100% online MSc Computer Science with Cyber Security
Unlock your potential in a cyber security career. Study an online MSc with a university rated 5-star for teaching and with internationally excellent research

- 180 credits •
- Complete within 12 months •
- £6,780 total fees •
- Internationally Excellent Research in Computer Science
Why Sunderland?
- 100% online MSc within 12 months
- QS 5 star rating for teaching, inclusiveness, employability and facilities*
- Learn programming languages including Python, R, CISCO and Oracle
- Ranked overall as a top 50 University**
- 70% of university research rated as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’***
- University of the Year for Social Inclusion****
- £6,780 total fees, option to pay £565 per module
**Guardian University Guide, 2023
***Research Excellence Framework, 2021
****The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2021
A flexible online cyber security master's for aspirational individuals from a wide range of professionals backgrounds
Because of the flexible design of the online master’s degree, it can be studied around work and family commitments, and indeed this is precisely why many of our students choose to study online. The course can be studied from anywhere in the world, opening it up to a global audience and meaning that you never need to attend campus.
If you opt to study part-time, you can complete the programme within 24 months, continue working and earn whilst you learn, avoiding a study break. If you opt to study full-time, you can complete the programme within 12 months and start progressing towards your career goals sooner.
You will learn and interact within a carefully built online learning environment, a community of online students collaborating via discussion boards, forums and group learning activities. Because of the global reach of the online programme, you will learn with professionals based all over the world, an exciting opportunity to increase the number of contacts within your global professional network.
You will be allocated a dedicated Student Success Coordinator, who will continuously offer you with targeted support throughout your studies, from enrolment through to graduation.

Learn from academics recognised for excellence in teaching and research
One of the most compelling reasons to study an online computer science with cyber security master’s with the University of Sunderland is the academic excellence both of the university at an institutional level and the Department of Computer Science specifically. The research of the Department was described as ‘internationally excellent’ in the latest Research Excellence Framework.
We have been ranked internationally as a leading university, receiving five stars for teaching, inclusiveness, employability and facilities in the QS World University Rankings 2023, the highest rating that can be awarded to a university. A special recognition of our practical focus on developing the skills that enable career progression for our students all over the world.

What will you study?
Studying the online MSc Computer Science with Cyber Security, you will gain expertise in core cyber security topics which will enable you to determine, establish, maintain and create resilient cyber security solutions for information systems security. Fundamental computing topics will be covered which will equip you with practical skills in subjects such as networking, databases, software engineering and usability.
You will also learn programming languages including Python, R, CISCO and Oracle.
Key knowledge and skills taught on this course:
- Cyber security fundamentals
- Cyber security and user experience design
- Cyber resilience
- Data science
- Computer science principles and practice
- Computer architectures
- Secure database system development
- Networking
- Software engineering
A flexible online master’s course design for individuals with competing time pressures
Because of the flexible design of the online master’s degree, it can be studied around work and family commitments, and indeed this is precisely why many of our students choose to study online. You can continue to work in your current role and apply the knowledge and skills that you develop, earning whilst you learn rather than putting your career on hold. The course can be studied from anywhere in the world, opening it up to a global audience and meaning that you never need to attend campus.
You will learn and interact within a carefully built online learning environment, a community of online students collaborating via discussion boards, forums and group learning activities. Because of the global reach of the online programme, you will learn with professionals based all over the world, an exciting opportunity to increase the number of contacts within your global professional network.
You will be allocated a dedicated Student Success Coordinator, who will continuously offer you with targeted support throughout your studies, from enrolment through to graduation.
A University with global values that promotes diversity of thought
There is a high percentage of international students at University of Sunderland, and we have students studying by distance learning around the world. Sunderland is also one of the UK’s leading widening participation Universities and was awarded The Times/Sunday Times University of the Year for Social Inclusion 2021. We were also shortlisted as University of the Year by the THE – Times Higher Education.
This reflects the global outlook, culture and capabilities of the University. With campuses in Hong Kong, Sunderland and London, as well as many global partnerships including in the Caribbean, Greece, Kenya, Malaysia, Lanka, Oman, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tashkent and Vietnam, the way we approach learning is focused on encouraging diverse learner cohorts within a close knit learning environment whereby fellow students and professionals from different backgrounds can work closely with each other and learn from different cultures and perspectives. This provides students with a broader set of insights that engenders a richer and more meaningful learning experience.
Admission requirements
- At least a UK 2.2 undergraduate degree
- A UK master’s degree (or international equivalent)
- A third-class honours degree or an ordinary degree (without honours) or UK equivalent professional qualification with a minimum of two years’ appropriate work experience
- Applicants who do not hold a recognised degree will be asked to provide evidence which demonstrates a minimum of three years’ relevant organisational experience
The work experience must be at a graduate level, in either a managerial or professional capacity which may include voluntary work, placements, internships, or project management
Fees
- Total course fees
- £6,780
- Per 15-credit module fee
- £565
If you are based in the UK, you may be eligible for a government-backed postgraduate loan to cover the full costs of the course.
In addition, if you have successfully completed an undergraduate degree at the University of Sunderland, you are eligible for a 10% tuition fees reduction on our postgraduate programmes.
You pay tuition fees for each module taken, either module-by-module or in full at the start of your course.
If you pay module-by-module, you will pay in instalments of £565.