Cyber Security

Entry requirements

You should have an honours degree (2:2 or above) in a computing subject. A business or an engineering degree with a significant level of computing content may also be considered.

We will also consider equivalent professional qualifications or a relevant HND provided you can demonstrate relevant work experience. In this case you will have to complete an interview with your application and some optional modules may not be available without a first degree in computing.

Months of entry

January, May, September

Course content

As demand for cyber security professionals in the UK and worldwide continues to surge, this course will prepare you for the challenge of keeping IT environments safe and secure in a world where data is constantly under attack.

This course will give you a broad understanding of the latest practice and techniques for cyber security systems development and operations.

You will be able to analyse the legal, social, ethical and professional issues involved in the human aspects of cyber security and be guided by the adoption of appropriate professional, ethical and legal practices.

The course is particularly designed to tackle industry needs and job market challenges, and produces informed graduates who are suitably equipped to thrive.

On graduation from this course you will have the critical skills and techniques essential for security-related jobs/roles in a rapidly evolving and diverse environment to appropriately solve typical cyber security problems.

You will also develop the necessary research competencies and build a solid foundation for applied research in cyber security, which will create pathways to further study such as PhD.

Through this course you will be geared up for a professional career in cyber security. You will gain a practical understanding of issues surrounding the design, analysis and implementation of modern secure IT systems in an industry context.

Along the way you will develop an appreciation of commercial and open source cyber security equipment, software and services based on industry standard technologies In addition, you will discover how cyber security systems are designed and constructed, and the impact this technology has on organisations.

You will gain the skills you need to work effectively in a business environment, and provide a solid basis for cyber security research and development.

The course is taught by an academic team with extensive research and professional practice directly in cyber security. All the tutors have the academic and industry knowledge and experiences to support your development. A strong supportive culture exists among the course tutors which enables you to grow and succeed.

We use a variety of teaching methods including lectures, seminars, laboratory work and report writing, to help you make the most of your learning experience. You will also have access to laboratories and dedicated ICT suites with specialist networks and software, plus ample space for private study and meetings.

The School of Computing and Engineering has strong industry links, creating opportunities for industry projects, work placements and internships for our students.

Extended Masters option
If you have an undergraduate degree, but do not quite meet the entry criteria for this course, you may qualify for our Extended Masters. You will take two extra modules to prepare you for the course, which will extend your total study time by 3-4 months. You must study for the Extended Masters full time. We also provide English-language support if you need it. Once you complete these two modules, you can progress directly onto the regular Masters course.

Internship
You can also choose to take this course with an internship at a relevant organisation. If you choose this option you can gain workplace experience, develop new skills and connect with potential employers.

You will have an academic supervisor throughout the duration of your six-month internship.

Modules

To qualify for the award of MSc Cyber Security, you must study six modules consisting of 20 credits; and a 60 credit dissertation module.

• Fundamentals of Cyber Security
• Network and Systems Security
• Security Operations and Assurance
• Research Methods
• Dissertation.

Optional modules

Two modules from:

• Mobile Web Component Development
• Principles of Project Management
• Consultancy and Technical Innovation
• Machine Learning
• Big Data Analytics
• Knowledge Management.

Optional modules subject to availability.

Supporting modules

• Employability Skills and Employment (for Internship students only)
• Learning and Professional Development (for International students only)
• Programming Support.

Information for international students

For more information, please visit:

http://www.uwl.ac.uk/international

Fees and funding

For information please visit the UWL website:

http://www.uwl.ac.uk/students/postgraduate/help-funding