Cyber Security (Graduate Apprenticeship) MSc

Program Overview

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MSc Cyber Security (Graduate Apprenticeship)

Overview

The MSc Cyber Security Graduate Apprenticeship focuses on the fast-developing areas of networking and cybersecurity. The work-based learning modules award significant credit for the application of course-derived knowledge to your employer’s systems or procedures.

Mode of Study:

• Full-time
• Blended Learning

Duration:

• 18 months

Course Details

You will spend 20% of your working time studying at university, and the remaining 80% applying your learning and developing your skills in the workplace.

The MSc Cyber Security Graduate Apprenticeship focuses on extending your knowledge as a working professional into leading-edge issues related to network and computer security technologies and processes, both generally and with a particular focus on the growing threats from cybercrime.

Remote systems allow you to engage with the practical activities of the course from home or work. We also have well-equipped labs, which you can use if you wish to attend the campus.

Some credits are derived from your employment activities, so you must be already employed in a company which allows you to demonstrate your developing course knowledge.

Please discuss your current employment with the course leader before applying to ensure your role is suitable for the course. Your final dissertation project will allow you to use the tools and approaches you’ve developed on the course.

How You’ll Be Taught

This course is designed for professionals already employed in the area of computing who wish to develop their skills in cybersecurity and networking.

This course is delivered over 18 months via blended and distance learning. In the first year, you study one module per trimester alongside a yearlong Advanced Professional Practice project, spending one day per month on campus. In the second year, you complete a work-based MSc Dissertation in 6 months over two trimesters.

Assessments

• The taught modules will be assessed by exams and coursework.
• The project modules will be assessed by oral viva and document submission.

Work Placement

You complete this programme through your current employment. You must already be employed in a relevant industry area to apply.

Facilities

The course is a combination of academic theory along with remarkable and extensive hands-on practical activities, supported by online materials in addition to our virtualised lab environment representing our on-campus substantial facilities.

Entry Requirements

What Are the Entry Requirements for Cyber Security?

In order to apply, you must be resident in Scotland before you start your Graduate Apprenticeship. The premises you work in must also be located in Scotland. As part of your application, you'll have to show that you have the right to live and work in Scotland.

The entry requirement for this course is a Bachelor (Honours) Degree at 2:2 or above in a Computing discipline such as Computing; Computer Science; Computer Networking; Software Engineering or Cyber Security. Other IT disciplines may be considered, provided a minimum of 50% of the modules undertaken in the last two years of study were Computing related.

We may also consider lesser qualifications, or even none at all, if applicants have sufficient relevant work experience from industry.

Please note that to be considered for this programme, the candidate must already be employed in an area relating to the aforementioned disciplines AND have the support of the employer as significant credits in the course are based on employment-based activities.

Candidates must be resident in Scotland throughout the Graduate Apprenticeship. In addition to this, their employer’s working premises must also be located in Scotland. When applying to become a Graduate Apprentice the individual must have the right to live and work in the UK.

Can I Get Admission into Cyber Security Based on My Working Experience in This Sector?

This course has academic entry requirements which are assessed alongside relevant work experience. Full details of any relevant work experience, including references should be submitted with your application and may be considered for entry where the minimum academic entry requirements are below those required.

Usually, unrelated work experience is not considered sufficient for entry without meeting the minimum academic entry requirements.

Can I Make an Appointment with an Advisor to Discuss Further About the Admission Process?

If you want to get more information on the admission process, please get in touch with the postgraduate admissions team.

International Students

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

Admissions Policies

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study.

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Fees & Funding

Graduate Apprenticeships are fully funded through Scottish Funding Council and Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS), and supported by Skills Development Scotland. Once you have been offered a Graduate Apprenticeship place, you should apply to SAAS for funding, who will pay your tuition fees directly to the university. There are no associated learning costs to the Graduate Apprenticeship employer.

All Graduate Apprenticeship applicants must meet SAAS eligibility and residence conditions to apply.

Careers

On completion, apprentices can build their career in jobs such as:

• Security Consultant
• Forensic Investigator
• Audit/Compliance Consultant
• Security Adviser/Auditor
• Cybercrime Consultant