Masters Degrees (Cyber Crime)

The MSc Computer Networking and Cyber Security is designed for those wishing to pursue in a career Computer Networking and Cyber Security. In this course, you will develop the ability to design and manage robust networking and cyber security systems and at the same time, gain Cisco accreditation. Security of our systems is one of the most challenging topics of our time. The MSc provides knowledge of the very latest security principles, tools and techniques taught by specialist staff in a dedicated IT security laboratory, and an understanding of the principles underpinning effective approaches to cyber defence in response to a cyber attack. Guest speakers from industry will complement the teaching staff and enhance and challenge your knowledge of computer networking and cyber security.

More about this course

This course offers a unique opportunity for students to blend networking technologies with Cyber Security and at the same time gain Cisco accreditation. Such a combination will attract employers increasingly seeking graduates and post graduates within this area. The practical 10 sessions will be housed in specialist laboratories including a specialist IT security laboratory. Guest speakers from industry will complement the teaching staff.

The Communications Technology group is one of the first in UK to be awarded the "Cisco Networking Academy" in 1998. The academy has been running short/evening courses in Cisco CCNA and CCNP certification since. These are two of the most prestigious vocational certifications valued by Networking and related industries. Some of the modules in both CCNA and CCNP are currently embedded in the above two existing MSc courses and students follow the relevant Cisco curriculum. The courses are supported by three major laboratories equipped with some of the most up to date Networking technology equipment and it is taught by qualified Cisco instructors.

Security of our systems is one of the most challenging topics of our time. There is an international consensus that the level of security skills will have to be increased in order to respond to the number and sophistication of threats we face. It is impossible to ignore the importance of cyber security which is recognised by governments, large and small organisations as a priority. Cyber Security provides knowledge of the very latest security principles, tools and techniques taught by specialist staff in a dedicated IT Security laboratory and understanding of the principles underpinning effective approaches to cyber defence in response to a cyber attack.

A range of assessment methods is employed throughout the course. The method of assessment for each module is clearly described in the individual module guide which is made available to the students at the start of the semester. Every module has dedicated Web site providing students with comprehensive learning/teaching material including workshop exercises. Module leaders use this site regularly to communicate with their students including providing general feedback, guidelines on how to write technical report/effective presentations and keeping logbooks. Modules employ a combination of the following forms of assessments:
-Case study reports and presentations
-Laboratory workbooks/logbooks
-Unseen examinations
-Part seen examinations
-Individual vivas

Professional accreditation

This course offers a Cisco accreditation.

Modular structure

The modules listed below are for the academic year 2016/17 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.

Year 1 modules include:
-Cyber Security Management (core, 20 credits)
-Cybercrime and Cyber Security (core, 20 credits)
-MSc Project (core, 60 credits)
-Network Routing Protocols (core, 20 credits)
-Switched Networks (core, 20 credits)
-Digital Forensics (option, 20 credits)
-Hardening Network Infrastructure (option, 20 credits)
-Network Troubleshooting (option, 20 credits)
-Security Auditing and Penetration Testing (option, 20 credits)

After the course

The employment market has an abundance of posts which incorporate the key areas of this course, for example in networking, network security and cyber security, IT security, computer forensics. Careers range from the traditional network and network security professionals to network design engineer, secured network developer, and marketing and technical support. There are many exciting graduate employment opportunities available including:
-Network Engineer
-Network Management
-Network Security and Cyber security Consultant
-Crime and Computer Forensic

Moving to one campus

Between 2016 and 2020 we're investing £125 million in the London Metropolitan University campus, moving all of our activity to our current Holloway campus in Islington, north London. This will mean the teaching location of some courses will change over time.

Whether you will be affected will depend on the duration of your course, when you start and your mode of study. The earliest moves affecting new students will be in September 2017. This may mean you begin your course at one location, but over the duration of the course you are relocated to one of our other campuses. Our intention is that no full-time student will change campus more than once during a course of typical duration.

All students will benefit from our move to one campus, which will allow us to develop state-of-the-art facilities, flexible teaching areas and stunning social spaces.

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Designed for

The MSc in Cyber Security and Management is designed for those wishing to develop a career as a cyber security professional, or to take a leading technical or managerial role in an organisation critically dependent upon data and information communication technology.

It is suitable for those from a computer science or information technology education background. The programme is also able to cater for those with no formal studies in computer science but where significant interest in cyber security can instead be demonstrated.

The Course Provides:

1. Cyber Security in the UK has become a ‘tier 1’ priority alongside international terrorism and major national incidents. The serious threats emerging from the cyber-sphere are a recognised phenomenon worldwide and as such studies in cyber security are strategically important on a global scale.

2. Our goal for the MSc programme is to give focus to the strategic deployment and implementation of Cyber Security within an organization. We want to develop strategic thinkers who understand the Cyber threat to an organization and its resources and are able to build and support secure systems that support the strategic growth of a business.

3. The course covers all aspects of Cyber Security including network security, computer security and information security. You will learn the most important technical concepts of security—such as encryption, intrusion detection, penetration testing, access control, digital forensics and investigation, risk management, security governance and network security.

4. Alongside this, the course focuses on the business context so that students can progress their careers more rapidly through organisations and aim very particularly at management positions.

When you study the MSc Cyber Security and Management at Warwick, you will gain an unparalleded exposure to industry. All taught modules contain considerable input from industry experts who, through case studies and guest lectures, contribute to the design and delivery of material making for a vey rich learning environment.

An example of some of the companies involved in the CSM programme since it was launched in 2012 include HP, Amethyst Consulting, Deep Secure Ltd, Siskin Technology, SOCA (Serious Organised Crime Agency), CSC, VMware, OCSIA, Nottingham Police, Mozilla, Metropolitan Police, Kaspersky, Berwin Leighton Paisner, Telefonica, IBM, Blackstage Forensics, Derbyshire NHS Trust and Nettitude.

You will have additional opportunity to engage with industry through industry visits, conferences, and mentoring or advice from industry experts at key stages of your work.

Course Content

Students study nine taught modules as part of the programme of study.
Core Modules:
1. Security Architectures and Network Defence
2. Cryptosystems and Data Protection
3. Information Risk Management and Governance
4. Industrial Espionage and Counterfeiting
5. Digital Forensics

Elective Modules (3 from this list):
1. Cyber Intelligence and Operations
2. Cyber-Physical Systems
3. Enterprise Cyber Security
4. Globalisation and Outsourcing
5. Financial Analysis and Control Systems
6. Organisations, People and Performance
7. Leadership

A ninth module to be selected from the full list of WMG elective modules.

Learning Style

The taught component of the course is highly interactive and varied with a mixture of lectures, syndicate or group work, practical and lab based work, and technology enabled learning.
Class sizes are kept to a maximum of 30 students per class.
Module leaders are experts in their fields and are supported by external speakers working in organisations at the forefront of their fields.
Assessment is through Post Module Assignment based on the learning objectives of each respective module.
50% of the Masters credit is achieved through your individual project or dissertation, for which you will have close 1-1 supervision
Each module will usually be delivered in intensive one-week blocks so you are fully immersed in the subject area for that period. These one-week sessions are scheduled at intervals from October through to June.

After Your Graduate

Graduates can expect to go on to work within corporate information - security and technology teams, consultancies, government information-security departments, management tracks in information critical organisations and cyber security related research.

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This Masters course provides you with the professional skills for practising Cyber Security in the Digital World.

Who is it for?

The course is designed for those who wish to extend their capability for an accelerated early career in cyber/information security. It will prepare you for a successful career in the various roles directly and indirectly connected to the world of computer, network and information security.

The course would suit students who have completed a first degree in a computing subject (e.g. computer science, business computing) or a numerate subject (e.g. applied mathematics, engineering, physics) if that covered a significant computing component.

Objectives

The primary objective of MSc Cyber Security is to practise security with an interdisciplinary shared coursework that spans across all security related modules.
-In semester 1, you become an ethical hacker. You are challenged to identify flaws in computer system by breaking its crypto components and retrieve sensitive information of an e-commerce company.
-In semester 2 you become an investigator. You are challenged to analyse network traffic, logs and detect attacks in a company's network. It is essential to trace hackers and bring them to justice with concrete proofs and reporting.

Academic facilities

The Department of Computer Science has invested in the design and implementation of a virtual laboratory (CybSec) for the purpose and needs of the cyber security course. In particular, CybSec is a virtual networked lab where hacking, penetration testing, malware analysis, security monitoring are taking place in a controlled and isolated environment without violating City's IT Policy. In addition, the security analysis of practical cryptosystems requires high computational power and resources that are used for code breaking. CybSec lab supports our teaching efforts and enhances our research strengths.

Placements

You will be offered the opportunity to complete up to six months of professional experience as part of your degree.

Our longstanding internship scheme gives you the chance to apply the knowledge and skills gained from your taught modules within a real business environment. An internship also provides you with professional development opportunities that enhance your technical skills and business knowledge.

Internships delivered by City, University of London offer an exceptional opportunity to help you stand out in the competitive IT industry job market. The structure of the course extends the period for dissertation submission to January, allowing you to work full-time for up to six months. You will be supported by our outstanding Professional Liaison Unit (PLU) should you wish to consider undertaking this route.

The Cyber Security programme also offers internships in collaboration with our alliance of companies in security related jobs.

Teaching and learning

The MSc in Cyber Security is a one year full-time course. On completion of eight taught modules and an individual project you will be awarded a Master of Science (MSc) degree.

The teaching and learning methods used are such that the levels of both specialisation of content and autonomy of learning increase as you progress through the programme. This progress will be guided by active researchers in cyber security, culminating in an individual project, an original piece of research, conducted largely independently with appropriate academic supervision.

The standard format is that taught modules are delivered through a series of 20 hours of lectures and 10 hours of tutorials/laboratory sessions.

Lectures are normally used to:
-Present and explain the theoretical concepts underpinning a particular subject
-Highlight the most significant aspects of a module's syllabus
-Indicate additional topics and resources for private study.

Tutorials are used to help you develop skills in applying the concepts covered in the lectures of the relevant module, normally in practical problem solving contexts. Laboratory sessions serve a similar purpose as the tutorials but their strategy is to demonstrate application of concepts and techniques through the use of state-of-the-art software development tools and environments.

You will be expected to undertake independent study and do substantial coursework assignments for each module, amounting approximately to 120 hours per module. The coursework takes many forms, including programs, theoretical work, and essays, and is primarily formative, but also contributes to module assessment.

Coursework will be used in a coherent manner across all of the security specific modules to ensure that you will also get appropriate hands-on operational experience of relevant aspects of cyber-security, including testing and analysis. Some of this course work may be organised in ways that shadow larger scale exercises, such as the Cyber-Security Challenge. The individual project (full-time) is carried out over the summer period, and if done without a placement, lasts approximately 14 weeks or 600 hours. If undertaken within an industrial or research placement, the project period extends to up to six months.

Modules

This course covers core areas of masters level computer science, such as research methods and scientific presentation and analysis skills.

It will enable you to specialise in some aspects of the area of cyber security with modules such as cryptography, network security, information security management, security audit and certification. You will engage with researchers to develop your scientific knowledge and skills. We offer options within the programme that allows you to develop your expertise in cyber crime, digital forensics, socio-technical aspects of security.

There are in total eight taught modules; six core and two elective modules with a full time individual project completed over the summer. You will choose electives to tailor the programme to your chosen career path.

In particular, the project component gives you an opportunity to carry out an extended piece of work at the cutting edge of games technology under the supervision of one of our specialist academic and research staff. Internship-based projects are also available.

Core modules
-Information security management
-Network security
-Security auditing and certification
-Cryptography
-Readings in Computer Science
-Research methods and professional issues
-Individual project (June to September or December)

Elective modules
-Digital forensics
-Cyber crime
-Sociotechnical systems security
-Advanced algorithms and data structures
-Data visualisation

Career prospects

MSc Cyber Security will prepare you for a successful career in the various roles directly and indirectly connected to the world of computer, network and information security. It will develop your specialist analytical, operational and development skills in both technical and socio-technical areas of cyber security.

The course is designed for those who wish to extend their capability for an accelerated early career in cyber security.

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This course is designed for those wishing to develop the ability to design and manage robust networking and cyber security systems and at the same time, gain Cisco accreditation. Security of our systems is one of the most challenging topics of our time. The MSc provides knowledge of the very latest security principles, tools and techniques taught by specialist staff in a dedicated IT security laboratory, and an understanding of the principles underpinning effective approaches to cyber defence in response to a cyber attack. Guest speakers from industry will complement the teaching staff and work experience opportunities are available in a relevant working environment before you undertake your final project. This additional and crucial element will provide a unique student experience that will enhance your employability after graduation.

More about this course

This course offers a unique opportunity for students to blend networking technologies with Cyber Security and at the same time gain Cisco accreditation. Such a combination will attract employers increasingly seeking graduates and post graduates within this area. The practical 10 sessions will be housed in specialist laboratories including a specialist IT security laboratory. Guest speakers from industry will complement the teaching staff.

The Communications Technology group is one of the first in UK to be awarded the "Cisco Networking Academy" in 1998. The academy has been running short/evening courses in Cisco CCNA and CCNP certification since. These are two of the most prestigious vocational certifications valued by Networking and related industries. Some of the modules in both CCNA and CCNP are currently embedded in the above two existing MSc courses and students follow the relevant Cisco curriculum. The courses are supported by three major laboratories equipped with some of the most up to date Networking technology equipment and it is taught by qualified Cisco instructors.

Security of our systems is one of the most challenging topics of our time. There is an international consensus that the level of security skills will have to be increased in order to respond to the number and sophistication of threats we face. It is impossible to ignore the importance of cyber security which is recognised by governments, large and small organisations as a priority. Cyber Security provides knowledge of the very latest security principles, tools and techniques taught by specialist staff in a dedicated IT Security laboratory and understanding of the principles underpinning effective approaches to cyber defence in response to a cyber attack.

Although each of the modules taught in the above courses have a significant hands-on practical workshops the idea of introducing actual "Work Experience" in a relevant working environment is unique and we believe this additional and crucial element will provide a unique student experience that will help their employability after graduation. The course team will guarantee a paid employment opportunity for all students taking the Computer Networking and Security With Work Experience. The Cisco Academy manager has built a network of relevant employers in the past 15 years through the Networking Academy and its contacts. The academy has currently 18 smaller academies providing continuous technical and academic support as well as training their instructors according to Cisco’s regulations. These academies are mainly local and range from schools to technical colleges. It is hoped that students on this course will be able to be placed in these academies for their work experience part of the course.

A range of assessment methods is employed throughout the course. The method of assessment for each module is clearly described in the individual module guide which is made available to the students at the start of the semester. Every module has dedicated Web site providing students with comprehensive learning/teaching material including workshop exercises. Module leaders use this site regularly to communicate with their students including providing general feedback, guidelines on how to write technical report/effective presentations and keeping logbooks. Modules employ a combination of the following forms of assessments:
-Case study reports and presentations
-Laboratory workbooks/logbooks
-Unseen examinations
-Part seen examinations
-Individual vivas

Professional accreditation

This course offers a Cisco accreditation.

Modular structure

The modules listed below are for the academic year 2016/17 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.

Year 1 modules include:
-Cyber Security Management (core, 20 credits)
-Cybercrime and Cyber Security (core, 20 credits)
-MSc Project (core, 60 credits)
-Network Routing Protocols (core, 20 credits)
-Switched Networks (core, 20 credits)
-Work Experience (core, 20 credits)
-Digital Forensics (option, 20 credits)
-Hardening Network Infrastructure (option, 20 credits)
-Network Troubleshooting (option, 20 credits)
-Security Auditing and Penetration Testing (option, 20 credits)

After the course

The employment market has an abundance of posts which incorporate the key areas of this course:for example in Networking, Network Security and Cyber Security, IT Security, Computer Forensics. Careers range from the traditional Network and Network Security professionals to network design engineer, secured network developer, and marketing and technical support. There are many exciting graduate employment opportunities available including:
-Network Engineer
-Network Management
-Network Security and Cyber security Consultant
-Crime and Computer Forensic

[Moving to one campus]]
Between 2016 and 2020 we're investing £125 million in the London Metropolitan University campus, moving all of our activity to our current Holloway campus in Islington, north London. This will mean the teaching location of some courses will change over time.

Whether you will be affected will depend on the duration of your course, when you start and your mode of study. The earliest moves affecting new students will be in September 2017. This may mean you begin your course at one location, but over the duration of the course you are relocated to one of our other campuses. Our intention is that no full-time student will change campus more than once during a course of typical duration.

All students will benefit from our move to one campus, which will allow us to develop state-of-the-art facilities, flexible teaching areas and stunning social spaces.

Read less

This sandwich course will provide knowledge of the latest cyber security principles, practices, tools and techniques, taught by a team of specialist staff in purpose-built cyber security laboratories. Graduates will be Cyber-operators, able to use ‘information’ as a defensive or offensive weapon.

Today, Cyber-Operators are required to have an ‘enriched’ background drawing elements of practical experience from fields as diverse as sociology, psychology, networks and network security, computer science and computer security, information management and information security, software engineering and reverse engineering, and of course, the law.

We have a diverse number of placements with companies from the security industry, high tech crime units and government organisations.

In January 2014 Staffordshire University announced exciting plans to create one main city campus in Stoke-on-Trent. This course will be based at our Stoke-on-Trent Campus from Summer 2016.

Course content

Throughout the course you will be invited to attend guest lectures, the guest will also be delivering workshops and conducting seminars with the students. Our visiting tutors are national and international security experts.

You will also have an opportunity to achieve industry recognised certification in Certified Ethical hacking.

Our purpose-built state of the art security laboratory offers each student a unique experience in enhancing your skills and knowledge in Cyber Security. As a result of winning a recent £5 million STEM bid, you will benefit from state of the art hardware resources, which will enhance your learning.

You will gain:
-Sound understanding of the computer science.
-Sound understanding of TCP-IP networks, the TCP-IP suite and its supporting protocols.
-Sound understanding and practical knowledge of digital forensics incidence response.
-Understanding and practical knowledge of managing information at all levels.
-Practical knowledge of the different types of computer crime.
-Ability to use with competency cyber-security toolkits.
-Ability to follow strict policies and procedures with meticulous record keeping.
-Good understanding of people and their motivational catalysts.
-Knowledge of evidence law and legal procedures.
-Ability to write reports on technical issues in a non-technical manner.
-Ability to address large audiences in a formal manner and affect their decision making process.

Core Modules
-Computer Security – Low Level
-Cyber Operations
-Malware analysis and Reverse Engineering
-Research Methods
-Operating Systems Security
-Digital Forensics & Incidence Response

Option Modules*
-Network Security with CISCO
-Network Security
-Penetration Testing
-Computer Security – High Level

*If you have CCNA certification (or an equivalent CISCO background), there will be the option of doing Network Security with the CISCO curriculum. Those of you who are not CCNA certified (or without an equivalent CISCO background), will do a less practical module of similar learning outcomes. After Teaching Block 2 you will have an option, again based on your prior knowledge on ethical hacking (and/or background, qualifications), for doing either Computer Security – High Level, which focuses on ethical hacking, or a more technical module on Penetration Testing.

Graduate destinations

The award will provide you with the knowledge of the latest cyber security principles, practices, tools and techniques, taught by a team of specialist staff in purpose-built cyber security laboratories. Graduates will be Cyber-operators, equipped with the skills to work in the security industry.

Read less

The issue of cyber security continues to be a major issue for both individuals and large corporations with a reported 117,339 incoming cyber-attacks every day (The Global State of Information Security Survey 2015).

For businesses it is no longer a question of if a cyber-attack will occur but rather when, and as such the demand for qualified IT security professionals has risen exponentially. Northumbria University’s part-time MSc Cyber Security has been designed to give you the skills to meet this increased demand, including how to handle security incidents, identify new and existing threats, and determining methods to minimise them.

Key facts

-Part-time Masters degree based in Central London
-Continue working while you study with lectures delivered on weekends spread throughout the 2 year course
-Build a critical understanding of governance and assurance, along with technology risk practices
-Learn how to handle security incidents, identify new and existing threats and determine methods to minimise them
-Undergraduate degree not essential for entry
-Also available as a full-time programme

What will I study?

Incidents of cyber-crime have increased in the UK by 48% from 2013-14 according to PwC’s Global State of Information Security Survey 2015, costing the UK up to £27bn a year. While their 2016 survey has reported a significant shift in the way organisations are taking action, including their willingness to invest in security.

Our MSc Cyber Security will teach you how to handle security incidents, identify new and existing threats and determine methods to minimise them. We will also provide an in-depth coverage of the fundamental concepts, principles and technologies for network security. Going beyond just theoretical theory, you will be given a practical understanding of governance and assurance, along with technology risk practices.

How will I be taught and assessed?

Our MSc Cyber Security is designed to allow you to fit your studies around your working life and is assessed through modular assignments, exams and a final dissertation. All taught lectures are delivered on a series of weekends spread throughout the 2 year programme.

Each module builds upon your understanding of information governance and assurance, along with technology risk management practices. You will study with a diverse group like-minded IT professionals, and will be able to trial new approaches and processes in a safe environment, working on real world scenarios and case studies.

We offer extensive student support in and outside of the classroom with a dedicated student support team based in London.

Modules

All modules on this course are core.
-Information Security and Governance
-Network Security
-Wireless Networks (from September 2016)
-Information Assurance and Risk Management
-Ethical Hacking for Cyber Security
-Research and Project Management
-Dissertation

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Programme description

This programme provides an excellent path to the advanced study of new global developments in the field of crime, criminal law, justice and security.

The MSc is suitable both for students familiar with law, politics or criminology from undergraduate study and for those who are new to these subjects.

The programme draws on the latest research in the field of crime, security and justice. Two courses introduce students to a range of theoretical perspectives on global crime, justice and security and the ways in which these issues play out in specific contexts.

Knowledge and understanding gained from core components complement specialist options in areas such as policing, cyber-crime, EU and international law, migration, and criminal justice policy. Students intending to go on to doctoral study will be guided to appropriate research skills training.

Programme structure

This programme offers a wide range of courses from law, criminology, social sciences and international policy. You can tailor the degree to meet your specific interests.

For 2017/18 the programme consists of 180 credits, comprising taught courses worth 120 credits (60 credits per semester) and a 10,000 word dissertation worth 60 credits.

The 120 credits of taught courses are made up of the following mandatory, core and option courses.

Global Crime and Insecurity

Responding to Global Crime and Insecurity

Criminological Research Methods

Fundamental Issues in International Law

International Criminal Law

General Principles of Criminal Law

Theoretical Criminology

Criminal Justice and Penal Process

International Human Rights Law

Current Issues in Criminal Law

Cybercrime

Surveillance and Security

Inter-State Conflict and Humanitarian Law

Human Rights and Conflict Resolution

Human Rights Law in Europe

You will also complete a 10,000 word dissertation worth 60 credits.

Learning outcomes

Students who complete the MSc will acquire an advanced understanding of the major contemporary debates and theoretical perspectives on crime, justice and security in a global context, and will enhance their research and analytic skills.

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The award will provide the knowledge of the latest cyber security principles, practices, tools and techniques, taught by a team of specialist staff in state of the art, purpose-built, online cyber security laboratories. Graduates will be Cyber-operators, able to use ‘information’ as a defensive or offensive weapon.

Today, Cyber-Operators are required to have an ‘enriched’ background drawing elements of practical experience from fields as diverse as sociology, psychology, networks and network security, computer science and computer security, information management and information security, software engineering and reverse engineering, and of course, the law.

Course content

This course builds upon our experience in successfully delivering distance learning modules to students from the MOD in our undergraduate courses. Throughout the course you will learn with a combination for synchronous and asynchronous delivery integrated with Blackboard, which will remain your main learning environment. You will also have an opportunity in achieving industry recognised certification in Certified Ethical hacking.

Our purpose-built, state of the art, online security laboratory offers each student a unique experience in enhancing your skills and knowledge in Cyber Security. As a result of winning a recent £5 million STEM bid, you will benefit from state of the art hardware resources, which will enhance your learning.

You will gain:
-Sound understanding of the computer science.
-Sound understanding of TCP-IP networks, the TCP-IP suite and its supporting protocols.
-Sound understanding and practical knowledge of digital forensics incidence response.
-Understanding and practical knowledge of managing information at all levels.
-Practical knowledge of the different types of computer crime.
-Ability to use with competency cyber-security toolkits.
-Ability to follow strict policies and procedures with meticulous record keeping.
-Good understanding of people and their motivational catalysts.
-Knowledge of evidence law and legal procedures.
-Ability to write reports on technical issues in a non-technical manner.
-Ability to address large audiences in a formal manner and affect their decision making process.

Core Modules
-Computer Security – Low Level
-Cyber Operations
-Malware analysis and Reverse Engineering
-Research Methods
-Operating Systems Security
-Digital Forensics & Incidence Response

Option Modules*
-Network Security with CISCO
-Network Security
-Penetration Testing
-Computer Security – High Level

*If you have CCNA certification (or an equivalent CISCO background), there will be the option of doing Network Security with the CISCO curriculum. Those of you who are not CCNA certified (or without an equivalent CISCO background), will do a less practical module of similar learning outcomes. After Teaching Block 2 you will have an option, again based on your prior knowledge on ethical hacking (and/or background, qualifications), for doing either Computer Security – High Level, which focuses on ethical hacking, or a more technical module on Penetration Testing.

Read less

The issue of cyber security continues to be a major issue for both individuals and large corporations with a reported 117,339 incoming cyber-attacks every day (The Global State of Information Security Survey 2015).

For businesses it is no longer a question of if a cyber-attack will occur but rather when, and as such the demand for qualified IT security professionals has risen exponentially. Northumbria University’s part-time MSc Cyber Security has been designed to give you the skills to meet this increased demand, including how to handle security incidents, identify new and existing threats, and determining methods to minimise them.

Key facts

-Part-time Masters degree based in Central London
-Continue working while you study with lectures delivered on weekends spread throughout the 2 year course
-Build a critical understanding of governance and assurance, along with technology risk practices
-Learn how to handle security incidents, identify new and existing threats and determine methods to minimise them
-Undergraduate degree not essential for entry
-Also available as a full-time programme

What will I study?

Incidents of cyber-crime have increased in the UK by 48% from 2013-14 according to PwC’s Global State of Information Security Survey 2015, costing the UK up to £27bn a year. While their 2016 survey has reported a significant shift in the way organisations are taking action, including their willingness to invest in security.

Our MSc Cyber Security will teach you how to handle security incidents, identify new and existing threats and determine methods to minimise them. We will also provide an in-depth coverage of the fundamental concepts, principles and technologies for network security. Going beyond just theoretical theory, you will be given a practical understanding of governance and assurance, along with technology risk practices.

How will I be taught and assessed?

Our MSc Cyber Security is designed to allow you to fit your studies around your working life and is assessed through modular assignments, exams and a final dissertation. All taught lectures are delivered on a series of weekends spread throughout the 2 year programme.

Each module builds upon your understanding of information governance and assurance, along with technology risk management practices. You will study with a diverse group like-minded IT professionals, and will be able to trial new approaches and processes in a safe environment, working on real world scenarios and case studies.

We offer extensive student support in and outside of the classroom with a dedicated student support team based in London.

Read less

This programme is suitable for both newcomers to computer security and computer forensics and practitioners who wish to further their skills. It covers relevant skills, software and hardware technologies, and the more theoretical studies that underpin everyday practice. It ensures that students have a basic understanding of the legal and regulatory requirements and the international standards pertaining to computer security in different nations.

Students gain knowledge of computer crime, police and forensic methods, and the legal requirements for collecting evidence.

At the end of the programme, students are able to administer and configure business-critical distributed applications. They also gain an understanding of the threats to business networks and servers.

The programme includes hands-on training in current forensic tools as used by the police. Students can therefore contribute quickly to the well-being of corporate IT and informational assets.

Though our short course centre opportunity may also be provided to study for the following professional qualifications: Certified Ethical Hacker (EC-Council); EnCase Computer Forensics, Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Assessment.

The availability of some courses is subject to satisfying constraints that may come into effect in the year of entry. In addition, some options are negotiable, indicating that a course selection will need to be approved prior to the student undertaking the requested option.

Visit the website http://www2.gre.ac.uk/study/courses/pg/netsyst/cfsm

Computing - Networking and Systems

Programmes for computer science or computer engineering graduates who wish to develop a specialism in computer systems and advanced software engineering or computer networks.

We offer specialist programmes with an emphasis on all aspects of networking some with extra content on wireless and mobile aspects. There are computer security and computer forensics programmes suitable for the practitioner who wishes to further their skills.

Some programmes concentrate on technical security, security policy management and legal compliance issues which can be excellent preparation for specialist professional exams with CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) and CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional).

What you'll study

Full time
- Year 1:
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.

PG Project (CIS) (60 credits)
Cyber Security (15 credits)
Audit and Security (15 credits)
System Administration and Security (15 credits)
Computer Crime and Forensics (15 credits)
Managing IT Security and Risk (15 credits)
Network and Internet Technology and Design (15 credits)
Essential Professional and Academic Skills for Masters Students
English Language Support Course (for Postgraduate Students in the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences)

Students are required to choose 15 credits from this list of options.

Requirements Analysis & Methods (15 credits)
Database Architectures and Administration (15 credits)
Software Tools and Techniques (15 credits)

Students are required to choose 15 credits from this list of options.

Project Management (15 credits)
Network Architectures and Services (15 credits)
Penetration Testing (15 credits)
Mobile and Network Technologies (15 credits)

Part time
- Year 1:
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.

Essential Professional and Academic Skills for Masters Students
English Language Support Course (for Postgraduate Students in the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences)

Students are required to choose 30 credits from this list of options.

Cyber Security (15 credits)
Managing IT Security and Risk (15 credits)
Network and Internet Technology and Design (15 credits)

Students are required to choose 30 credits from this list of options.

Audit and Security (15 credits)
System Administration and Security (15 credits)
Computer Crime and Forensics (15 credits)

- Year 2:
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.

PG Project (CIS) (60 credits)

Students are required to choose 15 credits from this list of options.

Cyber Security (15 credits)
Managing IT Security and Risk (15 credits)
Network and Internet Technology and Design (15 credits)

Students are required to choose 15 credits from this list of options.

Audit and Security (15 credits)
System Administration and Security (15 credits)
Computer Crime and Forensics (15 credits)

Students are required to choose 15 credits from this list of options.

Requirements Analysis & Methods (15 credits)
Database Architectures and Administration (15 credits)
Software Tools and Techniques (15 credits)

Students are required to choose 15 credits from this list of options.

Project Management (15 credits)
Network Architectures and Services (15 credits)
Penetration Testing (15 credits)
Mobile and Network Technologies (15 credits)

Fees and finance

Your time at university should be enjoyable and rewarding, and it is important that it is not spoilt by unnecessary financial worries. We recommend that you spend time planning your finances, both before coming to university and while you are here. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.

Assessment

Students are assessed through examinations, coursework and a project.

Professional recognition

This programme is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS). On successful graduation from this degree, the student will have fulfilled the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional (CITP) and partially fulfilled the education requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Chartered Scientist (CSci). For a full Chartered status there are additional requirements, including work experience. The programme also has accreditation from the European Quality Assurance Network for Informatics Education (EQANIE).

Career options

Upon successful completion of this programme, students will be proficient in computer security and systems security and are in a position to follow careers in system development and administration where knowledge of security and forensics will be an asset or work in a range of specialist roles including: forensics investigators, security consultants or network management specialists.

Find out about the teaching and learning outcomes here - http://www2.gre.ac.uk/?a=643958

Find out how to apply here - http://www2.gre.ac.uk/study/apply

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Get the latest knowledge and understanding of the threats associated with the use of technology in business and how best to deal with them.

As the number of sophisticated cyber attacks increase across the world, so too does the demand for graduates with the necessary skills and expertise to support an organisations ability to protect themselves against security threats and digital incursion.

This Masters degree will equip you with the latest knowledge and understanding of the threats associated with the use of technology in business and how best to deal with them. You will cover both the technical and management/governance areas required to operate in the cyber security profession, allowing you to develop a range of key transferable skills valued by employers in both the public and private sectors. You will also benefit from being taught by staff who are at the forefront of their subject area.

See the website http://courses.southwales.ac.uk/courses/1507-msc-cyber-security

What you will study

You will study the following modules:
- Strategic IS Governance
- Project Management and Research Methodology
- Security Management
- Computer Forensics and Crime Investigation
- Network Security
- Independent Study
- MSc Project

Learning and teaching methods

You will study through lectures, tutorials, practical sessions, seminars and projects. You need to spend a significant amount of time working independently, reading and preparing for assessments.

You will work on a significant research project and major project of your choice, where strong independent thinking, critical analysis and project management skills will be important.

Work Experience and Employment Prospects

Career opportunities in cyber security continue to grow with many roles offering an interesting, challenging and rewarding environment to work in. From implementing security policies and managing protective measures in network systems, to advising organisations on how to reduce risks and their vulnerability, there are a variety of opportunities throughout the computer industry.

Typical roles commonly associated with cyber security include information security and risk analysts, IT security managers and network security consultants.

Assessment methods

You will be assessed primarily by coursework with some assessment also including examinations.

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The award will provide the knowledge of the latest cyber security principles, practices, tools and techniques, taught by a team of specialist staff in purpose-built cyber security laboratories. Graduates will be Cyber-operators, able to use ‘information’ as a defensive or offensive weapon.

Today, Cyber-Operators are required to have an ‘enriched’ background drawing elements of practical experience from fields as diverse as sociology, psychology, networks and network security, computer science and computer security, information management and information security, software engineering and reverse engineering, and of course, the law.

We have a diverse number of placements with companies from the security industry, high tech crime units and government organisations.

In January 2014 Staffordshire University announced exciting plans to create one main city campus in Stoke-on-Trent. This is to confirm this course will move from our Stafford Campus to Stoke-on-Trent Campus from Summer 2016.

Course content

Throughout the course you will be invited to attend guest lectures delivering workshops and conducting seminars with the students. Our visiting tutors are national and international security experts.

You will also have an opportunity in achieving industry recognised certification in Certified Ethical hacking.

Our purpose-built state of the art security laboratory offers each student a unique experience in enhancing your skills and knowledge in Cyber Security. As a result of winning a recent £5 million STEM bid, you will benefit from state of the art hardware resources, which will enhance your learning.

You will gain:
-Sound understanding of the computer science.
-Sound understanding of TCP-IP networks, the TCP-IP suite and its supporting protocols.
-Sound understanding and practical knowledge of digital forensics incidence response.
-Understanding and practical knowledge of managing information at all levels.
-Practical knowledge of the different types of computer crime.
-Ability to use with competency cyber-security toolkits.
-Ability to follow strict policies and procedures with meticulous record keeping.
-Good understanding of people and their motivational catalysts.
-Knowledge of evidence law and legal procedures.
-Ability to write reports on technical issues in a non-technical manner.
-Ability to address large audiences in a formal manner and affect their decision making process.

Core Modules
-Computer Security – Low Level
-Cyber Operations
-Malware analysis and Reverse Engineering
-Research Methods
-Operating Systems Security
-Digital Forensics & Incidence Response

Option Modules*
-Network Security with CISCO
-Network Security
-Penetration Testing
-Computer Security – High Level

*If you have CCNA certification (or an equivalent CISCO background), there will be the option of doing Network Security with the CISCO curriculum. Those of you who are not CCNA certified (or without an equivalent CISCO background), will do a less practical module of similar learning outcomes. After Teaching Block 2 you will have an option, again based on your prior knowledge on ethical hacking (and/or background, qualifications), for doing either Computer Security – High Level, which focuses on ethical hacking, or a more technical module on Penetration Testing.

Graduate destinations

The award will provide you with the knowledge of the latest cyber security principles, practices, tools and techniques, taught by a team of specialist staff in purpose-built cyber security laboratories. Graduates will be Cyber-operators, equipped with the skills to work in the security industry.

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Why take this course?

Forensic information technology (FIT) is the scientific use or application of information technology (IT) in the generation and presentation of digital evidence to be used in courts, legal or other formal proceedings.

This course will enable you to develop your understanding and application of security issues and cybercrime for the purpose of forensic computing and investigation.

What will I experience?

On this course you can:

Learn how to investigate hacking, fraud and deception using a range of digital forensic tools
Practise identifying intruders' trails and suspected inappropriate use of internet applications in order to compile scientific evidence to prosecute
Manage a real-life computer engineering project using appropriate techniques for writing and reasoning about security policies

What opportunities might it lead to?

Many police investigations or civil disputes involve investigation of computer systems, mobile phones or other information devices, and there are an increasing number of UK companies that undertake investigations as consultants. You can expect to find career opportunities in such companies as well as in law enforcement and other services.

Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the further learning academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional (CITP). This course also partially meets the academic requirement for registration, either as a Chartered Scientist (CSci) or (on behalf of the Engineering Council) as a Chartered Engineer (CEng)*.

*On condition that the Master's Engineering Project is successfully completed.

Module Details

You will study four key topics which will collaboratively develop your knowledge and ability to carry out forensic IT investigations as well as an introduction on how to build protected specification software for data and other web applications. You will also get to build your own test system as part of your final project.

Here are the units you will study:

Computer Forensic Investigation and Cryptography: This unit covers the practical aspects of conducting a forensic investigation of digital evidence. In order for the students to develop a critical understanding of computer forensics, a holistic approach of the forensics investigation process is adopted, with a full investigation ‘life cycle’ from seizure of evidence through to giving evidence in court as an expert witness. We look at a range of tools, operating systems and devices.

Computer Security: The unit provides an introduction to computer security concepts and their practical application, in both closed and interconnected networks. Students are expected to both understand and be able to critically evaluate different approaches to securing complex computer systems.

Cybercrime Security and Risk Management: This unit provides opportunities for participants to develop skills and knowledge in the understanding of corporate cyber threats. Drawing upon a range of practical examples, students will examine how rapid technological development and expansion in access to the internet has impacted upon crime (e.g. how anonymity and unfounded trust encourage deception), mapping out the terrain of information technology, and identifying the emerging areas of cyber crime. Areas explored will include the crossing of established boundaries into spaces over which control has already been established such as cyber-intrusion and cyber-theft, but also 'new cyber crimes' in the form of virtual trespass, Denial of Service attacks, and the development of opportunities for offending in the context of social networking websites.

Master's Project: You will undertake either an engineering unit or a study project, during the summer period. The project offers students the opportunity to apply the taught material in the solution of a real-world problem directly related to their course. The engineering project usually involves building a piece of software to solve a problem. An example of the sort of thing you might do would be building a tool to address a specific forensics requirement. The study project usually involves undertaking a study of an IT domain relevant to forensics. To prepare for this the project includes a number of preparatory sessions, which contribute to part of your final mark.

Specialist optional units include:

Systems, Security and Data Analysis: The first part of the unit provides an overview of computer organisation, operating systems and network design, with a strong focus on security considerations and aspects relevant to computer and digital forensics. The early part of the unit will provide an introduction to relevant issues in system architecture and file system organisation. Threats to computer systems will be considered. The first half of the unit is concluded with studying in some depth current technologies for securing real computer networks. The second part of the unit deals with the important topic of data analytics.

Advanced Programming Skills for the Web: This unit draws together a number of system development skills, focusing on how they can be applied to the development specifically of web applications. Topics covered include web programming, connecting databases to web applications, software tools, testing and security.

Programme Assessment

You will be taught through a combination of practical exercises, simulations, lectures, guest lectures and formative assessments, and will be expected to use a wide range of on and offline learning tools.

You will encounter a range of assessment styles depending on the content and nature of the unit topic. This can include written assignments, presentations as well as group and individual lab-based assessments. However, the most significant assessment element is the final dissertation, which reports and reflects on your final project.

Student Destinations

On completing this course, you will be equipped to seek employment in the following areas: IT auditing, information security, independent investigation, Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERT) and law enforcement agencies. Some of our previous graduates have been successful in finding employment within high-tech crime units, commercial investigation and national security bodies, while others go on to further research study at PhD level.

This course will also appeal to already practising professionals in related areas such as law enforcement, system administration, corporate security, IS auditing or security analysis and management for the commercial sector.

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Summary

Our exciting and innovative postgraduate criminology programme examines topics fundamental to an advanced understanding of the causes, consequences and responses to crime. There are a range of options reflecting our academics’ research.

Modules

Core modules: Criminal Behaviour: Applied Perspectives; Criminal Justice: Policy and Practice; Philosophy of Social Science Research; Research Design and Practice; Qualitative Methods 1; Quantitative Methods 1

Optional modules: Life Behind Bars: Prisons and Punishment; Contemporary Policing; Cyber Crime; Insecurity and the Dark Web; Violence and Sex in Law, Literature and Culture; Psychology in a Forensic Context; Census and Neighbourhood Analysis; Introduction to Security Studies; Contemporary Theories of Justice; Survey Design; Qualitative Methods/ Quantitative Methods 2 – these methods courses can also be taken as options; Social Science Data: Sources and Measurement Plus dissertation

Visit our website for further information.

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The fascination of forensics combines with the complexity of computing in this stimulating course. A relatively new specialism, electronic security and digital forensics is an area of expertise that’s challenging and rapidly evolving- technology is constantly developing, and therefore so are the problems that go along with it.


Why study Electronic Security and Digital Forensics at Middlesex?

The smooth running of societies and economies is now dependent on the security of computer networks, and cyber crime, from fraud, identity theft and cyber stalking to terrorism and espionage, can affect anyone and is at the forefront of government policy. But many court cases have collapsed because of a lack of experts trained in the meticulous art of tracking down evidence. Our innovative course was created to meet the demand for skills in an area that’s chronically short of well-qualified graduates.

The course has a strong practical focus, with an emphasis on both in-depth technical and legal theory and hands-on project work. You’ll work in our specialist computer forensics laboratory in our award-winning technology centre, using the latest forensic software, including Forensic Toolkit version 5.0, Encase version 7.0 and Micro Systemation XRY Complete. You’ll also have the opportunity to achieve XRY Logical certification during the course.

Course highlights:

We have strong links with industry - we work with companies such as Microsoft and Siemens, and we are a Cisco local academy and a Xilinx university partner.
The course is accredited by the British Computer Society for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status. This means that on graduation, you’ll have fulfilled the academic requirements for achieving those titles, though you’ll need to complete further professional development.
The course is led by Dr Carlisle George, a former barrister who has co-edited two books on regulatory issues in healthcare information. He is a member of the editorial board of the International Journal of Electronic Security and Digital Forensics and leads the university’s ALERT (Aspects of Law and Ethics Related to Technology) research group.
You’ll also improve your communication, teamwork, time-management, organisational, analytical and critical skills.

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