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Overview
Prevent and prosecute digital crime, by shaping your IT skills for a connected business world that craves your expertise.
You'll study twin, linked disciplines on this Master's: cyber security – protecting data and systems from cyber attack, and forensic information technology – detecting and collecting digital evidence of criminal activity. You'll explore methods used by hackers, and how to prevent or combat them. You'll also learn the procedures to follow after an attack, and how to present this information to investigators or court officials.
In our computer labs and forensic facilities, you'll infect a virtual machine with a virus of your own, overcome anti-forensic tools that try to hide evidence of crime, and make a mock arrest of a cybercriminal. You'll dig into cryptography, hacking and formal computer languages, such as Linux.
When you graduate, you'll be set to enter a sector with a massive need for trained cyber security and forensic information technology professionals. UK government figures from 2022 show 50% of businesses acknowledge having a skills gap in cyber security and forensics, which you'll be ideally placed to fill.
Study online
If you need more flexibility with your studies, you can study MSc Cyber Security and Digital Forensics online. Find out about studying this degree online.
The University of Portsmouth is ranked 5th of the modern universities for research quality in computer science and informatics
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and International students.
Course highlights
- Master parallel disciplines in digital security and forensic investigation, and expand your career options in a connected world that needs cyber skills more than ever
- Use our specialist facilities, including multi-platform network suites, pervasive computing lab for high performance computing, usability lab with eye-tracking equipment, forensics lab and crime scene simulations
- Investigate real-life case studies, identify digital trails, compile evidence and engage with ethical hacking, using current forensic tools and systems such as AccessData, Cellebrite and Tryhackme
- Explore contemporary cybersecurity issues: blockchain and cryptocurrency, money laundering, the Internet of Things, drones, and anti-forensic techniques
- Design and deliver your own forensic IT engineering or study project, shaping this Master's to your interests
- Learn formal logic, Linux and symbolic notation used in digital forensics and cyber security
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the British Computer Society (The Chartered Institute for IT), partially meeting the educational requirement for CITP and CEng.
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsEntry requirements
Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and International students.
January 2025 start
- A second-class honours degree in a relevant subject, including Computer Sciences, Legal or Social Sciences, or equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications.
Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.
To find out if your non-UK degree or other qualification is accepted, please visit our page for your country and view the UK equivalent of your qualification.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 (or equivalent) with no component score below 6.0.
You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:
- you have a UK degree
- you have a degree from a majority English speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
- you are a national of a majority English speaking country
Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English speaking countries will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.
If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
September 2025 / January 2026 start
- A second-class honours degree in a relevant subject, including Computer Sciences, Legal or Social Sciences, or equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications.
Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.
To find out if your non-UK degree or other qualification is accepted, please visit our page for your country and view the UK equivalent of your qualification.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 (or equivalent) with no component score below 5.5.
You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:
- you have a UK degree
- you have a degree from a majority English speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
- you are a national of a majority English speaking country
Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English speaking countries will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.
If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Costs and funding
Tuition fees
UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man students
- Full time: £10,400
- Part time: £3,470 per year
EU students
(including Transition Scholarship)
- Full-time: £10,400
- Part-time: £3,470 per year
International students
- Full time: £19,200
- Part time: £6,400 per year
UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man students
- Full time: £10,900 (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part time: £3,630 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
EU students
(including Transition Scholarship)
- Full-time: £10,900 (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time: £3,630 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
International students
- Full time: £19,200 (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part time: £6,400 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
University of Portsmouth graduates may receive a 20% alumni tuition fee discount.
Fees are subject to annual increase. Read our tuition fees terms and conditions.
You'll be able to pay your fees in instalments. Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Funding your studies
Explore how to fund your studies, including available scholarships and bursaries.
If you're a UK student, you may be eligible for a Government Postgraduate Master's Loan, which you can use to help with course fees and living costs.
Loans, scholarships and bursaries
Browse funding such as the Government Postgraduate Loan, our scholarships for new and returning students, and subject specific loans.
Funding for international students
Learn more about sponsorships, scholarships and loans for students applying from outside of the UK.
Fees and funding for Master's courses
Explore Master's funding options, including loans, scholarships, bursaries and more.
Additional costs
These course-related costs aren't included in the tuition fees so you'll need to budget for them when you plan your spending. Additional costs could include:
- Accommodation: If you choose to study on-campus, accommodation options and costs can be found on our accommodation pages
- Recommended reading: You can borrow key texts from the library and if you choose to purchase these texts they may cost up to £60 each.
- General costs: such photocopying, memory sticks, printing charges, binding and specialist printing. We suggest budgeting £75 per year.
- Final project transport or accommodation: where necessary, which related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
Read more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Modules
Full-time
Core
On this full-time MSc Cyber Security and Forensic Information Technology course, you'll study 4 core modules, and choose 30 credits of optional modules
Whether you're developing novel software or pursuing theoretical advances, you'll formulate robust aims backed by methodical data gathering/analysis. Once you've reached your findings, you'll present polished written and oral reports that show your knowledge of ethical and professional considerations, demonstrating your abilities to direct projects advancing industry or academia.
You'll examine the impact of new technologies and techniques on the cyber forensics field in this module. Through workshops focused on current developments, you'll consider issues including steganography, encryption and other developing anti-forensic techniques. You'll also gain a holistic understanding of the cyber forensics sector, and your legal and ethical responsibilities as a professional investigator within it.
In this module, you'll evaluate and apply the tools available to computer and mobile forensics professionals, and identify emerging challenges to investigative techniques. You'll also practise evidence extraction for court cases, recommending appropriate toolkits and respecting ethical boundaries, in preparation for careers involving the use of digital forensic evidence.
In this module, you'll analyse and implement key defences - firewalls, intrusion detection and access control systems - then learn creative and persistent techniques to identify weaknesses in those defences and exploit them. When you complete the module, you'll be able to apply penetration testing frameworks confidently, communicate your findings to stakeholders, and recommend solutions to mitigate risks of cyberattack.
Options
In this research-informed module, you'll learn to use scale-out architectures and platforms, then apply your knowledge to two complex datasets drawn from your lecturers' research interests (such as cybersecurity, healthcare, robotics or cosmology). You'll also develop the confidence to advise on the use of AI and big data for live problems.
In this module, you'll examine escalating cyberthreats in a context of evolving ethical and legal restraints. You'll augment your theoretical knowledge with hands-on server/service configuration, building career-focused experience for the ICT industry. Upon completion, you will be able to critically assess vulnerabilities in modern networks, and confidently apply protocols and best practices to enable secure, resilient communication systems ready for industry.
You'll use cloud-based data warehousing, multi-dimensional modelling and professional coding techniques to discover and visualise your BI insights.
In this hands-on module, you'll work with the Open Nebula platform as you build and evaluate applications for common business needs. You'll learn to analyse the requirements of a given scenario, apply cloud computing concepts to meet those requirements, and optimise your solution in line with user feedback. You'll emerge from this module ready to support virtualisation projects for industry.
On this module, you'll grasp the theories associated with information security and examine the major current threats in the field. You'll also explore core technical topics, such as access control and cryptography, alongside legal and ethical issues in hacking and information security.
In this module, you'll sharpen your data communication abilities by using visualisation tools and forecasting techniques to create clear dashboards, in line with best practice in the data analytics field.
You'll build a systemic understanding of the complex cybersecurity sphere in this module. As you extend your knowledge of cyber threats in a globalised world, you'll learn to explain the threats faced by states and organisations, and apply risk management strategies for business or governmental roles.
Part-time
Core
All modules in year 1 are core.
In this module, you'll evaluate and apply the tools available to computer and mobile forensics professionals, and identify emerging challenges to investigative techniques. You'll also practise evidence extraction for court cases, recommending appropriate toolkits and respecting ethical boundaries, in preparation for careers involving the use of digital forensic evidence.
In this module, you'll analyse and implement key defences - firewalls, intrusion detection and access control systems - then learn creative and persistent techniques to identify weaknesses in those defences and exploit them. When you complete the module, you'll be able to apply penetration testing frameworks confidently, communicate your findings to stakeholders, and recommend solutions to mitigate risks of cyberattack.
Core
In year 2, you'll study 1 core module, and choose 30 credits of optional modules.
You'll examine the impact of new technologies and techniques on the cyber forensics field in this module. Through workshops focused on current developments, you'll consider issues including steganography, encryption and other developing anti-forensic techniques. You'll also gain a holistic understanding of the cyber forensics sector, and your legal and ethical responsibilities as a professional investigator within it.
Options
In this research-informed module, you'll learn to use scale-out architectures and platforms, then apply your knowledge to two complex datasets drawn from your lecturers' research interests (such as cybersecurity, healthcare, robotics or cosmology). You'll also develop the confidence to advise on the use of AI and big data for live problems.
In this module, you'll examine escalating cyberthreats in a context of evolving ethical and legal restraints. You'll augment your theoretical knowledge with hands-on server/service configuration, building career-focused experience for the ICT industry. Upon completion, you will be able to critically assess vulnerabilities in modern networks, and confidently apply protocols and best practices to enable secure, resilient communication systems ready for industry.
You'll use cloud-based data warehousing, multi-dimensional modelling and professional coding techniques to discover and visualise your BI insights.
In this hands-on module, you'll work with the Open Nebula platform as you build and evaluate applications for common business needs. You'll learn to analyse the requirements of a given scenario, apply cloud computing concepts to meet those requirements, and optimise your solution in line with user feedback. You'll emerge from this module ready to support virtualisation projects for industry.
On this module, you'll grasp the theories associated with information security and examine the major current threats in the field. You'll also explore core technical topics, such as access control and cryptography, alongside legal and ethical issues in hacking and information security.
In this module, you'll sharpen your data communication abilities by using visualisation tools and forecasting techniques to create clear dashboards, in line with best practice in the data analytics field.
You'll build a systemic understanding of the complex cybersecurity sphere in this module. As you extend your knowledge of cyber threats in a globalised world, you'll learn to explain the threats faced by states and organisations, and apply risk management strategies for business or governmental roles.
Core
In year 3, you'll complete your core project.
Whether you're developing novel software or pursuing theoretical advances, you'll formulate robust aims backed by methodical data gathering/analysis. Once you've reached your findings, you'll present polished written and oral reports that show your knowledge of ethical and professional considerations, demonstrating your abilities to direct projects advancing industry or academia.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Facilities
Cyber Security and Digital Forensics Laboratory
Learn how to secure and analyse data in our professionally equipped digital forensics facilities. Find out how real investigators tackle cyber crime and get practical cybersecurity experience.
Usability Laboratory
Test your applications with eye-tracking equipment and find out if your subject is looking where you'd expect them to look when interacting with your product.
How you'll spend your time
We recognise that you'll probably be juggling more demands when you do your Master's degree, as you may be working or you may have family responsibilities.
We'll give you as much indication here as we can of how much time you'll need to spend in on-campus or in online lectures and seminars and how many hours you can expect to spend in self-directed study, but please note that these indications are always subject to change.
Course structure
This Master's degree will take:
- 3 years (part time study)
- 12 months (full-time study, September start)
- 16 months (full time study, January start)
You can expect:
- 10 hours of teaching time every week, made up of lectures and tutorials (5 hours for part time students). We do our best to keep all teaching within two days, leaving you the rest of the week for work experience or self-guided study
- 15–20 hours of independent study each week, depending on the modules being studied (pro rata for part time students)
In the last 3 months of the course you'll be focusing on your research project.
Teaching
Teaching
Master's study is deeper and more specialised than an undergraduate degree. This means you'll focus on something that really matters to you and your career as you work closely with academics committed to the subject.
You'll spend more time in independent study and research than you did for your undergraduate degree. If you choose campus based study, the majority of your teaching time will be in-person and face-to-face.
Teaching on this course includes:
- practical sessions
- courtroom and hacking simulations
- lectures and theory sessions
- guest speakers and alumni
Assessment
You'll be assessed through:
- written assignments
- presentations
- group and individual lab and mock trial assessments
- dissertation / project
Read about students delivering cybersecurity expertise in mock trial assessments
You'll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on practice and formal assessments so you can improve in future.
Term dates
September start
The Master's academic year runs from September to the following September. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter. Over the summer you'll be writing your project / dissertation.
January start
Courses that start in January have the same amount of teaching as September-start courses, but they normally run over a longer time period.
January-start courses normally run between 14–18 months, beginning in January and ending in the spring / summer of the following year. There are breaks at Christmas, Easter and in the summer. In the last few months you’ll be writing your project / dissertation.
Joining us as an international student
You'll feel at home in our international community and our diverse city. You'll be joining over 5,000 international students from more than 150 countries who are studying with us.
Learn more about international student life and how we can help you with visas, applications, arrival and settling in.
Career development
Careers this Master's prepares you for
You'll graduate from this Master's with skills that are in heavy demand. The UK Government's £2.6 billion National Cyber Strategy aims to "ensure the UK continues to be a leading responsible and democratic cyber power", and shows how businesses in the private and public sectors need to fill a large cyber skills gap to meet that aim.
You'll have studied twin disciplines within that skills gap, so you'll be qualified for roles in preventing digital crime, or investigating and prosecuting those who commit it. You'll be able to work in fields including:
- Law enforcement
- IT auditing
- Information security
- High-tech crime units
- Commercial investigation
- National security bodies
- Systems administration
- Security analysis
You could also go on to further research study at PhD level.
Career planning
During your course you'll have expert careers advice from our Careers and Employability Centre, your tutors and our Student Placements and Employability Centre. You can access support from our Careers and Employability Centre for up to 5 years after you graduate.
Career support
You'll benefit from:
- Networking events
- Applied projects with companies such as IBM, Boeing and Hampshire County Council
- 1-to-1 appointments
- CV and cover letter advice
- Interview preparation and practice
- Workshops to enhance your employability skills
- Recruitment events including the Student and Graduate Opportunities Fair
- Support starting your own business
Supporting you
Master's study is more focused on independent learning than undergraduate study, but you'll get lots of support via video and phone from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. If you choose to study on-campus, you'll also get face-to-face support. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to postgraduate study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your course.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning support tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- understanding and using assignment feedback
- managing your time and workload
- revision and exam techniques
All our labs and practical spaces are staffed by qualified laboratory support staff. They’ll support you in scheduled lab sessions and can give you one-to-one help when you do practical research projects.
During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.
Support is available for skills including:
- University study
- Getting into the right study mindset
- Note-taking and note-making skills
- Referencing
- Presentation skills
- Time management, planning, and goal setting
- Critical thinking
- Avoiding plagiarism
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
The Maths Cafe offers advice and assistance with mathematical skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your mathematics skills at a workshop or use our online resources.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Apply
Unlike undergraduate applications, which go through UCAS, applications for this Master's course are made directly to us.
There's no deadline for applications to this course. We accept applications right up until the start dates in September and January, as long as there are places available. If you wait until your start month to apply, you may find that the course is full.
If you're applying as an international student, remember that you'll need to leave plenty of time to get your visa organised.
You can find more advice about applying in our Master's application checklist. International students and current students and recent graduates of the University of Portsmouth also have some different application options, which are detailed below.
Extra information for international students
If you're an international student, you can apply directly to us using the same application form as UK students.
You could also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region. To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Ready to apply?
When you're ready to begin your application, choose your start date.
Start this course in January 2025
Start this course in September 2025
Apply now (Full-time) Apply now (Part-time)
Start this course in January 2026
I'm a current Portsmouth student, or a recent Portsmouth graduate
If you're currently in your final year of study at Portsmouth, or you graduated since July 2024, you're eligible to make a fast track application. You'll have:
- a shorter application form to complete
- access to the 20% Alumni fee discount
- a guaranteed conditional offer, for most Master's courses
After you apply
Once we receive your application, we may ask you for further information. We will then either make you an offer or suggest alternatives if your application is unsuccessful.
You'll usually get a decision within 10 working days, so you shouldn't have to wait too long. Some courses have an interview stage – we'll let you know if you need to prepare for one.
Learn more about how we assess your application.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.