MSc Computer Science and Cyber Security

University of Hull

This one-year, industry-aligned MSc develops the specialist knowledge and practical skills needed to understand cyber threats and defend against them.

You’ll advance your technical skills and expertise, taught within our industry-standard facilities. Shaped by industry needs and supported by strong regional and national partnerships, you’ll explore secure system design, cyber defence strategies, threat intelligence, and the development of trustworthy systems, preparing you for a career protecting today’s digital infrastructure. Through practice-led learning in a specialist computing environment, you will gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools, techniques, and technologies. The programme combines workshops, labs, and real-world scenarios to develop your ability to identify vulnerabilities, respond to cyber threats, and engineer secure, resilient systems. With a strong focus on immersive lab-based learning, you will spend significant time in hands-on cyber security environments, simulating real-world attack and defence scenarios using industry-grade platforms and tools.

You’ll explore contemporary areas such as cyber defence and threat intelligence, trustworthy computing, and component-based software engineering. You will also develop practical expertise in both offensive and defensive security approaches, including red teaming, blue teaming, and purple teaming methodologies, enabling you to understand, simulate, and defend against sophisticated cyber attacks. In addition, you will explore cutting-edge concepts and emerging risks shaping the future of cyber security.

Supported by strong industry connections, the programme offers opportunities to engage with live case studies and guest speakers from the cyber security sector, providing valuable insight into current practices and challenges. A substantial MSc dissertation enables you to apply your knowledge to a real-world problem or innovative research topic, further enhancing your specialist expertise.

Graduates will be well prepared for a wide range of cyber security roles, equipped to protect critical infrastructure, strengthen organisational resilience, and respond effectively to emerging cyber threats.