Cyber Security MSc

Program Overview

MSc Cyber Security

Overview

This popular NCSC-certified Masters degree delivers modern enterprise cyber security, coupled with digital forensics and incident response.

Mode of Study:

• Full-time (available as Part-time | Distance-learning)

Duration:

• 1 year

Start date:

• September and January

Course Overview

Computer security is one of the key challenges in contemporary computing. You will gain critical knowledge within the cyber security and digital forensic domains, combining academic principles and industrial practice.

The course is informed by current research in security and digital forensics and is underpinned by our experience with external partners in law enforcement, the cyber security industry, financial institutions, and other knowledge transfer activities.

Course specialisms include network security, penetration testing, incident response, malware analysis, cryptography, audit and compliance, and host and mobile digital forensics.

The specialisation you gain in the taught modules is further developed through an extensive research-based MSc dissertation project, leading towards a mastery of a subject area and enhancing your particular specialism.

Modules

• Applied Cryptography and Trust (CSN11131)
• Computer Penetration Testing (CSN11127)
• Host-Based Forensics (CSN11125)
• Incident Response and Malware Analysis (CSN11128)
• Masters Dissertation (SOC11101)
• Network Security (CSN11111)
• Security Audit & Compliance (INF11109)

Entry Requirements

• A Bachelor (Honours) Degree at a 2:2 or above in a Computing discipline
• 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
• Relevant work experience may be considered for entry where the minimum academic entry requirements are below those required

English Language

• If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply

International Students

• We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications
• Entry requirements by country

Fees & Funding

• Tuition fees for 2024/25:
  • Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £7,280
  • Overseas and EU: £20,395
• The University offers a 20% discount on Postgraduate Taught Masters programmes to its alumni
• A range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries

Careers

• The continued growth in the current requirement for cyber security professionals means there are a wide range of careers which can be followed after graduating from the course, such as:
  • Security Consultant/Analyst
  • Penetration Tester
  • Network Security Analyst
  • Forensic Investigator
  • Audit/Compliance Consultant
  • Security Certification Engineer
  • Incident Response Analyst
  • System Admin
  • Network Engineer
• The programme develops a range of key skills currently needed in industry, covering areas such as network security, penetration testing, security monitoring, incident response, malware analysis, operating systems, network and computer forensics, virtualisation and malware analysis
• Materials from many professional courses are integrated into the curriculum, towards helping students prepare for sought after professional certification such as:
  • Cisco Security Certifications
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
  • Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
  • Centre for Research and Evidence on Security Threats (CREST)