Applied Cyber Security (MSc)

The world’s online security depends on you. Step up to the plate with this fascinating master’s course, taught by experts at one of the world’s leading cyber security hubs. 

About you

• You’ll be analytical, technical and a modern-day codebreaker. Cyber security is a challenge that will not go away, affecting companies, individuals and even governments. You could be:
• A recent graduate – possibly a maths or engineering graduate with good programming skills, or you might be a good developer but have little knowledge of cyber security.
• Already working in industry – experienced in technical software development, and looking to upskill and enhance your professional development.
• An international student looking to study a UK master’s degree, to meet the global need for cyber security skills.

About the course

• This course is certified by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), the UK’s leading cyber security organisation. This certification provides a benchmark for the course by assuring the quality of both the content and its delivery.
• This innovative programme is at the forefront of technical advances in cutting-edge cyber security topics such as cryptography, computer forensics, network security, secure software-development and penetration testing, as well as investigating the increasingly important legal and ethical issues in cyber security.
• This is an applied course, which mixes theoretical skills with practical work in the lab to give you hands-on experience.

Course Structure

• The course is taught in block-mode with modules normally running in four-week blocks. Teaching normally happens during the first three-weeks with an intensive mix of taught classes and practical lessons scheduled from 9 am – 5 pm on Thursdays and Fridays each week. The fourth week of each module’s block is usually reserved for assessment."

Course Details

• The course, comprising seven taught modules and a research project, provides a broad foundation in cyber security.
• The MSc in Applied Cyber Security is available in a full-time or a part-time option.
• Full-time (1-year): Consists of seven taught modules (120 CATS points) and a 3-4 month practical project of a research nature (60 CATS). Students study seven taught modules (120 CATS). They will also commence an individual research project (60 CATS).
• Part-time (2+ years): Part-time students are normally enrolled for two years. The first year will normally compromise four taught modules (60 CATS).
• The individual Research Project focuses on applying taught skills to a leading-edge issue in cyber security research. A dissertation is required for the project. Following tutor approval, the project may be undertaken as a summer placement at a company.
• Modules are regularly updated to reflect new developments in the dynamic field of cyber security. Modules offered may be subject to change.
• Full-Time/Part-Time
• The MSc in Applied Cyber Security is available in a full-time or a part-time option:
• Full-time (1-year): Consists of six taught modules (120 CATS) and a 3-4 month practical project of a research nature/work placement (60 CATS).
• Students study all taught modules (120 CATS points) up to the end of the Semester 2 exam period. They will also commence an individual research project (60 CATS points) and continue this through to month 12.
• As an integral part of the ELE8095 Individual Research Project, students may undertake summer work placements/internships lasting 3-4 months with local, national and international employers, under the regular supervision of an academic staff member and a staff member of the host organisation.
• Part-time (2+ years): Part-time students are normally enrolled for two years. The first year will normally compromise the following modules: Fundamentals of Cyber Security, Network Security & Monitoring and Software Assurance. The second year normally comprises Computer Forensics, Pen-testing, Applied Cryptography, Data Privacy and the Law and an individual research project. The part-time MSc consists of Seven taught modules (120 CATS) which are delivered alongside full-time students over a two-year period (normally), and a practical research project (60 CATS) which may be on a work-based research project following tutor approval.
• Students normally take three taught modules (50 CATS points) during Year 1, and four taught modules (70 CATS points) during Year 2. During Year 2 students will undertake the individual research project (60 CATS points).

Year 1 
Core Modules

• Cyber - AI (20 credits)
• Software Assurance (20 credits)
• Pen-testing & Ethical Hacking (20 credits)
• Individual Research Project (60 credits)
• Data, Privacy and the Law (10 credits)
• Cryptography (20 credits)
• Network Security and Monitoring (20 credits)
• Foundations of Cyber Security (10 credits)

Career Prospects
Introduction

In keeping with the aims of GCHQ/NCSC certified Master’s courses, this programme is intended to provide:

• A deeper understanding of cyber security concepts, principles, technologies and practices.
• A bridge between undergraduate degrees and careers in cyber security.
• A platform for further research at Doctoral level.
• An effective way for people in mid-career to enhance their knowledge of the subject or to move into cyber security as a change of career path.

Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.

Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

• In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.