MSc Software Engineering with Advanced Research

The master's programme is designed to give Computer Science graduates the specialist, up-to-date skills and knowledge sought after by employers, whether in business, industry, government or research. The MSc Cyber Security with Advanced Research course will equip students with in-depth knowledge and practical skills in cyber security. Successful graduates may pursue a career in the cybersecurity industry, or any other industries that require in-house information security management such as educational institutions, hospitals, retail chains, banks, or government.

Professional Accreditations

This new version of the programme has been carefully designed to achieve appropriate levels of accreditation, and the department is currently in touch with the BCS regarding continued accreditation.

About the course

One of a range of degrees from the taught Master's Programme at the Department of Computer Science. This course considers current research and practice in cyber security. You will build the fundamental and advanced aspects of cyber security in terms of theory, practice, policy and security standard to enable critical cyber security decision marking, the extant threats to current and emerging systems and networks and the effective countermeasures to such threats in compliance with information security management standards, and the social, legal and ethical issues relating to cyber security in the context of digital forensics, information security management, penetrating testing and cyber operations.

Why choose this course?

The award offers the opportunity for students to study advanced research topics in computer science, normally across multiple specialisms, and comprehensive research methods, and to undertake an extended masters project on a cutting-edge research topic.

  • One of a range of advanced courses within our postgraduate Master's programme in Computer Science, this particular course provides you with a specialism combining theoretical knowledge and practical skills in cyber security.
  • You will develop technical expertise and practical skills in identifying and critically evaluating vulnerabilities of and threats to the security and integrity of distributed systems, conducting and managing a comprehensive risk assessment of the distributed systems in a complex and unpredictable environment. Advanced topics studied include distributed systems security, information security, management and compliance, digital forensics, penetration testing, and cyber operations
  • Taught by a highly-regarded and long-established computer science department with strong links to business.
  • Half the research outputs in Computer Science at the University of Hertfordshire have been rated at world-leading or internationally excellent in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014.

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Modules

  • Compulsory modules
  • Measures and Models for Software Engineering
  • Programming for Software Engineers
  • Software Engineering Practice and Experience
  • Software Engineering Masters Project
  • Team Research and Development Project
  • Legal and Ethical Practice Exercise
  • Advanced Research Topics in Computer Science
  • Research Methods
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    £17,950 Per Year

    International student tuition fee

    2 Years

    Duration

    Sep 2025

    Start Month

    Aug 2025

    Application Deadline

    Upcoming Intakes

    • September 2025
    • September 2026

    Mode of Study

    • Full Time