law offers a wide range of scholarships and bursaries which makes studying more affordable than ever. You could also be eligible for a Postgraduate Loan.
If you're an alumnus of the University, you may be eligible to receive our £1,000 General Alumni Discount.
| 2026/27 Course Fees (from 1 July 2026) | |
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London |
£17,500 (or £16,000 including a £1,500 International Bursary*) |
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Outside London |
£16,500 (or £15,000 including a £1,500 International Bursary*) |
All fees above include a deposit amount of £250.
*Terms and conditions apply. Visit our International Scholarships and Bursaries page for more details.
Entry Requirements
2:2
Undergraduate DegreeUK entry requirements
An undergraduate degree in any subject at 2:2 or above, or equivalent qualifications.
Applicants who have previously studied computing or a computing related course are encouraged to review the modules of this programme to ensure they are happy with the progression the MSc Computing and Cybersecurity would provide.
International entry requirements
An English Language level equivalent to IELTS 6.0 or above with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.
Applying
Apply to The University of Law
If you would like to study MSc Computing and Cybersecurity you can apply directly with us.
Apply now
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