MSc Cyber Security

In this module, you'll develop an understanding of the methodologies, principles, tools and techniques used in digital forensic investigations. You'll explore how to identify, preserve, extract and analyse digital evidence while maintaining evidential integrity, and examine the challenges faced in contemporary forensic investigations. Topics may include live and deadbox forensics, investigative methodologies, digital evidence sources, forensic artefacts, legislation, and the use of specialist forensic tools. Through practical, scenario-based activities, you'll learn how to investigate digital incidents, evaluate evidence and present findings in a forensically sound and professional manner.

In this module, you'll undertake an independent research project focused on a specialist area of cyber security. Drawing on knowledge and skills developed throughout your programme, you'll identify and investigate a research problem related to the Cyber Security Body of Knowledge (CyBOK), critically evaluate current research, and develop advanced research and analytical skills. You'll explore topics such as research methods, academic writing, research integrity and the research process, while learning how to plan, manage and communicate a substantial piece of academic work. The module also develops your ability to defend and reflect upon your research findings and professional practice.

In this module, you'll explore the security challenges associated with critical infrastructure and cyber-physical systems, including industrial control systems (ICS) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) environments. You'll examine the threats, vulnerabilities and risks affecting sectors such as healthcare, water and aviation, and investigate both established and emerging approaches to cyber protection. Topics may include advanced persistent threats, cyber warfare, risk modelling, resilience, situational awareness, governance and security standards. You'll learn how to analyse cyber threats, evaluate protection strategies and develop solutions to improve the security and resilience of critical systems.

In this module, you'll develop an understanding of the security and privacy challenges associated with Internet of Things (IoT) systems and resource-constrained devices. You'll explore key concepts including IoT security architectures, authentication and authorisation mechanisms, secure wireless technologies, networking protocols, and approaches to protecting data integrity and privacy. You'll also examine the challenges of securing wireless environments such as Wireless Local Area Networks and Wireless Personal Area Networks (WPANs). Through practical application, you'll learn how to design, implement and evaluate lightweight security solutions that are suitable for resource-limited IoT devices and systems.

In this module, you'll explore how cyber security analysts protect organisations from a wide range of cyber threats, including network attacks, malware, insider threats, data exfiltration and social engineering. You'll develop an understanding of the tools, techniques and processes used in modern security operations, and learn how data analytics, statistics and machine learning can be applied to identify, assess and mitigate cyber risks. Topics may include security monitoring, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), data visualisation, virtualised analysis environments and threat investigation. Through practical activities, you'll develop the analytical and technical skills needed to investigate and communicate cyber security threats effectively.

In this module, you'll develop an advanced understanding of computer and network security in the context of contemporary cyber threats. You'll explore core security principles such as confidentiality, integrity, availability, authentication and non-repudiation, alongside topics including cryptography, access control, software and platform security, threat intelligence and penetration testing. Through a combination of theoretical study and practical investigation, you'll examine real-world cyber attacks and defensive strategies, learn how to identify and respond to security threats, and develop the skills needed to design, evaluate and secure modern networked systems.

In this module, you'll explore how organisations identify, assess and manage information security risks in an increasingly complex digital environment. You'll examine contemporary cyber threats, including phishing, ransomware and denial-of-service attacks, and learn how to evaluate their potential impact on organisations. Topics may include information security management systems (ISMS), risk management frameworks, threat modelling techniques, international standards such as ISO 27001, and legal and regulatory requirements including GDPR and the Data Protection Act. Through the analysis of real-world incidents and case studies, you'll develop the skills to assess risks, design effective mitigation strategies and communicate security decisions to a range of stakeholders.

In this module, you'll explore current and emerging research trends that are shaping the future of cyber security. You'll critically examine cutting-edge developments and challenges in areas that may include Internet of Things (IoT) security, cloud security, machine learning and deep learning, blockchain security, cyber-physical systems, digital twins and deepfake technologies. You'll develop advanced skills in research, critical analysis and professional communication, learning how to evaluate complex cyber security challenges, identify gaps in existing knowledge and propose innovative, evidence-based solutions within both research and industry contexts.