MSc Cloud and Network Security (Online)
Award
MSc
Start Date
To be confirmed
Duration
12 months
Mode
Full-time Distance Learning
Location
University of Greater Manchester
Develop advanced expertise in cloud and network security, preparing you for high-demand roles in cyber security, cloud infrastructure, and secure systems engineering. Our MSc in Cloud and Network Security offers the postgraduate skills and knowledge you'll need to advance your career in IT and cloud-based systems or seek a leading technical or managerial role in a data-dependent organisation.
Please note:
This course is 'Subject to Approval' and has not yet completed the University’s approvals process.
Whilst we are confident that the course will be approved, there is the possibility that the course
may not run or may be subject to alterations. This course is due to be validated by August 2026 after
which we will write to all applicants who have applied for the course to let them know the
outcome and of any changes. In the event that a course is not approved the University
will make reasonable efforts to offer an alternative course at the University.
Block Teaching
Course Overview
This MSc Cloud and Network Security programme is delivered fully online through a synchronous distance learning model and is designed to develop advanced technical expertise in securing modern cloud and networked systems. You will gain practical experience in areas such as penetration testing, cloud infrastructure, enterprise networking and secure system design, preparing you for roles in cyber security, cloud engineering and security operations.The programme combines hands-on technical work with real-world scenarios, enabling you to design, implement and secure scalable systems. You will work with industry-relevant tools and approaches, including virtualised environments, cloud platforms and DevOps practices.
Developed collaboratively with industry partners, the programme equips you with both technical depth and professional skills, including problem-solving, communication and ethical decision-making, enabling you to adapt to rapidly evolving technologies.
Your coursework is based on realistic scenarios, including technical challenges, proposals and reports designed to prepare you for a successful postgraduate career. The programme also supports the development of lifelong learning skills, enabling you to take ownership of your professional development.
What you will learn
- Cloud infrastructure and security principles
- Enterprise network architecture and secure system design
- Penetration testing and digital forensics
- DevOps and secure deployment practices
- Research, problem-solving, and professional practice
Prefer to study on-campus? We also offer this course at our main University of Greater Manchester campus in the North West of England.
Highlights
- Developed with input from industry, this programme integrates cloud computing and cyber security, equipping you with both technical depth and practical skills. You will engage with realistic scenarios and applied tasks that reflect current industry challenges, ensuring you graduate ready to contribute in security-focused roles.
- Hands-on experience with cloud and network infrastructure through virtual labs and simulated environments
- Industry-aligned modules covering penetration testing, cloud security, and DevOps practices
- Real-world, scenario-based assessments reflecting professional practice
- Teaching informed by staff with academic and industry experience
- Strong student support within a focused postgraduate learning environment
Key Features
- You will benefit from access to industry-recognised platforms and learning resources through our partnerships with AWS, Red Hat, Cisco, and GitHub Education, helping you develop practical, in-demand technical skills aligned with current industry standards
- Access to enterprise-grade tools, virtualised environments and cloud platforms for practical learning
- Opportunities to work on applied projects informed by current industry needs
- Supportive learning environment with close staff–student engagement
Entry Requirements
- Normally, you should have successfully completed an honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject and have appropriate work experience.
- The standard entry requirement for the course is a BSc (Hons) in a Computing-related area, usually with a first or upper second class classification. For applicants without a first or upper second, a lower second degree will be considered on a case-by-case basis (particularly for candidates with good relevant industrial experience).
- We'll be happy to consider your application if you have non-traditional entry qualifications and relevant experience or a suitable portfolio of work that we deem a reasonable substitute for the qualifications we typically accept for this course.
- Applicants from related disciplines with relevant technical or professional experience are encouraged to apply.
- As this is an online course, you’ll need access to a computer or tablet capable of running the necessary software, along with a webcam, microphone, and a sufficient broadband connection. (We recommend a laptop with a minimum specification of Intel Core i5, or equivalent, with at least 8GB RAM, along with an internet connection offering at least 1.5 Mbps up and down). We recommend that you have at least two devices set up so that you can attend lectures and undertake coursework more easily. You’ll also need appropriate IT skills. In particular, you’ll need to be able to access and use the University of Greater Manchester’s virtual learning environment, Moodle and the Zoom video communication platform. Please contact the programme leader for details if you are uncertain that you’ll be able to meet these requirements.
- We'll consider applications where appropriate work experience can be demonstrated in lieu of, or in addition to, the published academic qualifications in line with the University’s Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) procedures.
- You may be required to attend an interview and/or provide a portfolio of work.
- If English isn’t your first language, you’ll also need IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band (or equivalent). We also accept a range of other English language qualifications – please visit our English Language Requirements web page for more details.
Where changes are made to material information contained in this course description or a decision is taken to suspend a course between the offer of admissions and enrolment, we will inform applicants at the earliest possible opportunity and will outline the various options available to the applicant.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this programme are well prepared for roles such as:
- Cyber Security Analyst
- Cloud Security Engineer
- Network Security Engineer
- DevOps Engineer (security-focused)
- Security Operations (SOC) Analyst
The programme also provides a strong foundation for further specialist study or progression to doctoral research in cyber security and related fields.
What can I do with this qualification?
This postgraduate course offers valuable skills that will support you in developing your career. As a graduate, you'll be able to seek more senior managerial roles in the IT sector or take advantage of a wide range of other opportunities in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors.
You may also pursue further study in a specialist field or research at the doctoral level. If you're interested in studying for a PhD, please discuss this with our tutors, as we may be able to support your aspirations by supervising you at the doctoral level.
Alternative career options
In addition to specialist security roles, graduates may pursue opportunities in broader technology and digital transformation roles. Some of these roles may require relevant experience and/or postgraduate study. Examples include:
- IT Infrastructure and Systems Administration
- Cloud Engineering and Platform Operations
- Technology and Cyber Security Consultancy
- Data and Information Governance
- Technical Project and Programme Management
- Teaching and academic research (with further study)
Professional Recognition
The programme is aligned with industry practices in cloud computing and cyber security, supporting progression into professional roles and certifications.
Fees & Funding
Home/EU Fees
No fee information is currently available, please contact the University of Greater Manchester’s Academic Fees team by emailing AcademicFees@greatermanchester.ac.uk for more information.
International Fees
No fee information is currently available, please contact the University of Greater Manchester’s Academic Fees team by emailing AcademicFees@greatermanchester.ac.uk for more information.
Important note regarding tuition fees: EU nationals who meet residency requirements (have settled or pre-settled status) may be eligible for 'Home' fee status. If you do not meet these residency requirements, overseas fees will apply. Irish citizens living in the UK or Ireland will be eligible for 'Home' fee status under the Common Travel Area arrangement. Please read the student finance for EU students web page on www.gov.uk for information.
Home Undergraduate Tuition Fee Adjustment
The tuition fee applicable to the first year of your programme of study is confirmed in your offer letter. The tuition fee set is based on the regulations and guidance in force at the time of offer but remains subject to adjustment in accordance with any government-approved inflationary increase. The University reserves the right to amend tuition fees for all years of study, including the first year, by no more than the maximum increase permitted under legislation and regulatory guidance issued by the UK Government and the Office for Students.
Where such increases are approved, they will not exceed the rate of inflation, as measured by an appropriate index such as the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), or any successor measure specified by government. The University will apply any adjustment consistently across affected student cohorts and will give reasonable notice to students of any confirmed change to the published fee before the start of the relevant academic year.
This approach ensures that tuition fees remain compliant with applicable legislation, proportionate to inflationary changes, and consistent with government policy linking permitted fee uplifts to the maintenance of high-quality education and outcomes. For more information, please refer to the government guidance at: gov.uk – Universities to deliver better outcomes in return for full fees.
Postgraduate and International Tuition Fee Adjustment
The tuition fee applicable to the first year of your programme of study is confirmed in your offer letter. The University reserves the right to amend tuition fees for subsequent years of study in accordance with its Course Fees Policy. Where such increases are approved, they will not exceed the rate of inflation, as measured by an appropriate index such as the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), or any successor measure specified by government. The University will apply any adjustment consistently across affected student cohorts and will give reasonable notice to students of any confirmed change to the published fee before the start of the relevant academic year.
How to apply
Home Applicants
Course application details are unavailable at present
International Applicants
Course application details are unavailable at present
Partner Organisation Applicants
Course application details are unavailable at present
Teaching & Assessment
Teaching is delivered fully online through a synchronous distance learning model, with a primary emphasis on scheduled live sessions that enable real-time interaction, discussion and applied problem-solving. Sessions include interactive seminars, guided technical activities and collaborative tasks, supported by digital learning resources.
You will prepare through guided independent study using materials such as readings, recorded content and practical exercises. This flipped approach enables live sessions to focus on application, analysis and deeper engagement.
Practical skills are developed through virtual labs, simulations and hands-on technical activities using industry-relevant tools and cloud platforms.
Assessment is conducted fully online through coursework, projects and applied tasks, with regular formative and summative feedback provided throughout each module.
The university will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver your course as described in its published material and the programme specification for the academic year in which you begin your course. The university considers changes to courses very carefully and the university will minimise any changes. Please be aware that our courses are subject to review on an ongoing basis and changes may be necessary due to legitimate staffing, financial, regulatory and academic reasons. The content of course modules and mode of associated assessments may be updated on an annual basis. This is to ensure that all modules are up-to-date and responsive to employment and sector needs. The published course material and the programme specification contain indicative ‘optional modules’ that may be subject to change due to circumstances outside of our control. For this reason, we cannot guarantee to run any specific optional module.
Programme Contacts
Disclaimer: The “Greater Manchester Way” represents our preferred teaching and learning approach; however, not all courses follow a block-teaching model. While course structures and delivery patterns may vary to meet Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirements, all courses benefit from the GM Way approach to curriculum design and assessment. Applicants and students should refer to individual course specifications for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
