MSc/PgDip Cyber Security, Threat Intelligence and Forensics

Program Overview

This postgraduate program in Cyber Security, Threat Intelligence, and Forensics equips graduates with practical skills in cyber threat detection, response, and counteraction. It covers advanced topics such as penetration testing, cyber forensics, and malware analysis, preparing students for technical security roles in various industries. The program is accredited by the Chartered Institute for IT (BCS) and offers a combination of taught modules and a research dissertation or project.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

MSc/PgDip Cyber Security, Threat Intelligence and Forensics

This postgraduate program aims to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to combat cyber threats, including Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs). The course covers a wide range of topics, including attack (red team) and defense (blue team) strategies, established attack surfaces (networking, social engineering), modern issues (IoT, Cloud), and the trade-offs between security, privacy, and availability.

Objectives:

• Develop practical and real-world skills in all major areas of cyber security
• Engage with industry experts and active cyber security researchers
• Gain advanced knowledge of penetration testing, cyber forensics, malware reverse engineering, privacy, and risk management

Description:

This one-year or three-year program is available with full and part-time study routes starting each January and September.

Outline:

The program comprises a combination of taught modules and a research dissertation or project, depending on the chosen award (MSc or PgDip).

Modules:

• Cyber Forensics: Develop skills and methodologies for in-depth computer and network investigations, including emerging platforms like cloud and IoT.
Consider the trade-offs and considerations in design decisions for various network systems and social media platforms. Analyze successful and unsuccessful APTs and malware campaigns. Cover malware analysis and reversing techniques.
• Project/Dissertation: Undertake independent research under academic supervision to develop and evaluate a solution demonstrating originality and application of knowledge.
Choose a project aligning with personal interests or future career aspirations.

Course Schedule:

• Full-time students: Taught modules in trimesters 1 and 2, dissertation/project in trimester 3
• Part-time students: Taught modules in years 1 and 2, dissertation/project in year 3
• Exact modules may vary depending on student choices and availability.

Assessment:

The program uses a variety of assessment methods to evaluate students' knowledge and skills, including:

• Practical work (33%): using offensive and defensive tools and writing a report critiquing the strategy
• Coursework (33%): research-oriented tasks with longer deadlines to assess in-depth responses to complex problems
• Project/Dissertation (34%): independent work demonstrating originality in the application of knowledge and chosen area of interest

Teaching:

The program uses a combination of teaching and learning methods, including:

• Tutorial and seminar groups: face-to-face interaction where possible, supplemented with web-based learning materials and discussion boards
• Group activities: developing team working and professional skills while maintaining individual assessment
• Supervised work in computer labs: applying theoretical concepts to practical scenarios
• Professionalism and ethics: integrated throughout the program and emphasized in all assessments and projects

Faculty:

The program is delivered by an academic team with extensive industry experience and research connections, led by Course Leader Dr. Lee Speakman.

Careers:

The program prepares graduates for various technical security-based roles in diverse sectors like business, banking, software, networking, government, and consultancy. Potential career paths include:

• Malware analyst
• Penetration tester
• Security consultant
• Forensics investigator
• Security programmer
• Further study opportunities also exist for those interested in pursuing research in areas related to cyber security and informatics.
• The program is designed to address the global skills shortage in cyber security.
• Industry collaboration and knowledge from various perspectives ensure graduates have strong employability and transferable skill sets.
• The program maintains contacts with local companies, providing real-world perspectives on industry challenges and demands.

Other:

• Students have access to specialist computing suites equipped with software for database systems, networking, network simulation, internet security, and computer forensics.
• The program actively involves students in industry collaboration and research, fostering a sense of community and impact.

• Full-time home
2024/25 £9,990.00per year
• Full-time international
2024/25 £17,550.00per year
• Part-time
2024/25 £1,665 per 30 credits
• Full-time home
2025/26 £10,350.00per year
• Full-time international
2025/26 £19,100.00 per year