COURSE STRUCTURE
Cyber security is now a key skill in a computer scientist’s toolkit to protect systems, networks, and devices from attacks. On this MSc in Cyber Security, you’ll gain a solid introduction to topics including cryptography, human factors of cyber, attack and defence techniques, network security and the design of secure systems.
During the first part of the programme, you will study eight core taught modules (120 credits), developing your knowledge of computer systems and their vulnerabilities, and exploring programming skills, before moving onto more advanced topics in cyber security, cloud computing, and security management.
The second part of the programme gives you freedom to choose between either a ‘traditional’ formal academic project supervised by an academic expert from the School or opt for an industry placement. You’ll be able to discuss with your academic supervisor which type of project or placement is most suitable, based on your performance during the taught modules. Both options will enable you to put in to practice and apply the skills and knowledge learned throughout the course.
With a September start date, this course is studied full-time over one year. To achieve the MSc, you must complete 180 credits. There are two interim awards available, depending on how many modules have been successfully completed: a Postgraduate Certificate for any two modules (60 credits); and a Postgraduate Diploma for all four taught modules (120 credits).
Core Taught Modules
CSC-40044 - System Design & Programming (15 Credits)
This module provides a comprehensive introduction to system design and programming for those who did not graduate from a computer science or related programme. You will be able to develop programs in a major programming language using principles taught on this course. This module covers:
- The principles and practice of system design in the context of an available set of requirements
- Introduction to programming (algorithms, data structures, data storage and manipulation and user interfaces)
- Introduction to object oriented programming
- The development of computer programs using appropriate technology and including accessing data over the internet
- The use of user interfaces to manipulate and display data
CSC-40054 - Data Analytics and Databases (15 Credits)
This module equips you with the knowledge of database operations and a variety of tools and statistical techniques to enable you to make sense of the exponential growth of big data. You will understand big data issues, advanced analytics and statistical modelling techniques and evaluate their applicability for different types of problems.
CSC-40064 - Fundamentals of Computers and Networks (15 Credits)
This module will provide you with an overview of the core concepts of the discipline, and act as a foundation for other modules in the programme. It will enable you to understand the links between different modules on your course, and to understand them in context. The module provides valuable transferable skills in critical thinking and problem solving and the content is applicable to those who are seeking careers in computing research, network security, network management and other digital communication and network areas.
CSC-40104 - Human Factors of Cyber Security (15 Credits)
"Security measures cannot be effective if humans are neither willing nor able to use them" (The Cyber Security Body Of Knowledge, 2019). Since the early 2000's, there has been an increased appreciation of the role that human factors have in the underlying causes of security failures. Security measures are often not adopted because humans are treated as components whose behaviour can be specified through security policies, and controlled through security mechanisms and sanctions. Humans are often described as the ‘weakest link’ in a system but security needs to be usable and acceptable to be effective.
This module, based on the "Human Factors Knowledge Area" of 'The Cyber Security Body Of Knowledge', aims to provide a foundational understanding of the role of human factors in cyber security. This will include an exploration of human strengths and weaknesses, the importance of user research and task analysis (both for security and primary/everyday tasks) and the design of well-fitting security tasks.
It will also cover appropriate strategies and methods for raising security awareness as well as behaviour change within an organisation by education and training e.g. games and simulations. It will also highlight the importance of creating a positive security culture where individuals or groups are encouraged to become more involved in decision-making about security, and being part of delivering it.
CSC-40039 - Cloud Computing (15 Credits)
In recent years many organisations have migrated applications to cloud computing providers. This module explores the underlying technologies, the practical and ethical issues involved, and provides students with the ability to plan design and implement cloud-based solutions to common business problems. Reliability and performance concerns are addressed, together with the crucial issues relating to the security and privacy of data stored and managed remotely. Cloud computing is dominated by global software companies that make claims relating both to the efficacy of their products and compliance with global objectives in environmental impacts. Students will be able to analyse and objectively assess such claims in coming to reasoned and reflective judgements relating to the appropriateness of cloud-based solutions to a range of problem scenarios.
CSC-40046 - Web Technologies and Security (15 Credits)
The module provides an understanding of contemporary web technologies used for both server and client side development of web applications, with particular focus on mobile applications. The module will consider technology and its application as well as a critical evaluation of when and where to apply specific approached. The module will provide an understanding of security aspects of such web and mobile applications and of the defence methods and techniques employed to defend against security threats.
CSC-40120 - Cryptography (15 Credits)
This module will cover the various types of cryptography and the fundamental security goals achieved through the different cryptographic algorithms, protocols and major cryptographic analysis techniques, as well as possible countermeasures for each technique. Significant emphasis is placed on how algorithms are attacked and the characteristics of these attacks that make them effective. You will also cover the properties that an algorithm must have in order to resist such attacks.
CSC-40122 – Cybersecurity (15 Credits)
This module aims to provide you with an understanding of advanced topics in cyber security and explores the key aspects of the different areas of cyber security. You will cover recent and emerging advances in cyber security, including cryptography, encryption, network security and distributed systems security. You will also explore human factors in cyber security and privacy at an advanced level. The module will be assessed with a group project that aims to develop your critical analysis and academic writing skills.
