Oxford Brookes University

What you'll study

The programme combines core computer science foundations with specialised cyber security modules to give a balance of theory, practical skills and research. Teaching typically includes lectures, hands‑on laboratory work in dedicated security facilities, seminars and a substantial individual project or dissertation.

• Core topics: secure software engineering, cryptography and applied cryptanalysis, network and systems security, operating systems security, and secure architecture and design.
• Specialist modules: penetration testing and ethical hacking, digital forensics and incident response, malware analysis, cloud and web security, and security of embedded and IoT systems.
• Methods and professional skills: security risk assessment and management, threat modelling, privacy and legal aspects of cyber security, research methods and professional practice.
• Project/dissertation: a major independent research or development project supervised by academic staff, often with options to work on live problems proposed by industry partners.

Assessment and learning environment

Assessment uses a mix of coursework, practical lab assignments, group work, presentations and a final project. Students gain extensive practical experience through simulated attack/defence exercises, system hardening tasks and use of specialist tools and platforms.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a UK honours degree at 2:1 level in computer science, software engineering or a closely related discipline. Candidates with a lower honours degree combined with relevant professional experience, or a strong background in mathematics or engineering, may also be considered. International applicants should demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to typical postgraduate entry standards. Practical experience with programming, operating systems and basic networking is expected; where necessary, bridging modules or preparatory work may be recommended.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of roles across the public and private sectors. Typical job titles include cyber security analyst, penetration tester/ethical hacker, security consultant, incident responder, digital forensics investigator, security architect, and cloud security engineer. The programme also provides a pathway into specialist technical roles in security operations centres (SOCs), risk and compliance teams, and ethical hacking firms, as well as preparation for further research at doctoral level.

Why study at Oxford Brookes University

Oxford Brookes offers a practice‑focused postgraduate environment with strong links to industry and employers in the UK and beyond. The university provides access to dedicated computing and cyber security laboratories, practical teaching led by research‑active staff, and opportunities to work on industry‑sponsored projects. Students benefit from the university's location near one of the UK's major academic and technology hubs, a supportive postgraduate community and careers services that help convert technical training into employment and professional development opportunities.