Cyber Security

Entry requirements

An honours degree at 2:2 level or above in a computing- or technology-related subject (or international students holding a qualification recognised as equivalent by the University).

Computing or technology-related subjects might include:

• computing
• computer science
• computer engineering
• engineering
• information technology

Please see the University website for full details

Months of entry

September

Course content

In an era when digital security threats are evolving at an unprecedented pace, our Master of Science in Cyber Security programme is a postgraduate qualification designed for students with a background in Computing or a related discipline who are looking to specialise in Cyber Security.

You will be taught by academic staff who have a wealth of experience in industry, research and teaching. Teaching is undertaken in small groups with low staff-student ratios creating a supportive and friendly environment in which to study.

In our state-of-the-art cyber lab, you will gain experience focussed on the latest developments in defending digital systems, detecting attacks, or undertaking a forensic cyber investigation.

The course mixes practice and theory so you will learn how to identify and mitigate contemporary and future cyber security threats. You will gain experience of the latest methods, tools and technologies in a context underpinned by core principles such as ethical and legal considerations, strategic planning, critical thinking and problem-solving.

The course is designed for students who already hold a degree in a computing-related discipline and are looking to specialise in cyber security. The course is tailored to meet the needs of both aspiring cyber security professionals, researchers and those looking to advance in this critical career. Graduates will emerge as highly skilled, employable experts with the skills and confidence to forge a cyber security career ready to protect and enhance the digital infrastructure of businesses and governments around the world.

Key features

• Modules that incorporate the latest ideas in security technologies, ethical hacking, digital forensics, and regulatory compliance taught in a small group setting with low staff-student ratios to create a friendly and supportive environment in which to study.

• Structured learning that will take you from understanding basic concepts to determining, building and testing security solutions in dedicated teaching spaces with flexible network configuration and a wide range of contemporary cyber security tools.

• Consideration of cyber security across the full technology landscape – from cloud systems to corporate computer networks, to edge sensors and remote autonomous devices

• Teaching staff who are expert in the field from a wealth of backgrounds including industrial and business applications as well as advanced research establishments.

• Hands-on experience in exploring the latest technological and computing technologies, such as AI, autonomous systems and Internet of Things technologies

Teaching

The MSc Cyber Security is designed for students who already hold a degree in a computing related discipline and are looking to specialise in cyber security. The course is tailored to meet the needs of both aspiring cyber security professionals, researchers and those looking to advance in this critical career.

The aim of the course is for graduates to emerge as highly skilled, employable experts ready to protect and enhance the digital infrastructure of businesses and governments around the world. To achieve this, the course offers experience focussed on the latest developments in defending digital systems, detecting attacks, or undertaking a forensic cyber investigation. The course mixes practical development, opportunity discovery and innovative use, underpinned by core principles such as understanding threats, ethical and legal considerations, strategic planning, critical thinking and problem solving. A key feature of the course is the consideration of cyber security across a full architecture of modern systems, from cloud computing, to industry and business systems, to edge devices, autonomous technologies and cyber physical systems.

The course equips students for professional mastery in cyber security and has the following features:

• Modules that incorporate the latest ideas in security technologies, ethical hacking, digital forensics, and regulatory compliance.
• Practical skills combined with skills to manage cyber projects and take decisions.
• Structured learning that will take you from understanding basic concepts, to determining, building and testing solutions.
• Consideration of cyber security across the full technology landscape - from cloud systems, to corporate computer networks, to edge sensors and remote autonomous devices.
• Teaching staff from a wealth of backgrounds including industrial and business applications as well as advanced research establishments.
• Hands on experience in exploring the latest technological and computing technologies, such as AI, autonomous systems and Internet of Things technologies.

You will be taught through a combination of interactive workshops, lectures, seminars, laboratory practical activities, fieldwork, etc. Interactive workshops take a variety of formats and are intended to enable the application of learning through discussion and small group activities. Seminars enable the discussion and development of understanding of topics covered in lectures, and laboratory practical activities are focused on developing subject-specific skills and applied individual and group project work.

In addition, you are assigned a personal academic tutor who will advise you throughout your course. Your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) will normally be a subject specialist and will advise you of when they are available and how they prefer to be contacted. You should see your Personal Academic Tutor as your first point of contact to discuss any wider issues or problems that arise during your time at University. Your Tutor will listen, offer initial advice and, if necessary, direct you to other appropriate sources of help, including the broad range of services available within the University.

You will have access to a range of dedicated teaching resources including dedicated computer labs and study areas.

Careers

Our MSc will equip you with skills to pursue your career in Cyber Security and will also pave the way for studying this field at PhD level, should that be your desire.

Opportunities for Cyber Security professionals include:

• Cybersecurity Specialist
• Cyber Crime Analyst
• System Consultant
• Penetration and Vulnerability Tester
• Cyber Security Engineer
• Information Security Manager

Beyond specific technical skills, our MSc will allow you to develop a range of transferable skills which are highly valued, such as problem-solving, team leadership, presentation skills, adaptability, and a sustainability mindset.

Information for international students

Students whose first language is not English are required to demonstrate proficiency to a minimum level of 6.5 IELTS (and minimum of 5.5 in each element) or equivalent.