MSc Cyber Security

at Birmingham City University

COURSE IN DEPTH
 

Module
 

Digital Forensics
20 credits

The aim of this module is to provide students with an understanding of digital forensic principles, modern examination techniques using current best practices for handling digital evidence in a forensically sound manner.  This module emphasises a ‘practice-led’ approach to developing practical skills and theoretical knowledge of digital forensic investigation techniques using open-source and commercial forensic tools.  Students will acquire the keys skills necessary in conducting and auditing a systematic forensic investigation of a computer system for user activity, operating system operation, configuration and connectivity.  Practical sessions comprises a series of hands-on analytical experiments to progressively unpack the more advanced aspects of the topic being investigated. All practical sessions will be hosted in the specialist Computer Forensics Laboratory.

 

Advanced Ethical Hacking
20 credits

 

The module provides students with an opportunity to learn and critically reflect on the skills of Advanced Ethical Hacking and information security within a global context. This module builds on the knowledge and underpinning theory from the networking modules and reviews the requirements for a secure network communication system.

 

Research Methods and Project Management
20 credits

 

This module prepares students for the research project that they will undertake towards the end of their master’s course. It equips students with knowledge and transferable skills that will also help them in their subsequent career, for example, when they are asked to write a report or to carry out an IT project. The students will become familiar with the research literature in their discipline, research methodology and research ethics, as well as project management tools, methods and techniques.

 

Cyber-Physical Systems Security
20 credits

 

This module aims to introduce learners to the security of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS). Taking a holistic approach, the module will cover both operational and information technology (OT and IT) aspects of the CPS. The module will enable learners to familiarise with the state of the art with respect to CPS security through research-informed curriculum and engagement with the cutting-edge during the module. Specifically, the module will include introduction to unique security requirements for such systems, identify cyber security threat landscape for CPS, and include discussions around methods and mechanisms to protect against security threats along with codes of practice and standards used in different industries such as Manufacturing, Power, Automotive or Medical.

 

Information Security Governance
20 credits

 

The module covers information security governance and its associated body of knowledge and aims to develop students’ technical competence in information assurance. Security measures for adequate protection of valuable information assets are essential to guard business success, reputation, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. This module provides students with in-depth knowledge and understanding of the concepts, methods, processes, tools and practices underlying good information security governance. Topics to be covered include security governance, risk management, security programme development and management, legislation, policies, standards, frameworks, and issuing bodies, business continuity and cybercrime.

 

Applied Machine Learning
20 credits

 

This module covers the concepts and techniques of applied artificial intelligence (AI), focusing on the machine learning applications in practice. It provides the underpinning principles on the design and development of AI to address emerging challenges in the cyber world. A range of machine-learning schemes are examined, including identification of anomalous situations that alter data reliability and integrity. In addition, the students will develop related analytical and practical skills that can be applied in designing AI for data processing applications.

 

Individual Dissertation Project
60 credits

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.

 

Award: MSc Starting: Sep 2022
Full Time 1 Year £16,300 in 2022/23

Enhancing your employability skills

 

This course is designed to ensure that you are a very sought-after graduate with the necessary first-hand, practical expertise of cyber security issues as well as a rigorous academic understanding of the sector.

 

Globally there is a shortage of experts who can work in cyber security at this very high level, so you will focus on the important technical material you will need for effective decision-making in a highly demanding career.

 

You will be equipped for a range of careers requiring advanced skills, such as:

 

• security architect
• security analyst
• security administrator
• security manager
• incident response manager
• risk and compliance analyst. 

You will have the opportunity to get support for obtaining industry recognised Professional Certifications.

 

Professional certification

 

There is considerable activity under way to help recognise the professional capability of both individual specialists and training, and continuing education provision on offer to such cyber security specialists.

For instance, new IT Certification and Career Paths are arising such as the Cisco Cyber Security Specialist certification called 'The Securing Cisco Networks with Threat Detection and Analysis (SCYBER)'.