Cyber Security MSc

Overview

Our Cyber Security MSc aims to provide you with the knowledge and practical expertise to evaluate, design and build computer security systems that protect networks and data from cyber-crime or terrorist attack. This course is an ideal study pathway for graduates who already possess a good foundation in computer science.

Course detail

You will learn advanced practical techniques and implementation skills for solving complex cyber security problems. The course provides opportunities to address a growing interest in advanced security methods by providing theoretical and practical knowledge of a broad range of techniques for developing security solutions.

Teaching and assessment

We use lectures and group tutorials to deliver most of the modules on the course. You will also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study. You are expected to spend approximately 10 hours work per credit for each module you attend in your degree, e.g. 150 hours work for a 15-credit module. These hours cover every aspect of the module. The primary method of assessment for this course is a combination of written examinations, coursework, in-class tests, individual projects and oral presentations. The individual project will be assessed through a dissertation.

Career prospects

The Careers Service run tailored sessions for Informatics students and a careers programme which includes skills sessions and visits from top employers. Some graduates work in cyber security companies, general software consultancy companies, specialised software development businesses and the IT departments of large institutions (financial, telecommunications, and public sector). Recent employers include Hang Seng Bank, Lloyds Banking Group and Merrill Corporation. Other graduates have entered into the field of academic and industrial research in areas such as cyber security, machine learning, software engineering, algorithms and computer networks.

A Bachelor's degree with a high (minimum of 65%) 2:1 honours (or international equivalent) in Computer Science or another relevant quantitative discipline (such as Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Natural Science, Electronic Engineering, General Engineering, Operations Research, or a joint degree in two such subjects). Applicants should also have a sound background in basic mathematics, in particular familiarity with standard concepts of calculus, trigonometry, linear algebra, vectors and matrix mathematics. In addition, applicants should be competent in computer programming to the level expected at the end of the first year of a BSc honours degree in computer science.