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MSc ACS: Computer Security

UK

7

What will I learn?

Course description

Individuals, governments and organizations now routinely connect their computers to the Internet to communicate, provide services, and access massive stores of shared information. These on-line activities, many conducted beyond national boundaries, have opened up enormous opportunities for security attacks such as identity thefts, computer hackings, privacy breaches, technical sabotages, etc. Addressing security threats and attacks in this vast and complex distributed environment is an immensely challenging task.

The Computer Security pathway is centred round a core Security theme that introduces students to fundamental security topics that arise in the design, analysis, and implementation of networked and distributed systems. Subsidiary themes allow students to investigate broader areas in which they may apply their newly acquired skills. The pathway is designed for students who wish to specialize in the security aspect of the Information Technology field.

Teaching and learning

Computational thinking is becoming increasingly pervasive and is informing our understanding of phenomena across a range of areas; from engineering and physical sciences, to business and society. This is reflected in the way the Manchester course is taught, with students able to choose from an extremely broad range of units that not only cover core computer science topics, but that draw on our interdisciplinary research strengths in areas such as Medical and Health Sciences, Life Sciences and Humanities.

Coursework and assessment

Lectures and seminars are supported by practical exercises that impart skills as well as knowledge. These skills are augmented through an MSc project that enables students to put into practice the techniques they have been taught throughout the course.

Career opportunities

The MSc in Advanced Computer Science has an excellent record of employment for its graduates. Opportunities exist in fields as diverse as finance, films and games, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, consumer products, and public services - virtually all areas of business and society. Manchester Computer Science MSc courses are considered among the best in the country and our graduates are actively targeted for the very top jobs in industry and academia.

Security plays a role in almost all areas where computers are being used, including, for example, finance, healthcare, consumer products, and public services. Thus students who have followed the Computer Security pathway will be ideally placed in any of these areas, especially in positions where they need to be aware of security issues and solutions.

Which department am I in?

Department of Computer Science

Study options

Full Time (12 months)

Tuition fees
£36,000.00 (US$ 46,631) per year
This is a fixed fee
Start date

September 2025

Venue

The University of Manchester

Oxford Road,

Manchester,

M13 9PL, England

Entry requirements

For international students

We require a First or strong Upper Second-class honours degree (2:1 with 65% average) from a UK university, or the overseas equivalent, in a Computer Science degree with a minimum of 50% Computer Science content. When assessing your academic record, we take into account your grade average, references and the standing of the institution where you studied your qualification. Applicants with extensive Computer Science industrial experience and a 2:I honours degree in Computer Science, or its overseas equivalent, may also be considered for admission. We also require that all applicants have a strong background in Computer Science reflected, for example, in solid programming and software development skills. In order to be accepted onto an MSc programme in the Department of Computer Science, applicants need to provide evidence of having achieved the required level in a recognised English language qualification. IELTS: overall score of 7.0 with no sub-test below 6.5. TOEFL 100 overall with a minimum score of 22 in other elements.

*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.

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