MSc Cyber Security

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 MSc in Cyber Security 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 will 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 will explore the many contributing factors that shape this complex and exciting subject. You will 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 will also gain important insights into the practical reality of cyber threats and security from industry practitioners.

About

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 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 will develop a range of skills to encourage critical and analytical thinking and help you communicate your ideas. When you graduate you will be well-equipped to work in a range of industries, or to continue to develop your knowledge with further study.

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Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.

Assessment for Year 1

You will be assessed on the basis of coursework and, for some modules, project and examination results. For each module you will undertake “formative” assignments that aim to give you constructive feedback and feedforward to take onto related “summative” assignments. That assignment might be a coursework essay or project or an exam. After your exams, over the summer, you will undertake a specialised dissertation on a cyber security related topic of your choosing.

The balance of assessment by coursework and exam depends on the modules you choose, but on average the MSc is 80% coursework and 20% exam.

Feedback

You will get feedback on your practice assignments from your tutors. The purpose of the feedback is to help you improve your work before your final formal or “summative” assignment and we encourage you to discuss your feedback with your teachers.

For practice assignments we always aim to give you with feedback within 10 working days of hand-in. For formal assignments we aim for within 20 working days of hand-in.

Structure

Semester 1

During the first semester you will be introduced to the core concepts in cyber security, which will help develop the fundamental ideas within a security. This will include an applied introduction to the various technical skills and knowledge that are required. Additionally, you will study the human aspects of cyber security (e.g. social engineering), methods for investigating and analyzing cyber crime, as well as gaining an understanding of the legislative side of cyber security by considering things such as the computer misuse act, GDPR and issues around the internet (e.g. social media, net neutrality and privacy and surveillance).

Semester 2

The second semester will allow you to develop a deeper understanding of cyber security, with a focus on real-world challenges faced by a variety of sectors. This semester then gives you the opportunity to specialise depending on your interests. The options include network security, developing secure software, privacy and cryptography. These choices allow you to focus on the areas of cyber security that really matter to you.

Semester 3

The final semester will allow you to specialise even further in your dissertation. This project allows you to explore an area of cyber security of your choice.

Teaching and Learning

You will 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 will typically have around 12 hours of contact time per week, typically consisting of:

Six hours of lectures
Six hours of labs/seminars

Independent study

In addition to your contact hours you will 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 will develop excellent time management skills and become organised and confident through self-directed study. Throughout your degree you will receive support, guidance and constructive feedback to allow you to develop to your full potential.

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Assessment for Year 1

The balance of assessment by coursework and exam depends on the modules you choose, but on average the MSc is 80% coursework and 20% exam.

Feedback

For practice assignments we always aim to give you with feedback within 10 working days of hand-in. For formal assignments we aim for within 20 working days of hand-in.

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules

Important Information

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.

MSc CYBER SECURITY