Doctorate in Cyber Security

About the course

We offer a rigorous doctorate level environment to investigate important cyber security and cyber operations issues. Our specialist R&D team have expertise in the areas of, risk and threat management, PsyOps and deception, situational awareness, penetration testing, network security, incident response, digital forensics, threat intelligence and counterintelligence and information security. We’ll invite you to become members of the Cyber Security Centre and share in our experience and knowledge. Every step of the way we'll ensure you feel challenged and inspired.

Central to this programme is your portfolio of research work which will explore a key theme and give you the chance to investigate technical, business and process concepts under the context of cyber security and cyber operations. We’ll guide you to develop your portfolio, specialist technological skills and research. We’ll give you the tools to identify and create uncontested market space through innovation. You’ll master excellent critical thinking skills and an awareness of the application of cyber related technologies into organisations and their information environments. You’ll gain thorough research and management skills, from leadership to change management, helping you to become a cyber security leader of the future.

This course is designed to help develop industry-based technical experts who are looking for greater flexibility and enterprise focus than a PhD traditionally may offer. This course integrates easily with your work and host organisation by giving you the opportunity to focus your contribution of knowledge around your organisation and your day job. We’ll ensure that when you graduate, you’ll have everything you need to deal with complex issues in today’s and future cyber operations in the global information environment.

Please email Dr Stilianos Vidalis for all formal and informal enquiries.

Teaching methods

You’ll be required to attend the University periodically throughout the course. There is no requirement to study any taught modules. However, you are required to undertake a programme of professional development. This may include attending conferences and other professional meetings or training in specific methods and technologies.

We have three physical laboratories which support one virtual laboratory, allowing for remote 24/7 access to our resources from anywhere in the world. For example, you’ll have access to virtual testbeds, to meet your needs as a researcher and the requirements of your project. We offer a rich learning environment where there are no prohibitors to your research project – only catalysts!

We’ll support you and your research project via virtual team and 1-2-1 meetings.

Course experts

Dr Alexios Mylonas
Senior Lecturer
Find out more about Dr Alexios Mylonas

Dr Joseph Williams
Senior Lecturer
Find out more about Dr Joseph Williams

Dr Stilianos Vidalis
Principal Lecturer
Find out more about Dr Stilianos Vidalis

What’s next for my career?

• You aspire to lead innovation in cyber security and cyber operations
• You want to learn in a specialist infrastructure which allows for capabilities in different cyber operation types
• You’re looking for complete flexibility in your research project, giving you the work life balance you desire
• You want to link your research project with your day to day work to give maximum benefit to you and your company
• You want to benefit from the knowledge of an R&D team who have developed (or are in the process of developing) technologies and techniques in most of the recognised cyber operation types
• You’re excited to join a highly entrepreneurial and ambitious cohort of practitioners from a cyber security and defence and security background
• Computer Science saw 90% of its research ranked as world-leading (Research Excellence Framework, 2021). 

Course fees

• Research degree fees for UK and EU students
• Research degree fees for international students