MSc Cyber Security
International Students Can ApplyUKPASS Code:
P052286 Course
Length:
1 Year Full-Time, 2-3 Years Part-Time Start Dates: September 2015, January 2016,
September 2016, January 2017 Department:Department of Computing Location: Edge Hill University
• Develop in-depth skills and knowledge of cyber security based on professional standards and certifications and designed with industry partners;
• Gain a deeper understanding of cyber security concepts, principles, technologies and practices; • Study a programme designed for current or potential
system managers, system administrators and other IT professionals with a responsibility for, or interest in, cyber security.
Cybercrime threats are growing as the economy
increasingly depends on the Internet, such as through cloud computing, electronic communication and e-commerce, with estimates showing that they cost the UK up to £27 billion annually.
In addition, surveys from PricewaterhouseCoopers and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills show a
significant shortage of information security professionals and a lack of security awareness, especially in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), indicating an urgent need for student education, the provision of up-to-date
educational resources, industry training and the embedding of good practice.
This MSc in Cyber Security addresses these requirements by increasing relevant knowledge and skills in line with the UK
Government’s National Cyber Security Strategy, while also addressing the national skills shortage in information security.
You will develop an understanding of current issues in information security and cyber security, as well as gain in-depth knowledge of a variety of techniques for strategically managing IT, both as a resource and for analysing and controlling security risks.
Course in Depth
Course in Depth
What will I study? What will I study?
You will study cyber security from the perspectives of technical aspects of network security, penetration testing and computer forensics, while also adopting a systematic approach to information security management.
The programme will cover topics including information security management; information risk management; implementing secure systems; information assurance methodologies and testing; operational security
management; incident management; audit, assurance and review; and business continuity management.
How will I study? How will I study?
The course is delivered primarily as taught modules. Each module typically involves a 3-hour face-to-face seminar every week for 12 weeks. You will study three modules each semester on the full-time programme, requiring attendance two days per week. For part-time students, modules are scheduled to enable evening study over two years. Learning and teaching involves a variety of techniques, including lectures, case studies, problem-based learning, guest lectures from industry experts, student-led seminars, one-to-one tutorials, and technology-enhanced learning (such as via a virtual learning environment). Classes are highly interactive, with the practical application of concepts being a key factor, as well as case studies drawn from real-life.
How will I be assessed? How will I be assessed?
We will assess your vocational capability, academic critical thinking and intellectual development throughout the programme. Coursework, case studies, exams and
problem-solving exercises may be used. You may be assessed individually or in a group.
Who will be teaching me? Who will be teaching me?
You will be taught by highly qualified, experienced and enthusiastic academic staff who are research-active and fully engaged with the wider business and academic community.
A Great Study En
A Great Study Environmentvironment
The Department of Computing is based in Creative Edge, a state-of-the-art £17m building offering highly
contemporary suites of outstanding facilities for Computing students.
Our modern computer laboratories are equipped with high-specification computers, high-resolution screens and the latest hardware and software. There are specialist laboratories for networking and games programming, in addition to a specialist research laboratory, open access laboratory, and an Enterprise laboratory for commercial projects.
Learning resources include wired and wireless networking hardware, graphics software, web development tools,
software development environments, and other specialist software required for studying forensics and internet security techniques.
The department has strong links with industry and the curriculum is kept current and highly relevant through input from our Employer Advisory Panel.
A dedicated Enterprise Projects Team and Web Factory social enterprise initiative recruit students to paid work on a range of commercial projects. This provides you with the opportunity to gain experience in a commercial
environment. You will also be actively supported in developing solutions for local businesses through your coursework.
Competitions including 'University Technology Challenge' and 'Hackathon', organised in collaboration with companies such as Barclays, the BBC and Talk Talk, allow you to show invention and initiative through, for example, inventing new apps and presenting a business case in a highly competitive environment.
An annual employability conference and specialist careers fair prepare you for employment. You can also engage with research through the 'INSPIRE' initiative, with some of our students having papers published at international
Modules
Modules
CIS4101:
CIS4101: Information Security ManagementInformation Security Management (20 credits)(20 credits) Information Security Management
Information Security Management is a process by which information assets are assessed in order to determine the threats and corresponding risks to those assets. It also encompasses the methods for controlling those risks. This module provides a systemic view of the process and encompasses the legal compliance issues which complement the technical security
methods explored in other modules. You will develop analytical and evaluative skills in the context of a complex and
unpredictable systems environment in order to be able to develop an information security management system that is fit for purpose.
CIS4102:
CIS4102: IT StrIT Strategy and Managementategy and Management (20 credits)(20 credits) IT Str
IT Strategy and Managementategy and Management will develop your understanding of the multidimensional problems associated with the introduction of technological innovations and the ongoing management of systems and services within both the public and private sector. The module introduces fundamental elements underpinning innovation adoption decisions and critically evaluates implementation strategies designed to secure effective innovation routinisation. In addition, the module seeks to provide an understanding of the need for a tactical and operational view of IT systems and services in the event of an incident occurring.
CIS4107:
CIS4107: Computer FComputer Forensicsorensics (20 credits)(20 credits) Computer F
Computer Forensicsorensics provides a firm foundation for those interested in forensic computing by teaching the methods, tools and techniques for data recovery and analysis, together with the legal requirements for presenting such data. The module will equip you with the skills and knowledge required to undertake a forensic computing investigation in a systematic manner.
CIS4111:
CIS4111: System PSystem Penetrenetration Tation Testingesting (20 credits)(20 credits) System P
System Penetrenetration Tation Testingesting introduces you to the ethics, principles and practice of an essential component of information security: systematically analysing system vulnerabilities and their exploitation. This process provides evidence of the effectiveness of system security controls. It is sometimes called 'ethical hacking', though professionally it is referred to as system penetration testing. The module will raise your awareness of the need for system penetration testing and allow you to gain experience of evaluating network and web application security, both internally and externally.
CIS4113:
CIS4113: Implementing Secure Network SystemsImplementing Secure Network Systems (20 credits)(20 credits) Implementing Secure Network Systems
Implementing Secure Network Systems equips you with an in-depth understanding of concepts of computer and network security, covering the key vulnerabilities of, and threats to, a networked computer system, together with relevant counter measures. You will develop analytical and evaluative skills in the context of a complex and unpredictable systems
environment in order to be able to define an appropriate level of internet security to meet the needs of the network owner. CIS4208:
CIS4208: Research and DeResearch and Devvelopment Projectelopment Project (60 credits)(60 credits) Research and De
Research and Devvelopment Projectelopment Project provides experience of designing and executing a substantial project in a limited time, based on a project plan. You will employ practical and problem solving skills, underpinned by relevant research, to construct
and complete a coherent project as a computing professional. An introduction to research methods will be included at the start of the module as preparation for the project to follow.
You will select one of the following modules: CIS4106:
CIS4106: Cloud Application Management and SecurityCloud Application Management and Security (20 credits)(20 credits) Cloud Application Management and Security
Cloud Application Management and Security equips you with an in-depth understanding in the development and management of applications that are deployed in a computing Cloud, will gain a critical understanding of the security implications of when applications are distributed in a global framework, and will explore the frameworks that exist to support the management and security of both data and applications in such environments.
CIS4112:
CIS4112: Biometric Security and Identity ManagementBiometric Security and Identity Management (20 credits)(20 credits) Biometric Security and Identity Management
Biometric Security and Identity Management provides you with in-depth knowledge of authentication, authorisation and identification techniques and will provide a modern focus on biometric devices and biometric security systems. The
module will enable you to identify traditional security techniques such as password and key-based environments, along with novel techniques such as biometric security.
Please note, optional module selection is subject to module availability and timetabling. Some restrictions on optional module choice may apply.
Entry Criteria
Entry Criteria
Entry Requirements Entry Requirements
To join this MSc you should have a degree equivalent to UK second class honours, comprising 50% or more of content in a computing-related discipline. Equivalent knowledge gained in alternative ways, for example through professional experience or completion of BCS Professional Diploma in IT (Level 6), is also accepted for entry to this programme.
Recognition of Prior L
Recognition of Prior Learningearning
Edge Hill University recognises learning gained elsewhere, whether through academic credit and qualifications
acquired from other relevant courses of study or through recognition of an individual's professional and employment experience (also referred to as 'experiential learning'). Previous learning that is recognised in this way may be used towards meeting the entry requirements for a programme and/or for exemption from part of a programme. It is your responsibility to make a claim for recognition of prior learning. For guidance, please consult theUniversity's Recognition of Prior Learning Policyand contact thefaculty
in which you are interested in studying.
Career Prospects
Career Prospects
What are m
What are my career prospects?y career prospects?
The MSc has been designed to meet the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) certification criteria for Masters degrees, as well as satisfying the professional body knowledge requirements of the
Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) and the Information Systems Security Certification
Consortium (ISC)².
The programme also aligns with international standards (ISO27001/2) for information security management systems and is informed by the PAS 555:2013 Cyber Security Risk Governance and Management Specification. On successful completion of the course, you will be
equipped with the necessary skills and expertise to work as a cyber security professional, or information security professional, in roles such as an information security engineer/manager, ISO27001 auditor, computer forensic analyst, cyber security specialist or security engineer.
Finance
Finance
TTuition Fuition Feesees
Tuition fees for full-time study on this MSc are: • £4,680 for UK and EU students and £12,000 for
international students enrolling on the programme in academic year 2015/16;
• £4,680 for UK and EU students and £12,250 for international students enrolling on the programme in academic year 2016/17.
Tuition fees for part-time study on this MSc are:
• £26 per credit for UK and EU students enrolling on the programme in academic years 2015/16 or 2016/ 17.
180 credits are required to complete a Masters degree. Please note, the University may administer a small inflationary rise in part-time postgraduate tuition fees in
subsequent academic years as you progress through the course.
Financial Support Financial Support
For comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK and EU students joining
postgraduate courses at Edge Hill University, together with details of how to apply for potential funding, please view our Money Matters guide for your intended academic year of entry.
• Money Matters 2015/16:www.edgehill.ac.uk/ postgradfinance2015
• Money Matters 2016/17:www.edgehill.ac.uk/ postgradfinance2016
Financial support information for international students can be found atwww.edgehill.ac.uk/international/fees.
Apply
Apply
How to Apply How to Apply
Apply online atwww.ukpass.ac.uk.
Visitwww.edgehill.ac.uk/applyukpassfor more information on the application process.
Visit Us Visit Us
If you are considering applying to study at Edge Hill
University, the best way to gain an insight into student life is to discover our stunning campus for yourself by attending an open day. You can view dates and book your place at
www.edgehill.ac.uk/postgradopendays.
Alternatively, if you are unable to attend an open day, you can find out more about all of our events for prospective
postgraduate students, including monthly campus tours, at
www.edgehill.ac.uk/postgradevents.
Request a Prospectus Request a Prospectus
If you would like to explore our full range of taught Masters degrees, Masters by Research degrees and MBA awards before you apply, you can order a postgraduate prospectus atwww.edgehill.ac.uk/postgradprospectus.
Get in T Get in Touchouch
If you have any questions about this programme or what it's like to study at Edge Hill University, please contact:
• Course Enquiries • Tel: 01695 657000
• Email:[email protected]
If you would like to talk to the programme leader about the course in more detail, please contact:
• Mark Hall
• Tel: 01695 657653
• Email:[email protected]
International students should visitwww.edgehill.ac.uk/ internationalor [email protected] any queries about overseas study.
