Cyber Security and Data Analytics MSc

Program Overview

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The Cyber Security and Data Analytics MSc program at Loughborough University London equips students with the skills to combat cyber threats and perform advanced data analytics. Combining core cyber security concepts with data analytics techniques, the program prepares graduates for leadership roles in security operations, antivirus software companies, and government organizations. The curriculum includes modules on cybersecurity forensics, artificial intelligence, and cloud systems, and culminates in a dissertation project.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Cyber Security and Data Analytics MSc

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Overview:

The program is designed to equip students with critical knowledge and skills to combat emerging cyber threats faced by our highly digital world. By focusing on data analytics, the program will provide students with the necessary skills to mitigate security breaches, conduct advanced encryption, and perform digital forensics.

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Objectives:

• To equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to respond to emerging cyber threats.
• To develop an understanding of deep learning and neural networks as applied to cyber threat mitigation.
• To explore enabling technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud systems and how they contribute to data analytics in mitigating advanced cyber threats.
• To impart key digital competencies and skills necessary for success in the job market.

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Description:

The program features a unique curriculum that combines core areas of cyber security with advanced data analytics techniques. This blended approach prepares graduates for leadership positions in a variety of sectors including security operational centers, antivirus software companies, artificial intelligence start-ups, and government organizations.

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Outline:

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Semester 1:

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Compulsory Modules:

Cybersecurity and Forensics: This module dives deep into cybersecurity incidents and the processes involved in digital investigations after cyberattacks and cybercrimes.

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Optional Modules (choose one):

Applied Cryptography: This module explores the fundamental concepts of cryptography and introduces students to various protocols, techniques, algorithms and implementations in real-world applications, forming the basis of modern cyber security. Principles of Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics: This module introduces the foundational concepts of data processing and their use in Artificial Intelligence (AI), enabling students to gain the background knowledge needed to develop and understand different algorithms in AI and Data analytics.

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Optional Modules (choose one):

Digital Application Development: This module equips students with the core programming skills and understanding required for solving practical problems in different applications.

• introduce relevant computer network and communication systems to understand data management systems architecture.

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Optional Modules (choose one):

Statistical Methods in Finance: This module equips students with the quantitative techniques necessary to conduct studies in the area of applied finance and economics.

• introduce the concept of Big Data systems and the challenges posed by such systems
• introduce the requirement of advanced analytics, processing techniques and architectural solutions to tackle the problems encountered.

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Semester 2:

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Optional Modules (choose one):

Financial Technologies: This module aims to:

• develop a broad understanding of disruptive financial technologies and their practical use in modern financial applications.
• provide students with key analytics and machine learning knowledge required by data-driven models of financial services provision.
• introduce students to the concept of blockchain and develop understanding of cyber security and data protection in digital finance systems; money evolution characteristics and functionality; the evolution of InsurTech industry; decentralisation of the financial system that includes Crowdfunding and other P2P lending; digital payments transformation, and Regulation Policy and its impact on the Financial sector.
• equip students with background knowledge of business planning and strategy execution with simulated experience of running a company.
• examine a variety of frameworks for assessing entrepreneurs, products, markets, industries and operations to understand, first, the importance of thorough market/product analysis and, second, the operation of a new venture and the dynamic nature of strategy.
• expose students to project-based teamwork in diverse settings (understood in this context as involving a range of multidisciplinary, multicultural and demographic elements in differing configurations), aiming to strengthen their cooperative and collaborative working skills and competence, while raising awareness and appreciation of diversity itself.
• provide students with hands on experience of identifying, framing and resolving practice oriented and real-world based challenges and problems, using creativity, critical enquiry and appropriate tools to achieve valuable and relevant solutions.
• support the development of students' ability to engage in critical enquiry and individual reflection, as well as to apply individual strengths and skills, building on their own educational backgrounds.

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Optional Modules (choose one):

Internet of Things & Applications: This module provides students with the knowledge and understanding of computing concepts related to the emerging IoT platforms and devices and their deployment. Game Technologies and Advanced 3D Environments: This module introduces students to games technology concepts, basic game architectures and tools, fundamental theories and common practices in game software development, essential knowledge of game-related digital media rendering, game creation packages and their use in digital creative media design and development processes, state-of-the-art methods in capturing and processing of 3D audio and video.

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Summer:

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Compulsory Module:

Dissertation

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Assessment:

Assessment varies depending on the module choices made. A combination of written and practical assessments will be used, including coursework and exams, along with presentations, projects and reports.

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Teaching:

The program follows a diverse teaching approach incorporating regular timetabled teaching, guest lectures, and projects on a range of topics.

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Teaching methods:

• Regular timetabled teaching
• Guest lectures
• Projects on a range of topics

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Careers:

The program prepares graduates for a range of careers in the field of cyber security and data analytics, including:

• Cyber security analyst
• Data scientist
• Security consultant
• Forensic investigator
• Penetration tester
• Network security engineer
• Vulnerability researcher

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Other:

The program is offered by Loughborough University London and is designed for those who have an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject, such as computer science, engineering, mathematics, or physics. The program is also open to students from other disciplines who can demonstrate relevant experience or qualifications.

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UK fee: £13,000 Full-time degree per annum International fee: £28,750 Full-time degree per annum