Course summary
Fully certified by the National Cybersecurity Centre - part of GCHQ - this Master's degree develops the skills and mind set needed to tackle the growing threat of computer hackers. Computer security is a growing concern for organisations of all sizes. This Master's will put you in the ideal position to pursue a successful and often lucrative career. The industry is currently experiencing a major skills gap and global demand for ethical hackers. It’s not unusual for the salaries of our graduates to start at £35,000-£40,000. Adopt an offensive approach to cybersecurity We’re the only university in the UK to offer a Masters programme in ethical hacking. We want to change the way you view cybersecurity to adopt an offensive approach. The best way to beat a hacker is to be able to think like one! Aimed at Computing/IT/Technology graduates, our MSc Ethical Hacking and Cybersecurity covers a wide range of subjects, including penetration testing, digital forensics, information security management, Malware analysis, port scanning, buffer overflows and password cracking. Our research-active teaching staff are at the forefront of new developments, allowing the programme to evolve to cover the latest techniques and guidelines. There are two modes of studying this degree. Full-time, on-campus over one year or, part-time distance learning over two years. In recent years, full-time on-campus class sizes have been around 25. This allows for closer relationships with academic staff and fellow postgraduates. The part-time distance option offers a virtual lab for practical work and weekly online sessions to meet staff, fellow students and get help. How the Course Works You’ll learn how to evaluate the impact of security problems and recommend improvements to a network’s security within a legal and ethical framework. You’ll also conduct a master’s project within an area of cybersecurity that’ll allow you to build on your existing skills. Full-time on campus students completing the degree in one year: The academic year consists of three terms with the masters project module completed in term 3. Part-time distance learning students completing the degree in two years: Year 1 consists of two terms and Year 2 of three terms with the master project module completed in the final term. Accreditation This course is fully certified by GCHQ and accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, as meeting the educational requirement for CITP Further Learning and partially meeting the educational requirement for CEng/CSci registration.
Modules
Computer Security (CMP506) An introduction to issues relating to computer security and ethical hacking, including techniques to improve vulnerabilities and computer defence. You’ll analyse how malicious hackers can gain unauthorised access and explore how to improve security. Digital Forensics 3 (CMP507) Provides you with the ability to carry out and critically evaluate computer forensic investigations and appraise forensic software with a view to develop appropriate investigation strategies in the light of emerging digital technologies. Information and Network Security Management (CMP508) An examination of the many forms of threats to information systems and appropriate countermeasures. This provides you with an understanding of the architecture and management of modern computer networking and of the security implications of the many possible architectural structures. Ethical Hacking 4 (CMP509) Provides you with specialist knowledge and experience of advanced hacking techniques and their countermeasures. Engineering Resilient Systems Masters (CMP510) Social and technical approaches to better security resilience in systems through consideration of methods of attack and defence. Module content: Hardware Security Challenges; The Ingredients of Machine Learning; Support Vector Machines for Cyber Security; Neural Networks for Cyber Security; Authentication Design; Principles of Secure Software Development; Language and API Design for Security; Static and Dynamic Analysis; Insider Threat. Research Methods (1) (GRS501) An introduction to research methods and statistical analysis. Combines theoretical, historical and statistical concepts with hands-on practical lab sessions using both qualitative and quantitative techniques to put theory into practice. Masters Project (CMP504) Select, plan, conduct and write up a research based investigation for the Masters Project. The project will include the selection of appropriate research and experimental methods, the collection and analysis of data/information and the evaluation and communication of findings. The result is a solution appropriate to the project aims and a dissertation.
Assessment method
The taught course will be assessed using a combination of written coursework, presentations and seminars, with a written dissertation at MSc level. For part-time distance learning students, all assessments and exams would be completed remotely online.
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- BCS - The Chartered Institute for IT
Entry requirements
Applicants should have a minimum of a lower second-class (2:2) honours degree in the field of computing/technology/engineering. The course is designed for students whose degree comprises a significant component of software development or networking. Applicants who do not cover the appropriate subjects during their degree will be considered if they have relevant industry experience. This would normally be a minimum of two years’ experience of working in the area of software development or networking in either a promoted post or with a significant level of responsibility.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you depends on factors such as your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying.
Please visit the course page on our website to find out more about the Postgraduate Fees.
Sponsorship information
A limited number of fees-only PSAS places are available to those who meet the eligibility criteria of the Postgraduate Student Allowances Scheme of the Student Awards Agency for Scotland.
Provider information
Abertay University
Bell Street
Dundee
DD1 1HG
Course contact details
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