Applied Cyber Security with Professional Internship

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 with Professional Internship is only available in a full-time option:

Full-time (2-years +): Students study all taught modules (120 CATS points) up to the end of the May exam period.

Pending satisfactory completion of taught modules, students will normally commence their Professional Internship sometime between July-September for a period of up to 12 months. The exact time of commencement may depend upon internship procedures of the host company.

The Individual Research Project (60 CATS points) will operate as an integral part of the Professional Internship, under the regular supervision of an academic staff member and a staff member of the host organisation.

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.

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.

Morning / Afternoon