Coventry University

Cyber Security MSc

This course is delivered over three semesters. In the first two semesters, you will study core and optional pathway modules, and in the third semester, you will work on your research project.

In your first semester, you will study the fundamental subjects in computer security, such as network security, cryptography, and secure design and development. We will also dive into the offensive part of the ethical hacking module.

In the second semester, you will focus on the defensive side in intrusion detection and response, and the digital data acquisition, recovery and analysis modules. Depending on the pathway you choose, you will continue in cyber security management, security audit, or some of the cyber security emerging areas in the automotive cyber security and security of emerging connected systems modules.

In your final semester, you will be expected to demonstrate the knowledge and skills you have learned by undertaking an in-depth individual project. Guided by an expert tutor, this project helps to develop your research skills and gain experience matching that of a computer security professional.

Modules:

• Ethical hacking
• Network security
• Secure design and development
• Cryptography
• Intrusion detection and response
• Digital data acquisition, recovery and analysis
• Plus, one of the following pathways: General Cyber Security, Automotive Cyber Security, Technical Cyber Security or Cyber Security Management
• Cyber security individual project

With work placement pathway

The ‘With work placement’ opportunity enables you to apply in semester 1 for an optional work placement of up to 12 months, extending the duration of your master’s to 24 months. The placement provides an opportunity for you to develop expertise and experience in your chosen field with the aim of enhancing your employability upon graduation. The work placement would take place in semesters 3, 4 and 5.

Please note that the optional placement modules will incur an additional tuition fee of £4,000. Placement opportunities may also be subject to additional costs, visa requirements being met, subject to availability and/or competitive application. Work placements are not guaranteed but you will benefit from the support of the Talent Team in trying to find and secure an opportunity.

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

On successful completion of this course, you will be able to demonstrate:

• a critical awareness of the legal frameworks, ethical and professional issues of cyber security
• a comprehensive understanding of network and information systems secure communication technologies and protocols and their application to contemporary Internet and mobile-based solutions and technologies
• a thorough understanding of the theoretical concepts and implementation of current security frameworks and architectures as well as cryptographic protocols and algorithms
• an awareness of current issues and new technologies in cyber security which are informed by leading-edge research and/or practice in the field.

You will also be able to:

• perform systematic risk assessment, identification and analysis in accordance with international standards and demonstrate an ability to deal with complex issues
• evaluate and justify a suitable methodology and tools for vulnerability assessment of a system
• conduct and report an ethically based security audit and test to a professional standard, recommending and specifying suitable countermeasures
• assess systems’ security requirements and apply secure design methodology and formal methods in systems design, implementation and testing
• apply appropriate technological solutions and processes in the detection, management and investigation of information security incidents, and document a digital investigation from a legal and professional standpoint
• extrapolate from existing research, scholarship and/or fieldwork findings to identify new or revised approaches to practice
• conduct rigorous research/formal enquiry into cyber security issues that require familiarity with a range of technologies, research sources and appropriate methodologies, and for such to inform the overall learning process.

Where our graduates work

Upon successful completion of this course, you may have the opportunity to be employed in the cyber security industry in a variety of roles such as a penetration tester, SOC security analysis or digital forensic investigator, to name a few.