MEng (Hons) Computer Science with Cyber Security (with a year in industry)

Program Overview

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This integrated Master's program in Cyber Security with a Year in Industry equips students with the skills and knowledge to become highly competent cyber security professionals. Combining a solid foundation in computer science and cyber security with advanced training in secure systems, cryptography, and forensic analysis, graduates are prepared for a successful career in this rapidly evolving field. The year-long industry placement provides invaluable real-world experience and enhances employability.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview

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Cyber Security with a Year in Industry (MEng)

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Overview:

This integrated Masters program aims to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to become a multi-skilled, highly competent cyber security professional. Combining a solid foundation in computer science and cyber security, including coding, mathematics, and basic engineering, with advanced training in secure systems, cryptography, and forensic analysis, you will graduate with the theoretical grounding and practical expertise to thrive in this rapidly evolving field. The program features a year-long industry placement, offering the opportunity to gain real-world experience, network with professionals, and apply your theoretical knowledge to practical situations. This element strengthens your career prospects and prepares you for a successful career in cyber security across various industries and government sectors.

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Accreditation:

• BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT for full academic requirement registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
• BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT on behalf of the Engineering Council for the full academic requirement registration as a Chartered Engineer.

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Specialization:

At least 25% of the program's content is dedicated to your chosen specialization of Cyber Security. This focus prepares you for specialized roles in the field and is reflected in your degree title.

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Study Abroad:

Opportunities for international experience during your studies are available depending on program availability.

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Outline

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Year 1

• Develop a solid foundation regardless of your previous programming and computing experience.

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Year 2

• Build upon the foundation from Year 1, diving deeper into core topics and introducing intelligent systems.

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Year 3 (Industry Placement)

• Apply your knowledge and skills in a real-world setting, gaining valuable experience and building your network.

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Year 4

• Delve deeper into your chosen specialization and focus on advanced topics and research.

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Year 5

• Participate in a group engineering project, collaborating with industry partners, and take advanced-level modules exploring departmental research.

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Core Modules:

• Software 1: Foundations of Programming for Computer Science
• Theory 1: Mathematical Foundations of Computer Science
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Software 2: Object-Oriented Data Structures and Algorithms
• Systems and Devices 1: Introduction to Computer Architectures
• Theory 2: Formal Languages and Automata
• Data: Introduction to Data Science
• Systems and Devices 2: Operating Systems, Security and Networking
• Theory 3: Computability, Complexity and Logic
• Intelligent Systems: Machine Learning and Optimisation
• Engineering 1: Systems and Software Engineering
• Systems and Devices 3: Advanced Computer Systems
• Computer Science Project
• Group Project (Integrated Masters) OR Advanced Project: Computer Science

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Option Modules:

Year 4 and 5 offer numerous option modules to customize your learning and explore specific areas of interest. Choose from topics such as cryptography, embedded systems, autonomous robotic systems, network security, human factors, and many more.

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Structure:

• Each year is comprised of core modules and option modules.
• Core modules provide essential fundamentals and advanced knowledge in core areas.
• Option modules allow you to tailor your learning to your specific interests and career aspirations.

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Assessment

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Assessment Methods:

• Diverse assessment methods are employed to cater to different learning styles and assess various skills.
• These methods include:
• Reports
• Presentations
• Live demos
• Timed programming assessments
• Closed exams
• Feedback is provided on assessments in addition to marks to enhance your learning and understanding.

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Assessment Criteria:

• Assessments are evaluated based on your demonstration of:
• Knowledge and understanding of relevant concepts
• Ability to apply knowledge to solve problems
• Critical thinking and analytical skills
• Effective communication and presentation skills

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Teaching

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Teaching Format:

• A typical week involves approximately 10-15 hours of scheduled teaching.
• This includes:
• Lectures
• Laboratory sessions
• Programming classes
• Tutorials
• Problem classes help apply lecture learnings to practice.
• Regular project supervision meetings provide guidance for your individual project.
• Independent study is also crucial, including completing assignments, exploring recommended materials, and practicing problem-solving.

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Teaching Staff:

• Courses are taught by active researchers, experts in their fields with a passion for their subjects.
• You will have a personal supervisor throughout your studies, providing guidance and support.
• Additional assistance is available from the Departmental Examinations Team regarding assessment queries.

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Unique Approaches:

• The program emphasizes active learning and practical application of theoretical knowledge.
• The year-long industry placement offers invaluable real-world experience and enhances employability.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities, including software labs, hardware labs, interaction labs, and robotics labs, provides hands-on training.

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Careers

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Career Opportunities:

• Graduates in this field are highly sought-after across various sectors, including software and electronics industries, financial services, research, and government agencies.
• Potential career paths include:
• Computer programmer
• Software engineer
• Software developer
• Business analyst
• Research scientist
• Network manager
• IT Systems manager
• Industry leaders like Amazon, Microsoft, IBM, and BAE Systems hire York graduates.

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Transferable Skills:

• The program equips you with valuable transferable skills that translate to a wide range of career options:
• Analytical skills
• Research skills
• Management skills
• Communication skills

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Other:

• The program welcomes students with diverse backgrounds and academic qualifications.
• Support is available for students with special educational needs or disabilities.
• York offers a student-friendly campus environment with easy access to the city center and various amenities.

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Admission Requirements:

• A-levels: A AA including Mathematics.
• Access to Higher Education Diploma: Syllabus must include a significant portion of Mathematics equivalent to A-level standard.
Individual consideration offered for applications.
• BTEC National Extended Diploma: DDD and grade A in A-level Mathematics.
Other combinations considered with A-level Mathematics. Contact the department for further details.
• Cambridge Pre-U: D2, D3, D3 including Mathematics.
• European Baccalaureate: 87% overall, including 85% in Mathematics.
• InternationalBaccalaureate: 37 points overall, including grade 6 in Higher Level Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations).
• T-levels: Currently not accepted unless accompanied by an additional A Level (or equivalent qualification) in Mathematics.
• Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers: Advanced Highers - A in Mathematics plus Scottish Highers - ABBB.
Alternative combinations and additional qualifications may be considered. Contact the department for further details.
• International Foundation Programme: Foundation Certificate from York International Pathway College or an appropriate alternative.
• Other Qualifications: OU qualifications, A-levels, and other appropriate qualifications accepted.
Individual consideration offered for applications. Contact the department before applying.
• Other International Qualifications: Equivalent qualifications from your country accepted.
• Additional Requirements: Qualification in a physical science e.g.
GCSE at grade 4 (C) or above in Physics, Double Science, Combined Science: Trilogy, or Science and Additional Science.
• English Language: If English is not your first language, provide evidence of English language ability through qualifications like IELTS (Academic), Cambridge CEFR, Oxford ELLT, Duolingo, GCSE/IGCSE/O level English Language, LanguageCert SELT or LanguageCert Academic, KITE, Skills for English, PTE Academic, TOEFL, or Trinity ISE III.

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Alternative Offers:

• Widening participation programs: Up to 3 A-level grade reduction
• Contextual offers: Up to 2 A-level grade reduction for candidates with local authority care experience or residing in areas with low progression to university.
• EPQ: Considered at the time of results, although not included as an entry condition.

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English Language Requirements:

• Various pathways are offered to meet English language requirements, including pre-sessional English language courses, depending on your current test scores and the improvement needed.

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

UK (home) fees: £9,250 per year International and EU fees: £28,800 per year UK (home) or international fees? The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (home) or international student. Check your fee status. Fees for subsequent years UK (home) fees may increase within the government fee cap in subsequent academic years. We will notify you of any increase as soon as we can. International fees are subject to increase in subsequent years in line with the prevailing Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate (up to a maximum of 10%). More information For more information about tuition fees, any reduced fees for study abroad and work placement years, scholarships, tuition fee loans, maintenance loans and living costs see undergraduate fees and funding. Additional costs There are unlikely to be any mandatory additional costs associated with the course, although you may want to set aside £200 for optional photocopying and personal stationery over the duration of the course.