Online degree MSc Computer Science with Cyber Security

This is a conversion master’s degree – designed for people who didn’t study computing at undergraduate level. To apply, you’ll need to meet the following entry requirements: 

• A UK honours degree at 2:2 or above (or equivalent international qualification) in a subject other than computing. 

If you hold a non-honours degree and 2 years’ professional experience in one or more computing-related roles, you’re still encouraged to apply. We’ll review your academic and professional background on a case-by-case basis. In exceptional cases, applicants without a first degree but with more than two years’ relevant professional experience in computing-related roles may be considered.

Thinking of transferring institutions or have you studied before? You can apply to transfer up to 60 credits towards your master's degree. Please note that credits can’t be awarded for the research module of this programme. 

These credits must be relevant, current, and aligned with the subject matter of your chosen MSc Computer Science pathway. 

• Review our recognition of prior learning process.

• Speak to our Enrolment Team.

• Submit a recognition of prior learning form alongside your application.

Overseas qualifications may be accepted and will be subject to evidence of equivalency normally verified through ECCTIS (UK ENIC). 

If English isn't your first language, you’ll be asked to provide proof of your English language proficiency in one of the following forms. Alternatively, you may be accepted if you have previously studied in English at an appropriate level and attended a recognised institution.

IELTS

• Evidence of a score of IELTS Level 6.0 or above with no element below 5.5. 

TOEFL iBT®

• Evidence of a score of 79 overall (with 18 in reading, 17 in listening, 20 in speaking and 21 in writing). 

Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE)

• Evidence of a score of ISE II with distinction in each skill.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency or Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English

• Evidence of a score of 170 overall, with 160 in each component. 

On this online Computer Science (Cyber Security) programme, you’ll study a series of carefully designed modules. With flexible monthly starts, you’ll join the next available module and study alongside a cohort of computer science master's students learning the same subject at the same time.

• Fundamentals of Cyber Security Practice

  Explore network security, cryptography, ethical hacking, digital forensics, and secure software development, applying your learning in a virtual lab environment to configure defences and respond to simulated incidents.

• Cyber Security for Digital Business

  Secure entire organisations against modern threats. You’ll design layered security strategies, assess risks, and implement controls that protect systems, data, and people – balancing technical measures with business priorities for lasting resilience. 

• Software Engineering

  Apply the software development lifecycle to create secure, maintainable, and high-quality systems. Use agile practices, testing methods, and effective engineering decisions to reduce vulnerabilities early in the design process.

• Modern Database Systems

  Understand how database choices affect performance, scalability, and security. Learn to design and implement relational and NoSQL systems, manage access and transactions, and use industry-standard tools such as MariaDB and MongoDB.

• Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

  Discover how AI and machine learning can be applied to strategic decision-making, using industry tools such as Google Cloud AutoML. Analyse datasets, experiment with algorithms, and evaluate models while considering ethical, commercial, and strategic implications.

• Information Systems Development

  Analyse user and organisational needs to design secure, effective information systems, using HTML, CSS and JavaScript programming languages. Explore requirements analysis, modelling techniques, and development methods that ensure usability, compliance, and resilience.

• Computer Networks

  Explore how networks operate and how to protect them. Study architectures, protocols, and performance management, and apply techniques for configuring, monitoring, and securing networked systems.

• Cloud Computing

  Learn to design, deploy, and secure solutions in cloud environments. Work with virtualisation, networking, and containerisation while addressing the benefits, challenges, and security considerations of cloud platforms.

• Project Management and the Computing Professional

  Develop the ability to lead complex computing projects. Cover system modelling, risk management, scheduling, budgeting, and stakeholder engagement, with a focus on delivering projects that meet technical and security requirements. 

• Research Development

  Prepare for your final research project by building advanced research skills. Review literature, refine your research question, plan your methodology, and consider the ethical and professional issues in your chosen area. 

• Research Project

  Undertake a substantial independent investigation in a cyber security-related area. Apply the knowledge and skills gained during your studies to produce original work, from problem definition and solution design to evaluation and professional reflection. 

Across your MSc, you’ll complete a mix of assessments designed to stretch your thinking, strengthen your communication skills, and bring your learning to life. Each module (except your final research modules) includes three assignments – helping you build confidence, test ideas and apply theory in more than one way. 

Here’s a snapshot of the main types of assessments you’ll complete across your core modules. Want to know what assessments you’ll sit for each module, or just need more detail? Request more info and our team would love to talk it through with you.

• Technical report: produce a detailed, well-structured analysis of a technical problem, solution, or system, often with screenshots, code snippets, or configuration evidence. 

• Design or implementation project: plan, build, and document a working prototype, model, or system using industry-standard tools and practices. 

• Case study analysis: evaluate a real or simulated scenario, identify challenges, and propose solutions grounded in computing principles and current best practice. 

• Discussion board contribution: engage in structured, tutor-led online debates, demonstrating critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. 

• Portfolio: compile artefacts such as code, diagrams, system models, and explanatory notes to showcase your technical and professional skills. 

• Ethics or strategy briefing paper: advise an organisation, client, or committee on a complex technology issue, balancing technical, ethical, and commercial perspectives. 

• Presentation or video demonstration: explain your project or technical findings in a recorded or live presentation, sometimes paired with a live or narrated system demo. 

• Research dissertation: complete an in-depth research project that tackles a significant computing challenge, presenting your findings, methodology, and technical recommendations in a formal dissertation. 

Your MBA is delivered through an online study platform, where you’ll study either one or two modules at a time depending on your study mode. Full-time students take two modules in parallel (with a short gap between start dates), while part-time students complete one module at a time.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Weekly learning units to guide your progress

• Readings and case studies

• Videos and narrated presentations (mini-lectures)

• Online discussion forums

• Quizzes and tasks to check your understanding

You’ll have the freedom to plan your study time around work and life – but within a guided schedule that helps you stay focused, connected, and on track to succeed.

To get the best learning experience, you’ll need a reliable computer, internet, and audio setup. We recommend a laptop or desktop with at least an Intel i5 processor, 8GB RAM, and 500GB storage (Windows is our primary environment, though you can use Mac or Linux). A stable internet connection (5Mbps download, 2Mbps upload), webcam, and microphone are essential, and we strongly suggest using headphones for online sessions. 

For smoother study, extra resources like a second monitor, noise-cancelling headphones, 16GB+ RAM, SSD storage, and an external hard drive are recommended. Walbrook provides access to the required software, though some programmes may ask you to set up a VPN. Our technical support is Windows-based, but you’re welcome to work on Linux or macOS if you prefer. 

This MSc Computer Science with Cyber Security degree builds your technical expertise and strategic thinking across key concepts like network security, web technologies, and information security. You’ll explore research methods, develop essential skills in threat detection and risk management, and learn how to solve computational problems in a security context. Every module focuses on applying knowledge to real-world scenarios from today's digital world so you graduate ready for high-impact roles. 

In your final project, you’ll dive into a cyber security topic you’re passionate about. You could focus your research project proposal on areas like secure web technologies, incident response strategies, or designing protection frameworks. Along the way, you’ll build the skills to plan, research, and deliver your project with confidence. 

After successful completion of this programme, you’ll hold a recognised MSc Computer Science with Cyber Security degree – opening doors to a wide range of digital career paths. Whether you move into penetration testing, security architecture, or systems engineering, you’ll have the theory-led perspective and hands-on skills employers want. 

Yes – both home and international students can apply. If your first language isn’t English, you’ll need to meet our approved English language test requirements or provide evidence of an international equivalent qualification. Further information can be found in the 'entry requirements' section above. This 100% online course also allows you to study from anywhere while connecting with a diverse global network of fellow students.