Cyber Security
Learn how to identify and evaluate vulnerabilities, threats and risks, and implement and test robust security systems. Elevate your career at ARU in Cambridge.
Save money on your course fees as an ARU graduate.
See if you're eligible for our Alumni Scholarship
Explore how organisations and individuals can protect themselves against possible attacks within their overall systems and related infrastructure, including third party services.
Taking strategic, operational, and technical perspectives of security within an organisation, we’ll cover all aspects of cyber physical systems, including network and communication infrastructure, end devices, applications, systems, and data, and security concerns pertaining to all of these.
Before starting the course, we strongly recommend that you have fundamental knowledge of computer networks.
ARU is an official ISC2 Academic Partner. As an MSc Cyber Security student, you have the opportunity to prepare for and take ISC2's Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP®) exams.
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Study in Cambridge’s ‘Silicon Fen’, a well-known tech hub
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Gain skills in all aspects of cyber-physical systems and associated security issues
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Learn about possible attacks and penetration testing scenarios, and how to mitigate them
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Access globally recognised certifications like CISSP through our partnership with cybersecurity body ISC2
Study at an award-winning university
We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.
Careers
Equip yourself to fulfil a range of cyber security roles.
Cyber security is one of the top priorities for governments and organisations worldwide, with demand for specialists continually outstripping supply. Blending theory and practice, on our course you’ll develop the full skillset required to work in this fast-moving sector.
Graduation doesn’t have to be the end of your time with us. You could choose to continue your academic career with a research programme at ARU, such as our PhD in Computer Science or a Professional Doctorate in Science and Technology. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and save £400 on your fees.
Teaching and modules
Learn to think like a hacker.
On this course, you’ll practise penetration testing, vulnerability assessment and threat intelligence, learning to write your own Metasploit modules, automate social engineering attacks, bypass antivirus software, and turn access to one machine into total control of the enterprise.
You’ll also learn to identify the role of the operating system when dealing with a security breach, and explore overarching IT security issues.
You’ll complete your Master’s with a Postgraduate Major Project – a substantial research project focussed on a relevant topic that interests you.
Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.
- Computer Security (15 credits)
- Advanced Topics in Cyber Security (15 credits)
- Advanced Network Security Principles (30 credits)
- Web Application Security (15 credits)
- Penetration Testing (30 credits)
- Research Methods (15 credits)
- Postgraduate Major Project (60 credits)
Facilities
As a Cyber Security student at ARU you’ll learn in lecture theatres and labs, and:
- use tools such as Kali Linux Penetration Testing Distribution, X-Ways Forensic, Autopsy, Cisco PacketTracer, OWASP ZAP and Burp Suite
- apply fundamental skills in penetration testing, digital forensic investigations and analysing how malware operates
- use virtualisation software (VMware), and our virtual Netlab offering 24/7 remote access to cyber security and networking software.