Computer Networking and Cyber Security with Work Experience - MSc

Program Overview

This MSc in Cyber Security Management combines networking technologies with cyber security, offering Cisco accreditation. Students gain hands-on experience through practical workshops and work experience, preparing them for careers in network engineering, security consulting, and digital forensics. The program is accredited by BCS, providing professional membership and potential for Chartered IT Professional status.

Program Outline

It covers choices and applications of appropriate risk assessment and risk control techniques, understanding of security standards & procedures, and application of cybersecurity technology & security measures in a business setting.

• Cybercrime and Cyber Security (core, 20 credits):
This module provides a broad introduction to cybercrime and cyber security evolution. It examines the relationship between advances in Internet-based and digital technologies, and their criminal exploitation in cyberspace. The module examines a wide range of cyber threats, attacks, and risks, and strategies employed to mitigate these, including the relevant laws in place.
• MSc Project (core, 60 credits):
This module provides students with experience in planning and bringing to fruition a major piece of individual work. It encourages individual inventiveness and application of effort through working on research or company/local government projects. The project can take various forms depending on the nature of the project and the subject area.
• Network Routing Protocols (core, 20 credits):
This module tackles all issues important in the design, implementation, and configuration and troubleshooting of routing protocols in computer networks. Students learn basic concepts of routing algorithms and associated protocols and develop advanced skills in the deployment of individual protocols and advanced topics such as route redistribution, route filtering, and migration to the latest Internet Protocol, IPv6.
• Switched Networks (core, 20 credits):
This module develops in-depth analytical and practical knowledge and skills for configuring and managing Internetworking devices in Local Area Networks using both basic and advanced Switching protocols. Students demonstrate knowledge and understanding of concepts, principles and technologies that underpin computer networking practice, design and application; as well as knowledge of the principal features of the computer Networking industry, its role, structure and organisation. The module introduces students to current best practice in the design, deployment and maintenance of complex local area networks. It focuses on the delivery of high availability networks within the scalable campus network with a close attention to switch security and prepares students with a broad scope of architectural understanding and implementation skills required by enterprise networks.
• Work Experience (core, 20 credits):
This module provides students with an opportunity to undertake work experience in the Computing and IT industry at postgraduate level. The work experience spans two semesters and is underpinned by the taught element of the course to further enhance students' skills relevant to their world of work and career aspirations. This Work Experience may take one or a combination of the following:
• Students are encouraged to find their own work placements in the public and private sector.
• Students may be placed in suitable employment at the university.
• Students may be placed in suitable employment in the voluntary sector.
• The World of Work (WoW) Agency in the School of Computing may find suitable projects for the students.
• Students may undertake a WoWbiz project which would typically entail an individual student or a team of students working on a real project specified by a business.
• Digital Forensics (option, 20 credits):
This module addresses the growing demand from police forces, security agencies, and commercial organizations for skilled professionals in this developing area. The second part covers Security Controls, tools implemented to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of important assets and data.
• Network Troubleshooting (option, 20 credits):
This module is highly practical and designed to prepare students for real-world networks. Troubleshooting Cisco IP Networks teaches students the knowledge and skills that will enable the troubleshooting of complex enterprise routed and switched networks.
• Security Auditing and Penetration Testing (option, 20 credits):
This module is designed to introduce principles underlying computer and network security auditing, securing, and penetration testing. It also introduces tools used to assess and validate security posture of a network and its applications.

Assessment:

A range of assessment methods are employed throughout the course, including case study reports and presentations, use of laboratory workbooks/logbooks, unseen examinations, part-seen examinations and individual vivas. The assessment for each module is available in the Modular structure section above.

Teaching:

The course is taught by qualified Cisco instructors and offers a unique opportunity to combine networking technologies with cyber security and gain Cisco accreditation. The work experience embedded in this course forms a crucial element of your learning. The rest of the modules involve hands-on practical workshops and are housed in specialist laboratories with up-to-date networking technology and equipment. Guest speakers from the industry will complement your learning from the teaching staff.

Careers:

You could enjoy a career as a network engineer, network manager, network security and cyber security consultant, crime and computer forensic or network security professional.

Other:

• The course has been accredited with partial CITP status by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.
This accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by BCS. As a graduate of this course, accreditation will also entitle you to professional membership of BCS, which is an important part of the criteria for achieving Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status through the Institute.
• The course has also achieved partial CENG status by BCS on behalf of the Engineering Council.
Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). An accredited degree will provide you with some or all of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).