MSc Cyber Security (Part Time)
Key Details
- Attendance
- Part Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 2 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2024
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Course Overview
Cyber security is a dynamic and constantly evolving area that is going to play an increasingly pivotal role in all of our lives, as the world continues towards a highly connected society. The MSc Cyber Security Part Time degree at UEA provides an exciting and challenging journey through the ethical, societal, cultural and technological aspects of the subject.
This is a course that is perfect for anyone with a curious mind and the drive to shape the future of society.
You’ll develop a range of skills to encourage critical and analytical thinking and help you communicate your ideas. When you graduate, you’ll be well-equipped to work in a range of industries, or to continue to develop your knowledge with further study.
The Internet has changed our lives forever. It is arguably one of the most exciting and transformative developments of recent years. We now have unprecedented access to information, like-minded individuals and a whole host of potential problems. Our Cyber Security Part Time course will give you a well-rounded appreciation of the issues facing our hyperconnected society, and some of the technological, legislative and social issues that we now face. You’ll also meet and be taught by practitioners from industry who will inform you of current issues and how these are being addressed.
Whether you are interested in the technical, human or legislative side of the subject, the MSc Cyber Security at UEA will give you the chance to develop a knowledge and understanding of the key areas. You’ll explore the many contributing factors that shape this complex and exciting subject. You’ll develop core cyber security knowledge along with essential intellectual skills such as communication, critical thinking and research that will be with you for the rest of your life. You’ll also gain important insights into the practical reality of cyber threats and security from industry practitioners.
The degree provides an excellent grounding in cyber security, but it will also give you much more. The course will give you an excellent balance of critical thinking, research, independent thinking and study skills that will allow you to develop as self-motivated learner and researcher. You’ll develop excellent time management skills and become organised and confident through self-directed study. Throughout your degree, you’ll receive support, guidance and constructive feedback to allow you to develop to your full potential.
You’ll be taught be experts in the field, with a wealth of experience both in academia and industry. Your learning will take the form of lectures, seminars, lab sessions and guest lectures. Your lectures will provide an excellent background in the subject and give you all of the theoretical tools that you need. Each module will have seminars, labs or a combination of the two to give you the chance to apply what you have learned. This kind of active learning is one of the best ways to cement the knowledge you gain throughout the course.
Study and Modules
Structure
During the first year, you’ll learn about the fundamental concepts in security, covering the foundational technical knowledge required alongside more human aspects of the subject such as social engineering and cyber crime.
Additionally, in the first year you’ll have the option to study one of the following topics: Network Security and IoT, Developing Secure Software, and The Protection and Management of Privacy and Reputation.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll be taught be experts in the field, with a wealth of experience both in academia and industry. Your learning will take the form of lectures, seminars, lab sessions and guest lectures. Your lectures will provide an excellent background in the subject and give you all of the theoretical tools that you need. Each module will have seminars, labs or a combination of the two to give you the chance to apply what you have learned. This kind of active learning is one of the best ways to cement the knowledge you gain throughout the course. The seminar sessions will allow you the opportunity to discuss your thoughts and ideas in small, focused groups and are an excellent place to develop and discuss your own thoughts. Lab sessions give you the opportunity to put the skills that you have learned into practice in a technical setting.
During the taught phase of your MSc Cyber Security, you’ll typically have around 12 hours of contact time per week, typically consisting of:
- Six hours of lectures
- Six hours of labs/seminars
Assessment
We have a mixture of individual and group assessments. These include written work, presentations or demonstrations, and exams (closed and/or time-limited assessment). They combine theoretical understanding with practical application and are designed to test the range of skills and competencies required for the learning outcomes of each module. The balance of assessment types varies according to the options chosen. Additionally, there is an individual project which is assessed through a combination of written work and demonstration or presentation.
You’ll be assessed by a combination of:
- Examination/course test 20%
- Demonstrations/Presentation 20%
- Project 35%
- Written assignments 25%
Structure
As part of your second year, you’ll gain a background and understanding in the legislative side of cyber security. Alongside this, you’ll also focus on real-world challenges faced by the industry.
In addition, you’ll select a further module from the following areas: Network Security, Secure Software and Protection and Management of Privacy and Reputation.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
In addition to your contact hours, you’ll also spend time carrying out independent study, whether that is working in the Cyber Security Lab or researching in UEA’s state-of-the-art library.
The degree provides an excellent grounding in cyber security, but it will also give you much more. The course will give you an excellent balance of critical thinking, research, independent thinking and study skills that will allow you to develop as self-motivated learner and researcher. You’ll develop excellent time management skills and become organised and confident through self-directed study. Throughout your degree, you’ll receive support, guidance and constructive feedback to allow you to develop to your full potential.
Assessment
We offer a variety of assessments, including individual and group work. These include written work, presentations or demonstrations, and exams (closed and/or time-limited assessment). Written work: This may include essays, reports, or research papers.
These assessments combine theoretical understanding with practical application and are designed to test the range of skills and competencies required for the learning outcomes of each module.
In addition to these assessments, you’ll also complete an individual project. This project will be assessed through a combination of written work and demonstration or presentation.
You’ll be assessed by a combination of:
- Examination/course test 20%
- Demonstrations/Presentation 20%
- Project 35%
- Written assignments 25%
Entry Requirements
- Degree Classification
- Bachelors degree 2.1 or equivalent
- Degree Subject
- Any subject area provided your application demonstrates an interest in Cyber Security. Some optional modules require previous knowledge and experience in programming. Students without prior programming experience are strongly encouraged to study Applications Programming to provide them with the underpinning they will need for the rest of the course. Please check the course modules and content carefully to ensure the programme meets your needs and future career aspirations and requirements.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.5 overall with 6.0 in all components
Test dates should be within 2 years of the course start date.
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
-
- Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake for this course is in September each year
Additional Information or Requirements
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2024/25 are:
-
UK Students: £11,000 (full time)
-
International Students: £22,900 (full time)
If you choose to study part-time, the fee per annum will be half the annual fee for that year, or a pro-rata fee for the module credit you are taking (only available for Home students).
We estimate living expenses at £1,023 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here.
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form.
FURTHER INFORMATION
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.
Employability
After the Course
After graduating, you have a wealth of career choice open to you. Cyber security is a field that touches nearly every area of industry and government and as such you are likely to have a range of options. This could be in technically focused roles such as a software engineer, penetration tester or security architect or those that look at security more holistically such as a security analyst. Another option is to continue your studies and undertake a PhD in the area.
The School of Computing Sciences runs an employability fair every year, which includes a range of industry talks and stands.
Careers
A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
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Penetration tester
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Cyber security analyst
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Software engineer
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Security architect
Discover more on our Careers webpages.