Cyber Security (PgCert, PgDip, MSc)

The msc cyber security degree is certified by the national cyber security centre and will equip you for an exciting career in this fast-paced and ever-changing field. You’ll learn how to design and maintain secure information systems and networks, and you will gain the knowledge and skills to prevent, protect and minimise cyber security threats and incidents. 

You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities which will ensure you are proficient in the use of modern equipment, principles, techniques, tools and methodologies for the design, implementation, maintenance and recovery of secure networks and information systems.

You will understand legal requirements and current standards around information security, satisfying the demands of industry and IT providers for well-rounded computing practitioners who are experts in their holistic understanding of security issues.

What you will Study?

• A major part of the course is the individual project. It provides an opportunity for you to apply your specialist knowledge, problem-solving, managerial and communication skills to a particular area of interest within cyber security. Working with the full support and guidance of an allocated Project Supervisor, you will propose, plan, specify, develop, evaluate, and present a substantial project.
• During the project phase, you will initially conduct a project investigation. In addition to attending a few workshops, you will have regular weekly meetings with your project supervisor to discuss progress and get advice.
• The general format of the course consists of two terms of taught modules, followed by a term for the project modules. Term 1 and Term 2 consist of 10 weeks each. Each term comprises 4 taught modules. Each module generally consists of a 2 hour lecture and 2 hour lab weekly sessions. Part-time students attend only 2 modules per term.
• For students who undertake a placement the course duration will be extended by the length of the placement.

Student stories
Hear from our students and graduates about their experiences studying this course:

• Graduate Story - Sulav Bhattachan
• Student Blog - Suprensha Gurung

Learning Methods

• Throughout the course, content is complemented by practical work, allowing you to support your theoretical development by providing real-life simulation. You will be taught through a mixture of lectures, labs and external speakers. You will also be supported through our online virtual learning environment where you can access a wide variety of resources and other support materials.

Part time September-start students

• A) Part time September-start students who would like to work on their project during the summer start their project in May of their second year and complete in December of their third year. (Approximately 28 months)
• B) Part time September-start students who would like to avoid working on their project during the summer start their project in September of their third year and complete in May that year. (Approximately 33 months)

Part time January-start students

• C) Part time January-start students who would like to work on their project during the summer will start their project in January of their third year complete their project in August that year. (Approximately 32 months)
• D) Part time January-start students who would like to avoid working on their project during the summer will start their project in January of their third year, have a break during the summer term and continue their project September to December that year. (Approximately 36 months)

Assessment
Typically students are assessed:

• 7 Written assignments
• 1 Report
• 1 Project output
• 1 Oral assessment
• 1 Practical skills assessment
• 1 Group critique

Staff Delivering on This Course

• Our staff members feature in the annual Support and Teaching staff with Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) awards voted by the students and organised by RGU:Union. Recently we have been awarded two Lecturer of the Year awards and an award for Continued Excellence.
• Many of our academic staff are Fellows or Senior Fellows of the Higher Education Academy or are working towards this accolade. This is a professional recognition of practice, impact and leadership of teaching and learning.
• Staff on this course could also include: visiting lecturers, visiting Distinguished Researchers, library staff and industry experts and postgraduate researchers.

Feedback

• We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Independent Study

• A significant portion of this course is underpinned by independent learning, and you will be expected to be responsible for managing your coursework, reading and other learning activities appropriately.

Academic Support

• The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

Study Skills Support
The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

• Academic writing
• Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
• Maths and statistics
• English language
• Information technology support

Accreditation

• Accredited by the British Computer Society, The Chartered Institute for IT for the  purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional and partially meeting the academic requirement for a Chartered Engineer.
• Certified by the National Cyber Security Centre - part of the UK Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ). As one of only three universities in Scotland to receive the certification, it is a significant recognition that confirms the course meets the ‘NCSC Certified Master's degree in General Cyber Security' standard.
• EC-Council recognises Robert Gordon University as an authorised EC-Council Academia Partner. The EC-Council Academia Partner network is the premier partnership for delivering high quality, authorised EC-Council Cyber Security related academic courses.
• The International Information System Security Certification Consortium, (ISC)2, recognises Robert Gordon University as an authorised (ISC)2 academic partner (the first in Scotland). Such partnership allows RGU to offer training and courseware in support of cyber security professional certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).

Placements

• Paid short placements (3 months) and long placements (45 weeks) are built into the course structure. You are supported in finding a placement through the University Placements Office. Alternatively, you can seek your own placement.
• For students who undertake a placement the course duration will be extended by the length of the placement.

Job Prospects

• The course prepares you for a career in cyber security. Job roles include: IT Security Engineer, Digital Forensics Analyst, Network Manager, IT Security Auditor, IT Risk Specialist and E-business Security Analyst. The course also prepares students for research careers by providing the skills necessary of an effective researcher. Suitable MSc graduates may continue to PhD programmes within the school.
• Aberdeen is home to many multinational oil and gas companies and associated suppliers such as mainstream software houses, IT providers to major oil-related companies, specialist software consultancies, and venture capital start-ups, so graduates can seek employment locally. RGU is also involved in a number of commercial collaborations on a local, national and international scale with organisations such as BP, British Geological Survey, Wood Group PSN, Accenture, WIPRO and many Aberdeen-based software development companies, and you may benefit from the university’s links with some of these companies when it comes to securing employment.