MSc Cyber Security

Buckinghamshire New University has strong expertise in the security industry and our academics are experienced industry professionals who facilitate problem-based learning via case studies and classroom-based exercises throughout the course. We have developed a curriculum as well as career resources that reflect the increasing needs for both technical skills and strong business acumen from cybersecurity employers. We will help you to:

• Obtain the relevant certifications to enhance your employability profile.
• Understand clearance requirements – as many jobs in cybersecurity require a security clearance which can affect your eligibility.
• Develop professional relationships and demonstrate an interest in the cybersecurity industry.
• Join an association to help you stay abreast of industry trends.
• Build a portfolio.
• Seek opportunities to demonstrate your expertise by co-presenting at industry conferences and completing relevant projects.
• Look for ways to integrate with professional experience through summer internships, job shadowing or work-study jobs.

Interactive learning experience

You will attend sessions within our specialist computing suite in the Gateway building on our High Wycombe campus. This will include using our specialist networking lab for those modules involving any aspect of network or cloud-based development and/or security.

We also see visits from guest lecturers as well as industrial visits as an essential element in order for you to understand current practices and prepare you for working life as a cybersecurity professional.

Teaching and assessment

The majority of the assessment within the MSc Cyber Security course comes from modules coursework or team projects appropriate to the module, often involving essay or report writing, artefact construction or portfolio construction. However, some modules will also make use of individual and group project presentations, as well as in-class time-constrained tests and formal examinations.

The course will deliver a postgraduate programme, providing you with a wide range of contexts in which to apply your newly acquired knowledge of technical and managerial security issues. It is designed to incorporate guidance from the Communications-Electronics Security Group (CESG), a group within the UK Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), as well as the Institute of Information Security Professionals, and Information Security Skills Framework (IISP).

You will learn modern technical tools such as network and software security, artificially intelligent systems security, cloud computing systems security and mobile systems security, as well as developing management skills in business continuity and disaster recovery, cybersecurity assurance and risk management, in addition to research techniques.

Amazon Web Services Academy Member

We are proud to have a partnership with Amazon for running Amazon AWS Academy at Buckinghamshire New University, helping you gain industry-standard knowledge and skills and further enhancing your career prospects. This forms part of our undergraduate module Cloud Computing and allows you to have full access to all Amazon web services resources, materials, labs, online assessments and exams preparations. You will be able to practice the technology provided by the world cloud leader and undertake a free Amazon AWS official certification MOC exam, and gain a 50% discount on Amazon AWS (Cloud Architecture) official certification exam (optional for students).

Graduates from MSc Cyber Security will have gained the knowledge and skills needed to sit some of the leading industry exams and certifications and to become leading specialists in the cybersecurity industry. Your deep understanding of how to analyse and protects the variant system application against threats and risks will help put you at a competitive advantage when applying for any cybersecurity role. Positions can include:

• Systems Security Specialist
• Cyber Security Engineer
• System Security Analyst/Architect
• Information Analyst/Architect
• Security Analyst
• Security Engineer/Architect
• Security IT Manager/Director
• Systems Administrator
• Network Architect/Engineer
• CISO/CSO
• Forensic Investigator

Based on the SANS survey the top five industries for cybersecurity professionals are; banking/finance/insurance, information technology/management, government and consulting/professional service