Cyber Security MSc

Gain the knowledge and skills to secure network infrastructures and understand incident response. You'll cover network security architecture, firewalls, intrusion detection, wireless security, network monitoring, and risk management. By the end, you should be able to understand network security and incident response, implement network security measures, manage security incidents, understand the legal and ethical issues and review current and future developments in network security.

Compulsory

Gain a comprehensive understanding of cloud computing principles, technologies, and best practices. Learn about emerging cloud technologies and cloud operations. Cover operating systems, cloud platforms, virtualization, monitoring, and DevOps. By the end, you should be able to show a good understanding of cloud computing concepts like IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS, design and manage cloud infrastructure and implement effective cloud monitoring.

Compulsory

This module gives you an appreciation of how cyber security principles apply to connected systems like IoT and automotive. You'll cover trends in interconnected systems, mobile communication technologies, common communication protocols (like MQTT), automotive security, legal and ethical factors related to data from connected devices, security policy, and the emerging threat landscape. By the end, you should be able to show awareness of cyber security threats to connected systems, analyse security policy for protecting connected systems and propose security policies, discuss the security implications of connected systems and propose solutions and evaluate the social, legal, and ethical issues around connected systems.

Compulsory

If you successfully secure a placement in industry within your first semester, this master’s with professional placement option allows you to extend your 12-month master’s course up to an additional year to complete the placement before starting your final 60-credit module.

• Gain valuable industry insights and skills as you apply your academic knowledge and skills to a professional placement.
• The placement must be sourced and secured by you during your first semester. Our careers and employability team are available to support you with the sourcing process.
• Start your professional placement after completing the first 120 credits of your course.
• The professional placement will be integrated into your course learning and outcomes. This will take the form of a reflective diary demonstrating your learning and engagement with the placement experience.
• The professional placement option is subject to additional fees, living costs, visa requirements, availability, competitive application and university approval of the placement.²

For full terms and conditions please visit the extended master’s landing page. 

Optional

Cover the essential stages of research, from conceptualisation to dissemination. Learn about different research designs, data collection methods, and analysis techniques. Examine the importance of ethical research practices and effective time management. Receive guidance on dissertation structure, academic writing, and referencing. You will then conduct your own research and produce a substantial piece of original work.

Compulsory

Applied Theory of Cyber-Security and Secure Design – 30 credits 

Gain a deep understanding of cyber security theory, cryptographic methods, and how to evaluate system security. You'll cover platform security, security evaluation frameworks (like OWASP), the Cyber Kill Chain, and the foundations of cryptography. By the end, you should be able to analyse standards for system evaluation and their relevance to security, evaluate platforms for systems and applications against cyber security standards and show a thorough understanding of modern cryptography concepts and techniques.

Compulsory

Digital Forensics – 30 credits

Study the ideas and tools used to investigate cybercrime and analyse digital evidence. Learn about data acquisition, preservation, and recovery from various devices, while maintaining evidence. Topics may include network forensics, malware analysis, incident response, and the legal and ethical considerations of digital investigations. Use industry-standard software and tools to simulate real-world scenarios, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge to identify, trace, and document digital footprints in cybercrime cases.

Compulsory

Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing – 30 credits 

Focus on the techniques used to identify flaws in systems, networks, and applications. Study the ethical and legal frameworks of penetration testing, as well as strategies for securing systems against cyber threats. Topics typically include vulnerability assessment, threat modelling, exploitation techniques, and reporting findings. Through hands-on labs and real-world simulations, use industry-standard tools to conduct ethical hacking exercises, learning to think like an attacker while applying defensive measures to protect digital assets effectively.

Compulsory

Cyber-security Management – 30 credits

Focus on the strategic and operational aspects of managing cyber-security within organisations. Learn risk assessment, governance, compliance, and policy-making to safeguard information. Topics include incident response planning, threat management, business continuity and aligning cyber-security strategies with organisational goals. Emphasis is placed on leadership and decision-making skills required to mitigate risks and respond to cyber threats effectively. Practical aspects may include case studies and simulations, allowing to apply best practices and manage cyber-security operations in real-world contexts.

Compulsory