At least a 2.1 honours degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject area.
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This programme offers a future-oriented, research-intensive environment designed to address the complex and growing threats facing our digital world. With a strong focus on applied, impactful research, you will be equipped with the expertise to investigate, analyse, and respond to evolving cyber risks.
Research areas can span a broad spectrum of cyber security and digital forensics, including network and information security, threat detection and intelligence, secure software development, malware analysis, cryptography, ethical hacking, digital evidence collection, forensic investigation, and incident response. The programme also supports research into emerging domains such as artificial intelligence (AI) in cyber defence, blockchain security, Internet of Things (IoT) vulnerabilities, and cloud infrastructure protection.
From the outset, you will be supported by an experienced supervisory team who will provide tailored academic and technical guidance throughout your research journey. Access to advanced computing labs, forensic toolkits, and security environments ensures a hands-on approach to problem-solving. Regular seminars, workshops, and peer-led sessions create a collaborative atmosphere that nurtures innovation and knowledge exchange.
This programme is ideal for graduates in cyber security, computer science, digital forensics, and related disciplines, as well as professionals aiming to transition into research-focused roles. You will be encouraged to present your work at conferences, publish your findings, and engage with the broader research community to enhance the relevance and impact of your research.
This personalised and flexible study experience is designed to support your academic and professional development within a collaborative environment. From the outset, you will engage in independent, applied research aligned with your interests in areas such as network security, digital forensics, cyber threat intelligence, malware analysis, cryptography, and blockchain security.
You will be supported by expert supervisors through a coaching-style supervision model, receiving tailored guidance to help shape and refine your research direction. Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to dedicated cyber security and digital forensics laboratories, high-performance computing resources, and specialist tools for forensic analysis, blockchain technologies, and secure system testing.
As a postgraduate researcher, you’ll become part of a vibrant research community within the School of Business, Computing and Social Sciences, working alongside fellow researchers on challenges that impact digital systems globally. Your development will be further enhanced through regular training in research methodologies, academic writing, and publishing, as well as participation in research-led seminars and technical workshops.
You’ll be encouraged to present your work at national and international conferences and supported in publishing your findings in peer-reviewed journals. The programme aims to develop both your technical capability and research confidence—preparing you for high-impact roles in academia, industry, and beyond.
At least a 2.1 honours degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject area.
A master’s degree or equivalent in a subject area relevant to the proposed research topic.
We actively encourage applications from students from a range of diverse backgrounds who demonstrate appropriate research experience and achievement.
If you meet the entry criteria you will be offered an interview with an academic member of staff, either in person or online.
Your application should include a research proposal up to 1,000 words (excluding references/appendices) which follows the structure outlined in the research proposal guide.
EU and international students need IELTS 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in any other component) or equivalent.
You're viewing fees for the course option. Choose a different course option to see corresponding course fees.
| Start date | Course code |
Fee (UK) Fee per year |
Fee (international) Fee per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 2026 | — | £5,350 | £13,425 |
| October 2026 | — | £5,350 | £13,425 |
| February 2027 | — | £5,350 | £13,425 |
| October 2027 | — | TBC | TBC |
| February 2028 | — | TBC | TBC |
|
International students can benefit from a range of scholarships and bursaries across many undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. |
Find out more | ||
You will gain advanced skills highly valued across academia, industry, and the public sector worldwide. You will develop expertise in applied research, critical thinking, and technical problem-solving to tackle complex cyber security challenges.
Whether you pursue a research degree that drives innovative research or apply cyber security solutions professionally, this programme opens up diverse career paths. Opportunities include roles in cyber threat intelligence, secure systems design, digital forensics, blockchain security, AI-driven defense, and cyber risk consultancy.
You will also be well-prepared for specialist positions within government bodies, financial institutions, technology companies, and international organisations focused on digital security and data protection. Experience in research dissemination and publishing supports your career growth into academia, research leadership, and advisory roles.
This programme cultivates intellectual curiosity and professional confidence, empowering you to make a lasting impact in the evolving cyber security landscape.
Our cyber security research programme offers a flexible, innovation-driven environment to address evolving digital threats. With personalised supervision and access to cutting-edge tools, you’ll develop the skills and insight needed to lead in cyber security research and practice. This programme prepares you to make a global impact across academia, industry, and critical infrastructure sectors.
As a Cisco Network Academy, the University offers access to the latest Cisco networking devices for hands-on learning, along with complimentary access to Cisco’s suite of courses. Through its participation in the Amazon AWS Academy, students also benefit from full, free access to the AWS learning platform.
UoG also hosts a cluster of servers equipped with high-performance GPUs, providing staff and students with robust in-house computational capabilities.
FuturePark in Cheltenham features state-of-the-art equipment and technology to support your research. It’s particularly useful for those whose work intersects with computing applications.
With more than 500 open-access computers across our campuses, including dedicated 24/7 rooms, you’ll have the tools you need to succeed. Whether you prefer PCs or Macs, each device is equipped with the latest Microsoft Office suite and specialised software, ensuring seamless productivity for research projects.
The Consumer Behaviour Lab is a dedicated space to engage with industry-standard technology. It includes eye tracking, facial recognition, and galvanic skin response. Harness these tools along with Adobe Creative Cloud software to fuel your research and gain hands-on experience.
Gain new skills and develop innovative projects using cutting-edge facilities, labs and suites. Work with expert lecturers and professionals from across the industry.
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