MSci Ethical Hacking and Cyber Security /
About this course
An MSci in Ethical Hacking and Cyber Security, a computing degree focused on computer architecture, network security, digital forensics, and penetration testing techniques. Core topics include Programming, Systems Design, Computer Architecture, Embedded Systems, Control Systems, Research Methods, Project Management, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. The course offers an optional placement year and an optional year abroad. The first year covers foundational topics through Cyber Security Fundamentals, Legal and Ethical Factors in Cyber Security, Networking and Computer Architecture, and Introduction to Programming. The second year progresses with Digital Forensics, Ethical Hacking, Networking, and Security Operations. The third year involves a major Project, Secure Network Design and Management, Digital Security Audit and Risk Management, alongside a choice between Advanced Digital Forensics and Advanced Ethical Hacking and Exploit Development. The final fourth year advances through Applied Theory of Cyber Security and Secure Design, Network Security and Incident Response, Cloud Infrastructure and Operations, and Security of Connected Systems.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: BSc (Hons): BBB to include one from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Computer Science, Computing or Design Technology. Excludes General Studies. MSci: ABB to include one from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Computer Science, Computing or Design Technology. Excludes General Studies. IB: BSc (Hons): 29 points to include one from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Design Technology or IT at Higher level. MSci: 31 points to include one from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Design Technology or IT at Higher level.
What students say
Based on about 55 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 88%
- Learning opportunities: 88%
- Assessment and feedback: 83%
- Academic support: 86%
- Organisation and management: 75%
- Learning resources: 88%
- Student voice: 81%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 80%
- Left higher education: 10%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 10 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 65%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Information Technology Professionals: 50%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 15%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 10%
- Sales occupations: 5%
- Elementary occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 90%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 65%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 60%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 25 graduates, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- East Midlands: 10%
- West Midlands: 60%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 5%
- South East: 15%
- South West: 10%
Who gets in
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Cyber Security Fundamentals – 30 credits
- Legal and Ethical Factors in Cyber Security – 30 credits
- Networking and Computer Architecture – 30 credits
- Introduction to Programming – 30 credits
- Digital Forensics – 30 credits
- Ethical Hacking – 30 credits
- Networking – 30 credits
- Security Operations – 30 credits
- Project
- Secure Network Design and Management – 30 credits
- Digital Security Audit and Risk Management – 30 credits
- Choose one of the following two optional modules
- Applied Theory of Cyber Security and Secure Design – 30 credits
- Network Security and Incident Response – 30 credits
- Cloud Infrastructure and Operations – 30 credits
- Security of Connected Systems – 30 credits
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MSci Ethical Hacking and Cyber Security / at Coventry University earn?
The median salary is £32,000 after 15 months, £25,000 after 3 years, £31,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £22,000 and £44,500. The £31,500 median after five years is £1,500 less than the UK median for Information systems.
What do graduates of MSci Ethical Hacking and Cyber Security / at Coventry University do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MSci Ethical Hacking and Cyber Security / at Coventry University?
88% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MSci Ethical Hacking and Cyber Security / at Coventry University?
The typical offer is BBB at A level, or 29 points in the IB. The average entrant had 129 UCAS points.
Does MSci Ethical Hacking and Cyber Security / at Coventry University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MSci Ethical Hacking and Cyber Security / at Coventry University?
80% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.