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 (MSc) program will give you the skills and confidence to forge your cyber security career.

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 ready to protect and enhance the digital infrastructure of businesses and governments around the world.

You will be taught by academic staff who have a wealth of experience in industry, research and teaching. 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 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.

Key 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 make 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

The placement

You will have the opportunity to go on a work placement for 6 or 12 months. You are supported in finding placements and can apply for a vacancy as you would a job. There are dedicated sessions to support you in CV writing, interview skills and job applications as well as access to 1:1 tutorials. Most placements start on completion of the taught modules.

The placement will allow you to gain first-hand experience within a real business environment to enhance your future employability and are usually paid. Some students choose to base their research project on a business-related issue arising during the placement. This would give you access to research participants and primary data, and allow you to apply the theories and principles discussed on the programme to a real organisation.

While on placement, you will be supported by a dedicated placements team able to respond to any problems you may be having, an individual tutor who visits you twice while you are on placement and you will retain access to all the University facilities including e-resources. At the end of the placement, you are required to submit a placement portfolio containing your learning contract, a satisfactory employer appraisal, a case study and an end of placement presentation.

Teaching

You are 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.

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.