Cyber Security (MSc)

With the demand for graduates with a good knowledge of cyber security on the increase, this msc will put you in a good position for your career in cyber security. You’ll develop an in-depth understanding of cyber security from experts in the field and get hands-on experience in testing and analysing computing systems. 

Benefits of this course

• The benefits of this course are many and varied and will help you build a thorough understanding of the field and its application across the games industry.
• By the end of the programme you will have specialist knowledge of computer graphics, AI, the ability to design and build game engines from scratch, knowledge of the games development process and experience of planning, managing and completing a major games technology project.

Accreditation

• Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional and on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for a Chartered Engineer.

MSc with Placement option

• This course is also offered as an 'MSc with Placement,' which includes an additional 120 credit module and extends the study period by an extra 12 months.

Award

• You can select to apply for one of the available exit points for this course.
• Master of Science (MSc)

Our academics

• Your studies are supported by a team of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field. On occasion we also work with external professionals to enhance your learning and appreciation of the wider subject.

Modules:

• Core modules: 7
• Elective modules: 1

Modules

• You will cover areas of Masters-level computer science, such as research methods and scientific presentation and analysis skills.
• There are eight taught modules in total, comprising seven core modules and one optional module. In addition, there is a full-time individual project completed over the summer.

Core modules

Through all core modules you will develop the Graduate Attributes, five core skillsets that will help you launch a successful, fulfilling career. Find out more about the Graduate Attributes.

• Information Security Fundamentals (15 credits)
• Network Security (15 credits)
• Security Auditing and Certification (15 credits)
• Research Methods and Professional Issues (15 credits)
• Cryptography (15 credits)
• Digital Forensics (15 credits)
• Cyber Crime and Sociotechnical Risk (15 credits)

Elective modules

• Object Oriented Programming in C++ (15 credits)
• Advanced Algorithms and Data Structures (15 credits)
• Machine Learning (15 credits)
• Principles of Data Science (15 credits)

Programme specification

• The programme specification contains more information on how the course is organised, the requirements for progression for each part and credits required for awards.

Teaching and assessment

• You will learn through lectures, tutorials and laboratory sessions and be taught by leading experts in the cyber security field.
• In lectures you will learn theoretical concepts that underpin a subject and information on additional topics for private study.
• Tutorials will help you develop skills in applying the concepts covered in the lectures.
• Laboratory sessions will help demonstrate the application of concepts and techniques by using state-of-the-art software development tools and environments.
• You’ll be expected to study independently and do coursework assignments. These may be programs, theoretical work and essays.
• There will be coursework across all of the security specific modules to ensure you get hands-on operational experience of relevant aspects of cyber security, including testing and analysis.
• Your progress throughout your course will be guided by active researchers in cyber security, culminating in an individual project, an original piece of research, conducted largely independently with appropriate academic supervision.

Career

This MSc will provide you with highly-sought after specialist analytical, operational and development skills in both technical and socio-technical areas, making you highly employable.

Our graduates have gone into a range of careers in the IT/ICT sector, as well as the telecommunications and banking industries.

Other roles you could pursue:

• Cyber security manager/architect
• Security analyst
• Information security
• Cyber security consultant
• Information security officer.

Top students may also be considered for an internship programme, in which companies sponsor you during your research project.

Postgraduate students in our Department of Computer Science are offered an unrivalled opportunity to complete up to six months of professional experience as part of their Masters’ degree.

An internship enables you stand out in a competitive job market, develop your business knowledge and to learn about the different career paths open to you.