About the course
Course content
The only UK masters degree in the field of cyber risk to combine aspects of business and information technology, MSc Cyber Security Risk Management will equip you with a blend of skills that are in demand in the sector.
Introducing your degree
Unlike other UK cyber security masters degrees, which have a computer science focus, this unique programme combines modules from a range of disciplines. It is therefore ideally placed to meet the demand for professionals with the necessary management skills, as well as the technical knowledge, to effectively manage cyber security risks. You’ll be taught by experts in risk management, cyber security and computer science.
In addition, you’ll benefit from the co-location of several specialist research centres at Southampton. These include the University’sAcademic Centre of Excellence for Cyber Security Research, which was set up to advance the UK government’s cyber security agenda, and the highly regarded Centre for Risk Research. You’ll graduate with an accredited degree, enabling you to apply for credits towards professional risk or insurance qualifications.
Overview
Cyber security is a global concern for companies and governments, but there is a recognised shortage of cyber security practitioners with the breadth of skills required to understand and manage the risk of cyber attacks. MSc Cyber Security Risk Management, the only UK cyber security programme to be offered within a business school rather than a computer science department, is designed to fill this gap.
Rather than focusing purely on the technical aspects of cyber security, MSc Cyber Security Risk Management offers a unique combination of modules encompassing business risk management, computer science and cyber security. You’ll gain a grounding in the essential technical aspects of the subject, but you’ll also develop the managerial and analytical skills needed to identify risks, communicate them within an organisation and put effective cyber risk management approaches into practice.
Southampton’s expertise in cyber risk research has been recognised with the award of an Academic Centre of Excellence for Cyber Security Research, funded by GCHQ and the Economic and Social Research Council as part of the UK government’s national cyber security strategy. Our academics are active partners in the Centre’s work and bring their research insights to the course. You’ll also benefit from expertise within the Business School’s Centre for Risk Research, the only specialist centre of its type in a Russell Group university.
We welcome applicants from a range of academic backgrounds. Many of our students bring some professional experience to their studies, while some join us straight from their undergraduate studies.
Career Opportunities
Every year, professional risk managers and industry leaders from companies visit us to discuss careers in the sector, helping you to plan your next steps. Past speakers have come from IBM, Goldman Sachs, PwC, Old Mutual, and the Chartered Insurance Institute.
There is significant demand for talented graduates with the ability to assess and effectively manage cyber-related risks as well as an understanding of related technical issues. Our students have gone on to work in a range of industries including finance, banking, accountancy, insurance, IT, risk management and business security, for companies such as:
- Accenture
- Marsh
- LSC Group
- PwC
- Goldman Sachs
The MSc in Cyber Security and Risk Management is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute and the Institute of Risk Management, which means you’ll be able to apply for credits towards professional qualifications.