Program Overview

Queen's University Belfast - Applied Cyber Security (MSc)

Overview

The world’s online security depends on you. Step up to the plate with this fascinating Master’s course, taught by experts at one of the world’s leading cyber security hubs.

About You

You’ll be analytical, technical and a modern-day codebreaker. Cyber security is a challenge that will not go away, affecting companies, individuals and even governments. You could be:

• A recent graduate – possibly a maths or engineering graduate with good programming skills, or you might be a good developer but have little knowledge of cyber security.
• Already working in industry – experienced in technical software development, and looking to upskill and enhance your professional development.
• An international student looking to study a UK master’s degree, to meet the global need for cyber security skills.

About the Course

This course is certified by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), the UK’s leading cyber security organisation. This certification provides a benchmark for the course by assuring the quality of both the content and its delivery.

This innovative programme is at the forefront of technical advances in cutting-edge cyber security topics such as cryptography, computer forensics, network security, secure software-development and penetration testing, as well as investigating the increasingly important legal and ethical issues in cyber security.

This is an applied course, which mixes theoretical skills with practical work in the lab to give you hands-on experience.

Highlights

• World Class Facilities: The syllabus, teaching materials and labs are informed by the world-class research being undertaken at the Centre for Secure Information Technologies (CSIT) at Queen's University Belfast.
• Professional Accreditations: Fully certified by GCHQ/NCSC

Course Structure

The course is taught in block-mode with modules normally running in four-week blocks. Teaching normally happens during the first three-weeks with an intensive mix of taught classes and practical lessons scheduled from 9 am – 5 pm on Thursdays and Fridays each week. The fourth week of each module’s block is usually reserved for assessment.

Course Details

The course, comprising seven taught modules and a research project, provides a broad foundation in cyber security.

• Full-time (1-year): Consists of seven taught modules (120 CATS points) and a 3-4 month practical project of a research nature (60 CATS).
• Part-time (2+ years): Part-time students are normally enrolled for two years. The first year will normally compromise four taught modules (60 CATS).

Modules

• Foundations of Cyber Security (10 credits)
• Pen-testing & Ethical Hacking (20 credits)
• Cyber - AI (20 credits)
• Data, Privacy and the Law (10 credits)
• Individual Research Project (60 credits)
• Network Security and Monitoring (20 credits)
• Software Assurance (20 credits)
• Cryptography (20 credits)

Entrance Requirements

• Normally a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical and/or Electronic Engineering, Mathematics with Computer Science, Physics with Computer Science or a related discipline.
• Applicants must normally have achieved 2:1 standard or above in relevant modules.
• All applicants will be expected to have mathematical ability and significant programming experience as evidenced either through the content of their primary degree or through another appropriate formal qualification.

English Language Requirements

• Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).

Tuition Fees

• Northern Ireland (NI) £7,300
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) £7,300
• England, Scotland or Wales (GB) £9,250
• EU Other £25,800
• International £25,800

Additional Course Costs

• Students undertaking a 3 month summer placement or a one year professional internship are responsible for funding travel, accommodation and subsistence costs.
• A placement charge to the University is required for students undertaking a professional internship.

Career Prospects

• The demand for certified cyber security professionals is currently growing at over 12 times the rate of the overall job market.
• Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits, including a Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills.

How to Apply

• Apply using our online Queen's Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Terms and Conditions

• The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.