Online MSc Cyber Security | Walbrook

Get your Master’s in Cyber Security, the Walbrook Way

Study 100% online, from anywhere
- Graduate in just 1 year.
- 12 starts per year – from March 2027.
- Straightforward tuition – £7,680 total.
Graduate with cyber expertise in high demand
- Specialise in a major tech skills gap.
- 89% of Walbrook graduates in skilled roles*
- 24/7 online Careers Hub and job portal.
For tech professionals balancing work, home and life
- Turn tech experience into cyber expertise.
- Study flexibly within a weekly structure.
- Flex between full and part-time.

MSc Cyber Security online degree

Cybersecurity is one of the UK’s biggest tech skills shortages (Tech Talent & Salary Report 2026, Harvey Nash). Grounded in contemporary cyber challenges, this specialist MSc Cyber Security degree goes beyond individual tools and techniques, developing the critical thinking to tackle complex cyber threats, make confident security decisions and adapt as cyber threats and technologies evolve.

Why this master's degree?

Graduate in just 1 year, with a master’s qualification to back up your expertise.
Built for people with technical foundations who are ready to develop the expertise to stay ahead as cyber threats evolve.
Created by experts in the City of London, at the centre of Europe’s largest tech and AI community (Dealroom Global Tech Ecosystem Index).

Meet Prof. Alastair Irons, Academic Lead for MSc Cyber Security

Your online MSc Cyber Security at a glance

Location:

‣ 100% Online, distance learning

Start dates:

‣ Start any month from March 2027

Duration:

‣ Full-time: 1 year

‣ Part-time: 2 years

Tuition fees and funding:

‣ Total programme cost is £7,680

‣ Secure your place by paying for your first one or two modules, depending on whether you choose full-time or part-time study.

Entry requirements:

‣ 2:2 honours degree and above (or equivalent) in a subject other than computing.

‣ Alternatively, you can apply 2+ years’ relevant professional experience in one or more computing-related roles.

Why students choose Walbrook

Graduate in just 1 year, ready for future threats
Connected to top employers in London’s Tech City
Earn your MSc Cyber Security 100% online
Competitive UK tuition – just £7,680
Build a skillset to keep pace as cyber threats change
Turn tech skills into advanced cyber expertise

Tuition fees for your online MSc Cyber security degree

Total programme cost
Full-time: 1 year | Part-time: 2 years

£7,680
in total
You'll study 10x 15-credit modules and 1x 30-credit Research Project module in total (approx. 17-30 hrs/week).
Apply now
Cost per module
Full-time: 1 year | Part-time: 2 years

£640
per 15-credit module
You'll study 10x 15-credit modules. Your final 30-credit Research Project module will be charged at £1,280.
Apply now

Total tuition fees: £7,680.  You can pay for your MSc Cyber Security degree per module, or in full before you start your studies.

If you choose to pay in full, you’ll receive a 15% reduction on your total tuition fees.

If you choose to pay per module, your payment schedule will depend on whether you choose full or part-time study:

If you apply as a part-time student, you’ll pay for one module upfront, then continue to pay per module before each one begins.
If you apply as a full-time student, you’ll need to pay for two modules upfront to confirm your place, then continue to pay in two-module instalments as you progress.

See your payment schedule

If you’re a UK student, you may be eligible for a government master's loan from Student Finance England for our online master's degrees. The Student Loans Company (SLC) will pay the loan directly to you after you start your studies. So, it’s your responsibility to make your module payments to us directly. Find out more about funding your Walbrook master's with a UK master's loan >

Entry requirements for your online MSc Cyber Security degree

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.
Or
- 2+ years’ relevant professional experience in one or more computing-related roles.
Don't have a computer science, cyber security, or related technical background?
Our MSc Computer Science with Cyber Security could be perfect for you. It's a conversion degree designed for people without a computing degree or background, helping you build broader computer science foundations across key areas, while developing a cyber security specialism. You’ll graduate with a wider technical toolkit alongside focused cyber expertise.
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 degree.
- 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 is not your first language, you’ll be asked to provide proof of your English language proficiency. Ideally, your test should be no more than two years old when your course begins. If your test is older, please still apply and our admissions team can review your circumstances.

We also accept a range of other English language qualifications. View our full list of accepted English language tests. 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).
Duolingo
- Evidence of an overall minimum score of 110 with no component score below 100.
Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English
- Evidence of a score of 170 overall, with 160 in each component.

I would say just go for it. I am currently in full time employment, so being able to study at my own time and being able to be in control of my own studying was really important, and Walbrook provided that as part of their online degrees.

Aleksandra Anastasova
Walbrook online degree student

I actually wanted to say how happy I am that I’m studying on this programme and how lucky I feel. The programme is very well structured, the study materials are solid, and it has helped me develop my skills and knowledge significantly. There are many online programmes available, but finding one that combined academic quality, accessibility and affordability was very important to me.

Marzie Hashemi
Walbrook online MSc Computer Science student

MSc Cyber Security programme details

Build cyber expertise for the threats organisations face now – as well as future cyber challenges that will emerge as tech changes. 61% of organisations say rapidly evolving threats and emerging technologies are among their greatest challenges to cyber resilience (Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2026, World Economic Forum).

Our MSc Cyber Security programme goes beyond learning how today’s technologies and defences work. You’ll develop the critical thinking to assess unfamiliar threats, weigh up different responses and make informed security decisions as attacks, risks and technologies, including AI, evolve. AI is already changing both cyber attack and defence. You’ll explore how it can identify vulnerabilities, strengthen prevention, detection and recovery, and create new attack vectors – developing the judgement to use AI-powered security tools responsibly.

You’ll study contemporary cyber security challenges across threats, resilience, cryptography, AI, human behaviour, networks and security management. Throughout your studies, you’ll work with contemporary cyber security challenges, real-world incidents and applied assessments. You’ll analyse breaches, develop security strategies and solutions, and consider how technical decisions affect people and organisations.

On this online MSc 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
  Analyse threats, risks and vulnerabilities across systems and organisations. You’ll evaluate security controls and mitigation strategies, and assess how organisations identify weaknesses and respond to cyber incidents.
- Cyber Security for Digital Business
  Explore the cyber threats facing modern organisations and how to defend against them. Analyse real-world security incidents, assess their impact on business continuity, and develop practical response strategies.
- Principles of Cyber Security, Cyber Resilience and Recovery
  Go beyond preventing attacks to explore what happens when defences fail. Develop approaches to incident detection, response and recovery, while considering governance, business continuity and long-term cyber resilience.
- Applied Cryptography
  Explore how modern cryptography protects data, communications and digital technologies. Evaluate encryption techniques, authentication, key management and cryptographic protocols – and consider emerging security engineering challenges such as post-quantum cryptography.
- Cyber Security and AI
  Examine how AI is changing both cyber attack and defence. Explore its use in identifying vulnerabilities, detecting and responding to threats, and creating new attack vectors, while evaluating the risks and responsibilities that come with AI-powered security.
- Cyber Security and Human Factors
  Understand why secure technology alone isn’t enough. Explore social engineering, security culture, trust, user behaviour and usable security, and consider how human-centred design can reduce risk and strengthen organisational resilience.
- Cyber Security Management
  Develop the strategic judgement behind managing cyber security at organisational level. Explore governance, risk, security policy, compliance, incident management and leadership, including how cyber strategy supports wider business resilience and objectives.
- Network Mobile and Web Security
  Analyse threats and vulnerabilities across networks, mobile platforms and web applications. You’ll design and evaluate security solutions, explore contemporary attack techniques, and develop strategies covering prevention, detection and recovery.
- Ethics, Law and Sustainability of Cyber
  Explore the decisions cyber security professionals make when security, privacy, law, business needs and social responsibility collide. Apply ethical, legal and professional frameworks to contemporary challenges and consider responsible, sustainable cyber security practice.
- Research Development
  Turn an area of cyber security that interests you into a structured research project. Develop your research question, review existing evidence, choose appropriate methods, plan your project and consider its legal and ethical implications.
- Research Project
  Bring your specialist learning together through an independent research project linked to your chosen area of cyber security. This final research project is where you investigate a cyber security challenge, design and develop a solution, and critically evaluate your approach and findings – demonstrating your research skills and judgement.
*Please note, module schedule and assessments are subject to change.
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.
- Technical report: analyse a cyber security problem, threat or incident, then set out your findings, evaluate possible responses and make evidence-based recommendations.
- Case study analysis: work with realistic or contemporary cyber security scenarios to investigate vulnerabilities, breaches and how organisations respond.
- Security strategy or plan: develop practical approaches to challenges such as incident response, resilience and recovery, encryption, privacy or network security.
- Presentation: explain and defend your analysis of current cyber security challenges, from AI and cryptography to human behaviour, ethics and professional practice.
- Design or prototype project: develop and document a cyber security solution, system design or human-centred prototype using relevant tools and methods.
- Research dissertation: complete an in-depth project that tackles a significant cyber security challenge, demonstrating your research skills, and presenting your findings, methodology, and technical recommendations in a formal dissertation.

How you'll study

Studying online with Walbrook is designed to be flexible and engaging, giving you access to everything you need to succeed:

Full-time students should set aside around 30 hours per week.
- You'll start a new 8-week module each month, so while you’re beginning your learning in one module, you’ll be preparing for assessment in the other.
Part-time students should set aside around 17-18 hours per week.
- You'll start a new 8-week module every other month, making it easier to fit your studies around work, family and everyday life.
Your self-study will include:
- Engaging programme content delivered via our online study platform.
- Case studies and applied tasks that link theory to real business scenarios.
- Preparation for assessments including reports, proposals and project work.
Our support is built around you and your success. From enrolment to graduation, you’ll have access to digital academic tools that help you study in a way that works for you, and people who are here to help.

You'll benefit from:
- Digital learning materials including key readings, videos, and research resources.
- Access to a digital library to support your independent research.
- Support to help you stay on track and direct you to the right teams when needed.

Apply to start your MSc Cyber Security degree in March 2027

Applying to study an online master's at Walbrook is simple, and you can do it directly.

1. Check programme entry requirements
Review our entry requirements to make sure you meet them.
2. Complete your application online
Apply through our secure online application portal and upload your documents as you go.
3. Accept your unconditional offer
By paying for your first module (part-time) or first two modules (full-time).

Contact us about our online degrees

Any questions about our online degrees or studying at Walbrook? Our Enrolment Advisors are here to help.

Our office is open Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 5.30pm UK time (excluding UK public holidays).

Woman talking with user over a headset

Career opportunities: MSc Cyber Security

Recent cyber attacks on some of the UK’s best-known companies – including the British Library, M&S and Jaguar Land Rover – show how far the impact of an attack can spread, from disrupted customer services to affected supply chains. Against that backdrop, employers need deeper cyber expertise: 95% report at least one cybersecurity skills gap, with 59% describing those gaps as critical or significant, up from 44% in 2024 (ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study 2025). And as organisations look for people who can take on greater responsibility, Head of Cyber Security ranked among the ten fastest-growing tech occupations globally in 2025 (Tech Talent & Salary Report 2026, Harvey Nash).

The expertise employers need is changing too: 94% or organisations expect AI and machine learning to significantly affect cyber security in the next 12 months (Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2026, World Economic Forum). With dedicated study of AI alongside cyber resilience, networks, human factors and security management, this MSc develops the specialist knowledge and judgement to take on more complex cyber challenges as the field evolves. And, as your experience grows, the specialist expertise developed on this MSc could support progression into the roles below.

UK average annual permanent salaries sourced from 2026 Tech Talent & Salary Report, Harvey Nash.

Cyber Security Engineer
Average UK salary: £80,000

Cyber Security Engineer: job description

Cyber Security Engineers design, build and maintain the defences that protect organisations from cyber threats. You could secure networks, systems and applications, implement security controls, identify vulnerabilities and strengthen responses to attacks. On this MSc, you’ll explore network, mobile and web security, cryptography, resilience and recovery. Through applied assessments and real-world scenarios, you’ll develop the understanding and judgement to evaluate risks, recommend effective security solutions and respond as threats evolve.
Cyber Security Architect
Average UK salary: £100,000

Cyber Security Architect: job description

Cyber Security Architects design how organisations protect their systems, networks and data. You could assess vulnerabilities, translate business requirements into secure architectures, and decide how controls such as encryption, authentication and layered defences should work together. Your MSc will develop skills in the theoretical and practical aspects of secure system design, networks, cryptography, threats and resilience – alongside the critical thinking to evaluate different solutions to protect organisations as technologies and risks change.
Chief Information Security Officer
Average UK salary: £160,000

Chief Information Security Officer: job description

A Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) takes senior responsibility for an organisation’s cyber security strategy. They bring together technology, risk management, governance, regulation and business priorities – setting the direction for security, overseeing major incidents and communicating cyber risk at leadership level. This is typically a senior career destination requiring professional skills in both cyber security and leadership. The MSc can help you build towards this level of responsibility by developing the skills required in cyber security management, governance, resilience, ethics and strategic decision-making.

FAQs: Why study for a Cyber Security MSc?

An MSc in Cyber Security can be worth it if you already have a technical foundation and want to build deeper specialist expertise, strengthen your professional credentials or take on greater responsibility for cyber security. Demand for these skills remains strong: cyber security is the third most in-demand tech skill in the UK, according to Harvey Nash’s Tech Talent & Salary Report 2026. But the value of a master’s goes beyond learning individual tools or techniques. Cyber threats and technologies change quickly, so this Cyber Security MSc develops the critical thinking to assess unfamiliar problems, make informed security decisions and adapt as risks evolve. At Walbrook, you’ll develop master’s-level expertise across areas including cyber resilience, cryptography, AI, networks, human factors and security management, while applying your learning to contemporary case studies and real-world cyber challenges.
AI is unlikely to replace cyber security as a field – but it is already changing how cyber security professionals work. The World Economic Forum’s Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2026 found that 77% of organisations surveyed had implemented AI-enabled tools for cyber security, while 94% expected AI and machine learning to significantly affect cyber security over the following 12 months. At the same time, AI is creating new vulnerabilities and helping attackers increase the speed and sophistication of cyber attacks. More than half of organisations surveyed – 54% – also identified insufficient knowledge and skills as a barrier to using AI effectively for cyber security.

That makes understanding AI increasingly important for cyber professionals. On this MSc, you’ll study a dedicated Cyber Security and Artificial Intelligence module, exploring how AI can support prevention, detection and recovery, how attackers can use it, and the risks, ethical questions and limitations involved in AI-powered security.
An MSc Cyber Security can support progression across a broad range of technical, specialist and leadership careers. Depending on your previous experience and career stage, roles you could work towards after successful completion of this Cyber Security MSc include:
- Cyber Security Analyst
- Cyber Security Engineer
- Cyber Security Architect
- Cyber Security Manager
- Head of Cyber Security
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
Some of these are senior career destinations that normally require significant professional and leadership experience, rather than roles you would expect to move into immediately after graduating. Walbrook’s MSc develops specialist knowledge and applied problem-solving skills across threats and vulnerabilities, cyber resilience, network security, cryptography, AI, human factors, governance and security management. You’ll also develop the judgement to design cyber security solutions, respond to incidents and communicate security decisions to both technical and non-technical audiences. For a deeper look into jobs you can get with a master's in cyber security, take a look at our guide to career opportunities in cyber security.
There isn’t one set salary for someone with an MSc in Cyber Security. What you can earn will depend on the role you move into, your previous experience, your specialist skills, your location and the level of responsibility you take on.

The Tech Talent & Salary Report 2026 from Harvey Nash gives UK permanent salary benchmarks across relevant cyber roles. Its average annual permanent salaries include around £80,000 for a Cybersecurity Engineer, £100,000 for a Cybersecurity Architect and £110,000 for a Head of Cybersecurity. At senior leadership level, the report gives an average of £160,000 for a Chief Information Security Officer.

These roles represent different career stages, so completing a master’s doesn’t mean you’ll automatically move into the higher-paid positions. But developing deeper specialist expertise alongside professional experience can support progression towards more advanced technical, strategic and leadership roles. For a wider look at salaries by role and experience, see our cyber security salary guide.
You don’t necessarily need a degree called Computing or IT, but this is a specialist MSc, so you’ll need a relevant technical foundation.
- Our standard academic requirement asks for a 2:2 honours degree or above, or international equivalent, in computer science, computing or a related technical subject such as electrical engineering, physics or mathematics.
- Applicants without the standard academic requirements but with substantial relevant professional experience may also be considered through our alternative entry routes.
- If your degree is in an unrelated subject and you don’t already have the relevant technical or cyber security foundations, our MSc Computer Science with Cyber Security may be the better option. It is designed as a conversion degree, building broader computer science foundations alongside a cyber security specialism.
Yes. Walbrook’s MSc Cyber Security is taught 100% through online delivery, so there’s no requirement to attend classes on campus. You can study full or part-time through our online learning platform, wherever you’re based.

The programme has been designed for online active learning, rather than adapted from a campus course. Your modules follow a structured weekly schedule, with learning materials including readings, case studies, videos, narrated presentations, discussions, quizzes and practical activities. You’ll also work with contemporary cyber security scenarios and specialist tools, applying fundamental concepts to real-world challenges, on a case-by case basis, rather than studying cyber security only in theory.
Yes. You can complete this master's degree in just 1 year when you study full-time, depending on your start date. Or, if you'd prefer to study over a longer period, you can also study part-time over 2 years.
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.
The main difference is how specialised the programmes are and the technical knowledge they expect you to have before you start.
- Walbrook’s MSc Cyber Security degree is a specialist postgraduate taught degree for people who already have a relevant technical foundation and want to get a deeper cyber security education. The MSc programme concentrates on areas including cyber resilience and recovery, cryptography, AI, human factors, security management, network, mobile and web security, and the ethical and legal issues surrounding cyber security.
- Our MSc Computer Science with Cyber Security degree is designed to build broader computer science foundations while also developing a cyber security specialism. Alongside cyber security, you’ll study core computer science areas – such as software engineering, databases, cloud computing, artificial intelligence and computer networks – and develop skills required for research methods.
So, if you already have a computing or related technical background and want a more concentrated cyber security degree, the MSc Cyber Security is likely to be the more appropriate route. If you want to build your wider computer science knowledge while specialising in cyber security, the MSc Computer Science with Cyber Security may be a better fit.
Your degree 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.

The Walbrook Way: Digital from day one. Designed for your career.

Graduate in just 1 year, or flex to part-time.
Ranked 12th for employment outcomes in the UK*
Total fees: £7,680 – pay in full or pay per module.

Request information

Request information

Hi there, do you have any questions? Our Enrolment Advisors are here to help.