Applied Computer Networks and Security (Cyber Security) - MSc
Program Overview
Applied Computer Networks and Security (Cyber Security) – MSc
Course Overview
This course has been designed to enable learners from an IT background or non-IT background with relevant work experience to gain a post graduate qualification in applied computer networks and / or security. The materials covered in the modules have been benchmarked against industry standard professional certifications to ensure that graduates have in-demand IT industry skill sets. The delivery is broken into 30 ECTS blocks to enable the learner to select the most beneficial to them enabling continuous professional development (CPD) and progression from post graduate certificate (30 ECTS) to diploma (60 ECTS) or full MSc (90 ECTS). The delivery of classes is on-line, and the timing is suitable to those in full-time employment.
Entry Requirements
- A minimum Second-Class Level 8 Honours Degree (2.2) in an IT related discipline or non-IT discipline with considerable experience and/ or ability evidenced by a portfolio of prior experience and learning.
- Priority entry will be given to applicants with a higher classification of award.
Special Case Registrations
Prospective participants who do not meet the entry requirements for the programme detailed above but who may qualify for admission by meeting certain other equivalent criteria, should apply to the Admissions Office for consideration under the Institute’s Recognition of Prior Learning Policy.
Course Modules
Year 1
- Data Centre Design and Networking
- Credits: 10
- This module aims to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of designing, building and operating Data Centres, including power, cooling, network infrastructure, and health and safety considerations. It also covers network architectures commonly found in Data Centres and provides an overview of equipment, including server and storage technologies.
- Embedded industry certification: EPI CDCS
- Information Security
- Credits: 10
- This module aims to provide a holistic and comprehensive view of information security and how it applies to making an organisation secure from external and internal threats to its data and information. Learners will develop the skills required to understand, document, manage and implement strategic and operational aspects of enterprise information security.
- Network Design
- Credits: 10
- This module will examine the essential aspects of designing and optimising modern computer networks according to industry best practices as appropriate for an IT professional or manager. This module will combine theory and active learning developing essential network professional management capacity.
- Embedded industry certification: Cisco CCNA
- Network Infrastructure Security
- Credits: 10
- This module will examine the security concepts and skills needed for the installation, troubleshooting, and management of enterprise network infrastructure devices to maintain their integrity, confidentiality, and availability as appropriate for an IT professional or manager. The learner will develop essential career skills like problem-solving and collaboration.
- Embedded industry certification: Cisco Network Security
- Penetration Testing and Cyber Operations
- Credits: 10
- This module will allow learners to develop the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to plan, carry out, and evaluate penetration testing and ethical hacking including the ethical and legal requirements. Learners identify vulnerabilities using industry-standard tools, leading to an assessment of risk and countermeasures.
- Embedded industry certifications: CompTIA PenTest+, Cisco CyberOps
- Private Cloud and Software Defined Networking
- Credits: 10
- This module will examine the essential aspects of designing and optimising private cloud implementations, as appropriate for an IT professional or manager. Additionally, emerging solutions to Software Defined Networking and Automation will be examined. This module will develop essential career skills like problem-solving and collaboration.
- Embedded industry certification: VMware VCP
- Research Project
- Credits: 30
- A research project to investigate a chosen aspect of Computer Science. The learner will submit a dissertation describing the research carried out, the developed system (if appropriate), results obtained, and conclusions reached. Learners may be required to give presentations including a final presentation or viva voce examination.
- Embedded industry certification: optional e.g., Amazon AWS etc.
Career Opportunities
This programme is designed to enable learners to either progress and develop new skillsets in their chosen IT career through CPD or start a new career in the IT industry altogether. Industry roles depending on experience could be related to networks, security and or IT management. For example: network engineer, technical support engineer (levels 1-3), Cybersecurity Security Operations Centre (SOC) analyst, IT services manager etc.
Further Study
Post Graduate studies within the department include research Masters and Doctorate studies.
Program Outline
Applied Computer Networks and Security (Cyber Security) – MSc - TUS
Degree Overview:
This MSc program in Applied Computer Networks and Security (Cyber Security) is designed for individuals with an IT background or relevant work experience from non-IT backgrounds. The program aims to equip learners with in-demand IT industry skill sets, benchmarked against industry-standard professional certifications.
Objectives:
- To provide learners with a postgraduate qualification in applied computer networks and/or security.
- To equip graduates with in-demand IT industry skill sets. The program covers the technical content of various IT industry professional certifications.
- Embedded industry certification: EPI CDCS
- Network Design (Credits: 10): This module examines the essential aspects of designing and optimizing modern computer networks according to industry best practices, combining theory and active learning to develop essential network professional management capacity.
- Network Infrastructure Security (Credits: 10): This module explores the security concepts and skills needed for installing, troubleshooting, and managing enterprise network infrastructure devices to maintain their integrity, confidentiality, and availability. Learners develop essential career skills like problem-solving and collaboration.
- Embedded industry certification: Cisco Network Security
- Penetration Testing and Cyber Operations (Credits: 10): This module develops theoretical knowledge and practical skills in planning, carrying out, and evaluating penetration testing and ethical hacking, including ethical and legal requirements. Learners identify vulnerabilities using industry-standard tools, leading to risk assessment and countermeasure development.
- Embedded industry certifications: CompTIA PenTest+, Cisco CyberOps
- Private Cloud and Software Defined Networking (Credits: 10): This module examines the essential aspects of designing and optimizing private cloud implementations, as well as emerging solutions to Software Defined Networking and Automation. Learners develop essential career skills like problem-solving and collaboration.
- Embedded industry certification: VMware VCP
- Research Project (Credits: 30): This module involves a research project to investigate a chosen aspect of Computer Science. Learners submit a dissertation describing the research, developed system (if applicable), results, and conclusions. Presentations, including a final presentation or viva voce examination, may be required.
Teaching:
The program is delivered online, making it suitable for those in full-time employment. The timing of classes is designed to accommodate working professionals.
Careers:
The program prepares learners for various IT roles, including:
- Network Engineer
- Technical Support Engineer (Levels 1-3)
- Cybersecurity Security Operations Centre (SOC) Analyst
- IT Services Manager
Other:
- The certification exams and any membership fees are not included in the program fees.
- Final certification examinations can be taken at various national external examination centers.
Entry Requirements:
A minimum Second-Class Level 8 Honours Degree (2.2) in an IT related discipline or non-IT discipline with considerable experience and/ or ability evidenced by a portfolio of prior experience and learning. Priority entry will be given to applicants with a higher classification of award.
