MSc Cyber Resilience

  • Study Mode: Full Time
  • Location: High Wycombe / Blended Learning
  • Duration: One Year
  • Start Date: September 2025

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Cyber resilience is at the heart of technological innovation. It is a critical aspect of the transformation taking place across every industry. If you are looking for a degree to prepare you for a futureproof role in any industry, this is the course for you.

Whether you are already a cyber resilience professional or looking to move into the sector. MSc Cyber Resilience provides an in-depth study of the technical aspects as well as the necessary managerial skills of such a role. This course will allow you to receive the full support of a Masters-level degree while allowing you to continue to work full time.

This master's degree is ‘block delivery’, which means that each module is taught separately, in five-week sections. 

The first week is an intensive lab-based workshop comprising ten three-hour sessions, this will require in-person attendance for each module. Over the next four weeks, we hold a weekly, evening, online sessions. In these sessions, you will be invited to participate in online discussions relevant to the module.

This course can be completed full-time in 12 months or part-time over 24-48 months.

Why study this subject?

Cyber Resilience goes beyond traditional cyber security, emphasizing an organisation's capacity to sustain core functions amidst cyber threats. This course encompasses prevention, response, and recovery from cyber incidents, aiming to minimize their impact and facilitate swift and effective recovery.

One key aspect of cyber resilience is its recognition that security is not solely a technological challenge but fundamentally a human problem. To adapt and stay up to date companies must adopt a holistic approach that includes physical, human, and procedural security systems. 

To achieve this holistic approach we teach mathematics for statistical risk assessment, computer science for security provision, cryptography for secure communications, and business management skills for policy development and organisational resilience.

MSc cyber resilience explores the complexities of securing and maintaining digital systems in the 21st century. This degree is not confined to a specific cultural or national context; it addresses global challenges from ethical and professional perspectives. Cyber resilience has become a crucial skill set in the workforce, and as a graduate of this course, you'll be prepared to take on leading roles in any industry.

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

MSc Cyber Resilience incorporates guidance from the Communications-Electronics Resilience Group (CESG), a group within the UK Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), as well as the Chartered Institute for Information Security’s Information Resilience Skills framework.

The tutors on this course have a well-established reputation and considerable experience in the cybersecurity industry, in both professional practice and facilitating teaching at all levels.

BNU has invested in a range of state-of-the-art facilities across our campuses to support your learning. Our dedicated cyber security computer lab, in High Wycombe, provides the ideal location for hands-on learning. Giving you the opportunity to put theory into practice.

Our library is the perfect place to find the resources you need and a quiet place to study, filled with four floors of books, journals, computer suites and study rooms. When you are working from home, e-journals and resources are easily accessible for remote study using our Virtual Learning Environment.

You will be taught by academics at the forefront of their field either through their research or professional practice. Find out what research your lecturers are currently involved in.

What will I study?

MSc Cyber Resilience focuses on developing a holistic understanding of cyber resilience, encompassing physical, human, procedural, and technical security systems. It addresses the multi-disciplinary nature of security, incorporating elements from Computer Science, Law, Mathematics, Business Studies, Management, Ethics, and Philosophy.

The curriculum aims to develop your critical thinking, problem-solving, and ethical awareness. Preparing you, for leading roles in the public or private sector. We will build on and grow your understanding of cyber threats, risk management, and network security. 

The modules of this course cover modules such as: ‘Risk, Resilience & Cyber Security’ and ‘Resilient Networks and IT Infrastructures’. You will also get the opportunity to choose between different optional modules including Cryptoanalysis and Steganography, AI, Biometrics and Smart Systems, and Computer Forensic Investigations.

How will I be taught and assessed?

This master's degree is ‘block delivery’, which means that each module is taught separately, in five week sections. The first week is an intensive lab-based workshop comprising ten three-hour sessions, blending theoretical and practical elements. Over the next four weeks, we hold a weekly, evening, online surgery. In these surgeries, you will be invited to participate in online discussions relevant to the module. This will reinforce theoretical concepts and help put theory into practice, with your Module Tutors. It will also allow you to seek further guidance on assessments as required. 

This degree is designed to allow you, as a working professional, access to a course that supports you fully but also allows you to continue working full time. 

Our supportive academics are experienced industry professionals and will guide you through problem-based learning via case studies and classroom-based exercises throughout the course.

You will also benefit from guest lecturers, helping you to understand current practices and prepare you for working life as a cyber security professional.

The majority of assessments come from coursework or team projects appropriate to the module. These often involve writing essays or reports, constructing artefacts or taking practical examinations. They are designed to test your ability to apply and discuss key concepts.

What are the course entry requirements?

Applicants will be assessed on their academic qualifications although previous experience and interest in computing, IT, business or management is desirable.

A typical offer will require a 2:2 honours degree or equivalent qualification. Along with experience in computing or IT

If you do not meet the entry requirements, but you have relevant professional experience, you may still be invited for an interview. You will then be required to demonstrate the necessary knowledge and understanding for entry into the course. 

Previous study, professional and/or vocational experiences may be recognised as the equivalent learning experience per our accreditation of prior learning (APL) process. 

International learners will be required to have obtained one of the following (other equivalent English language qualifications may be accepted): 

  • GCSE or GCE O Level in English Language at grade C/4 or above. 
  • British Council/Cambridge International English Testing Service (IELTS) minimum score of 6.5 in each component. 
  • American Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 600 with a test of Written English (TWE) score of 600. The minimum overall score for the computer based TOEFL test is 250. 
  • Cambridge Proficiency Test in English Language at grade C or above.

What are the tuition fees

Home
  • Home, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £10,990 per year *
International
  • Overseas/International, Academic Year 2024 - 2025: £15,550 per year *
  • Overseas/International, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £15,550 per year *

Following the Government’s announcement of 4 November 2024, we will be increasing our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for UK students to £9,535 per year from the start of the 2025/26 academic year. Our part-time fees for UK undergraduate students will increase to £7,145 per annum. Please visit , on the Government’s website, for more information about the changes. 

Tuition fees for Home undergraduate students (including with foundation year) may increase in subsequent years for both new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by the Government.   

Tuition fees for both new and continuing international students may be subject to an inflationary increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12-month period to 31 January each year.   

Tuition fees for postgraduate courses and CPD may be subject to an inflationary increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12-month period to 31 January each year. This increase will apply to both new and continuing students.   

We understand, and really appreciate, the significant financial commitment our students make when they choose to study at BNU. We take our responsibilities to our students very seriously, and are ambitious for each to reach their full potential and succeed in their chosen career. Our fees help us to continue providing our students with a high-quality education, and to invest in the services and facilities which create an excellent student experience at BNU. 

The following factors will be considered by the University when we set the annual fees: measures of inflation such as the retail price indices; projected increases in University costs; and any changes in the level of funding for teaching received from the Government.

Additional course costs and financial support

Most courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees.
You could benefit from financial support through a bursary or scholarship during your time as a student. For more details visit our financial support, bursaries and scholarships section.

Questions about fees?

If you have any questions about the fees above, contact our Enquiries team by calling 0330 123 2023 or emailing advice@bnu.ac.uk.

What are my career prospects?

MSc Cyber Resilience trains you to be you to be a ‘hands-on’ professional, with a broad range of career possibilities in the fields of Cyber Security and Resilience, working as developers or managers of a development team.

Positions can include: 

  • Cyber Risk Analyst
  • Application developer
  • Technical Advisor
  • Systems Security Architect
  • Access Control Administrator
  • Access Control Developer
  • Business Continuity Planner
  • Cyber Forensic Investigator
  • Penetration Tester 
  • CISO/CSO 
  • Resilience Engineer/Architect 
  • Cyber Resilience Consultant.

Based on the  the top four industries for cyber resilience professionals are:

  • banking/finance/insurance
  • information technology/management
  • government
  • consulting/professional services.

Course leader

Headshot of a smiling Gavin Butler, stood facing, and looking directly into, the camera
Gavin Butler
  • Senior Lecturer
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Rafid Al-Khannak - staff profile
Dr Rafid Al-Khannak
  • Associate Professor
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Justin Luker
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Head shot of a smiling Kevin Maher wearing a dark suit with a light blue shirt stood against a grey wall looking directly into the camera
Dr Kevin Maher
  • Deputy Head of School (Creative and Digital Industries)
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Dr Nicholas Day
  • Senior Lecturer
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A headshot of Benjamin Aziz, a lecturer at BNU.
Dr Benjamin Aziz
  • Associate Professor
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A headshot of a smiling John McCarthy, a lecturer in Cyber Security at BNU.
Dr John McCarthy
  • Senior Lecturer
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