MSc in Cyber Security

Team of active experts leading research within several areas of Cyber security, meaning you benefit from the latest knowledge.

Explore several areas of cyber security, from ethical hacking and security management to key data protection regulations.

Varied study between lectures and industry-level practical experience. Your research will be enhanced by the opportunity to form part of our thriving and collaborative community.

Key course features

• This course offers you the opportunity to study cyber security in-depth.
• Lectures, tutorials and practical sessions are enhanced with additional, resource-rich online materials to support your independent learning.
• You will explore information assurance methodologies, testing operational security management, incident management, audit, assurance and review, business continuity management, and more.
• Our staff undertake leading research into several areas of cyber security and will provide you with the latest insights as you develop your own specialism.
• The research activities you undertake will be associated with the university’s thriving and, often collaborative, research centre.

Why choose this course?

Cyber security plays an increasingly important role in our world of ever-evolving technology. This course will help you to deepen your understanding of network security, penetration testing and computer forensics, whilst also adopting a systematic approach to information security management, from the varied perspectives to the technical elements.

• You will explore several specialist technical disciplines. These will focus on areas such as developing secure software platforms and protecting against complex attack processes used to breach system security.
• To enhance your learning experience, the programme integrates professional skills which relate to audit, management and risk. These will address both cyber security and data protection regulations within institutions and organisations.
• Topics of focus will include cryptography, ethical hacking and penetration testing, information security management, information risk management, software security and implementing secure systems.

What you will study

Students will study 6 core modules worth 20 credits each, followed by a 60 credit dissertation, making up a total of 180 credits altogether.

Modules

• Postgraduate Study & Research Methods
• Advanced Ethical Hacking
• Security and Risk Management
• Developing Secure Software
• Applied Cryptography
• Technological Horizon-Scanning
• Dissertation

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

Our Careers and employability services are there to help you make decisions and plan the next steps toward a bright future. From finding work or further study to working out your interests, skills and aspirations, they can provide you with the expert information, advice and guidance you need.

Successful completion of the course enables you to put greater focus on your future career in the field of cyber security or other educational paths. You will have the knowledge and confidence necessary to continue to develop professionally in the workplace. You may also decide to take the opportunity to progress into a higher-level academic investigation.

It is expected that you will be able to gain employment at higher technical and managerial levels, develop particular specialist technical and consultative skills, and be capable of embarking upon doctoral-level study.

Employment opportunities include:

• Security Analyst
• Security Engineer
• Security Architect
• Security Administrator
• Security Software Developer
• Cryptographer
• Cryptanalyst
• Security Consultant