Cyber Security

Award

MSc

Key facts

Study option:: Full-time
Duration:: 13 Months
Start date:: 23 September 2024

Specialise

Become the expert in a specialist area Computer Science

Gain extra qualifications

Complete your Ethical Hacker, XRY Mobile Forensics, Cybercrime Analysis and Cisco certifications alongside your degree.

Professional links

Including enforcement agencies and cyber security organisations

Build your career digital defence - one of the most rapidly growing and essential industries in the digital world.

Cyber crime is on the rise, more than three out of five firms reported a cyber attack in the last 12 months and it can lead to lost revenue, a damaged reputation and even fines. As the threats increase year-on-year, it’s becoming more important than ever to have teams of experts trained to prevent attacks and identify vulnerabilities within business systems to protect revenue, reputation and customer data.

In our MSc Computer Science (Cyber Security), you will develop your existing knowledge of computer science into a master-level expertise in the field of cyber security, readying you to command a team of frontline ethical hackers against outside infiltration. What’s more, you will get the opportunity to develop extra qualifications alongside your MSc, such as the Certified Ethical Hacker, XRY Mobile Forensics, Cybercrime Analysis and Cisco Certifications.

With the guidance of our professionally experienced expert academics, you will gain a cyber security and digital forensic skillset embedded with theory, concept and practice. You’ll also be given the latest updates and policies around ethical and lawful cyber security, putting you at the forefront of a fast-moving industry when you graduate.

Our modules evolve with recent advances and developments in technology, fuelled by employer needs and our own professionally active advisory boards, and include the latest technologies and methods of software weaponisation.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MSc Cyber Security

Course content

Over the MSc Computer Science (Cyber Security) course you will study a number of core modules, with the chance to tailor your studies to your existing career or future aspirations with optional modules.

You will be introduced to a broad range of cyber security topics that will fuse your existing knowledge of computer science with the expert craft of digital defence, including Operating System Security, Digital forensic Fundamentals, Cyber Operations, Mobile forensics, Professional Secure Networks and Research Methods. You will then have the opportunity to delve deeper into a specific area of cyber security with optional modules in cybercrime Forensic analysis or Advanced communication Networks.

You’ll finish your course with a practical Penetration Testing module, and a Dissertation, which gives you the chance to research an industry relevant area of cyber security. This will act as the culmination of your course, and has the potential to be used as a portfolio of learning to current or future employers.

A Graduate's Inspiring Journey into a Top 5 Global Blockchain Incubator

News

We delve into the inspiring journey of a graduate who studied MSc Computer Science (Cyber Security) at Staffordshire University London.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
Digital Forensics	20 credits
Dissertation	60 credits
Machine Learning In Cyber	20 credits
Operating Systems And Network Security	20 credits
Penetration Testing & Ethical Hacking	20 credits
Quantum Computing And Cryptography	20 credits
Research Methods And Project Management	20 credits

Entry requirements

You will usually have achieved a 2:2 in a computing or digital related subject with evidence of engagement in cyber security.

Alternatively, you may have professional qualifications and/or experience. If you need to discuss the entry requirements please get in touch with us.

For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.

Choose your country

Check our entry and English language requirements for your country.

Facilities

Data Junction

Housing our Computer Science and Cyber Security programmes, this mega laboratory is truly ‘plugged in'.

The Den

Everyone needs a space to relax, wind down, and take a break from study, and we have just that. In our den you'll find all the things you need to help chill you out including lockers, comfy booths, food prep space and more.

The Hall

Integrate yourself with the buzz of digital technologies in The Hall, a space dedicated to discussion and meetings. This flexible space can be configured to suit the needs of up to 30 students, with electrical points and multiple seating areas.

Careers

After completing the Computer Science (Cyber Security) MSc, you’ll be equipped to work in the following roles:

Security engineer
Security analyst
Security administrator
Digital Forensic Investigator
Security specialist
Security consultant

Eager for more knowledge? Upon completion, you’ll be ideally placed for further academic study at PhD level.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

We know that everyone learns differently. So, not only do we use traditional ways of teaching like lectures, we also use problem-based learning to help you apply your skills.

For this course, you will:

Delve deeper into subject areas in workshops
Be expected to study independently

Our teaching is supported through our Virtual Learning Environment called Blackboard. This means you can access a range of materials to support your lectures wherever you are.

We’ll also assign you a supervisor to support you throughout your research project.

Assessment

There are two types of assessments: practice (also called formative) or formal (also called summative).

Practice assessments do not count towards your final mark. These are your chance to test your understanding – and learn how to improve for the real thing.

You’ll have formal assessments at the end of each module. These could include essays, exams, or portfolios.

Learning support

Your course tutors will provide lots of support. But you can also take advantage of our Academic Skills team, who can help you with:

Study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
Written English (including punctuation, grammar)
Academic writing (including how to reference)
Research skills
Critical thinking
Revision, assessment and exam skills (including time management)

Additional support

If you have additional needs like dyslexia or a sensory impairment, then our Student Inclusion Services are here to help make sure nothing stands in your way.

Feedback

We know that it’s important for you to be able to gauge your progress. So, your tutor will give you feedback on any practice assessments you do.

We usually give you feedback on formal assessments within 20 working days, but the format will vary for each module.

Your study time will include scheduled classes, independent learning and assessments which will vary depending on your module studied.

Independent learning

As well as timetabled sessions, we know it’s important for you to discover things on your own terms. This could involve:

Reading journals, articles and books
Working on projects, alone or in a group
Researching in the library
Preparing coursework
Getting ready for exams

We’ve invested in state-of-the-art facilities to help you make the most of your private study time. Whether you need a library, a computer, or a lab, you’ll find it at Staffordshire University London.

Fees

For the course starting on 23 September 2024 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for MSc-Full-time
Study option	UK / Channel Islands	International
Full-time	£10,300 per course	£16,750 per course

If you would like to know more about the fees listed and what this means to you then please get in touch with our Enquiries Team.

Alumni discount

If you've previously completed a Staffordshire University undergraduate degree (excluding HND and foundation degrees) you may be entitled to a discount of up to 25% off your course fees for any subsequent postgraduate taught course (terms apply, see the alumni discount page for details). If you have any questions about how this relates to you, please contact feesandbursaries@staffs.ac.uk.

Accommodation and living costs
Accommodation and living costs
Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. For more information on accommodation and living costs, please see: Accommodation

Sources of financial support

Providing you are studying towards a full Masters qualification you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan of up to £11,222 to help with tuition fees, maintenance and other associated costs. Student loans are available for many of our postgraduate degrees and are provided by the Student Loans Company (SLC). The loan can cover a wide range of postgraduate study options; part-time, full-time and distance learning.

For more information and how to apply visit masters loan.

Apply

Location	Award	Study option	Start date	Apply Link
Staffordshire University London	MSc	Full-time	23 September 2024	Apply now

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at Staffordshire University, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of Staffordshire University enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations.