MSc Applied Cyber Security

• Introduction to Computing

This module provides the essential aspects of computer science that are required to support subsequent study in cyber security – for example the basics of system and software design and development, file systems and operating systems, essential programming and fundamental mathematics required for cryptography.

• Foundations of Cyber Security

The basic elements of cyber security are covered here – from relevant terminology to common areas of study, tools and techniques, including an introduction to cryptography. Case studies will be utilised to illustrate concepts.

• Strategic and Information Security

Cyber Security is not just about technology – organisations have objectives and strategies that require security governance, policies and controls which align with those objectives. This module covers standards, legislation and governance tools that provide a risk-based approach to cyber security at an organisational level and discusses issues of privacy

• Social Engineering, OSINT and Penetration Testing

It is often said that humans are the weakest link in any system – Social Engineering techniques aim to exploit this, but from an ethical perspective the strategies can be used for defence purposes as well. OSINT covers tools and techniques for gathering intelligence that is publicly available when investigating for example potential human rights abuses, deep fakes and fake news. Penetration testing is the ethical side of ‘hacking’ - the same techniques are used to test defences and recommend mitigations, and you will gain practical experience in doing this.

• Introduction to Forensics and Malware

This module covers the essentials of the forensic analysis of computer systems, including legal and procedural requirements, practical investigation of sample machine images, and essential malware analysis techniques such as static, dynamic and more advanced topics.

• Securing the Network

Focuses on the low-level aspects of security, examining network essentials and protocols, with a focus on defence techniques such as firewalls, encryption and secure network design.

• Dissertation (Extended Project and Research Skills)

Running throughout the course, this module provides instruction on the essentials of Research Skills that are needed to propose and develop an Extended Project, resulting in an in-depth dissertation study.