In this interview, we speak with one of our Co-Programme Directors, Nikos Komninos, about the MSc in Cyber Security.
Academic interests and expertise
Can you tell us about your academic and research background?
I have studied computer science and engineering, specialising in communications and networks. My PhD research focused on information security for communication systems.
My primary research interest lies in exploring computationally efficient mathematical techniques for securing digital information, systems, and distributed computations against adversarial attacks. My research background encompasses three areas of cybersecurity: authentication, intrusion detection, and privacy-preserving schemes.
What inspired you to specialise in your current field of study?
I was passionate about problem-solving tasks and enjoyed logical thinking, puzzles, and reverse engineering. I was often intrigued by how systems function and, more importantly, how they can fail or be exploited. Likewise, I was always fascinated by the fact that cybersecurity plays a critical role in safeguarding individuals, businesses, and governments from real-world harm.
What do you enjoy most about teaching and mentoring students?
Teaching and mentoring provide emotional rewards, intellectual stimulation, and a sense of purpose. For example, witnessing students transition from confusion to clarity is immensely gratifying. Furthermore, mentorship fosters deeper, one-on-one connections that can endure long after the class concludes. Additionally, observing former students succeed or maintaining contact with them serves as a significant emotional reward.
Cybersecurity is complex and constantly evolving. I take pleasure in observing students begin with little understanding and gradually enhance their analytical thinking, technical skills, and ethical reasoning. I also enjoy teaching them how to deconstruct systems, challenge assumptions, and anticipate threats—skills that are valuable far beyond the classroom. Furthermore, I appreciate the opportunity to mentor students on what they can do and what they should do.
Why this course?
What makes this postgraduate programme unique within its field?
Our Cybersecurity Postgraduate Programme offers a distinctive and comprehensive pathway into one of the world’s most vital and rapidly evolving fields. Designed for innovative individuals with a passion for technology, strategy, and impact, this programme prepares students with the skills needed to safeguard systems, data, and people in an increasingly interconnected world.
What support is offered to help students transition from undergraduate to postgraduate study?
The transition from undergraduate to postgraduate study, particularly in a demanding field such as cybersecurity, can be quite a significant leap. To support students during this change, we typically provide a range of academic, technical, and personal support services designed to ease the transition and facilitate student success.
For instance, we have established a cybersecurity laboratory where theoretical concepts taught in class are applied within controlled and isolated environments. We conduct sessions on cybersecurity tools and mathematics to bridge the gap between universities. Additionally, we offer one-on-one guidance on study plans, research direction, and adapting to postgraduate learning. We also provide cybersecurity-specific reading lists and online resources that are curated to help new students familiarise themselves with key topics.
Are there opportunities for networking with alumni or industry professionals during the course?
The Cybersecurity team at British Telecom (BT) supports our teaching and project supervision. Furthermore, our careers office organises annual events where students can network with alumni.
Career paths
How does the programme help students develop skills for their future careers, whether in academia or industry?
Our MSc in Cyber Security programme is designed to provide advanced technical knowledge and to prepare students for dynamic, high-impact careers in both industry and academia. Through a carefully balanced curriculum that includes cryptography, network security, cybercrime and sociotechnical risk, security auditing and certification, and digital forensics, alongside practical training in ethical hacking and investigation using Kali Linux tools and Tsurugi OS, as well as strategic thinking and research development through R&D coursework assessments and dissertation projects, our graduates emerge with the confidence and ability to excel in one of the world’s most in-demand fields.
What career paths have graduates from this programme typically followed?
Our cybersecurity postgraduate programme graduates typically pursue a variety of high-demand, high-impact career paths, ranging from hands-on technical roles (ethical hacking, security analysts and engineers, threat intelligence analysts) to strategic leadership positions (security advisor/consultant, CISO, security manager) and academic research (PhD studies). The diversity within the field enables students to tailor their careers to align with their interests in technology, policy, intelligence, or education.
Tips for offer holders
If you could highlight one thing that students should look forward to in this programme, what would it be?
Beyond merely learning theory, students engage with authentic, high-stakes cybersecurity challenges (ethical hacking, investigation) that impact governments, businesses, and individuals worldwide. Whether defending against ransomware, investigating a data breach, or uncovering critical vulnerabilities, our cybersecurity programme places students at the centre of issues with real-world urgency and global significance.
What advice would you offer to offer holders as they prepare to join this course?
Embarking on a cybersecurity programme is an exciting and rewarding journey, and it is one of the few fields where learning through breaking things (ethically!) is part of the process. It is advisable to strengthen your foundations by practising your programming and mathematics skills.