MSc Cyber Security

Program Overview

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MSc Cyber Security (Online)

Distance learning Masters | 2 years | Part-time | Multiple intakes

Overview of MSc Cyber Security (Online)

Cyber security is one of the biggest concerns for organisations around the world, which will grow as the capabilities of cyber criminals, and the AI tools they use, continue to advance.

We’ve developed our part-time, NCSC accredited MSc Cyber Security (Online) programme to empower working professionals with experience or qualifications in a related field to elevate their expertise and advance their careers.

What will I learn?

You will be taught by cyber industry experts who will help you to:

• Build a critical understanding of governance and assurance , including technology risk practices that are vital to today’s volatile cyber security market
• Learn how to identify new and existing cyber security threats , manage security incidents, and determine how to minimise them
• Explore the fundamental concepts , principles , and technologies used in network security
• Gain in-depth knowledge of relevant technologies such as network security; information governance and security; wireless networks; information assurance and risk management; and ethical hacking

Modules

All modules on this distance learning programme are core modules and worth 20 credits, unless stated otherwise.

Information Governance and Security

During this module you will critically explore the governance and cyber security principles that underpin the management of an organisation’s information assets, developing a practical foundation on which to evaluate different approaches to information governance and cyber security.

Network Security

Data security and network security are two important aspects of cyber security and this module will provide you with a theoretical and practical understanding of both.

• Multiple topics will be covered in this module including:
  • Cryptography
  • Classical systems
  • IP protocol security
  • Private and public-key cryptography
  • Cryptographic protocols
  • Hash functions
  • Authentication
  • Signature schemes
  • Email and web security
  • Viruses
  • Firewalls

Wireless Networks and Security

This module will provide you with a deeper understanding of 802.11 protocols , security, and enterprise deployment, suitable for a variety of networking professional roles.

• You will study:
  • Enterprise wireless deployment elements and methodologies
  • Basic RF characteristics for mobile systems
  • 802.11 protocol operation and technologies
  • Wireless security issues and attack vulnerabilities

Information Assurance and Risk Management

This module will provide you with a comprehensive knowledge of the processes to ensure the security of information during use, sharing, storage, transmission, and disposal. You will learn about the protection of integrity, availability, authenticity, and confidentiality of all classes of information.

Ethical Hacking for Cyber Security

Ethical hacking is an essential part of modern e-security. It includes rigorous testing and analysis to determine an organisation’s vulnerabilities. This module is designed to provide you with a deep understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of ethical hacking.

Research and Project Management

This module will teach you about the nature of research and the processes involved in carrying out that research, along with a variety of project management skills, enabling you to apply this knowledge to develop your Masters project proposal.

MSc Computer Science and Digital Technologies Project (60 credits)

This module will comprise a substantial academic research project at Masters level, and you will present your results in both written and oral form.

Teaching

The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Blackboard will be used for this programme and the tool Learn of Demand (LoD) will be used for technical modules: Network Security, Wireless Networks and Security and Ethical Hacking for Cyber Security.

Entry Requirements

United Kingdom

• Academic requirements:
  • Minimum 2:2 honours degree from a recognised university in a relevant subject (IT/Computer Science/Cyber Security/related field)
• Non-standard entry requirements:
  • Relevant qualifications and/or work experience will be taken into consideration where the applicant has been judged to have the potential to benefit from the programme. Requests for non-standard entry will be considered on an individual basis by the Programme Leader and relevant module tutors where appropriate

English Language requirements

• GCSE English grade A-C

Fees and Funding

2024/25 tuition fee: £10,460 (£9,460 for the July 2025 intake)

For self-funded students, we have an interest-free payment plan to help spread the cost of your tuition fees following your initial deposit payment.

Career Opportunities

After completing your degree, you will be prepared to meet the educational requirements of the BCS (The Chartered Institute for IT) for the purposes of meeting the further learning requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.

Typical careers and roles for cyber security Masters graduates include (but are not limited to):

• Risk analytics and management
• Operations and security management
• Threat management and forensics
• Engineering, Architecture, and Design
• Chief Technology Officer