Cyber Security, MSc

Staffordshire University, the United Kingdom

Study options for this course

The award	How you will study	Study duration	Course start	Domestic course fees	International course fees
MSc	Part-time, Distance	4 years	January, September	find out	find out

About Cyber Security, MSc - at Staffordshire University

Opportunity to achieve industry recognised certification as a Certified Ethical Hacker.
Become Cyber specialists, able to use digital technology as a defensive or offensive weapon
High demand in Government and industry for people who can secure computer systems against malicious attack
'The communication practices between the University and distance learning students were seen as exemplary, which the students described as 'awesome' ' from the most recent BCS accreditation visit
Flexible start in September or January
Flexible study
Please note fees for International students on this distance learning course are the same as for UK and EU

The award will provide the knowledge of the latest cyber security principles, practices, tools and techniques, taught by a team of specialist staff in state of the art, purpose-built, online cyber security laboratories. Graduates will be Cyber-operators, able to use 'information' as a defensive or offensive weapon.

Today, Cyber-Operators are required to have an 'enriched' background drawing elements of practical experience from fields as diverse as sociology, psychology, networks and network security, computer science and computer security, information management and information security, software engineering and reverse engineering, and of course, the law.

Course content

This course builds upon our experience in successfully delivering distance learning modules to students from the MOD in our undergraduate courses. Throughout the course you will learn with a combination for synchronous and asynchronous delivery integrated with Blackboard, which will remain your main learning environment. You will also have an opportunity in achieving industry recognised certification in Certified Ethical hacking.

Our purpose-built, state of the art, online security laboratory offers each student a unique experience in enhancing your skills and knowledge in Cyber Security. As a result of winning a recent £5 million STEM bid, you will benefit from state of the art hardware resources, which will enhance your learning.

You will gain:

Sound understanding of the computer science.
Sound understanding of TCP-IP networks, the TCP-IP suite and its supporting protocols.
Sound understanding and practical knowledge of digital forensics incidence response.
Understanding and practical knowledge of managing information at all levels.
Practical knowledge of the different types of computer crime.
Ability to use with competency cyber-security toolkits.
Ability to follow strict policies and procedures with meticulous record keeping.
Good understanding of people and their motivational catalysts.
Knowledge of evidence law and legal procedures.
Ability to write reports on technical issues in a non-technical manner.
Ability to address large audiences in a formal manner and affect their decision making process.

Core Modules

Computer Security - Low Level
Cyber Operations
Malware analysis and Reverse Engineering
Research Methods
Operating Systems Security
Digital Forensics & Incidence Response

Option Modules*

Network Security with CISCO
Network Security
Penetration Testing
Computer Security - High Level

* If you have CCNA certification (or an equivalent CISCO background), there will be the option of doing Network Security with the CISCO curriculum. Those of you who are not CCNA certified (or without an equivalent CISCO background), will do a less practical module of similar learning outcomes. After Teaching Block 2 you will have an option, again based on your prior knowledge on ethical hacking (and/or background, qualifications), for doing either Computer Security - High Level, which focuses on ethical hacking, or a more technical module on Penetration Testing.

Entry requirements

Normal requirements are at least a UK second class honours degree or equivalent in a related computing discipline.

If you do not meet the above but have significant appropriate experience, your application will be considered, provided that you satisfy the University that you are capable of responding to the challenge of postgraduate work.

If your first language is not English, you will need to demonstrate that you are fluent enough to cope with the course. A minimum score of IELTS 6 or TOEFL 550 (213 computer-based) is normally required.

Courses you may be interested in at other institutions

Below are some suggested courses at other providers that you may also be interested in:

Bachelor of Data Science Bachelor Degree

Western Sydney University

Cyber Security, MSc

Study options for this course

About Cyber Security, MSc - at Staffordshire University

Entry requirements

Courses you may be interested in at other institutions

Postgraduate pathways and pre-masters at other institutions

Other courses at Staffordshire University

Related Information