MSc Applied Cybersecurity

Program Overview

The MSc Applied Cybersecurity program at the University of Sunderland equips students with the knowledge and skills to pursue careers in the rapidly growing field of cybersecurity. The program focuses on various aspects of cybersecurity, including network security, risk management, and secure programming. It offers a strong practical experience through coursework-based assessment, placement opportunities, and access to industry-standard technologies. Graduates have gone on to secure employment with leading companies and organizations in the cybersecurity sector.

Program Outline

MSc Applied Cybersecurity - University of Sunderland

Degree Overview:

This program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to pursue a career in cybersecurity, which is a rapidly growing field due to the increasing prevalence of cybercrime. The curriculum focuses on various aspects of cybersecurity, including:

• Network security
• Cybersecurity in organizations
• Secure and dependable systems
• Implementing effective security
• Risk management
• Cryptography
• Secure programming
• Defensive programming
• Designing secure and resilient systems

Outline:

The program consists of:

• Core modules (30 credits each):
• Fundamentals of Cybersecurity: This module covers governance, management, and organizational security solutions for secure and valuable information.
• Technology Management for Organizations: Students learn to apply the principles, policies, and procedures of cybersecurity and data science to create resilient and robust organizational solutions.
• Cyber Resilience and Incident Response: This module focuses on designing and developing secure systems using the principles of secure design across various platforms and problem areas.
It also covers applied cryptography, secure programming, and defensive programming, enabling students to undertake first-response activities in cyber breach incidents.
• Cybersecurity and User Experience Design: This module explores the two themes of cybersecurity and usability in software design to understand the trade-offs and challenges they present.
Students research past and recent research in usable cybersecurity and examine the nature of usability and user experience as it applies to cybersecurity, including the impact of user psychology, user models, usage content, and usability evaluation techniques.
• Year 2 modules (60 credits each):
• Computing Masters Placement: Students tackle real-world problems within an organization, develop an enterprising solution to a problem, answer a business need through the Digital Incubator, or work on a research project with an academic colleague.
• Computing Masters Project: Students develop a practical deliverable and investigate an area of academic research by undertaking a research-intensive project, a technical artifact, or a theoretical review based on a novel research question.

Assessment:

Assessment methods in the program include:

• Written reports and research papers
• Practical assignments
• The Masters project
• Portfolio of evidence gathered during the placement
• Regular logs of progress
• Progress reviews
• Final presentation or video

Teaching:

The program is delivered by passionate academics who produce internationally-excellent research. The teaching methods include:

• Lectures
• Group work
• Research
• Discussion groups
• Seminars
• The program is 100% coursework-based with no exams and offers a strong practical experience throughout, allowing students to transfer their new skills to the industry.

Careers:

The completion of this program opens up a wide range of exciting career opportunities in cybersecurity:

• Information security manager
• Security analyst
• Security architect
• Security administrator
• Incident responder
• Security engineer
• Security auditor
• Security software developer
• Vulnerability assessor

Other:

• The program provides the opportunity for students to undertake professional practice through either a placement in an industry organization or a professional or research-based practice work.
• Students have the opportunity to experience the latest technologies and tools used in the industry.
• Graduates have gone on to secure employment with various companies and organizations, including GCHQ, (ISC)2, Accenture, HPE, BT, PWC, SAGE, Sunderland City Council, Northumbria Police, Durham Constabulary, and the Cybersecurity Workforce Alliance.

Placement:

This course provides you with the opportunity to undertake professional practice by either undertaking a placement in an industry organization (subject to availability) or undertaking professional or relevant, research-based practice work.

Additional notes:

• Some modules may have prerequisites.
• Year 2 modules are subject to change.
• Students are required to hold an undergraduate degree with a classification of 2:2 or above in computing or a 2:1 or above in a relevant non-computing discipline.

Conclusion

This detailed extraction of the MSc Applied Cybersecurity program at the University of Sunderland provides a comprehensive overview of the degree, its content, structure, assessment, teaching methods, and potential career opportunities.

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

• £9,250 if you are from the UK/Europe
• £17,400 if you are an international student
• European Union (EU), EEA (European Economic Area), and Swiss nationals who do not qualify for the EU Settlement Scheme are classed as international, however, for 24/25 admission you will receive a European student fee scholarship and will pay the home tuition fee rate for the duration of your studies.
The discounted fee will be reflected in your offer letter. Learn more in our Help and Advice article.