MSc Cyber Security

Content

You'll study:

• Cyber Security Futures Emerging Trends and Challenges (15 credits) - This module provides workshops, invited speakers, and student discussions, to explore future concepts in cyber security. Students will identify an emerging topic of choice to conduct a small-scale research study.
• Computer and Network Security (30 credits) - This module includes fundamental technical security concepts, including encryption, systems security, network communications, and penetration testing. Students will develop a practical portfolio to demonstrate their knowledge of technical security concepts.
• Cyber Security Analytics (15 credits) - This module addresses Security Operations and Incident Management, and cyber security big data analytics. Students will study SIEM tools and machine learning concepts to investigate complex security threats.
• IoT Systems Security (15 credits) - Students will study IoT system security architecture, authentications and authorization, and secure wireless technologies. They will develop wireless IoT security systems using resource-limited embedded hardware devices.
• Critical Systems Security (15 credits) - This module includes Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and Supervisor Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. Students will examine and critique conventional ICS security and explore practical applications of ICS security.
• Digital Forensics for Cyber Security (15 credits) - This module introduces students to the core principles and frameworks that form the foundation of digital investigations. Students will build upon this foundation to identify tools and employ practical digital forensic techniques to enable them to; profile user interaction with computer systems, extract/analyze evidential artefacts of interest and identify indicators of compromise that are created during a cyber attack.
• Cyber Security Research Paper (60 credits) - Students will design and develop a research project with guidance from an academic supervisor, to address a research enquiry in the scope of cyber security.
• Information Risk Management (15 credits) - This module introduces concepts of information security, along with common threats and vulnerabilities, and how to manage risk using ISO27001 and FAIR methodologies to align operational, business and security needs.

These modules were developed in consultation with industry practitioners.

This structure is for full-time students only. Part-time students study the same modules, taking the first three modules in Year one (Cyber Security Futures Emerging Trends and Challenges, Computer and Network Security, Cyber Security Analytics), and the remaining modules in Year two.

The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved, we will inform you.

Learning and Teaching

Learn through practical labs, lectures, seminars, group work, workshops and guest lectures. Our academics have a range of connections with industry experts. In the past, the department has hosted speakers from CGI, Avon and Somerset High Tech Crime Unit, Ministry of Defence, Ernst and Young, and the NCSC.

Gain knowledge and understanding of the concepts and technologies used to establish and maintain computer and network security. Practical exercises will consolidate your knowledge through hands-on experience.

Discover how current methodological approaches and legal frameworks influence risk management and explore emerging threats and countermeasures. Case studies will bring these methodologies to life in an industry-relevant way.

Develop your ability to evaluate issues and design and implement robust security solutions. Build your communication and creative skills so you can respond in a clear, effective way to challenges.

You'll have opportunities to participate in UK and global security challenges that the department has a track-record of success in.

See our full glossary of learning and teaching terms.

Study time

This course is available for both full and part-time study. The part-time option will be delivered one day a week over a two-year period, making it suitable for those who wish to continue working alongside their studies.

Outside of formal lectures, you'll complete practical tasks, including solving practical problems in information security. You'll prepare for them by reading academic papers, professional/technical publications, and other material available online.

Assessment

Your assessments will include practical problem-solving coursework, exams, presentations and reports.

See our full glossary of assessment terms.