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Introduction
Why choose this course?
If you study for the full master’s degree, you’ll complete 6 taught modules of 20 credits, and a dissertation of 60 credits.
You’ll start by learning the academic and professional skills you’ll need to research cyber security issues and make a successful career in the field.
The taught modules will help you develop the advanced knowledge you’ll need for a specialist career in cyber security. Covering areas like systems architecture and enterprise networking, you’ll learn how to create secure systems from both a technological and human angle. In modules like Malware Analysis, you won’t just learn the theory, you’ll be putting your ideas to the test in our labs.
With your dissertation, you’ll look at a subject in real depth over the summer. You might choose to work with an organization on a challenge they’re facing. Or you might like to focus on an area that interests you personally. Your supervisor will support you throughout the process to make your project as impactful as possible.
Learning and teaching
We use a range of teaching methods, including:
 lectures
 seminars
 library and internet research
 practical design and experimentation.
Our teaching staff are 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.
Overview
Cyber-attacks are some of the biggest threats to national security today. With everything from health records to financial data stored online, people and businesses face constant risk from malicious attacks. Could you protect them?
If you have a computing degree (or lots of experience in the industry), you’ll have the technical skills to join this gold-standard course fully accredited by the NCSC (National Cyber Security Centre). Our expert teaching staff will help you hone those skills until you’re ready to take up the challenge yourself.
Unlike some courses which deal with regulations and legislation for cyber security, we focus on developing secure networks and software. That means you’ll be working in our labs, practising offensive and defensive techniques. You’ll be working on live projects and alongside others as you would in the industry. And you’ll build your knowledge until you’re an expert in everything from reverse engineering to OS development.
Modules
Compulsory modules
Research, Scholarship and Professional Skills in Cyber Security (20 credits)
This module is designed to equip you with the tools necessary for the scholarship and research skills needed for the computer science and cyber security fields as well as developing the professional skills and outlook needed for a lifelong career in the computing industry.
Secure Systems Architecture (20 credits)
In this module you will study the fundamentals of computer and network security and the ways that computer systems can be secured. This module will look at both the technological and human issues involved in securing and assessing the security level of a modern networked computer system. It also introduces basic concepts of operating systems and architecture.
Enterprise Networking (20 credits)
This module teaches the principles and practice of computer networking looking at how networks are used in modern enterprises.
Malware Analysis (20 credits)
This module looks at low level programming tools and techniques for the creation, detection and defence against malware. You will learn how to examine code at the assembler level using reverse engineering techniques, as well as network level analysis of command and control structures, to obtain detailed information on malware. You will also investigate advanced malware anti-forensics tools, such as code obfuscation, and use mechanisms for defeating them.
Operating Systems Security and Development (20 credits)
This module builds on the foundations laid in Secure Systems Architecture to look at more complex operating systems concepts and technologies. It also covers systems development and you also learn low level systems programming which they put into practice by changing and extending existing operating systems.
Secure Programming (20 credits)
This module looks at the analysis, design, and implementation of secure software. It considers what software engineering principles can and should be used to help ensure the security of software in a range of environments. You will be taught the common classes of vulnerability at design and implementation stages and how they can defended and mitigated against.
Final Project
Compulsory modules
MSc Dissertation in Computer Science for Cyber Security (60 credits)
This module is an individual research and development project that allows you to study a topic of your choice in depth, guided by your supervisor. The work may be undertaken in close co-operation with a research, industrial or commercial organisation. You will undertake your dissertation over the summer period.
Entry Criteria
ENTRY REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Home Office Share Code
For EU students only.
IF no Qualification
Please provide CV with at least 2 years of work experience, and employee reference letter.
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
To join this course you'll nedd a 2:2 UK bachelor's degree in a computer-related subject. If you're without a degree in computing, but you have worked in the computing industry you can also be considered. If you have no experience or degree in a computing related discipline then you should consider our MSc in Computing Science. You would normally be proficient at programming in C++/Java or similar.
Our standard entry requirement is three A-levels or equivalent qualifications. In some cases, courses have specific required subjects and additional GCSE requirements. In addition to A-levels, we accept a wide range of other qualifications including:
 the Welsh Baccalaureate
 the Access to Higher Education Diploma
 a BTEC National Certificate, Diploma or Extended Diploma at a good standard and in a relevant subject
 the International Baccalaureate Diploma
 the European Baccalaureate Diploma
 Scottish qualifications – five subjects in SCE with two at Higher level or one at Advanced Higher level, or three subjects in Scottish Highers or two at Advanced Higher level
 a recognised foundation course
 T-levels*.
 * T-levels are a relatively new qualification but are already included in the UCAS tariff. We welcome prospective students who are taking this qualification to apply. For some programmes with specific required subjects, particular subject areas or occupational specialisms may be required.
English language requirements
If your first language is not English you will require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 with 6.0 in all components.
OR
An equivalent English language qualification acceptable to the University.
If English is not your first language then you will need to show that your English language skills are at a high enough level to succeed in your studies.
The entry requirement for your course will be expressed as an IELTS level and refers to the IELTS Academic version of this test. We are now also accepting the IELTS Indicator test, you can find out more about the test on the IELTS Indication site. The University however does accept a wide range of additional English language qualifications, which can be found below.
The university’s English language requirements in IELTS levels are as follows:
Course IELTS level
All other undergraduate courses 6.0 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
Law, Architecture, Interior Architecture, English Literature (including combined honours), English Literature and Creative Writing 6.5 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
Health and Social Care courses 6.5 or 7.0 overall with 6.5 or 7.0 in all components (see individual entries for course details)
Nutrition BSc (Hons) 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component
Built Environment Foundation,
Computing Foundation,
Engineering Foundation 6.0 with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
International Foundation Business and Technology,
International Foundation Arts, Humanities and Law 5.5 overall with 5.5 in all skills
International Foundation Diploma 5.0 overall with 5.0 in all skills
If you need a student visa you must take an IELTS for UKVI test.
International Foundation Diploma (Extended pathway) 4.5 overall with 4.5 in all skills
If you need a student visa you must take an IELTS for UKVI test.
The School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics is home to world-leading and award-winning research. Our focus is on user-inspired original research with real-world applications. And a wide range of activities from model-driven system design and empirical software engineering through to web technologies, cloud computing and big data, digital forensics and computer vision.
Staff and students collaborate on projects supported by the EPSRC, the EU, the DTI, and several major UK companies.
Computing achieved an excellent assessment of its UoA (Unit of Assessment) 11 return for REF 2014 (Research Excellence Framework).
Students on this course can be involved with research in the following research groups:
 Institute for Ethical Artificial Intelligence
 Advanced Reliable Computer Systems (ARCoS)
 Applied Software Engineering and Data Analytics (ASEDA)
 Cloud Computing and Cybersecurity group (CCC)
 Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Group (AIR)
 Visual Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (VAIL)
Assessment
ASSESSMENT METHODS
1. INTERNAL ENGLISH TEST if you don't have an English accredited certificate
2. Academic Interview
Assessment methods include:
 coursework exercises
 presentations
 lab work
 reports
 examinations.
Career Opportunities
Cyber security is important in a huge range of organisations, so your skills will be in high demand. Past graduates are working everywhere from small startup businesses to the NHS. Relevant roles you could look for include:
 IT security professional
 penetration tester
 digital forensic investigator
 software developer
 systems engineer
 technical analyst
 IT manager
 consultant.
You may also consider carrying on your research – either with a private company or by applying for a PhD.
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