Cyber Security

Cyber Security at the University of Oxford offers an innovative and comprehensive program designed to equip students with a deep understanding of the principles, technologies, and practices essential for protecting digital systems and information. This program combines rigorous academic coursework with practical applications, enabling students to develop critical skills necessary for addressing complex security challenges in the modern digital landscape. Participants will explore areas such as cryptography, network security, information assurance, cyber threat intelligence, and digital forensics. The curriculum is tailored to foster analytical thinking, problem-solving, and ethical considerations essential for responsible cybersecurity professionals. Delivered by leading experts from academia and industry, the program emphasizes research-led teaching and cutting-edge developments in the field. Students will have opportunities for hands-on experience through laboratories, simulations, and project work, preparing them to confront real-world cybersecurity issues. The program also encourages interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from computer science, law, policy, and management to ensure graduates are well-rounded and capable of working across sectors. Graduates of this program will be prepared to pursue careers in cybersecurity management, threat analysis, security consulting, and other roles critical to safeguarding digital infrastructure worldwide. With Oxford’s strong reputation and extensive resources, students will benefit from a vibrant academic community and access to a broad network of professionals and institutions dedicated to advancing cybersecurity research and practice.

As the technologies of cyberspace come to inhabit all parts of everyday life, cyber security has become everyone’s problem. We face a growing collection of adversaries who are agile, opportunistic, and increasingly strategic, developing an ecosystem of suppliers involved in delivering elements of attack capability. They seek to defraud consumers, exploit their trust, or invade their privacy; to misappropriate corporate secrets and intellectual property; and/or to disrupt the operation of the state or critical infrastructure.

The CDT sets out to educate a new generation of research leaders as well as the highest tier of security professionals, who appreciate the real-world challenges which arise from security needs in existing and emerging contexts, equipped with both the expertise and adaptability to address those needs. You will need to become as agile in your thinking as the attackers are, and as resourceful in defence as their counterparts are in attack.

As a student in the CDT you will spend the first year in a group with the other CDT students in your cohort on an intensive programme of study designed to introduce the dimensions and nature of the challenge of cyber security from a range of academic perspectives.

These will include as a core, cyber security principles (systems and operations), usability, security risk management, system architectures and high-integrity systems engineering. There will also be a range of courses in research methods and tools. This understanding will be placed in the context of courses in business processes, policy and governance, international relations, and criminology. You will have access to leading thinkers and practitioners in cyber security.

Following this intensive education, you will spend the summer of the first year undertaking two mini projects in diverse areas, usually involving placement in a company or government organisation. You will normally choose these from a list proposed by supervisors and sponsors. One or both of these mini projects will typically form the basis for your long-term research project.

For this substantive project, you will be based in one of the departments contributing to the CDT, and undertake supervised research in the usual manner for a DPhil. The normal duration of this project will be three years, after which you will submit a thesis and be examined in the usual way.

During the three years of the individual research project, you will retain contact with the CDT, returning for skills training, an annual conference and other events.

The CDT programme also includes “Deep Dive Days” which are a supplement to the academic programme of classes, lectures, and seminars. They are an opportunity to interact with someone who practices cyber security daily: technologists, CISOs, security consultants, lawyers, government risk owners and more. Some of these are visits and field trips; others take the form of a master class in Oxford. Deep Dives allow the academic material to be illustrated, and challenged, by exposure to everyday practice. Sometimes, they can become the basis of ongoing project work too.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in computer science and related topics, social science and related topics, international relations, business, internet security, or public policy and related topics.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.6 out of 4.0.

However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first-class degree or the equivalent.

A master's degree is not essential but would be an advantage. Professional experience is not essential but is considered alongside academic ability. 

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Statement of purpose/personal statement: 1,000 to 1,500 words
• References/letters of recommendation: Three overall, all of which must be academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

Funding for the MSc in Software Engineering at the University of Oxford is available through a variety of channels, including scholarships, bursaries, and student loans. The university offers several prestigious scholarships specifically aimed at international students, such as the Clarendon Fund, which provides full or partial funding based on academic excellence and potential. Additionally, there are departmental scholarships and grants that support students in financial need. Candidates are encouraged to explore the Oxford University’s central funding website and the Department of Computer Science for detailed information on specific awards, eligibility criteria, and application procedures. Many students also finance their studies through external scholarships, governmental grants, or employer sponsorships.

Oxford University participates in the UK government’s student loan schemes, allowing eligible students from the UK to access tuition fee loans and maintenance loans to cover living expenses. International students often rely on private loans or personal funding sources, although some international scholarship programs are available. The university provides detailed guidance on funding options and offers financial advice through its dedicated student finance offices. It is recommended that prospective students start researching funding opportunities early, as application deadlines for scholarships and financial aid can be well in advance of program start dates. Due to the competitive nature of available scholarships and funding packages, applicants are advised to carefully prepare their applications, highlighting academic achievements, research interests, and financial need. Overall, the university’s comprehensive approach aims to make study accessible to talented students from diverse backgrounds, supporting them financially throughout their academic journey.

The University of Oxford offers a Master of Science in Software and Systems Security, which provides a comprehensive education in the field of cybersecurity. The program is designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and practical skills necessary to address complex security challenges in software systems and network infrastructures. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics including cryptography, malware analysis, security protocols, network security, ethical hacking, and software verification. Students engage in both theoretical studies and hands-on projects, enabling them to develop a deep understanding of security principles and their applications.

This program is ideal for individuals seeking careers in cybersecurity research, security consultancy, or roles within government and industry that require expertise in protecting digital assets from cyber threats. The program emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to analyze and respond to emerging security issues. Students also have opportunities to participate in collaborative research projects, internships, and seminars with leading experts in the field.

The MSc in Software and Systems Security is typically completed over one year for full-time students and offers rigorous academic coursework complemented by practical security exercises. Entrance requirements usually specify a strong background in computer science or related disciplines, with proficiency in programming, mathematics, and systems analysis. Graduates of the program are well-positioned to contribute to the development of innovative cybersecurity solutions and to support the ongoing efforts to secure digital and communication systems across various sectors.

The university provides state-of-the-art facilities and access to cutting-edge research centers dedicated to cybersecurity and information security. Additionally, students benefit from a vibrant academic community and extensive alumni networks, opening doors to global career opportunities in cybersecurity industries, academia, and government agencies. The MSc program emphasizes developing not only technical expertise but also ethical considerations and responsible practices in the cybersecurity domain.