About the course
Overview
This is an online blended learning postgraduate programme that builds a student's ability to locate, extract and analyse data from multiple sources and to appreciate the appropriate use of relevant tools within cyber-security. This programme is aimed at individuals interested in cyber-security, but who lack the formal qualifications to join one of our conventional Master's programmes.
The development of IT skills is embedded in all the subject areas studied. The student will develop skills in managing risk, penetration testing, cryptography, steganography, understanding the network protocols that connect computers to the Internet and the role of Security Standards within the industry. The taught courses are one year (full-time) or two years (part-time), with one year in industry, where the student will gain invaluable work experience and conjointly undertake their Master's project (worth 60 credits).
Educational Aims of the Programme
The aim of this programme is to provide a student with a non-computer science first degree with a rigorous grounding in a broad range of cyber-security related subjects. The knowledge and skills acquired are known to be highly valued by employers.
A graduate from this programme will have a systematic understanding of the key aspects of cyber-security. They will be able to apply the methods and techniques that they have learned throughout, to a range of real-world problems and be able to make a real contribution on graduating. A graduate from this programme will be employable in a wide range of positions within the cyber-security industry. Examples will be entry-level roles leading to; computer auditor, penetration tester, security analyst, e-discovery analyst.
What you'll study
Full time
Year 1
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.
- PG Project (CIS) (60 credits)
- Computing Systems (10 credits)
- Developing Web Applications (10 credits)
- Introduction to Computer Networking (10 credits)
- Cyber Crime (10 credits)
- Cyber Physical Security (10 credits)
- Professionalism For Cyber Security Practitioners (10 credits)
- Secure System Management (10 credits)
- Cryptography and Steganography (10 credits)
- Law and Ethics (10 credits)
- Ethical Hacking (10 credits)
- IT Auditing (10 credits)
- Digital Forensics Investigations (10 credits)
Part time
Year 1
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.
- Computing Systems (10 credits)
- Developing Web Applications (10 credits)
- Introduction to Computer Networking (10 credits)
- Cryptography and Steganography (10 credits)
- Law and Ethics (10 credits)
- Ethical Hacking (10 credits)
Year 2
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.
- PG Project (CIS) (60 credits)
- Cyber Crime (10 credits)
- Cyber Physical Security (10 credits)
- Professionalism For Cyber Security Practitioners (10 credits)
- Secure System Management (10 credits)
- IT Auditing (10 credits)
- Digital Forensics Investigations (10 credits)
Entry requirements
Good first degree (2.1 or above) in any numerate non-computer science subject. Applications would be welcomed from students with any numerate degree from a science background, a law or a business degree.
Mature applicants and applicants with alternative qualifications will be considered on an individual basis by the Programme Leader and Admissions Tutor. To ensure that potential students have the aptitude to succeed, entrants can be recruited who already have an interest in cyber-security or who might be working in this sector but do not have a relevant qualification.
For applicants without English as their first language, an IELTS score of 6.0 with at least 5.5 in each component (or equivalent) will also be required.
Note: if you have a computing related degree, we would strongly recommend that you apply for our MSc Computer Forensics and Cyber Security programme instead, as this programme is more suitable for an applicant with a computer related background.