Standard mode
Study at your own pace with full tutor support
£7,400£6,700
Complete fee
- Duration: 18 months
- Start dates: Flexible start dates
Master's degree / MBAPlymouth Marjon University
MBA in Cybersecurity and Risk Management
A 12–18 month online MBA in Cybersecurity and Risk Management, awarded by Plymouth Marjon University and delivered by UKSM in partnership with LAAT Institute.
- Duration
- 12–18 months
- Credits
- 120 credits
- Level
- Master's degree / MBA
- Awarding body
- Plymouth Marjon University
Tuition from £7,700£8,500
Duration
12–18 months
Credits
120 credits
Awarding body
Plymouth Marjon University
Level
Master's degree / MBA
Programme overview
The MBA in Cybersecurity and Risk Management is awarded by Plymouth Marjon University in partnership with LAAT Institute, and delivered fully online by UK School of Management (UKSM). Stage 1 leads to the Level 7 Diploma in Cyber Security, awarded by Qualifi, an Ofqual-regulated UK awarding organisation. Together, these stages form a full postgraduate Master's degree in one of the highest-demand fields in the UK economy, combining advanced technical security expertise with MBA-level governance and risk leadership.
The programme follows a clear two-stage structure. Stage 1 — the Qualifi Level 7 Diploma in Cyber Security — builds advanced technical and governance expertise through units covering the fundamentals of cyber security, network and systems security, security applications, security management and governance, and cryptography. Stage 2 — the Plymouth Marjon University MBA top-up — is a dissertation-based research project in which you investigate a real-world cybersecurity, risk, or governance challenge under university academic supervision.
This programme suits IT security professionals, risk managers, network engineers, compliance officers, and technology leaders seeking MBA credentials without leaving their career. Assessment is 100% assignment and dissertation-based with no written examinations, allowing you to study while working full-time and apply advanced security and governance principles directly within your organisation.
At £6,700 for the 18-month standard route or £7,700 for the 12-month fast track, this programme costs significantly less than comparable cybersecurity MBA programmes at many UK universities. Graduates are positioned for senior security leadership roles including CISO, risk director, and IT governance manager across finance, defence, healthcare, and the public sector. Students who wish to complete Stage 1 only may enrol in the standalone Level 7 Diploma in Cyber Security as a related qualification.
Course modules
STAGE 1 — Level 7 Diploma in Cyber Security (Qualifi, Ofqual-regulated) — 120 credits
Stage 1 builds advanced technical and governance expertise in cyber security through Qualifi-accredited units, preparing you for MBA-level dissertation research in Stage 2. Students who complete Stage 1 only may also consider the standalone Level 7 Diploma in Cyber Security pathway.
Fundamentals of Cyber Security (20 credits)
This unit introduces the core principles, threats, and defences that underpin modern cyber security practice. You will examine the cyber threat landscape, common attack vectors, vulnerability management, and the legal and ethical frameworks that govern information security.
Network, Infrastructure and Systems Security (20 credits)
Securing networks and systems is critical to organisational resilience. You will study network architecture, firewall configuration, intrusion detection, endpoint protection, and secure system design across cloud, on-premise, and hybrid environments.
Applications of Cyber Security (20 credits)
This unit examines how cyber security principles are applied across software, web applications, and enterprise systems. You will explore secure development practices, application vulnerability testing, and methods for protecting critical business applications from emerging threats.
Security Management and Governance (30 credits)
Effective governance frameworks are essential for managing risk at organisational level. You will study information security management systems, policy development, regulatory compliance (including GDPR and ISO 27001), risk assessment methodologies, and how to align security strategy with business objectives.
Cryptography (30 credits)
Cryptography is the mathematical foundation of data confidentiality and integrity. This unit covers symmetric and asymmetric encryption, hashing, digital signatures, public key infrastructure (PKI), and the application of cryptographic protocols in securing communications and data at rest.
STAGE 2 — MBA in Cybersecurity and Risk Management (Plymouth Marjon University)
Stage 2 completes your MBA through supervised dissertation research awarded by Plymouth Marjon University in partnership with LAAT Institute.
Dissertation in Cybersecurity and Risk Management
The MBA dissertation is a substantial independent research project (typically 15,000–20,000 words) investigating a real-world problem in cybersecurity strategy, risk management, or information governance. Students are supervised by Plymouth Marjon University academic staff through the LAAT Institute partnership with UKSM. The dissertation demonstrates postgraduate-level analytical thinking, research methodology, and the ability to develop evidence-based security frameworks and recommendations.
Assessment
The evaluation process is conducted through the submission of assignments, and there are no written examinations involved.
Entry requirements
- Level 6 qualification (bachelor's degree or equivalent) OR
- 5+ years relevant professional experience in IT, security, or risk management
- Minimum age: 21 years
Career Outcomes
The MBA in Cybersecurity and Risk Management positions graduates for senior security and risk leadership roles across UK finance, defence, healthcare, government, and technology organisations. Employers increasingly seek leaders who combine deep technical understanding of cyber security with the strategic governance, compliance, and people-management skills that an MBA provides.
The combination of Qualifi-accredited technical credentials from Stage 1 and Plymouth Marjon University MBA qualification from Stage 2 signals readiness for board-level accountability and strategic governance responsibilities. Whether you are advancing within security operations, moving into enterprise risk leadership, or consulting on cyber resilience, this qualification supports progression into the highest levels of information assurance and security management.
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
- Cybersecurity Manager
- Risk and Compliance Manager
- Information Security Director
- Security Operations Manager
- IT Governance Manager
- Cybersecurity Consultant
- Head of Information Assurance
Fee and payment plans
30 to 40% Cheaper than most Universities and Colleges
Duration & course fee
Choose the study mode that fits your schedule and career goals.
Fast track
Intensive schedule, ideal for working professionals
£8,500£7,700
Complete fee
- Duration: 12 months
- Start dates: Fixed cohort intakes
Fees quoted above represent the full programme cost. There are no additional or hidden charges.
• This programme does not have any additional costs.
• The fee is payable in monthly, quarterly, or half yearly instalments.
• Flexible payment plans are available.
• You can avail a 5% bursary if you pay the full fee upfront in 1 instalment.
Payment plans
18 months @ GBP £6,700
- •Flexible monthly, quarterly and half-yearly payment plans available. Contact admissions for details.
12 months @ GBP £7,700
- •Payment option (a): GBP £550 x 14 monthly instalments
- •Payment option (b): GBP £1,540 x 5 quarterly instalments
- •Payment option (c): GBP £2,567 x 3 half-yearly instalments
- •Payment option (d): GBP £7,315 x 1 instalment (We offer 5% bursary on total fee for students opting to pay in full)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the MBA in Cybersecurity and Risk Management take?
The MBA in Cybersecurity and Risk Management can be completed in 18 months on the standard route or 12 months on the fast-track option. UKSM delivers both stages fully online, allowing you to progress through the Qualifi Level 7 Diploma in Cyber Security and the Plymouth Marjon University MBA top-up at a pace that fits your work and personal commitments.
Who awards the MBA in Cybersecurity and Risk Management?
The MBA in Cybersecurity and Risk Management is awarded by Plymouth Marjon University in partnership with LAAT Institute for Stage 2. Stage 1 leads to the Level 7 Diploma in Cyber Security, awarded by Qualifi, an Ofqual-regulated UK awarding organisation. Together, these stages form a complete postgraduate MBA qualification delivered online by UK School of Management.
What are the entry requirements for the MBA in Cybersecurity and Risk Management?
Applicants should hold a Level 6 qualification (bachelor's degree or equivalent) or demonstrate five or more years of relevant professional experience in IT, security, or risk management. All candidates must be aged 21 or over at the start of the programme. UKSM welcomes applications from working professionals seeking MBA-level credentials in cyber security and risk management.
How much does the MBA in Cybersecurity and Risk Management cost?
The 18-month standard mode fee is £6,700 and the 12-month fast-track fee is £7,700. Flexible monthly, quarterly, and half-yearly payment plans are available for the standard route — contact admissions for current plan details. See the Fee and Payment Plans section on this page for full pricing information.
Can I study the MBA in Cybersecurity and Risk Management while working full-time?
Yes. The programme is delivered entirely online with 100% assignment-based assessment and no written examinations. This structure allows IT security professionals, risk managers, network engineers, and compliance officers to study around their employment throughout both programme stages.
What qualification will I receive after completing the MBA in Cybersecurity and Risk Management?
On successful completion you will receive the MBA in Cybersecurity and Risk Management awarded by Plymouth Marjon University in partnership with LAAT Institute. Stage 1 confers the Level 7 Diploma in Cyber Security from Qualifi, an Ofqual-regulated UK awarding organisation, which provides the credits required to progress onto the MBA top-up in Stage 2.
Is the MBA in Cybersecurity and Risk Management recognised by UK employers?
Yes. The MBA is awarded by Plymouth Marjon University, a recognised UK university, and is widely accepted by employers across finance, defence, healthcare, government, and technology sectors. Graduates hold a full Master's degree with specialist cyber security and risk management expertise valued for senior security leadership, governance, and information assurance roles.
What is the difference between Stage 1 and the MBA top-up?
Stage 1 is the Qualifi Level 7 Diploma in Cyber Security, focused on building advanced technical and governance skills through assignment-based units in network security, cryptography, security management, and related fields. Stage 2 is the Plymouth Marjon University MBA top-up, a dissertation-based research project in which you apply those skills to a real-world cybersecurity, risk, or governance challenge under university academic supervision.