Cyber Security (MSc)

Cyber security is essential for all organisations, with hacking, malicious code and social engineering ever present threats to data. This programme provides holistic coverage of cyber security, from governance and policy, to cryptography, penetration testing and digital forensics. 

Grounded in core computer science, the programme develops the knowledge and skills to design, develop and manage secure systems to produce highly employable cyber security professionals.

Key features

• Refreshed and updated curriculum for 2020/21, reflecting the changes to the cyber security industry, including a brand new Cyber Physical Systems Security module.
• Curriculum, facilities and staff certified by the UK National Cyber Security Centre.
• Benefit from world-leading research-active staff at the forefront of knowledge, conducting research within the 
• Centre for Cyber Security, Communications and Network Research (CSCAN).
• Strong alignment of learning to industry recognised certifications, such as AccessData Forensic Examiner (ACE), and EC-Council's Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).
• A significant focus upon practical laboratories using state-of-the-art security and forensic facilities.
• You will spend a significant proportion of your time in our Security and Forensics Laboratory putting theory in practice whilst working alongside world-leading academics.
• Access to our new engineering and design facility. Students in engineering, science and the arts have access to a range of specialist equipment and innovative laboratories. You'll also have access to  specialist laboratories equipped with various hardware and software configurations.
• Active Computer and Information Security Society (CISS) provide opportunities for networking, problem solving, speakers from industry as well as a valuable source of contacts.
• Benefit from the courses extensive links with major professional bodies and societies such as the BCS, ISACA, IFIPTechnical Committee 11 and the Chartered Institute of Information Security.
• Take the opportunity to make career inroads through strong industrial links with major organisations such as Kaspersky, Microsoft, IBM, National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), and various UK government departments.
• Build on the foundation which this programme offers and take the opportunity to progress onto a research degree at MPhil or PhD level.
• The University has been awarded Academic Partner status by the Chartered Institute of Information Security, in recognition of the significant base of security-related expertise within the institution. This link encourages and enables a dialogue between academia and the wider community of security practitioners.
• Be confident studying a degree accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.

Programme overview

• During your year of study you will gain an understanding of key topics such as security management, cryptography, network and system security, computer forensics, and protection in application scenarios. You'll also benefit from being taught a wide variety of hands-on skills, which enable you to implement, configure and manage many of the typical controls you will encounter in practice - including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, authentication and access mechanisms, and forensic case management tools. The project will enable you to explore and develop in-depth knowledge on a particular area of security. You'll become a subject expert and push the boundaries of the current understanding.

Core modules

COMP5002
Security Operations & Incident Management

• This module will examine the incident management and the role it plays within modern information security systems. It will introduce key concepts in the analysis of network traffic for signs of intrusions, as well as the process of responding to computer incidents including the identification and analysis of malicious code.

COMP5003
Ethical Hacking

• Understanding the security and vulnerabilities of IT systems is critical in their protection. This module seeks to develop the knowledge and skills to undertake penetration testing of systems. A range of passive and active offensive techniques will be taught, alongside an in-depth understanding of the legal and ethical issues surrounding such activity.

COMP5004
Digital Forensics & Malware Analysis

• This module examines the procedures, tools and techniques utilised within the field of digital forensics. It will introduce an understanding of the methodology deployed in the handling of digital evidence, the volatility of data and maintaining the integrity of data. Knowledge and skills will be developed of tools and techniques to examine and analyse forensic data across differing computing platforms.

COMP5005
Security Architectures & Cryptography

• The ability to design secure systems is critical to the successful operation of any system. This module will develop the knowledge and understanding of security architectures, design principles (such as least privilege, default deny) and elicitation of security requirements to enable the design of secure systems. Core to this knowledge is the role cryptography can have in addressing these requirements.

COMP5006
Information Security Management & Governance

• This module looks at the issues surrounding the management and governance of information security within an organisational context. Consideration is given to the need for related policy, analysis of risk, and the management of organisational assets. Coverage also includes legal and personnel aspects of security, giving an overview of the wide range of laws and regulations governing systems & information security.

PROJ518
MSc Dissertation and Research Skills 60 credits

• You will develop a methodical approach to research that helps propose research projects that are practically realistic and academically worthwhile. A substantial project will be planned and carried out using ethically suitable quantitative and qualitative research methods. The project will be reported through a high quality, scholarly and professional write-up, either as a formal dissertation or journal paper.
• 100% Coursework

Optional modules

COMP5011
Cyber-Physical Systems Security

• This module looks at developing the necessary skills and techniques for analysing, critiquing and designing secure cyber-physical systems (CPS). Examples of CPS include the Internet of Things, transportation, robotics, maritime shipping and autonomous vehicles. Consideration is given to a systems-based approach to the security analysis of CPSs, the identification of vulnerabilities and the development of secure solutions.

COMP5014
Hacking for MoD

• An interdisciplinary and entrepreneurial module that provides students the opportunity to work with the Ministry of Defence and Intelligence Community to address the UK's emerging threats and challenges. It is an applied one that sees students form groups of teams that engage directly with complex, real world problems proposed by UK government sponsors.

Pursue industry-recognised certification

• Globally recognised and accepted certifications, in combination with the MSc, provide for a strong recognition of the knowledge, skills and behaviours required of cyber security practitioners. At Plymouth, we have integrated several certifications into our delivery to enable students to maximise the benefits of learning – allowing them to obtain the academic credit and having an opportunity to acquire professional recognition.

Students have the opportunity to work towards the following certifications:

• International Council of E-Commerce Consultants’ (EC-Council) Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• International Council of E-Commerce Consultants’ (EC-Council) Certified Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI)
• AccessData Certified Examiner (ACE)