Cyber Security MSc

Working with industry based standards and devices you’ll learn the fundamental networking concepts required by skilled IT professionals. You’ll identify the communication model and the protocols associated in each layer while focusing on Local Area Networks and the role of routers and switches. You’ll cover the OSI model, the TCP/IP protocol suite, IPv4 and IPv6 addressing schemes, and router and switch configuration. You’ll learn practical skills as well as theory as you spend time in the labs solving real-life scenario and critically evaluating possible solutions.

Rather than working with a specific operating system, such as Windows and/or Linux, you’ll work with the generalities of modern operating systems through theory and practice. This means you’ll identify the role of the operating system when dealing with a security breach within the organisation, regardless of the type of environment where the operating system has been deployed. You’ll also be introduced to virtualised environments, from foundations concepts to deployment while using industry standard equipment and toolsets.

With the growth of high bandwidth internet, eCommerce, eBusiness and Virtual Private Networks, security has become a centre-stage issue. This module will raise your awareness of the overarching IT security issues faced by business today, and equip yourself with the necessary understanding to fulfil management responsibilities in information security strategies.

Develop your skills in preparation to undertake independent research at the MSc level. In particular, you will develop skills to get you started and lay the essential foundations for your Masters Research Project. During the module you will hone your specific research interests whilst recognising time constraints and other practical considerations. These usually set, and limit, the topic, the research approach and study, and the selection of suitable methods. The module will cover: the scientific process, logical thinking and experimental design; critical evaluation of the literature; data analysis using the freely available statistical software R from different perspectives to tackle a range of experiments; and writing a research proposal for an MSc project. You will learn through face-to-face tutorial-style sessions, supplemented by structured reading and exercises. During the module you will be supported in defining your area of study and planning your research project. As part of this process you will be expected to undertake a critical review of the appropriate literature and other information relevant to the proposed project. You will need to give consideration to the logistics required, provide experimental design criteria (where appropriate) at least for the initial stages of the proposed work, and also take account of all health and safety regulations (including COSHH) and appropriate ethical considerations. Designing research projects and writing research proposals and taking responsibility are crucial skills for careers at postgraduate level, where you may have to consider deadlines (time management), ethical issues and assessing risks. Experience of using freely available analytical software also gives you an advantage.

Gain an introduction to current best practices in network security and the skills you'll need for the installation, troubleshooting and monitoring of network devices to maintain the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data and devices.

Penetration testers simulate cyber-attacks to find security weaknesses in networks, operating systems, and applications. You’ll gain hands-on experience using different tools and techniques for penetration testing by working in our specialised lab, which is already equipped with tools such as Kali LInux, Wireshark, Nmap and Burp Suite. Using industry standard equipment you’ll learn how to crack passwords and wireless networks and test web applications for vulnerabilities. You’ll use the Metasploit framework to launch exploits and write your own Metasploit modules, automate social-engineering attacks, bypass antivirus software and turn access to one machine into total control of the enterprise in the post exploitation phase.

This module supports students in the preparation and submission of a Master's stage project, dissertation or artefact. The Module provides the opportunity for students to select and explore in-depth, a topic that is of interest and relevant to their course in which they can develop a significant level of expertise. It enables students to: demonstrate their ability to generate significant and meaningful questions in relation to their specialism; undertake independent research using appropriate, recognised methods based on current theoretical research knowledge, critically understand method and its relationship to knowledge; develop a critical understanding of current knowledge in relation to the chosen subject and to critically analyse and evaluate information and data, which may be complex or contradictory, and draw meaningful and justifiable conclusions; develop the capability to expand or redefine existing knowledge, to develop new approaches to changing situations and/or develop new approaches to changing situations and contribute to the development of best practice; demonstrate an awareness of and to develop solutions to ethical dilemmas likely to arise in their research or professional practice; communicate these processes in a clear and elegant fashion; evaluate their work from the perspective of an autonomous reflective learner.