Cyber Security, Threat Intelligence and Forensics

Program Overview

---

Cyber Security, Threat Intelligence and Forensics

Overview

Data security breaches are on the rise, but you can be part of the solution. With our Cyber Security, Threat Intelligence and Forensics postgraduate degree, you can expand your existing computing knowledge, and develop an applied skill set, ready to build a career in this exciting, in-demand intelligence field.

Course Details

• Attendance: Full-time, Part-time
• Course duration: One year (full-time), Three years (part-time)
• Next enrolment: September 2025
• Accreditation: Chartered Institute for IT (BCS)

Introduction

Our Cyber Security, Threat Intelligence and Forensics postgraduate degree course is delivered through a range of highly-focused modules. The 180-credit MSc award comprises four taught modules, plus a research dissertation. The 120-credit PgDip award comprises four taught modules.

Course Accreditations

• MSc Cyber Security, Threat Intelligence and Forensics
• MSc Cyber Security, Threat Intelligence and Forensics

Course Delivery

Our course explores cyber security from both attack and defense (red and blue issues) positions, so you can develop comprehensive subject knowledge. We regularly review module content with our industry partners to ensure your acquired knowledge and skillset reflects trends and needs within professional and business communities.

Course Team

The Cyber Security, Threat Intelligence and Forensics postgraduate course is delivered by an academic team with extensive industry experience and research connections.

• Course leader: Dr Lee Speakman

Modules

• Cyber Forensics: Develop the skills, methodologies and processes to conduct in-depth computer and network investigation, also looking at emerging platforms such as cloud and Internet of Things.
• Information Security in Practice: Study threats to information security, technologies used to assess and control risks, and learn about the techniques and tools used to manage and investigate incidents.
• Privacy and Network Security: Study how the applied use of cryptography can provide enhanced security for networked systems (including emerging systems such as blockchain, cloud and IoT), and enhanced privacy for users of networked systems (including social networks and vehicular networks).
• Cyber Threat Intelligence: Study techniques for detecting, responding to and defeating organised cyber crimes and cyber war activities, analysing successful and unsuccessful advanced persistent threats and malware campaigns.
• Project: Work under the direction of an academic supervisor to research a suitable problem, and to develop and evaluate a solution that demonstrates originality in the application of your knowledge.

Learning Experience

Our course explores cyber security from both attack and defense (red and blue issues) positions, so you can develop comprehensive subject knowledge. We regularly review module content with our industry partners to ensure your acquired knowledge and skillset reflects trends and needs within professional and business communities.

Teaching

The majority of teaching and learning is delivered through tutorial and seminar groups. You will benefit from the supply of a range of high-quality teaching materials and software.

Assessment

Projects and assignments used in the course assessment strive to apply your learning to a realistic problem. We aim to develop your independent learning skills and your ability to make decisions in uncertain situations.

• Practical work (33%): Use some offensive and defensive tools and write a report critiquing your strategy.
• Coursework (33%): Receive a research-oriented task with a longer deadline to assess your considered and in-depth response to a larger problem.
• Project (34%): Work independently, to plan a significant activity and, in carrying out the plan, demonstrate originality in the application of your knowledge.

School of Science, Engineering and Environment

Rising to the challenge of a changing world, our postgraduate courses are designed to shape the next generation of urbanists, scientists, engineers, consultants and leaders.

Learning Environment

As a cyber security student, you will use computing suites equipped with specialist software required for exploring database systems, networking and network simulation, internet security, and computer forensics.

Industry Collaboration and Research

When you start this degree course with Salford, you are joining a community making a difference in industry, our local region and in our wider society.

Employment and Stats

There is a significant worldwide skills shortage in this area, particularly for graduates with the in-depth cyber security technical knowledge. Our course is designed to provide a recognised qualification for graduates and professionals looking to develop a computer science-based skillset.

Career Links

We lead an industrial liaison committee to gain advice on our computing programmes and course content. Companies involved in this initiative rely on IT and data for their operations.

Requirements

English Language Requirements

All of our courses are taught and assessed in English. If English is not your first language, you must meet our minimum English language entry requirements. An IELTS score of 6.0 (no element below 5.5) is proof of this, and we also accept a range of equivalent qualifications.

International Applications

Please check international intakes for the latest information and application dates.

Professional Accreditation

This degree is accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT. An accredited degree provides a valuable contribution towards professional membership and evidencing breadth of knowledge.

Standard Entry Requirements

• Undergraduate degree: The minimum entry requirement is a 2.2 honours in computer science, or a related subject with coverage of programming and IPv4 networking, preferably with experience of command line usage.
• International student entry requirements: We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements.

Alternative Entry Requirements

• Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL): We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.

Fees

• Type of study: Full-time home, Full-time international, Part-time
• Year: 2025/26
• Fees: £10,350 per year (full-time home), £19,100 per year (full-time international), Calculated on a pro rata basis (part-time)

Additional Costs

Having your own laptop (16GB of RAM and an Ethernet port) is not essential, but it will give you more flexibility in where and how you engage with the software you will need to use during your studies (software is provided as part of the course).

You should consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.

International Student Scholarships

If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. Learn more about our latest international scholarships.

Program Outline

---

Degree Overview:

---

MSc/PgDip Cyber Security, Threat Intelligence and Forensics

This postgraduate program aims to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to combat cyber threats, including Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs). The course covers a wide range of topics, including attack (red team) and defense (blue team) strategies, established attack surfaces (networking, social engineering), modern issues (IoT, Cloud), and the trade-offs between security, privacy, and availability.

---

Objectives:

• Develop practical and real-world skills in all major areas of cyber security
• Engage with industry experts and active cyber security researchers
• Gain advanced knowledge of penetration testing, cyber forensics, malware reverse engineering, privacy, and risk management

---

Description:

This one-year or three-year program is available with full and part-time study routes starting each January and September.

---

Outline:

The program comprises a combination of taught modules and a research dissertation or project, depending on the chosen award (MSc or PgDip).

---

Modules:

• Cyber Forensics: Develop skills and methodologies for in-depth computer and network investigations, including emerging platforms like cloud and IoT.
Consider the trade-offs and considerations in design decisions for various network systems and social media platforms. Analyze successful and unsuccessful APTs and malware campaigns. Cover malware analysis and reversing techniques.
• Project/Dissertation: Undertake independent research under academic supervision to develop and evaluate a solution demonstrating originality and application of knowledge.
Choose a project aligning with personal interests or future career aspirations.

---

Course Schedule:

• Full-time students: Taught modules in trimesters 1 and 2, dissertation/project in trimester 3
• Part-time students: Taught modules in years 1 and 2, dissertation/project in year 3
• Exact modules may vary depending on student choices and availability.

---

Assessment:

The program uses a variety of assessment methods to evaluate students' knowledge and skills, including:

• Practical work (33%): using offensive and defensive tools and writing a report critiquing the strategy
• Coursework (33%): research-oriented tasks with longer deadlines to assess in-depth responses to complex problems
• Project/Dissertation (34%): independent work demonstrating originality in the application of knowledge and chosen area of interest

---

Teaching:

The program uses a combination of teaching and learning methods, including:

• Tutorial and seminar groups: face-to-face interaction where possible, supplemented with web-based learning materials and discussion boards
• Group activities: developing team working and professional skills while maintaining individual assessment
• Supervised work in computer labs: applying theoretical concepts to practical scenarios
• Professionalism and ethics: integrated throughout the program and emphasized in all assessments and projects

---

Faculty:

The program is delivered by an academic team with extensive industry experience and research connections, led by Course Leader Dr. Lee Speakman.

---

Careers:

The program prepares graduates for various technical security-based roles in diverse sectors like business, banking, software, networking, government, and consultancy. Potential career paths include:

• Malware analyst
• Penetration tester
• Security consultant
• Forensics investigator
• Security programmer
• Further study opportunities also exist for those interested in pursuing research in areas related to cyber security and informatics.
• The program is designed to address the global skills shortage in cyber security.
• Industry collaboration and knowledge from various perspectives ensure graduates have strong employability and transferable skill sets.
• The program maintains contacts with local companies, providing real-world perspectives on industry challenges and demands.

---

Other:

• Students have access to specialist computing suites equipped with software for database systems, networking, network simulation, internet security, and computer forensics.
• The program actively involves students in industry collaboration and research, fostering a sense of community and impact.

---

• Full-time home
2024/25 £9,990.00per year
• Full-time international
2024/25 £17,550.00per year
• Part-time
2024/25 £1,665 per 30 credits
• Full-time home
2025/26 £10,350.00per year
• Full-time international
2025/26 £19,100.00 per year