Ethical Hacking and Cyber Security MSci/BSc (Hons)

This module will introduce practical penetration skills, including penetration testing methodology and strategies for attacking remote systems. We will look at web and server-based vulnerabilities and how to exploit them. 

Compulsory

This module introduces the concepts of algorithm efficiency, complexity, process management, as well as information modelling, management and security. The platforms on which software is developed are considered, covering Operating System (OS) internals and their impact on good programming practice and security, including fundamental OS concepts such as process, memory and file system management. Key features of modern OS such as the creation and scheduling of multiple processes, and methods of communicating between them are also discussed. 

Compulsory

Building on the first year Networking and Architectures module, this module aims to provides you with knowledge (terminologies and concepts) of computer networks architecture, together with the core networking and security techniques. 

Compulsory

The module aims to provide you with a critical awareness of the legal framework and professional issues related to security incident response, its planning, deployment and success criteria. It should enable you to develop the ability and skill to evaluate and apply appropriate methodologies and technological solutions of performing or managing incident response investigations. 

Compulsory

This module will look at the fundamentals of digital forensics including evidence and data recovery. 

Compulsory

This module will give an overview of common web technologies including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It will cover the protocols used to drive the web such as HTTP, SSL, REsT, and the use of Application Programme Interfaces (APIs), along with an understanding of the database technologies that store information. 

Compulsory

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes. 

Optional

This module²  provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes. 

Optional

This module will cover penetration testing methodology, including accessing, manipulating and exploring networks and systems. Counter measures are also covered, as well as a structured methodology in which this can be reported along with an evaluation of security mechanisms.

Compulsory

The module investigates information assurance models and addresses current implementations of security audits such as COBIT and PCI-DSS. It will be delivered through taught lectures, reinforced by work on case studies that will incorporate practical applications of audit frameworks and analysis of the results. 

Compulsory

This module aims to provide you with a thorough comprehension of the concepts, theory and application of cryptographic techniques to cyber security. Additionally, you should develop your experience of appropriate cryptographic tools and libraries. Advanced topics and the status of cryptographic research will also be studied.

Compulsory

The module will cover topics such as forming research questions, project selection and formation, scoping and planning, critical review, state of the art or literature review. It will also consider research methods including quantitative and qualitative, initial development and implementation, project concept evaluation, as well as professional and ethical considerations.

Compulsory

This module is aimed at supporting you during the dissertation writing process. 

Compulsory

Choose one of the following three optional modules

• Reverse Engineering and Exploit Development – 20 credits 
  This module will focus on exploit and malware analysis, looking at reverse engineering techniques, exploit development, and obfuscation or antivirus evasion.
• Secure Network Design and Management – 20 credits 
  This module will focus on the design and management of networked systems and technologies.
• Advanced Digital and Network Forensics – 20 credits 
  This model will look at advanced forensic concepts such as mobile network, cloud and emerging technologies.

Optional

This module focuses on risk assessment and the performance of security audits primarily in accordance with the guidelines of ISO27002:2005(BS17799).

Compulsory

This module provides you with a thorough comprehension of the concepts, theory and application of cryptographic techniques to cyber security.

Compulsory

This module seeks to provide you with an appreciation of information security concepts and an understanding of how they are applied using Internet of Things (IoT) and Mobile Device (MD) technologies.

Compulsory

This module aims to develop your critical knowledge in the field of automotive cyber security, which poses a major challenge to connected and autonomous vehicles. 

Compulsory

This module introduces you to the concepts used in neural networks and their application in solving real-world problems. 

Compulsory

This module will introduce technical security controls used to prevent, detect, and recover from security violations at the application or system level. 

Compulsory

In this module you should exercise and extend your skills in gathering, understanding and critically evaluating literature, performing research, and analysing findings. You will undertake a research project in cyber security or related subject areas. 

Compulsory