MSc Cyber Security with Advanced Practice

You will learn about the information governance and security principles that underpin the management of an organisation’s information assets. You will critically analyse the key concepts, theories, standards and frameworks of information governance and security, including risk management. This will enable you to evaluate an organisation’s current approach to information governance and security and to advise on the design and implementation of an appropriate strategy for managing an organisation’s information assets to meet legal, regulatory, organisational and/or societal needs for information governance and security. Topics include:

• Key concepts and principles of information governance and security
• Information governance, security, risk and business continuity frameworks and standards
• Legislative and regulatory frameworks
• Strategies, policy and procedures
• Risk management and business continuity
• Embedding information governance and security (incl. roles, responsibilities and culture)

The main objective of this module is to provide you with an in-depth coverage of the fundamental concepts, principles and technologies for network security. This module will provide you with a theoretical and practical understanding on two important aspects related to security namely, data security and network security. The module will cover a number of topics including cryptography, classical systems, IP protocol security, private and public-key cryptography, cryptographic protocols, hash functions, authentication, signature schemes, email and web security, viruses, and firewalls. The concepts introduced in lectures are reinforced with the help of extensive hands on laboratory workshops. You will also have the opportunity to develop practical networking skills by using Cisco IOS, configuration of firewalls, switches and routers. You will also explore the wider impact of security via a consideration of related legal, ethical and social issues.

This module is designed to be suitable for a variety of networking professional roles including those wishing to gain a deeper understanding of 802.11 protocols, security and enterprise deployment. Additionally, it is suitable for wireless network administrators and support or design staff requiring a greater understanding of the new technologies and applications of modern converged networks and delegates seeking Certified Wireless Network Associate (or similar) certification. You will study the following areas:

• Enterprise wireless deployment elements and methodologies
• Basic RF characteristics for mobile systems
• 11 protocol operation and technologies
• Wireless security issues and attack vulnerabilities

This module will provide you with an in-depth knowledge of the processes used in assuring the security of information during use, sharing, storage, transmission and disposal. It will cover the protection of the integrity, authenticity, availability and confidentiality of all classes of information. The module is designed to provide a comprehensive framework for ensuring the resilience of business activities during threats and disruptive events thus enabling the assessment of potential risks to the business which could result from disasters or emergency situations. A breakdown of the key areas of information risk assessment – context establishment, information risk assessment will be followed by the various elements of risk analysis and evaluation. An examination of the treatment of identified risks will be used to illustrate that mitigation is not the only option that organisations The last element of the module will explore the important aspect of communicating the result of the risk management process with key stakeholders.

You will develop an in-depth understanding of the different types of business interruptions – man-made, natural disasters and technology failures – and the potential damage / revenue losses that can result from them. It is crucial to perform regular disaster recovery testing exercises in order to prove that organisations can recover from catastrophic loss of data and facilities.

This module will enable you to develop a deep understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of Ethical Hacking. An essential part of a modern organisation’s e-security. The module includes testing and analysis to determine vulnerabilities. Carrying out such work requires a special skill set, which crosses, legal issues, psychology, computer networks along with detailed understanding of system vulnerabilities and exploits. Additionally, you will be exposed to a collection of industry standard hacking tools and will learn how to apply these in an ethical manner to determine system vulnerabilities.

In this module you will learn about research and the processes involved in carrying out research and project management, and you will apply them to develop a master’s project proposal. This will include research approaches and methods of research, including literature searching, evaluation and review and project management tools and techniques. You will also consider relevant legal, ethical and social issues and good professional practice.

By the end of this module you will have constructed a project proposal which can be executed in a master’s project. This will contain a brief literature review justifying a research question, establish aims and objectives, and provide a plan of execution, using tools and techniques in project management, including an outline of deliverables (both artefacts and products).

The aim of this module is to enable you to undertake a substantial academic research project at Masters Level and present the results from this work in both written and oral forms. Your project itself will be a major piece of independent and original research centred at the forefront of your programme discipline within the wider sphere of the computer science and digital technologies field.

Internship/Work Placement Option:

During the work placement/internship, the student will have workplace mentor, normally a member of the employer’s senior staff and a visiting tutor from the Faculty.

When a work placement has been secured the students must complete a ‘work placement confirmation’ form (which will be available elp).  This form identifies the employer and job title and will assist allow the faculty to confirm that the work placement is academically acceptable.

The student will then be asked to complete and confidential personal risk assessment form which covers health issues and any travel risks inherent in the work role.  The employer completes a learning agreement which identifies and work related health and safety risks and confirms Employer and Public Liability insurance.

Prior to taking up the work placement students will complete a self-assessment questionnaire to establish personal competences.  Then, working with the employer and visiting tutor identify learning and development experiences available in the workplace.  This will take the form of a personal learning contract.  At the end of the placement the student will repeat the competence assessment to provide a framework for the reflective account of the placement which forms the assessment of the module.

Study Log: During your placement it is advisable to maintain a Study Log which details work experience and learning achieved.  This gives you a framework for discussion with your supervisor.

Research Placement

The University has a number of Research Institutes and interest groups carrying out active research at the cutting edge of your Masters study. If you wish to participate in one the research groups associated with your programme of study you will need to contact the module tutor who will introduce you to appropriate research professors. Following as successful interview you will be assigned role in an ongoing research project. The Faculty will take responsibility for   health and safety issues around your placement.

The student, research team and module tutor will identify learning outcomes available within the research group and establish a personal learning contract with the student.  At the end of the placement the student will provide evidence of the learning achieved as part of the reflective account of the placement.