Cyber Security MSc

Program Overview

Edinburgh Napier's MSc Cyber Security Distance Learning program combines practical industry expertise with academic principles. The curriculum covers key areas of cyber security and digital forensics, including penetration testing, malware analysis, and network security. Graduates are well-equipped for roles in cyber security, such as penetration testers, network security analysts, and security consultants. Industry partnerships and certifications enhance the program's relevance and employability prospects.

Program Outline

MSc Cyber Security Distance Learning - Edinburgh Napier University

Degree Overview:

This MSc Cyber Security Distance Learning program is designed to equip students with critical knowledge and skills in the domains of cyber security and digital forensics. It combines academic principles with practical industry experience, informed by current research and partnerships with law enforcement, the cyber security industry, financial institutions, and other knowledge transfer activities. The program focuses on key areas of cyber security, including:

• Network Security: Understanding and implementing secure network configurations, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and VPNs.
• Penetration Testing: Ethical hacking techniques to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in systems and networks.
• Malware Analysis: Identifying, analyzing, and mitigating malware threats.
• Audit and Compliance: Ensuring compliance with relevant security standards and regulations.
• Host and Mobile Digital Forensics: Investigating digital devices and systems to gather evidence for legal proceedings.
The program offers a specialization through an extensive research-based MSc dissertation project, allowing students to delve deeper into a specific area of interest and enhance their chosen specialism.

Outline:

The program is structured as follows:

• Duration: 2.5 - 4 years (Full-time or Part-time)
• Start Dates: September and January
• Delivery: Fully online, with all teaching and learning resources, assessments, and practical exercises delivered remotely.
• Flexibility: Students can spread the course modules over a number of years, making it ideal for those who cannot attend on-campus classes or are employed.

Modules:

The program includes the following modules:

• Applied Cryptography and Trust (CSN11131): Covers fundamental areas of cryptography, identity, and trust, including privacy, confidentiality, cipher types, asymmetric and symmetric key encryption, hashing, security protocols, key exchange, trust infrastructures, identity and authentication, distributed systems, and future cryptography.
• Incident Response and Malware Analysis (CSN11129): Covers threat analysis, system architectures, network forensics, live forensics, log capture/analysis, malware analysis, data hiding, and host investigation evidence gathering.
• Masters Dissertation (SOC11101): An individual research project with a personal supervisor and internal examiner.
• Security Audit & Compliance (INF11109): Focuses on information security frameworks, governance models, relevant laws and regulations, organizational and human factors, professional ethics, risk management, and controls.

Assessment:

Assessment methods include:

• Exams: Written examinations to assess theoretical knowledge.
• Written Reports and Essays: Demonstrating understanding and critical analysis of concepts.
• Practical Scenario-Based Assessments: Applying knowledge and skills in real-world scenarios using virtualised lab environments.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program combines theoretical lectures with extensive hands-on practical activities, supported by fully online web-based materials and virtualised lab environments.
• Faculty: The program is led by experienced academics with industry experience, including:
Students have the option to attend on-campus classes if they wish.

Careers:

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

• Security Consultant/Analyst
• Penetration Tester
• Network Security Analyst
• Forensic Investigator
• Audit/Compliance Consultant
• Security Certification Engineer
• Incident Response Analyst
• System Admin
• Network Engineer
The program also helps students prepare for sought-after professional certifications, such as:
• Cisco Security Certifications
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
• Centre for Research and Evidence on Security Threats (CREST)

Other:

• Accreditation: The program is certified by the NCSC (National Cyber Security Centre) and accredited by the British Computing Society and the Chartered Institute for IT.
• Industry Partnerships: The School of Computing has strong ties with industry, law enforcement, and the public sector, through partnerships with organizations such as Cisco Systems, Guidance Software, Symantec, NCC Group, NCA, Police Scotland, and others.
• Research: Extensive innovative research is carried out in key domains by academics and PhD students in the dedicated cyber security and forensic research group.

• Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland-Taught modules: £1,105
• Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland-60 credit Dissertation module: £650
• Overseas and EU-Taught modules: £3,050
• Overseas and EU-Dissertation module: £2,095
The rate shown in the table is for 20 credits . The total fee you will pay is dependant upon the exit award you wish to achieve.
• The University offers a 20% discount on Postgraduate Taught Masters programmes to its alumni.
• Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2021 will be the Overseas fee rate.