Cyber Security
Become a cyber security professional with hands-on expertise in ethical hacking, cyber defence and emerging security technologies.
You can choose to study this course part-time, and start in September or January. The course durations vary slightly: 28 months (September starts) or 33 months (January starts). Course content and modules remain the same.
in the region for postgraduates progressing into senior roles.
Source: Graduate Outcomes Survey 2026
Cyber security professionals are in demand across every industry. At ARU, you'll develop practical and advanced skills in ethical hacking, penetration testing, network and web application security, security operations, threat intelligence, AI-driven cyber defence and cyber-physical systems protection.
Through specialist laboratories, industry-standard tools, cyber security competitions, professional networking opportunities and real-world case studies, you'll gain the expertise to identify vulnerabilities, respond to evolving threats and help protect organisations, critical infrastructure and emerging technologies.
ARU is an official ISC2 Academic Partner. As an MSc Cyber Security student, you have the opportunity to prepare for and take ISC2's Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP®) exams.
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Master ethical hacking and penetration testing skills using professional security tools and techniques
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Develop cyber defence expertise through realistic labs, security operations and threat intelligence training
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Explore AI-powered attacks, emerging threats and advanced approaches to protecting digital systems
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Gain specialist knowledge of cyber-physical systems security within Cambridge’s technology ecosystem
Study at an award-winning university
We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.
Careers
Gain in-demand cyber security skills.
Cyber security skills are sought after across government, finance, healthcare, defence, technology and critical infrastructure sectors. On this Master's, you'll develop your technical, operational and analytical skills required for a modern cyber security career through hands-on learning, practical projects and industry-relevant technologies.
You’ll build expertise for roles in cyber defence, security operations, penetration testing, threat intelligence and security consulting, while benefiting from professional development opportunities, industry engagement and certification preparation support.
Graduation doesn’t have to be the end of your time with us. You could choose to continue your academic career with a research programme at ARU, such as our PhD in Computer Science or a Professional Doctorate in Science and Technology. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and save £400 on your fees.
Teaching and modules
Develop expertise across the full cyber security landscape.
You'll build foundations in computer security, cryptography and security governance before progressing to advanced network security, web application security and penetration testing.
You'll also explore AI for cyber security, AI security and privacy, security operations, threat intelligence, SIEM technologies, cyber-physical systems and industrial cyber security.
Though practical laboratory activities, cyber security exercises, real-world case studies and industry-relevant scenarios, you'll develop the technical and problem-solving skills required to tackle contemporary cyber threats.
You'll complete your studies with a Postgraduate Major Project focused on an area of cyber security aligned to your career goals.
Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.
- Computer Security (15 credits)
- Advanced Topics in Cyber Security (15 credits)
- Advanced Network Security Principles (30 credits)
- Web Application Security (15 credits)
- Penetration Testing (30 credits)
- Research Methods (15 credits)
- Postgraduate Major Project (60 credits)
It's possible to study this course part-time. You'll take the same modules as MSc/MA students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.
As a part-time student you'll typically study for twice as long as full-time students. For example if the MSc/MA course takes one year, you can expect to study over two years, though for some courses this may vary.
Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.
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Dr Hossein AbroshanSenior Lecturer
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Prof Shareeful IslamProfessor
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Dr Segun PopoolaSenior Lecturer
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Charles MarrowSenior Lecturer Practitioner in Cyber Security
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Dr Jin ZhangDeputy Head of School
Facilities
As a Cyber Security student at ARU you'll learn in specialist computing laboratories.
You'll use industry-standard tools including Kali Linux, Burp Suite, Wireshark, Nmap and Metasploit, plus:
- perform practical cyber defence, penetration testing and vulnerability assessment activities
- explore security operations, threat monitoring and incident response concepts
- access virtualised and cloud-based learning environments for hands-on experimentation
- use specialist laboratory facilities that support networking, cyber security and emerging technology studies.
You'll have extensive library and IT resources, and careers support through our Employability Service. After you graduate, you’ll have lifelong access to our Alumni Career Centre.
You can also access support, should you need it, with study skills, health and wellbeing, and more.