MSc Cyber Security
Gain the knowledge and skills to tackle today’s cyber security challenges
As cyber security threats become more sophisticated, we require a deeper understanding of the challenges they bring. With security professionals in demand in government and industry, this degree is designed to equip you with the skills needed to identify and respond to those threats.
It aims to give you the knowledge and skills needed to work at a professional level. You’ll have the opportunity to develop industry-focused knowledge and skills in key areas of network and system security, ethical hacking, secure design, cryptography and risk assessment.
Masters
- Duration
- Full-time – 1 year; Part-time – 2 years
- Overview
- 9 programs
- Start dates
- 13 Sep 2021 (apply by 17 Sep 2021)
- Language
- English
What do I need to apply?
An applicant will normally be expected to possess at least one of the following:
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A minimum of a second class honours degree in a relevant subject such as computer science, mathematics, physics or engineering
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A relevant professional qualification of an equivalent level
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A lower qualification plus appropriate and relevant experience at a professional level, or
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Satisfactory independent evidence of working for several years in a position that would normally be occupied by an honours graduate, in a relevant area (such as the IT sector), which would lead to gaining benefit from the degree.
How can I study this course?
This course can be studied 100% online with both full-time and part-time options.
The full-time route takes one year to complete, or part-time two years.
How much will it cost?
This course has a UK and International fee. The Admissions Team will carry out a fee assessment where appropriate, to determine which fee is applicable.
17 May 2021
UK students – £16,600
International students – £16,600
13 September 2021
UK students – £15,450
International students – £16,600
Postgraduate UK/EU students
The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus will apply. If the duration of the course is longer than one academic year, we may increase the fee for each subsequent year of study but any such increases will be no more than inflation. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit; this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.
Postgraduate international students
The tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.
What are the learning outcomes?
A student who successfully completes the degree will have achieved the following learning outcomes:
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Demonstrated a critical awareness of the legal frameworks, ethical and professional issues of cyber security
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Performed systematic risk assessment, identification and analysis in accordance with international standards and demonstrated an ability to deal with complex issues
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Demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of network and information systems secure communication technologies and protocols and their application to contemporary internet-based solutions and technologies
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Evaluated and justified a suitable methodology and tools for vulnerability assessment of systems and organisations
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Conducted and reported on an ethically-based security audit and test to a professional standard, recommending and specifying suitable countermeasures
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Demonstrated a thorough understanding of the theoretical concepts and implementation of current security frameworks and architectures, as well as cryptographic protocols and algorithms
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Be able to assess systems’ security requirements and apply secure design methodology and formal methods in systems design, implementation and testing
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Applied appropriate technological solutions and processes in the detection, management and investigation of information security incidents, and documented a digital investigation from a legal and professional standpoint
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Demonstrated a critical awareness of current issues and new technologies in cyber security which are informed by leading edge research and/or practice in the field
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Extrapolated from existing research, scholarship and/or fieldwork findings to identify new or revised approaches to practice
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Conducted rigorous research/formal inquiry into cyber security issues that require familiarity with a range of technologies, research sources and appropriate methodologies, and for such to inform the overall learning process
Programs on this degree
| Program | Date |
|---|---|
| Cryptography | 13 Sep 2021 |
| Cyber Security Individual Project | 13 Sep 2021 |
| Ethical Hacking | 13 Sep 2021 |
| Network Security | 13 Sep 2021 |
| Secure Design and Development | 13 Sep 2021 |
| Automotive Cyber Security | |
| Digital Data Acquisition, Recovery and Analysis | |
| Intrusion Detection and Response | |
| Security of Emerging Connected Systems |
What you’ll get as a degree student with FutureLearn
- Learn when you want by watching videos, reading articles, doing tests, and completing assignments online
- Join online discussions and collaborate with your peers in a virtual study group
- Enjoy discussions with feedback from expert educators
- Get full access to the university library, online resources and support
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