School of Society and Culture

MSc Cybercrime, Terrorism and Security

Programme code 7548
Duration

1 year
Course type

Full-time, Part-time route available
Study location Plymouth
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This course will explore some of the biggest global threats to our society today while scrutinising how technology and the online world are disrupting the way crimes are committed and society's responses to them. This MSc will provide you with an in-depth understanding of cybercrime, terrorism theory, strategy and tactics, and professional security management.

Careers with this subject
This programme will prepare you for careers across a diverse range of sectors including security management, policing, intelligence services, government services, armed forces, border force and research and academia.

Key features
  • Study serious and emerging threats and examine how security organisations are responding to them.
  • Learn from recognised cybercrime, terrorism, and security experts in both the academic and professional sectors.
  • Engage with guest speakers from a range of sectors and professions.
  • Make use of new digital learning centre and facilities to enhance you learning experience.
  • Develop your understanding of the commercial security sector.
  • Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills to pursue a career in security and related fields.
  • The course will be recognised for membership points with the Security Institute a UK based membership institute for security professionals.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • You will study the risks faced by the professional security sector and how it is responding. Examine a range of topics including online environments and how digital infrastructure is exposed to, and protected against, attacks such as phishing, malicious software, and distributed denial of service (DDOS).Gain an advanced understanding of terrorism theory as well as terrorist strategy and tactics. Study the overlapping threat posed by both cybercrime and terrorism to the commercial sector, and the role of the professional security manager and security function in combatting these and other business threats. You also study research methods to guide you through writing a dissertation
    You will graduate with a critical understanding of cybercrime, terrorism and security, analysing threats and responses, and developing and conducting research.

    Core modules

    CTS700
    MSc Cybercrime, Terrorism and Security Dissertation

    The dissertation module provides the opportunity for students to undertake a supervised, self-directed, research project of around 15,000 words on a subject related to cybercrime, terrorism, and/or security. The module also provides instruction and guidance in research methods and individual and group tutorials.

    CTS701
    Security Management and Organisations

    This module examines the profession and practice of security management. The module provides a critical examination of the cross disciplinary theories, policies, procedures, and practices defining and informing the role of security management. It also examines the architecture of the security function within organisations and the contribution of the security function to commercial practice. The Module forms part of the Cert, Dip and MSc in Cybercrime, Terrorism and Security.

    CTS702
    Terrorism and Counter Terrorism

    This module will critically examine a range of concepts and issues relating to global terrorism. Students will learn to identify, interpret, and analyse a range of problems relating to terrorism and counter terrorism. The module examines the threat of terrorism and political violence at group and state levels and looks at their threat to national and international stability. The challenges, approaches, and techniques of counter terrorism are also examined. The Module forms part of the Cert, Dip and MSc in Cybercrime, Terrorism and Security.

    CTS703
    Cybercrime and Cybersecurity

    This module provides an examination of debates and issues relating to cybercrime and cybersecurity. Students will study cybercrime and cybersecurity from a national, policing, private security, and individual perspective. Students will identify, interpret, and analyse a range of cyber related issues and problems and examine their impact. The module considers the ethics of cybercrime and the use of legislation to control it, as well as the techniques employed by cybersecurity agencies to counter, mitigate and investigate attacks. The Module forms part of the Cert, Dip and MSc in Cybercrime, Terrorism and Security.

    CTS704
    Security Risk and Resilience

    This module examines the theory, practice and component processes that make up risk and resilience management within a security context. The module examines how organisations identify and classify hazardous threats and events, and how they seek to mitigate them. The module also looks at how organisations plan and prepare to recover from an event should it occur. The Module forms part of the Cert, Dip and MSc in Cybercrime, Terrorism and Security.

The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.

Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest programme structure and may be subject to change:

MSc Cybercrime, Terrorism and Security programme specification_7548

Entry requirements
A good honours degree (first or second class) or equivalent. Other qualifications accompanied by substantial experience in an appropriate field may also be considered. Non-standard applications are considered on a case-by-case basis.
International students: IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent.

Fees, costs and funding
Student 2024-2025 2025-2026
Home £10,000 £10,300
International £17,600 £18,150
Part time (Home) £560 £570
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

Additional costs

This course is delivered by the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business and more details of any additional costs associated with the faculty's courses are listed on the following page: Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business additional costs .

Postgraduate scholarships for international students

We offer several scholarships for international students who wish to study postgraduate taught (PGT) degree programmes.

How to apply

Apply online

When to apply

Most of our taught programmes begin in September. Applications can usually be made throughout the year, and are considered until programmes are full.

Before you apply

Familiarise yourself with the information required to complete your application form. You will usually be required to supply:
  • evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), with translations if not in English, to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
  • evidence of English language proficiency, if English is not your first language
  • a personal statement of approximately 250-400 words about the reasons for your interest in the course and outlining the nature of previous and current related experience. You can write this into the online application form, or include it as a separate document
  • your curriculum vitae or résumé, including details of relevant professional/voluntary experience, professional registration/s and visa status for overseas workers
  • proof of sponsorship, if applicable.
If you require further information take a look at our application guidance.

Disability Inclusion Services

If you have an impairment, health condition or disability, learn about the additional support the University provides .

International students

Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office. Take a look at our how to apply information or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Submitting an application

Once you are happy that you have all of the information required you can apply using our online postgraduate application form (the blue 'Apply' icon on this page).

What happens after I apply?

You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview (which in the case of overseas students may be by telephone or video conference) and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.
We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail.
If you would like any further information please contact the Admissions and Course Enquiries team:
Telephone: +44 1752 585858
Email: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk

Admissions policy

More information and advice for applicants can be referenced in our admissions policy which can be found on the student regulations, policies and procedures page. Prospective students are advised to read the policy before making an application to the University.

Crime Suite

Learn by doing in scenarios that are based on real life investigations
The University of Plymouth has launched a new, state-of-the-art crime, interview and simulated policing suite, providing students with an immersive learning experience.
These incredible facilities, coupled with staff expertise, are a unique combination and we are the only University in the South West peninsula offering such a student experience.
Crime suite / murder house, forensic criminology and policing facility.Interview room, CCTV monitoring and two way glass. Edited for Hero.

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