Applied Cyber Security
Master
In Belfast City
Description
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Type
Master
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Location
Belfast city (Northern Ireland)
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Duration
1 Year
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Start date
Different dates available
Overview: The world’s online security depends on you. Step up to the plate with this fascinating, industry-focused Master’s course, taught at one of the world’s cyber security hubs. ABOUT YOU
You’ll be analytical, technical and a modern-day codebreaker. Cyber security is a challenge that will not go away, affecting companies, individuals and even governments. You could be: A recent graduate – possibly a maths or engineering graduate with good programming skills, or you might be a good developer but have little knowledge of cyber security. Already working in industry – experienced in technical software development, and looking to upskill and enhance your professional development. An international student looking to study a UK master’s degree, to meet an international need and to live and study in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter. ABOUT THE COURSE
This innovative programme is at the forefront of technical advances in cutting-edge technologies such as cryptography, computer forensics, malware and intelligent information systems.
You'll be taught entirely at our Centre for Secure Information Technologies (CSIT), the UK’s largest cyber security research lab. This is an applied course, very industry-focused, to prepare you for a technical leadership role. Our block-mode timetable is ideally suited for anyone in full-time employment who wants to enhance their career prospects through part-time study. You’ll use software such as: Wireshark Metasploit GCC for C/C++ Hex-Rays IDA OllyDbg WHAT WILL EXCITE YOU You’ll hear from industry experts during seminars You’ll be involved in our World Cyber Security Technology Research Summit, including the invite-only gala dinner of 100 global leaders in cyber security. You’ll be involved in creating new businesses from our cyber security research. Why Queen's?WHO WILL TEACH YOU?
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About this course
Normally a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical and/or Electronic Engineering, Mathematics with Computer Science, Physics with Computer Science or a related discipline. Applicants who hold a 2.2 Honours degree and a Master’s degree (or equivalent qualifications acceptable to the University) in one of the above disciplines will be considered on a case-by-case...
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Subjects
- Project
- Part Time
- Industry
- Full Time
- International
- Staff
- Global
- Systems
Course programme
Course Details
The syllabus is informed by the world-class research being undertaken at the Centre for Secure Information Technologies (CSIT).
CSIT is a GCHQ-accredited Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research and is the UK's largest university research lab in this field.
CSIT is fast developing a reputation as a global innovation hub for cyber security and is influenced throughout by its strong history of commercial engagement with world leading companies including Allstate, BAE Systems, Equiniti, Euronext, IBM, Infosys, McAfee, Roke, and Thales.
In 2015 Queen Elizabeth awarded CSIT a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education for its work in strengthening global cyber security and protecting the online activity of billions of internet users around the world.
The MSc in Applied Cyber Security is available in a full-time or a part-time option:
Full-time (1-year): Consists of six taught modules (120 CATS) and a 3-4 month practical project of a research nature/work placement (60 CATS).
Students study all taught modules (120 CATS points) up to the end of the Semester 2 exam period. They will also commence an individual research project (60 CATS points) and continue this through to month 12.
As an integral part of the ELE8095 Individual Research Project, students may undertake summer work placements/internships lasting 3-4 months with local, national and international employers, under the regular supervision of an academic staff member and a staff member of the host organisation.
Part-time (2+ years): Part-time students are normally enrolled for two years. The first year will normally compromise the following modules: Ethical & Legal Issues in Cyber Security, Computer Forensics, and Applied Cryptography. The second year normally comprises Network Security & Monitoring, Software Assurance, Malware, and an individual research project. The part-time MSc consists of six taught modules (120 CATS) which are delivered alongside full-time students over a two year period (normally), and a practical research project (60 CATS) which may be on a work-based research project following tutor approval.
Students normally take three taught modules (60 CATS points) during Year 1, and three taught modules (60 CATS points) during Year 2. During Year 2 students will undertake the individual research project (60 CATS points.
As an integral part of the ELE8095 Individual Research Project, students may undertake summer work placements/internships lasting 3-4 months with local, national and international employers, under the regular supervision of an academic staff member and a staff member of the host organisation.
MODULES
The modules are:
- Network Security & Monitoring
- Ethical & Legal Issues in Cyber Security
- Software Assurance
- Computer Forensics
- Malware
- Applied Cryptography
These modules are assessed through a combination of practical laboratory sessions, independent coursework, and written examinations. An Individual Research Project is also undertaken that focuses on applying taught skills to a leading edge issue in cyber security research. A dissertation is required to be produced for the project. The project may be taken in the context of a summer placement at a company, for the 1-year programme, or as part of a year-long Professional Internship as an integral part of the 2-year programme.
TIMETABLE
The six taught modules are normally each delivered over a four week period. In the first week students carry out background work based on material supplied specifically for each module in preparation for the rest of the module. The second week is spent in the classroom/lab, where attendance is required across the week (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm). This week includes lectures, tutorials, and assessed work in the lab. In the final two weeks students carry out coursework and independent tutorial study, as well as timetabled CSIT-linked activities.
Assessment comprises written examination and coursework/lab work in six modules; and a dissertation on your research project (180 CATS points total).
Assessment criteria are linked to the learning outcomes for each module. A range of assessment instruments are used including laboratory-based assignments, individual projects, practical exams, presentations, written coursework and unseen written exams.
Learning and TeachingTeaching is normally in mornings and afternoons.
WHAT'S INVOLVED?
The whole course is hands-on. You don’t just get talked at. You learn in a sandbox environment when you can experiment and make mistakes, enabling you to put your new skills into practice in hands-on cyber challenges.
You’ll meet our researchers and discuss how they apply the cutting edge research being developed here to cyber security technologies. Many of our students undertake their research project as a summer placement working at leading cyber security companies. Or you can choose to do a year instead, if you opt for the two-year course.
Additional information
Applied Cyber Security