About the course
Course content
Cyber threats are on the increase and have been highlighted by the UK government as one of the four main threats to the UK. There is an increasing demand from business and government for individuals skilled in computer science and cyber security who can design, build, and maintain secure software and systems that can protect people, business and data from malicious attack.
This programme builds on the knowledge gained in a first degree to equip you with advanced computer science and cyber security skills necessary to produce modern secure systems. The theory taught in the lectures is reinforced in the practicals where you have the opportunity to use industry standard tools and techniques in our dedicated security, server and networking laboratories which provide a safe space for you to practice both offensive and defensive security techniques.
Why choose this course?
Dedicated security, server and networking laboratories with enterprise equipment including Cisco switches, routers, firewalls and Dell servers. Small, dedicated private cloud that allows you to create more complex cyber security scenarios and to investigate cloud security issues. Access to a wide range of enterprise software to ensure realistic deployment environments.
An emphasis on live projects, alongside group work modelled on industry standard working patterns, giving you the opportunity to develop skills that are directly applicable to the workplace. Staff with a wide range of expertise in computer science and cyber security. An opportunity to apply to undertake a placement which enables you to practice and refine your skills within a company or organisation.
This course in detail
The MSc in Computer Science for Cyber Security has a modular course-unit design providing you with maximum flexibility and choice. To qualify for a master’s degree without placement, you must pass modules amounting to 180 credits. This comprises six taught modules (20 credits each) plus your dissertation (60 credits). To qualify for a master's degree with placement you need to undertake a one-year placement in between the taught component and the dissertation.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science for Cyber Security allows you to concentrate on the taught part of the degree and is ideal for people working in the computing industry who wish to brush up their skills. To qualify for a Postgraduate Diploma, you must pass modules amounting to 120 credits. This comprises six taught modules (20 credits each). In some cases, it may be possible for a student on a Postgraduate Diploma to do 3 taught modules (20 credits each) plus your dissertation (60 credits).
The Postgraduate Certificate in Computer Science for Cyber Security allows you to concentrate on the taught part of the degree and is ideal for people working in the computing industry who wish to learn a specific area in this rapidly changing discipline. To qualify for a Postgraduate Certificate, you must pass modules amounting to 60 credits. This comprises three taught modules (20 credits each).
Semester 1 has the following modules:
-Research and Scholarship Methods (compulsory for MSc)
-Network Principles (compulsory for MSc)
-Secure Systems Architecture (compulsory for MSc and PG Dip)
Semester 2 has the following modules:
-Operating Systems Development (compulsory for MSc and PG Dip)
-Secure Programming (compulsory for MSc)
-Low level Techniques and Tools (compulsory for MSc and PG Dip)
If you are studying for an MSc you will also take:
-MSc Dissertation (completed over summer)
MSc students have the option to apply to undertake a placement. Placement positions are not guaranteed, however the department will help and support students in finding a placement.
Please note: as our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the list of taught modules offered may vary from the list here.
Teaching and learning
The taught modules include lectures, seminars, library and internet research, and practical design and experimentation.
Teaching staff include experienced academic staff and practitioners in the field of Computer Science and Cyber Security. Visiting speakers from business and industry help to maintain relevance to the evolution of the industry.
Laboratory facilities include dedicated security, server and networking laboratories.
Careers and professional development
This programme allows graduates to undertake a wide range of roles in IT and cyber security. Common careers in this area are IT security professionals, penetration testers, digital forensic investigators, software developers, systems engineers, technical analysts, IT managers, and consultants.