Criminology (Cybercrime and Cybersecurity) MSc

Why choose this course
In a world where information technology is rapidly evolving and our dependence upon it continually increasing, the growth of cybercrime is a major concern.

Our MSc Criminology (Cybercrime and Cybersecurity) offers you a unique opportunity to develop specialized skills in both cybercrime and cybersecurity. Our MSc is currently the only one in the UK providing a combined approach to cybercrime and cybersecurity.

This pioneering course will advance your understanding of the main theoretical approaches to cybercrime. It will teach you the technical skills required to address fundamental challenges in the cybersecurity sector.

What you will study
Our MSc Criminology (Cybercrime and Cybersecurity) has been created to meet the growing demand for enhanced knowledge and practical skills in the area of cybercrime and its control.

Our course offers you the opportunity to work with leading theorists in the field of cybercrime and with experts from the Surrey Centre for Cybersecurity - one of only 14 recognized as Academic Centres of Excellence by GCHQ and the UK Government. 

The course also draws upon our long-established expertise in social research methodologies, enabling you to conduct an effective research in the field of cybercrime and to think in a logical and informed manner about related criminological problems.

Placements
On our MSc Criminology (Cybercrime and Cybersecurity) we offer you the opportunity to take four weeks of work experience during the Easter vacation. This will provide you with first-hand experience of practical issues within the criminological, cybercrime and cybersecurity fields. In the past, students have secured placements in criminal justice agencies such as the police, prisons and probation services, in national and local government bodies, research organisations and in media and business. In some cases, the placement may be with research projects being completed within a university context, including the Department of Sociology at the University of Surrey.

Where the full period is not practical, as may be the case if you’re a part-time student, it’s also possible to do a shorter placement lasting two to four weeks, usually during the summer. Placements are not guaranteed, but our placement officer will work with you to identify possible placement opportunities.

Conferences
You will attend a conference in November, alongside PhD students and teaching staff. This provides a less formal atmosphere for discussions concerning criminology, research and related themes. It includes lectures from eminent guest speakers and members of staff, seminars and small group discussions.

You are not required to attend the conference to complete the course, but it’s strongly encouraged. Students are not directly charged for attending.