Cyber Security MSc

Course details and modules

Our MSc Cyber Security course delivers exciting and up-to-date module content that guarantees you’ll develop essential workplace skills. Just a few course highlights embedded into your modules include:

• Building networks: Gain hands-on experience using Cisco IOS simulation software to design secure networks. You'll configure devices like firewalls, switches, and routers, ensuring network safety.
• Learn ethical hacking: Master ethical hacking with industry-standard tools like MITRE ATT&CK, Cyber Kill Chain, and Metasploit.
• Master digital forensics: Learn professional digital forensics and incident management skills, including evidence acquisition and analysis using industry-standard tools. Maintain ethical and legal standards during investigations.
• Find and mitigate risk from vulnerabilities: Explore common cyber security vulnerabilities and apply mitigations using OWASP Top 10 guidelines.

The global demand for cybersecurity professionals is surging, highlighting a critical shortage in skilled talent worldwide. Similarly, in the UK, businesses are grappling with significant cybersecurity skills gaps, emphasising the urgent need for qualified professionals to address evolving threats.

Global skills gap:

• The global cyber security market was estimated at $222.66 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 12.3% until 2030.
• Cyber Security Market Size & Trends
• Global cybersecurity job vacancies grew 350% between 2013-2021, from 1 million openings to 3.5 million. The number of unfilled jobs remained at 3.5 million in 2023, but the disparity between demand and supply is predicted to persist through at least 2025.
• Cybersecurity Jobs Report: 3.5 Million Unfilled Positions In 2025
• In 2023, research found that the global workforce grew to an all-time high of 5.5 million, an increase of 8.7% and 440,000 jobs compared to 2022.
• ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study: Looking Deeper into the Workforce Gap

UK skills gap:

• 50% of all UK businesses have a basic cybersecurity skills gap and 33% face advanced skills gaps.
• There were 160,035 cyber security job postings last year, marking a 30% increase from the previous year. 37% of vacancies were reported as hard-to-fill.
• An estimated 11,200 more professionals are needed to meet the demand in the cybersecurity workforce.
• Cyber security skills in the UK labour market 2023 

Study options

This course is available to study full time through our blended learning study mode at our campus in Berlin, Germany.

The course is also available to students via online learning. This gives you the convenience of being able to study worldwide, providing you with the same high standards of teaching but with lower tuition fees.

Entry requirements

At Arden University we consider applications on a case by case basis. If you have significant work experience, have qualifications you have gained elsewhere, or a degree or qualification that isn't a clear pathway to this degree - we are more than happy to discuss your application.

What you need to study with us

Our aim is to make learning as accessible as possible by ensuring that you can study in a flexible and convenient way. That's why we keep our requirements simple. All you need is a laptop or desktop PC (we recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good internet connection. Through ilearn, our online university campus in the cloud, you'll be able to access your course calendar, support services, learning materials, and our online library containing thousands of ebooks, as well as tools for creating assignments, keeping notes, and collaborating with other students on your course.

Meet the faculty

Arden University’s industry aligned computing programmes are focused on your needs as a student and the skills required by employers. We provide you with one-to-one support and contextualised learning so that you fully understand the latest developments and concepts being put into practice in data analytics, cloud-based technologies, software development and databases. I look forward to welcoming you to the Arden University family.

Mohammed Rehman

Head of School Computing

Career prospects

100% of our Masters students studying a computing subject are employed within 2 years of graduation*

*Source: 2020/21 Graduate Outcomes Survey

Right now, careers in cyber security are positively thriving, driven by the relentless surge in cyber threats which businesses and organisations face. This demand has led to very competitive salaries, often surpassing those of other comparable professions.