| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Course overview
The course aims to provide a comprehensive and deep understanding of security principles, as well as the practical techniques used in solving security problems and addressing relevant issues.
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by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), the course has been designed to give you the opportunity to equip yourself to work at a professional level, developing a range of industry-informed knowledge and skills in areas such as network security, secure design, cryptography, risk assessment, ethical hacking, digital forensics and incident response.2
, designed to further develop your skills and knowledge with the aim of maximising your employability prospects. See modules for more information.
Joint Top Modern University for Career Prospects
Guardian University Guide 2021 and 2022
5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities
QS Stars University Ratings
Top 5 UK Student City (Coventry)
QS Best Student Cities Index 2023Why you should study this course
The overall aim of the course is for you to develop:
The delivery is based on a combination of face-to-face sessions and online learning, with a substantial opportunity for practical ‘hands-on’ activities. This is supported by specialist ethical hacking, digital forensics and networking laboratories, as well as a virtual cyber security lab. This provides you with the opportunity to apply the theoretical aspects you learn across the course’s modules, as well as to design, implement and evaluate a variety of real-world examples and case studies.
Research project opportunities could be available for you to further develop your skills. Current work covers a range of topics such as security for low-powered embedded systems, software defined networking, enhancing security through machine learning, protocol analysis, IoT security, crypto algorithms, vehicle security and security Industry 4.0 environments. Research project opportunities may be subject to availability.
The Cyber Security Research Group at Coventry University currently has strong links with several industries and government bodies, including companies in cyber security and forensics, automotive, Internet-of-Things (IoT) and others, both in supporting our curriculum and learning, as well as research and development addressing real world problems.
Accreditation and professional recognition
This course is accredited
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and recognised by the following bodies:
National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)
NCSC fully certified. For more information
visit the NCSC website
.Program Outline
Year one
This course is delivered over three semesters. In the first two semesters, you will study core and optional pathway modules, and in the third semester, you will work on your research project.
In your first semester, you will study the fundamental subjects in computer security, such as network security, cryptography, and secure design and development. We will also dive into the offensive part in the ethical hacking module.
In the second semester, you will focus on the defensive side in intrusion detection and response, and the digital data acquisition, recovery and analysis modules. Depending on the pathway you choose, you will continue in cyber security management, security audit, or some of the cyber security emerging areas in the automotive cyber security and security of emerging connected systems modules.
In your final semester, you will be expected to demonstrate the knowledge and skills you have learned by undertaking an in-depth individual project. Guided by an expert tutor, this project helps to develop your research skills and gain an experience matching that of a computer security professional.
Modules
Ethical hacking - 15 credits
Ethical hacking or penetration testing is a growing field of specialism within computing. Security is recognised as a crucial aspect of a company’s success and many forward-thinking companies wish to ensure that their systems are as secure as possible. To this end they employ specialists to try to find the weaknesses in their systems. They want to see if their systems can be penetrated. This module covers the latest techniques of penetration testing or ethical hacking and provides practical experience in selecting and applying suitable tools and techniques.
Compulsory
Network security – 15 credits
This module seeks to provide you with comprehensive knowledge of information security concepts and an understanding of how they are applied using network, internet and mobile technologies. The importance of a security policy and security management is considered.
Compulsory
Secure design and development – 15 credits
This module will introduce technical security controls used to prevent, detect and recover from security violations at the application or system level. You will investigate how security controls are implemented alongside business needs in product development, learning the tools, standards and protocols of secure design and development. Additionally, you will practice the evaluation of systems from a security perspective, ensuring systems are developed that are assured to meet the appropriate security profile. You will analyse systems applying formal modelling and verification techniques to check whether the behaviour of these systems complies with the security and safety requirements and standards imposed by their specification.
Compulsory
Cryptography – 15 credits
This module provides you with a thorough comprehension of the concepts, theory and application of cryptographic techniques to cyber security. Cryptography provides the techniques for the implementation of security models such as the CIA (Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability) triad. You will develop knowledge via a light touch presentation of the mathematics and the theoretical material will extend to its practical implementation via protocols and message passing between principals. Additionally, you will develop experience of appropriate cryptographic tools and libraries. Advanced topics and the current status of cryptographic research will also be studied.
Compulsory
Intrusion detection and response – 15 credits
This module aims to provide you with critical awareness of the legal framework and professional issues related to security incident response, its planning, deployment and success criteria. It will enable you to develop the ability and skill to evaluate and apply appropriate methodologies and technological solutions of performing and/or managing incident response investigations.
Compulsory
Digital data acquisition, recovery and analysis – 15 credits
This module aims to develop your critical and practical understanding of the fundamentals of data recovery. You will address the theory and technical elements of data storage and operating systems. You will identify techniques to assist in data recovery and seek to qualify as an Accredited Certified Examiner ® (ACE®) This is a professional certification from AccessData, one of the 2 leading Digital Forensics companies in the World. You will engage with the critical issues regarding Data Recovery compliant with the Association of Chief Police Officers Principles of Digital Evidence (2012), while applying that theory to their own practice. Summative assessment will be examined in an online certification Knowledge Based Assessment addressing theory and practical application of skills.
Compulsory
Plus, one of the following pathways: General Cyber Security, Automotive Cyber Security, Technical Cyber Security or Cyber Security Management
Pathway A: General Cyber Security
Security of emerging connected systems – 15 credits
This module seeks to provide you with an appreciation of information security concepts and an understanding of how they are applied using Internet of Things (IoT) and Mobile Device (MD) technologies. The importance of a security policy is considered and client-side, data-transmission, server and operating system security vulnerabilities are examined in-depth. You will look to gain a thorough understanding of the threats posed to organisations and people due to security risks and an understanding of the human factors, legal, policy and technical approaches that are necessary to mitigate such risks. Detailed coverage of various security technologies will enable you to comprehend and design secure architectures that are vital for safe IoT environment.
Digital security risk and audit management – 15 credits
This module focuses on risk assessment and the performance of security audits primarily in accordance with the guidelines of ISO27002:2005(BS17799). The module investigates information assurance models and addresses current implementations of security audits such as COBIT and PCI-DSS. It will be delivered through taught lectures, reinforced by work on case studies that will incorporate practical applications of audit frameworks and analysis of the results.
Pathway B: Automotive Cyber Security
Automotive cyber security – 15 credits
This module aims to develop your critical knowledge in the field of automotive cybersecurity, which poses a major challenge to connected and autonomous vehicles. The module addresses the wider challenge of increasing digital and software components on connected platforms and focusses specifically on threat intelligence and engineering aspects of automotive systems. Issues of policy and personal data are also explored.
Information Security Management – 15 credits
Information security management defines a comprehensive framework to protect an organisation’s computing environment, including its people, activities, data, technology, and network. This includes the continual review and enhancements of current information security programs, subject to maintaining risks at or below acceptable levels in a cost-effective, timely, and efficient manner. This module will help you to extend your knowledge and experience for information security planning, analysis, design, implementation, review and improvement to overcome information security challenges in an organization and broader environments.
Pathway C: Technical Cyber Security
Security of emerging connected systems – 15 credits
This module seeks to provide you with an appreciation of information security concepts and an understanding of how they are applied using Internet of Things (IoT) and Mobile Device (MD) technologies. The importance of a security policy is considered and client-side, data-transmission, server and operating system security vulnerabilities are examined in-depth. You will gain a thorough understanding of the threats posed to organisations and people due to security risks and an understanding of the human factors, legal, policy and technical approaches that are necessary to mitigate such risks. Detailed coverage of various security technologies will enable students to comprehend and design secure architectures that are vital for safe IoT environment.
Automotive cyber security – 15 credits
This module aims to develop your critical knowledge in the field of automotive cybersecurity, which poses a major challenge to connected and autonomous vehicles. The module addresses the wider challenge of increasing digital and software components on connected platforms and focusses specifically on threat intelligence and engineering aspects of automotive systems. Issues of policy and personal data are also explored.
Pathway D: Cyber Security Management
Information Security Management – 15 credits
Information security management defines a comprehensive framework to protect an organisation’s computing environment, including its people, activities, data, technology, and network. This includes the continual review and enhancements of current information security programs, subject to maintaining risks at or below acceptable levels in a cost-effective, timely, and efficient manner. This module will help you to extend your knowledge and experience for information security planning, analysis, design, implementation, review and improvement to overcome information security challenges in an organization and broader environments.
Digital Security Risk and Audit Management – 15 credits
This module focuses on risk assessment and the performance of security audits primarily in accordance with the guidelines of ISO27002:2005(BS17799). The module investigates information assurance models and addresses current implementations of security audits such as COBIT and PCI-DSS. It will be delivered through taught lectures, reinforced by work on case studies that will incorporate practical applications of audit frameworks and analysis of the results.
Optional
Cyber Security Individual Project – 60 credits
The project is intended to provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate competence in applying the concepts and skills acquired during the taught part of the course. The project may be a solution to a practical problem or focus on a Cyber Security research topic. The project serves the dual purpose of providing a means of integrating previous learning and facilitating the acquisition of valuable professional experience.
Compulsory
Overview:
- Founded in 1843 as the Coventry School of Design
- Received university status in 1992
- Over 30,000 students from over 150 countries
- Campuses in Coventry, London, and Scarborough
- Known for its focus on practical, industry-focused education
Student Life:
- Over 150 student clubs and societies
- Sports teams in various disciplines
- Student support services include counseling, mental health support, and disability support
- Campus facilities include a gym, swimming pool, and student union
Academics:
- Offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in a wide range of subjects
- Faculty with industry experience and research expertise
- Teaching methodologies include lectures, seminars, workshops, and project-based learning
- Academic support services include writing centers, math labs, and peer mentoring
- Unique academic programs include:
- Centre for Applied Science and Technology
- Centre for Business in Society
- Centre for Intelligent Systems
Top Reasons to Study Here:
- Ranked among the top 150 universities in the UK (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023)
- Excellent industry connections and partnerships
- Specialized facilities such as the National Transport Design Centre and the Centre for Advanced Manufacturing
- Notable alumni include:
- Sir Frank Whittle, inventor of the jet engine
- Sir David Attenborough, naturalist and broadcaster
- Sir Patrick Stewart, actor
Services:
- Counseling and mental health support
- Health center
- Accommodation services
- Library with over 1 million books and resources
- Technology support
- Career development services
An applicant will normally be expected to possess at least one of the following:
Each application will be considered on its merits and the final decision will be made by the course director.
We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.
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