MSc Cybersecurity (Distance Learning)
Delivery & Mode of Study
Language of Instruction
Credits
Factsheet
Introduction
The constant advancement of technology and the introduction of cloud services, smart devices and wireless communications as well as the increasing penetration of the Internet in our everyday activities and the sharing of sensitive information through it, have created a need for information assurance and data security.
This programme will appeal to people with an interest in understanding cybersecurity issues with emphasis in areas such as cyber warfare, cyber defence, ethical hacking, network forensics and information security management. The programme will provide students with the specialised knowledge required, including theory, technologies and relevant design techniques, as a prerequisite for designing secure networks.
During the programme students will have the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge through specialised physical, virtual and remote security laboratories in which they will be able to carry out activities such as reconnaissance, network scanning and exploitation exercises, and investigate the usage and behaviour of security systems such as Intrusion Detection Systems. As part of the programme, students will also develop generic and domain-specific research techniques and skills required for successfully completing their final year MSc Thesis project.
As part of its social responsibility, the University of Central Lancashire Cyprus (UCLan Cyprus) proudly announces its collaboration with the European Citizens Association (ECA), supporting its aims to safeguard and promote the European Union’s fundamental values and to increase citizens’ resilience to information manipulation. UCLan Cyprus is the first organisation from Cyprus joining this initiative. Contact Dr Christiana Ioannou, Course Leader of the MSc Cybersecurity at UCLan Cyprus, to obtain more information on how to get involved.
Career Opportunities
Typically, Cybersecurity professionals can be employed by telecommunication, IT and technology companies, network operators and network equipment vendors, consultancy agencies and government departments, as well as any other organisation that needs to protect its IT infrastructure and operations. Cybersecurity is part of nearly every discipline from defence and intelligence to healthcare and aerospace.
Cybersecurity Analyst
Focus: Monitoring networks, detecting security threats, and responding to cyber incidents to protect an organization's digital assets.
Ethical Hacker (Penetration Tester)
Focus: Identifying security vulnerabilities by simulating cyberattacks to strengthen an organization's defense systems.
Security Consultant
Focus: Advising businesses on cybersecurity strategies, risk management, and best practices to protect data and IT infrastructure.
Digital Forensics Investigator
Focus: Analyzing cybercrimes, recovering digital evidence, and assisting law enforcement in investigating cyber incidents.
Course Benefits
Comprehensive & Industry-Relevant Curriculum
The programme covers ethical hacking, network security, cryptography, digital forensics, and cyber threat intelligence, ensuring students gain up-to-date cybersecurity expertise.
Hands-On Practical Experience
Students work with real-world cybersecurity tools such as Kali Linux, Metasploit, Wireshark, and SIEM systems, gaining practical skills in penetration testing, malware analysis, and incident response.
Strong Career Prospects in a Growing Industry
With the rising demand for cybersecurity professionals, graduates have excellent job opportunities in finance, government, healthcare, IT security, and consulting, both locally and internationally.
Preparation for Global Cybersecurity Certifications
The programme prepares students for industry-recognized certifications such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), CISSP, CISM, and CompTIA Security+, boosting employability and career advancement.
Access to Expert Faculty & Industry Networks
Students learn from cybersecurity specialists, researchers, and guest lecturers from the industry, with opportunities for networking, internships, and collaboration with top cybersecurity firms.
Research & Specialization Opportunities
The MSc allows students to explore advanced cybersecurity research, work on independent projects, and specialize in areas such as AI-driven security, blockchain security, and digital forensics.
Course Visual Content
Programme Modules
Compulsory
Module Code:
CO4820
Credit Value:
20 UK CREDITS / 10 ECTS
Module Aims:
- The module aims to develop students’ research, critical analysis and academic writing skills to Masters level.
Module Code:
CO4103 (L7)
Credit Value:
20 UK CREDITS / 10 ECTS
Module Aims:
- Introduce different topics related to computer security, including vulnerabilities and techniques for improving defences.
- Identify and discuss penetration testing methodologies and techniques as well as their importance to the security of a network.
- Explore the various ways for examining countermeasures to flaws found by penetration testing.
Module Code:
CO4710 (L7)
Credit Value:
20 UK CREDITS / 10 ECTS
Module Aims:
- Provide an in depth understanding of theoretical and practical aspects of network defence
- Understand the defence in depth concept
- Understand the defence in depth concept•Gain experience in using tools and techniques for cyber defence
Module Code:
CO4507 (L7)
Credit Value:
20 UK CREDITS / 10 ECTS
Module Aims:
- To inculcate a systematic, impartial approach to the preservation and extraction of all relevant overt and covert information from a computer
- To discuss the challenges facing forensic computer experts.
- To enhance critical thinking through the discussion and analysis of various real and hypothetical situations that illustrate the variety of decisions involved in an investigation: determining what to analyse, selecting appropriate tools, and evaluating interpretations of the information uncovered.
- To extend communication skills in the presentation of complex ideas to people with a non-technical background.
Module Code:
CO4512 (L7)
Credit Value:
20 UK CREDITS / 10 ECTS
Module Aims:
- To introduce information security and risk management standards and methods that students will most likely encounter as a security professional.
- To evaluate the applicability and critically analyse alternatives for information security management and risk assessment.
- To apply techniques and conduct activities involved in the process of information security and risk management.
- To critically evaluate the benefits and pitfalls of compliance-based security.
Module Code:
CO4804(L7)
Credit Value:
60 UK CREDITS / 30 ECTS
Module Aims:
- To develop the ability to solve complex problems, using appropriate skills and knowledge acquired elsewhere.
- To develop student’s ability to critically reflect on their work and on the work of others.
- To enable students to demonstrate disciplines of time management, project planning and reporting on progress.
- To encourage students to read to discover best practice.
- To develop the ability to apply theory in the real world.
- To foster an attitude of constructive criticism in evaluation.
- To use theory appropriately when communicating about project work
Optional
Module Code:
CO4709 (L7)
Credit Value:
20 UK CREDITS / 10 ECTS
Module Aims:
- Provide an in depth understanding of how cyber-attacks and defence intersect with each of the classic warfighting domains.
- Identify and discuss tactics, techniques and procedures of Computer Network Operations, including attack, defend and exploit plus the aspect of social engineering.
- Explore various current cyber threats including ethics and legal issues.
Module Code:
CO4833 (L7)
Credit Value:
20 UK CREDITS / 10 ECTS
Module Aims:
- Provide an in-depth understanding of theoretical and practical aspects for incident handling.
- Introduce incident handling standards and best practices that students will most likely encounter as a security professional.
- Increase knowledge for collecting, handling and analysing evidence of incidents.
- Gain experience in using tools and techniques for incident analysis.
Module Code:
CO4520 (L7)
Credit Value:
20 UK CREDITS / 10 ECTS
Module Aims:
- Provide an in-depth understanding of theoretical and practical aspects of cryptography.
- Introduce cryptographic standards and best practices that students will most likely encounter as a security professional.
- Identify which cryptographic protocols, tools, and techniques are appropriate for providing confidentiality, data protection, data integrity, authentication, non-repudiation, and obfuscation.
- Provide an understanding of potential weaknesses and problems with ciphers and cryptographic protocols.
- Apply symmetric and asymmetric cryptography and best practices as appropriate for a given scenario to achieve data protection.
- Critically discuss cryptographic attacks and countermeasures.
Learning Outcomes
A1. Describe, systematically apply and critically evaluate principles, practices and techniques relevant to the analysis of a cybersecurity problem and the formulation and testing of potential solutions.
A2. Find and critically evaluate cybersecurity research literature and technologies related to the handling of cybersecurity issues, demonstrating a critical awareness of current problems and new insights.
A3. Describe and critically evaluate tools, techniques, and policies for computer network security, providing positive advice for improvement and innovation.
A4. Explain and apply the principles underlying techniques for preventing and investigating cybersecurity exploits.
B1. Design, plan and implement comprehensive solutions to problems in cybersecurity, analyse the potential effectiveness of such solutions and propose improvements.
B2. Apply principles, practices and techniques systematically to solve complex cybersecurity problems in specific domains.
B3. Adopt a professional approach to ethical, legal issues and industrial standards relevant to a computing professional and understand the implications of his/her actions.
B4. Apply knowledge and critical thinking skills to evaluate computer network security risks and propose solutions.
C1. Evaluate ideas, methods and systems in a coherent and thorough manner, identifying limitations and opportunities for further development.
C2. Analyse and evaluate appropriateness of complex information, methods and techniques related to cybersecurity issues.
C3. Locate and integrate information from multiple sources.
C4. Formulate solutions to complex problems and use appropriate methods to communicate such solutions effectively to a professional audience.
D1. Communicate complex ideas to a diverse audience.
D2. Reflect critically on professional experience, devising and evaluating new approaches, producing work that is informed by research and/or practice.
D3. Apply self-management and independent learning skills.
D4. Recognize and respond to opportunities for innovation, generate original ideas and have confidence to make decisions.
Entry Requirements
The minimum entry requirements for this programme are:
Requirement 1
Bachelor's degree, with at least Lower Second Class grade or equivalent.
Requirement 2
Proof of English Language knowledge to a score of at least IELTS 6.5, or other equivalent according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Academic Faculty
Dr Christiana Ioannou
Assistant Professor in CybersecurityCourse Leader of MSc Cybersecurity / MSc Cybersecurity Distance Learning
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Dr Josephina Antoniou
Deputy Head of the School of SciencesAssociate Professor in Computing
Course Leader of MSC Computing
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Dr Andria Procopiou
Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence and CybersecurityCourse Leader of MSc Computing
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How To Apply?
Step by Step Application Process.
Complete the UCLan Cyprus application FORM.
Provide copies of:
– School Leaving Certificate & Marksheet
– Bachelor’s Degree & Transcript
– English Language Qualification (see Entry Requirements)
– CV & Personal Statement
– 2 Reference Letters
– ID/Passport
Payment of €50 application fee (non-refundable) for the Admissions Department to officially evaluate your application and if successful to receive your Offer for a Place to Study at UCLan Cyprus.
APPLY NOW * International Applicants: once you receive your Offer Letter, you will proceed to the Visa Application Steps. Find more information here.Quick Links
Student Stories
School of Sciences
I am very glad that I transferred my studies to UCLan Cyprus and I am satisfied with both my lecturers and my overall study experience. Also I am so grateful for the way the student support assisted me whenever I needed their help to make this dream a reality
Artem Plakhotuyuk
BSc (Hons) ComputingSchool of Sciences
The academics are very experienced, also in the professional field, which is very important. The practical nature of the curriculum and the opportunities that you have to work on different projects and research studies help you get into what you will work in the future. I believe that with the experience and the skills that I gained through UCLan Cyprus, I will be part of the technology of tomorrow.
Alberto Bullo
MSc ComputingSchool of Sciences
I finished my Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics & Statistics at UCLan Cyprus, and I continued with my postgraduate degree at Data Analtycis at UCLan Cyprus, This gave me the opportunity to be employed at the audit firm KPMG, Data Analytics combines statistics and programming, which both are on fire now in the market. I have discussed with the professor of the programme, at the university, and I realised that this has significant prospects for career and progression.
Kalia Athanasiou
MSc Data AnalyticsSchool of Sciences
Currently, I am working as a software engineer. During my studies, I learned the foundational principles of engineering and analytical thinking. Practical experience in my final year of study equipped me with invaluable problem-solving skills that have proved crucial for the beginning of my professional journey.
Kristina Telegraph
BEng (Hons) Electrical & Electronic EngineeringSchool of Sciences
My bachelor’s degree helped me succeed in understanding the fundamental principles of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. During my studies, I learned to design and analyse circuits, gain proficiency in programming languages, and develop problem-solving skills, which are crucial for my current role. Practical experience from the first year of study helped me apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. The hands-on projects in the laboratories also enhanced my ability to troubleshoot and innovate, helping me build a strong foundation for my career in research. Being eligible to register with ETEK (Cyprus Technical and Scientific Chamber) benefited me in terms of professional development and opportunities. It provided me with a platform to stay updated with industry standards, network with professionals, and access resources that contribute to my growth in the field of AI and data analysis.
Spiros Millas
BEng (Hons) Electrical & Electronic EngineeringSchool of Sciences
I graduated from UCLan Cyprus with a BEng (Hons) in Electrical & Electronic Engineering. I am currently working as an Electrical Engineer. In this role my responsibilities include designing and optimising solar power systems, conducting feasibility studies, and implementing innovative solutions to improve energy efficiency. the BEng (Hons) in Electrical & Electronic Engineering helped me succeed in my current role by providing a solid foundation in theoretical concepts and practical skills, relevant to the field.
Nearchos Papaxenopoulos
BEng (Hons) Electrical & Electronic EngineeringSchool of Sciences
I finished my Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics & Statistics at UCLan Cyprus, and I continued with my postgraduate degree at Data Analtycis at UCLan Cyprus, This gave me the opportunity to be employed at the audit firm KPMG, Data Analytics combines statistics and programming, which both are on fire now in the market. I have discussed with the professor of the programme, at the university, and I realised that this has significant prospects for career and progression.
Kalia Athanasiou
BSc (Hons) Mathematics & StatisticsSchool of Sciences
It is with great joy that I embark on this new chapter of my life at UCLan Cyprus, which has opened its doors to me, giving me the opportunity to study in the BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Science programme. I would like to thank the management and academic staff for their excellent cooperation, and I am confident that both I and the university will gain many benefits from this long journey.
Elias Georgiou
BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise ScienceSchool of Sciences
After conducting a research about the different universities in Cyprus, I decided to come to UCLan Cyprus for many reasons, mainly for the double – awarded degree, one from Cyprus and one from the UK, which gives a global scope compared to completing a programme in Greek, which could limit me to Cyprus and Greece. During my studies, I succeeded in thinking more scientifically. My professors played a huge role in my development, and in helping me with studies because they were always by our side and are excellent scientists. In the University’s Sports Lab, we had the tremendous opportunity to work with high-level atheletes, and had the opportunity to analyse our data based on our state-of-the-art equipment.
Christos Xennofontos
BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise ScienceSchool of Sciences
At UCLan Cyprus, we stay ahead of the curve in Computer Science by embracing cutting-edge technologies, innovative research, and hands-on practice with industry-standard tools that shape the future of the digital world.
Giorgos Lazari
BSc (Hons) ComputingSchool of Sciences
UCLan Cyprus was my first choice because it is the only British University in Cyprus I was surprised with the modern facilities and the learning environment I am really enjoying my time here and would suggest anyone looking for higher education to opt for UCLan Cyprus.
Vanja Popovic
BSc (Hons) ComputingSchool of Sciences
I chose UCLan Cyprus for its excellent facilities and the friendly environment I found at the University.
Andreas Makris
BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise ScienceSchool of Sciences
I chose to study BSc in Computing at UCLan Cyprus, specialization in Computer Games Development as I look forward to working in this area in the future
John Hassapis
BSc (Hons) ComputingSchool of Sciences
I chose UCLan Cyprus because of the high standards of education it offers, as well as the low tuition fees, which is very important to consider. Moreover, the university has up-to-date facilities, and the courses are taught in English, providing a universal way of learning and using vocabulary that is recognized worldwide. Lastly, an important factor for me is that the university is located in my district.
Giannis Parpounas
BSc (Hons) ComputingSchool of Sciences
There are many reasons for that, but I believe the number one reason is the financial factor! I was accepted by a university in Greece, but I always wanted to stay in Cyprus, so UCLan Cyprus gave me that opportunity.
Kyriakos Trikos
BSc (Hons) ComputingRequest More Information
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