Digital Trust, Society and Security MSc

Year of entry: 2026

Course length: 12 months Full-Time

About the course

Digital technologies are transforming society at an accelerated pace, opening up new possibilities for connection and innovation. At the same time they bring about serious challenges, including data misuse, the spread of misinformation, and unequal access. Our new MSc in Digital Trust, Society and Security explores how trust plays a central role in navigating and responding to these complex issues.

This interdisciplinary course combines theoretical perspectives on the digital society with practical responses to risks, leveraging expertise in criminology, computer science, and sociology to provide a comprehensive understanding of digital transformation.

Through innovative teaching methods like technology-rich learning spaces, flipped classrooms, and guest lectures from diverse experts, you'll develop a holistic grasp of the digital environment. Throughout your studies, you'll acquire valuable skills to prepare you for leadership roles across sectors, addressing the complex challenges of our digital age.

See the full course profile on our website >

Gain insights from Criminology, Computer Science, Sociology, and other fields, giving you a comprehensive understanding of the digital society

Engage in active learning with real-world data and scenarios, allowing you to collaborate and apply theoretical concepts in practical ways

Graduate from one of the UK’s most targeted universities by top employers with the skills needed for a meaningful career

(High Fliers, The Graduate Market Report 2025)

Compulsory Units

Dissertation (MA Criminology and MSc Digital Trust, Society and Security);
Criminological Research Methods;
Core Issues in Digital Trust and Security;
Understanding Digital Society;
Online Harms;
Digital Platforms and Trust.

Optional Units

Network Security;
Security and Privacy in Artificial Intelligence;
Advanced Theoretical Criminology;
Qualitative Research Methods;
Data Analysis with R and RStudio;
Privacy, Confidentiality and Disclosure Control;
Cyber Threat and Risk Governance and Management.

These are examples of units offered in 2024/25 and are subject to change.

See the full list of units and find out more on the full course profile >

Where will your course take you?

In an increasingly digitised world, there is a growing demand for professionals who can navigate the complex relationship between technology, society, and trust. Our MSc in Digital Trust, Society and Security equips you with a unique blend of technical insight and social understanding, allowing you to critically engage with issues such as digital transformation, data ethics, cybersecurity, and online governance.

You'll develop a wide range of subject-specific and transferable skills, including digital risk analysis, policy development, critical thinking, research, and strategic communication. These skills are highly valued across a variety of sectors, including government, policy, digital business, and the third sector. Many of our graduates go on to work in roles such as Policy Advisor, Digital Risk Analyst, Trust and Safety Consultant, Technology Strategist, and Researcher. Others choose to pursue further study through research degrees (PhD), contributing to academic and practical advancements in the field of digital trust and security, either at Manchester or at other leading institutions.