Cyber Security (Infrastructures Security)

Entry requirements

You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent in Computer Science, Electrical or Electronic Engineering, Cyber Security, Network Security or Information Security. Other disciplines will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Applicants from other related subjects are required to have studied modules relevant to the programme at minimum of 60%, or international equivalent:

Relevant Modules:

• Algorithms
• Computer Security
• Data Privacy/Security
• Data Structures
• Databases/Structured/Unstructured Databases
• Internet of Things
• JavaScript
• Network Security
• Cloud Security
• Software Architecture
• Operating Systems
• Programming (please see additional list of suitable programming modules)
• Software Security
• Software Tools/Software Development
• Structured Programming
• Unstructured Programming
• System Security
• Systems Development
• Systems Engineering
• Systems Programming
• Web applications

Suitable Programming modules(one module from this list):

• Assembly Language
• C/C++
• Java
• Object Orientated Programming
• Problem Solving and Programming
• Programming Fundamentals
• Machine Learning Fundamentals
• Programming Lab
• Parallel Programming
• Cloud Computing
• Serverless computing
• Python
• Scala.

MATLAB, FORTRAN, Basic or Visual Basic will not be considered suitable for this programme.

We will also consider your application if your final achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements, if you have at least one of the following:

• evidence of significant, relevant work experience with a minimum of two years (full or part-time) experience within a computer science or electronic/electrical engineering role or as a software developer. Examples include software testers (especially penetration testing), technical role in cybersecurity, system engineer, security officer, data protection officer, information officer, product manager;
• a relevant postgraduate qualification.

If this is the case, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing details of your relevant qualifications.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Digital technologies drive economic growth yet create new cyber risks requiring ever more sophisticated solutions. There is worldwide demand for new and innovative approaches to tackling global cyber threats specific to large-scale infrastructures, from energy production to finance through to healthcare and smart transportation. The cyber security of such infrastructures is paramount – their disruption can have large-scale impacts on society as well as massive business losses. There is a major shortage of cyber security professionals globally, and the specialist nature of critical infrastructures makes the problem even more acute.

A strong ethos of rigorous experimental and empirical cyber security research underpins the MSc, facilitated by a state-of-the-art testbed for studying critical national infrastructure (CNI) and Internet of Things (IoT) security, and bespoke teaching equipment. You'll learn to apply foundational cyber security techniques to infrastructure and will develop the skills for engineering scalable solutions. You'll be exposed to real-world problems that are practical and challenge-oriented, but underpinned by rigorous research.

This MSc aims to:

• Enable a deep understanding of fundamental concepts, design principles, building blocks and methods to understand and mitigate against cyber security threats;
• Give you hands-on experience of working with devices, systems and networks utilised in realistic infrastructure environments;
• Equip you with the ability to apply security principles and technical knowledge to analyse complex real-world infrastructures systems (including software systems, networks, control systems and IoT) to identify potential security issues and solutions;
• Provide you with the skills to reason critically about complex problems that require evaluation and analysis from a multi-dimensional perspective including technical, human and organisational aspects.

We also offer a related programme in Cyber Security (Software Security).

Information for international students

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Fees and funding

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.