Why choose this course?

Cyber security, the umbrella term for computer, network and information security is of increasing importance – new legislation, technologies, vulnerabilities and threats necessitate frequent system updates.

This course offers a critical awareness of current developments and future trends in cryptography, network security and mobile/wireless security. You will explore techniques and technologies to combat threats such as malware, social engineering, data leakage or zero-day attacks, based on understanding secure authentication mechanisms, access control, intrusion detection, information security policies and user education. A project/dissertation will enable you to study an area of interest in depth. It can be an excellent selling point.

What you will study

You will gain a critical awareness of the current developments and future trends in cryptography, network security and wireless security, starting from the mathematical principles behind cryptographic algorithms and moving on to secure network protocols.

As security and dependability are inextricably linked, the course also covers dependable and highly available architectures. Techniques and technologies to combat threats will be explored, from secure authentication mechanisms, through firewalls, to information policies and user education to combat social engineering and data leakage.

The Management Studies route will set your technical knowledge in a management context.

The full MSc course consists of an induction programme, four taught modules, and a project dissertation. Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list.

For a student to go on placement they are required to pass every module first time with no reassessments. It is the responsibility of individual students to find a suitable paid placement. Students will be supported by our dedicated placement team in securing this opportunity.

After you graduate
Where this course will take you

Computer, network and information security are current 'hot topics'. They are here to stay, as we will never be able to design or build a system without having to take into account its security in an operational scenario.

Many companies are actively recruiting security specialists at the moment and the major software houses are training their coders in security. In fact, it can be hard to get a job with a large company, even as a software developer, without some appreciation of security.

Graduates have progressed to work at Google, ECS and Lloyd's, in roles such as ethical banker, cyber security engineer and security consultant.