MSc Cyber Security

Networked computers run our world. From homes to hospitals, airports to banks and all stops in between, everything is connected – but these systems are susceptible to infiltration and attack. On our MSc Cyber Security course, you’ll gain the expertise to become part of the defence. 

By learning to design, implement and manage computer-based systems security on this masters, you’ll develop the skills and confidence to succeed in a wide range of cyber security roles. This could include security designer, ethical hacker, and digital forensics officer. 

Starting with the fundamentals, you’ll gain a broad understanding of the different levels of computer and network security. You’ll then explore both the technical aspects and the logistics of planning and implementing network security management. And how to investigate systems after a breach. 

You will also complete a masters project. While you’ll have plenty of support along the way, it’s a solo research project designed to develop confidence, autonomy and self-sufficiency – qualities that can take you far in the workplace. 

We aim to train you to become a specialist in a field with opportunities in virtually every sector – with everything that means for your future career prospects.

Our MSc Cyber Security course is made up of a range of core units covering topics from the principals of cyber security to Penetration Testing and IOT Security. You can choose to study the course full-time over one year, or part-time, where you’ll complete the units over two years. From 2021 entry, you may also choose to take an additional one-year optional industry placement on the full-time route.

Starting with the fundamentals, you’ll gain a broad understanding of the different levels of computer and network security. You’ll focus on the principles, architectures and protocols used in modern large-scale networked systems. As you progress, you’ll go deeper exploring the technical aspects – wireless systems, operating systems and interfacing socket programming, servers and their security implications, and encryption algorithms. You’ll look at the logistics of planning and implementing network security management, including security, risk analysis and disaster recovery planning.

But putting in defences to deter hackers is only one side of the cyber security coin. You’ll also become something of a digital detective, as you learn how to investigate systems after a breach. You’ll look at the phases of a forensics investigation, from understanding how the breach occurred to analysing the digital evidence trail and learning how to plug the gap for the future. And because you’ll be dealing with other people’s private data, you’ll explore the legal and ethical issues involved.

Finally, you will complete an in-depth, independent research project. With the support of our academic and technical team, you’ll undertake a piece of research on a topic of your choice related to your studies. This will involve designing, implementing and evaluating a substantial piece of software and documenting the research through writing a dissertation. 

Throughout this cyber security masters, you’ll be supported by highly professional staff with practical experience at the forefront of this dynamic landscape. You’ll have access to our specialist labs with the latest hardware and software that will give you hands-on project experience in real-world network security scenarios.

What is the length of the course?

• 1 year full-time
• 2 years full-time with placement