Masters Degrees (Security Risk Management)

Why take this course?

The Professional Doctorate in Security Risk Management (D.SyRM) is a structured, four-year, part-time programme targeted towards security professionals in the UK and overseas. It comprises a taught element delivered through a small number of workshops in Portsmouth for the first two years and then two years of supervised research leading to a thesis.

The aim of the course is to provide a framework for security professionals to reflect on and contribute to practice in their area of work. Its emphasis is on developing researching professionals (which is distinct from the more traditional PhD route which aims to develop professional researchers).

What opportunities might it lead to?

The overall aim of the course is to develop security professionals whose work informs, and is informed by, original research in the field. Current research topics include:

Managing complex crises
Securing the oil and gas sector
Security of tax havens

Module Details

A central feature of this programme is that you will be studying with the same cohort of people over the whole four years. The interaction that this provides will give you the opportunity to work, learn and develop together. This avoids the sense of isolation that some PhD students experience.

It is accepted that for many professionals it will not be possible to attend all of the workshops so we also use an online learning environment to make best use of technology to keep in touch.

A professional doctorate at the University of Portsmouth is achieved in two distinct stages with the second stage being divided into two parts.

Stage 1

This stage comprises 180 M level credits which is the direct entry level to Stage 2

Stage 2

This stage comprises Parts 1 and 2.

Part 1 (years 1 and 2)

This is the taught component of the course and lasts for two years. During this part you will earn 120 D level credits in assignment work. The four taught units are delivered in two-day blocks, each assessed through a coursework assignment of 6,000 words. Each student is assigned a personal tutor to support them through this part of the course.

Course structure:

Professional development and review
Advanced research techniques in security risk management
Publication and dissemination in security risk management
Security risk management project proposal

Part 2 (years 3 and 4)

This part comprises the professional research and development, leading to a thesis of 40,000 to 50,000 words. This will earn 240 D level credits and is mainly independent study and research, combined with supervision meetings and opportunities to meet with your peers to review and gain critical comment on your progress.

Programme Assessment

The doctoral programme aims to develop your research ability in the broad area of security risk management to an advanced level and promote evidence-based practice development. The development of the quality and value of your practice and research will be enhanced through:

Seminars and workshops on critical research and security-related issues specifically focused on the development needs of security professionals
Support from staff and peers to support you in reaching the necessary (doctoral) standard
Supervision from a team with a very wide range of development and research interests and many years of professional experience
Access to University of Portsmouth library facilities including a large number of e-books, journals and databases accessed electronically
Access to additional, targeted training courses delivered through our Graduate School to meet any specific learning needs related to your individual research
The use of an online learning environment enabling you to keep in easy touch with your peers and the course team
Development of wider national and international perspectives through networking with your peer group
Building ongoing productive links between security organisations
Raising the profile, credibility and influence of your profession in both academic and practice contexts

Ultimately you will be assessed on the strength of your thesis.

Student Destinations

Your professional needs and interests shape the research you undertake on this course. You may, therefore, use your increased knowledge and awareness of your profession to support your career aims at the same time.

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The only UK masters degree in the field of cyber risk to combine aspects of business and information technology, MSc Cyber Security Risk Management will equip you with a blend of skills that are in demand in the sector.

Introducing your degree

Unlike other UK cyber security masters degrees, which have a computer science focus, this unique programme combines modules from a range of disciplines. It is therefore ideally placed to meet the demand for professionals with the necessary management skills, as well as the technical knowledge, to effectively manage cyber security risks. You’ll be taught by experts in risk management, cyber security and computer science.

In addition, you’ll benefit from the co-location of several specialist research centres at Southampton. These include the University’sAcademic Centre of Excellence for Cyber Security Research, which was set up to advance the UK government’s cyber security agenda, and the highly regarded Centre for Risk Research. You’ll graduate with an accredited degree, enabling you to apply for credits towards professional risk or insurance qualifications.

Overview

Cyber security is a global concern for companies and governments, but there is a recognised shortage of cyber security practitioners with the breadth of skills required to understand and manage the risk of cyber attacks. MSc Cyber Security Risk Management, the only UK cyber security programme to be offered within a business school rather than a computer science department, is designed to fill this gap. 

Rather than focusing purely on the technical aspects of cyber security, MSc Cyber Security Risk Management offers a unique combination of modules encompassing business risk management, computer science and cyber security. You’ll gain a grounding in the essential technical aspects of the subject, but you’ll also develop the managerial and analytical skills needed to identify risks, communicate them within an organisation and put effective cyber risk management approaches into practice.

Southampton’s expertise in cyber risk research has been recognised with the award of an Academic Centre of Excellence for Cyber Security Research, funded by GCHQ and the Economic and Social Research Council as part of the UK government’s national cyber security strategy. Our academics are active partners in the Centre’s work and bring their research insights to the course. You’ll also benefit from expertise within the Business School’s Centre for Risk Research, the only specialist centre of its type in a Russell Group university. 

We welcome applicants from a range of academic backgrounds. Many of our students bring some professional experience to their studies, while some join us straight from their undergraduate studies.

View the programme specification document

Career Opportunities

Every year, professional risk managers and industry leaders from companies visit us to discuss careers in the sector, helping you to plan your next steps. Past speakers have come from IBM, Goldman Sachs, PwC, Old Mutual, and the Chartered Insurance Institute. 

There is significant demand for talented graduates with the ability to assess and effectively manage cyber-related risks as well as an understanding of related technical issues. Our students have gone on to work in a range of industries including finance, banking, accountancy, insurance, IT, risk management and business security, for companies such as:

• Accenture
• Marsh
• LSC Group
• PwC
• Goldman Sachs

The MSc in Cyber Security and Risk Management is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute and the Institute of Risk Management, which means you’ll be able to apply for credits towards professional qualifications.

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The MSc International Security and Risk Management course develops and enhances critical theoretical knowledge, security management skills and understanding in an area which presents significant demand for professionalisation worldwide. Run in partnership with Perpetuity Training Academy, who specialise in the fields of security, crime and risk management worldwide, this online course is aimed at practitioners in international security and risk management who are striving to embrace modern approaches to their line of work.

The MSc International Security and Risk Management will provide industry-accredited security management qualifications to enhance your career, increase market value and demonstrate professional development. This Masters programme is delivered through online distance learning, which enables learners to combine their studies with work-based learning. There are three exit points – Postgraduate Certificate; Postgraduate Diploma and the MSc.

See the website http://courses.southwales.ac.uk/courses/1931-msc-international-security-and-risk-management-online-delivery

What you will study

You will study the following modules:

Year 1
Security Management: Prevention and Design
Security Management: Protection Study
Security Management: Risk Management and Loss Prevention
Security and Risk Management Producers and Consumers
Security Management: Corporate Security Study
Strategic Security Management and Leadership
Security Management and Delivering Value

Year 2
Research and Evidence Based Practice in Security Management
Research Methods
Dissertation

Employment Prospects

There is currently significant demand for professional development in the area of international security and risk management and this field is moving toward the postgraduate arena in order to ensure that the body of academic knowledge and the international security and risk management skill-base increases.

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Why take this course?

Risk Managers and those responsible for the continuity of business during periods of crisis can be found in all organisations across the globe. This can be a fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping and incredibly exciting role for those who like to take on challenges to ensure their organisations can withstand all sorts of environmental, technological and unpredictable situations. Resilience is key for organisations in today’s turbulent times and risk managers are fundamental to achieving this.

This course will help you to acquire the knowledge, skills and tools to become a proficient and capable risk manager. The increase in British and International Standards in Risk and Crisis Management, Organisational Resilience and Continuity highlight the importance of this area which has grown into more than just a specialist subject in the education of managers, risk specialists and others.

What will I experience?

On this course you can:

Attend lectures including those from guest speakers from industry who provide insight into real-life scenarios and a practical take on managing risk.
Develop your skills to make a difference to your organisation through honing your analytical, decision-making and communication skills to manage risk more effectively.

Recognition of Prior Learning (APL) (RPL)

If you have undertaken courses in risk and crisis elsewhere, either professional or academic, you may be eligible for RPL. This is particularly relevant for applicants from the armed forces and emergency services.

Also, if you have attended appropriate professional development short courses at the Cabinet Office Emergency Planning College (EPC) you may be eligible for RPL on the programme. To check eligibility, please refer to http://www.port.ac.uk/epc. RPL requires evidence of good practice in the topics of study and of applying this appropriately at your workplace. If you wish to take advantage of this offer, a personal tutor will aid you in submission of your evidence after enrolment on the course.

What opportunities might it lead to?

Good risk managers are valued for their strategic thinking and planning expertise – they are essential for minimising costs and damage to organisations and for protecting reputations. Our graduates can be found in roles such as independent risk consultants, risk officers, healthcare risk managers, crisis team managers for petrochemical companies, risk managers within the military, auditors and security managers. The career opportunities in all sorts of different organisations around the world are endless.

The Institute of Risk Management (IRM) offers exemptions on its IRM International Diploma which provides an entry route to full IRM membership and all the benefits and valuable networking opportunities this provides.

Module Details

Modules are delivered in two blocks of three days which run from Tuesdays to Thursdays allowing Monday and Friday to be available for further research or for time in the office. The flexibility this provides is one of the benefits of this course.

Here are the units you will study:

Strategic Risk and Risk Behaviour: This explores the theoretical frameworks and interdisciplinary nature of risk and effective risk management in organisations. The importance of human factors and people skills in risk perception and management are also considered, examining the roles of the individuals, teams and leaders in the context of developing and implementing risk management policies and strategies.

Organisational and Environmental Risk: This unit will investigate theories of environmental and organisational risk management and the approaches that an organisation may employ to achieve these successfully. The role of environmental and organisational risk management within the context of legislation will also be explored.

Crisis Management and Governance: This unit studies the development of effective, transparent continuity and crisis planning. The challenges facing organisations in ensuring robust governance, continuity and crisis management plans, highlighting the differences between this and generic risk management will be explored. Training and exercise preparedness will also be reviewed, enabling students to design appropriate scenarios for their organisations.

Project and Research Methods: This focuses on project risk management processes, systems and technology. Central to the module is a consideration of the key challenges in the application of project risk identification and response frameworks. This will be linked to the research dissertation as a project to be managed, preparing students for the research element of the programme.

Dissertation: This unit comprises the final part of the course. You will undertake a 15,000-word management research project (dissertation) that combines a review of previous research undertaken in your chosen topic, with your own data collection and analysis. The research dissertation provides a unique opportunity for you to demonstrate the subject knowledge you have acquired, as well as your analytical abilities and problem-solving skills that are highly regarded by potential employers. During this phase, your research will be supervised by an experienced academic with expertise in your chosen topic area.

Programme Assessment

Classes are challenging but informal and friendly, and you are encouraged to participate in discussion and debate. Our aim is to enhance your risk management skills by analysing complex problems, exploring the uncertainties involved, evaluating possible solutions and planning risk management implementation.

All assessment is via coursework, the majority of which will be in the form of written assignments. You will also complete a self-directed research dissertation supported by supervisors.

Student Destinations

This course is an ideal route into a wide range of risk management roles. Organisations face risk every day and so demand the strategic decision making skills of qualified risk managers. Considering the global reach of organisations today, the reliance on technology, increased risk of conflict and extreme weather, there is no shortage of career opportunities in this field. From managing crises in a healthcare environment, to petrochemical, environmental, business and everything in between, this course will give you the opportunity to consider real life examples and the opportunity to put your newly acquired skills into practice.

Alternatively, you may wish to pursue opportunities for research in the related areas of risk, programme and business management.

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Gain a thorough understanding of risk management and contemporary business security issues on this accredited masters degree. Its distinctive cross-sector approach to risk management will equip you for success whatever your chosen industry.

Introducing your degree

This masters degree is designed to meet growing demand across a range of industries for skilled business risk and corporate security management practitioners. As well as learning about key theories and techniques, you’ll develop your analytical skills and the essential management capabilities needed to implement risk and security management approaches effectively. Modules are delivered by world-leading academics and senior risk professionals, so you’ll learn about cutting-edge concepts and the latest sector issues. And the course is accredited by two leading professional bodies, enabling you to apply for credits towards professional qualifications when you graduate.

Overview

Business risk and security management have become integral to the running of organisations across a wide range of sectors. This course is designed to meet the demand for highly skilled risk and security management practitioners. Unlike many other UK masters courses in this field it covers risk management in its broadest sense, encompassing financial, strategic and operational risk. It also introduces students to contemporary issues in corporate security, and explores the links between risk and security in theoretical and practical contexts.

As well as developing your subject knowledge, the course will enhance your managerial capabilities. You’llgain skills that will be essential for the successful communication and implementation of risk and security approaches in a real-world environment. 

We welcome applicants from a wide range of business-related and social science disciplines; there is no specific requirement for previous quantitative study. Our students include those who have recently completed their undergraduate degrees as well as those with some professional experience who are looking to sharpen their skills or change their career direction.

View the programme specification document for this course.

Career Opportunities

There is growing interest in almost every industry for improved risk management practice. Students graduating from this programme will be sought after by finance, insurance, business management and IT companies, consultancy service firms and government bodies. Many of our students have progressed to senior risk management roles within a few years of graduation.

The MSc in Business Risk and Security Management is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute and the Institute of Risk Management. This enables you to apply for credits towards these organisations’ professional diplomas.

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Computers are central to all aspects of our daily lives; as industries ranging from communications to banking have come to rely on them, the need for improved computer security has never been greater. This course focusses on two aspects of Cyber Security: analysis and assessment of risk plus how to minimise it, and, how to extract and use digital information from a wide range of systems and devices. The course is structured so that all students cover the same introductory material, but then choose to specialise in either Cyber Security or Digital Forensics.

Students taking the course will gain an understanding of the nature of the security threats that face computer systems and the type of information that is stored on digital devices (and how it can be extracted from them). They will benefit from a broad and varied array of state-of-the-art technologies, including:

• EnCase, FTK and open-source forensic tools, and a dedicated forensics computer laboratory
• Specialist input from guest lecturers
• Over 20 university computing laboratories providing access to Unix, Novell and NT servers, all supported by high-bandwidth networks
• Specialist technicians to ensure you can get the most out of these technologies.

All students will take the core modules which are designed to give a comprehensive introduction to this specialist field. They will cover basic digital forensics and network security, and also cover computer system tools and the UNIX operating system. Dealing with digital evidence in a professional manner (that includes adhering to appropriate legal guidelines) is also covered. You will then follow either the Cyber Security or Digital Forensics pathway within the course (though each lead to the same named degree: the pathways are simply opportunities to specialise within the field). In addition, all students will take a Research Methods module and complete a project module.

The course offers the opportunity to examine a variety of tools available on the open market, and the use of forensic tools to retrieve data from electronic sources. It will also consider the analysis of professional and ethical issues relating to computer security and forensics, and the development of professional competencies, such as report writing and presenting evidence in court.

Teaching methods include lab-based sessions, student-led tutorials and lectures by internal staff and guest speakers from industry. Our courses are offered by friendly, highly experienced staff, and benefit from the diverse specialist knowledge and skills within the departments of the Faculty. Assessments will be carried out mostly through practical or research-based course work.

Course structure

The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course. For more details on course structure and modules, and how you will be taught and assessed, see the full course document.

Core modules

• Cyber Security Evidence and Procedure
• Fundamentals of Security Technology
• Internet Security
• Research Methods and Professional Practice
• Cyber Security and Forensics Project

Digital Forensics pathway

• Advanced Computer Forensics
• Computer System Tools
• Data Recovery and Analysis

Cyber Security Pathway

• Cyber Security Applications
• Cyber Security Threats and Countermeasures
• Risk Management

Professional accreditation

This programme is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, for fully meeting the further learning educational requirement for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status and for partially satisfying the underpinning knowledge requirements set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC) and the Science Council for Chartered or Incorporated Engineer (CEng or IEng) status. Note that there are additional requirements, including work experience, to achieve full CITP, CEng, or IEng status. Graduates of this accredited degree will also be eligible for professional membership of BCS (MBCS).

The BCS accreditation is an indicator of the programme’s quality to students and employers; it is also an important benchmark of the programme’s standard in providing high quality computing education, and commitment to developing future IT professionals that have the potential to achieve Chartered status. The programme is also likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.

Career path

The course has two pathways, namely Cyber Security, and Forensics that can provide you with all the necessary skills for the following jobs:

• Researcher in Applied Cryptography;
• Researcher in Network/Computer Security;
• IT Security Engineer;
• Computer Security Incident Responder;
• Source Code Auditor;
• IT Security Operations Specialist;
• Cyber Security Manager;
• Information Security Analyst;
• Information Security Consultant;
• Information Security Assurance Officer;
• Information Security Assurance Analyst;
• Information Security Risk Officer;
• Security Officer;
• Penetration Tester (also known as Ethical Hacker);
• Vulnerability Assessor;
• Computer Forensics Analyst;
• Anti-Piracy/Content Protection Analyst;

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Study computer and information systems security on a course that combines academic teaching, industry input and practical skills development.

The course has four main focuses

• information security management
• ethical hacking
• system hardening
• computer forensics

This course is ideal if you are already working in an information technology environment or if you wish to specialise in the field of information security. After successfully completing it, you gain industry-recognised certifications that will assist you in progressing further in this field.

You focus on both the technical and managerial aspects of information security. The technically-focused modules involve you exploring a range of systems, tools and techniques at the cutting edge of technology. The managerial-focused modules give you an appreciation of the role information security has in an organisation and how it can be implemented and managed.

On this course you

• develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to work as a computing security professional.
• learn the concepts, principles, techniques and methodologies you need to design and assess complex networks, systems and applications.
• develop the practical experience you need to plan, perform and direct security audits of information systems to the level required by standard security frameworks.
• develop the effective and appropriate communication skills you need to be a security professional.

Free training and certification exam

Thanks to our association with BSI Learning, you are entitled to attend the BSI ISO27001 Lead Auditor course and take the official exam which allows you to become accredited as a BSI certified lead auditor.

Our ethical hacking module is aligned with the CREST Practitioner Security Analyst (CPSA) syllabus providing graduates with industry recognised and desired skills.

BSI lead auditor qualification

• ISO27001 Lead Auditor

BSI courses are delivered by approved BSI trainers and qualified ISO27001 lead auditors. As part of the course you receive the same course material as the official BSI training courses.

Guest Speakers from industry

Due to our strong ties with industry we regularly have special guest speakers. Recent speakers have included industry professionals from Mozilla, South Yorkshire Police, RSA and Blackberry.

Ethical Hacking

In 2014 Sheffield Hallam hosted the North of England's first Ethical Hacking Conference Steelcon. This is set to be an annual event with 2015's event already booked.

Course structure

We developed this course along two main lines.

The first covers the principles and issues of security design concerning systems and systems integration, web and operating system based applications and communication networks.

The second addresses the methodologies and development of skills required to perform security assessments of complex information systems.

Semester one modules

• Information security concepts and principles
• Network security
• Systems and application security
• Web applications and e-commerce security

Semester two modules

• BSI ISO27001 lead auditor
• Group-based case study with capture the flag

Options

• Computer forensics and incident response
• Information security management
• Incident handling and hacking techniques (ethical hacking)

Semester three modules

You study research methods and do a substantial research project leading to a dissertation.

Assessment

Group and individual coursework. You also do a range of

• problem solving assignments
• workshops
• practical projects
• research activities.

Employability

On this course, you gain the knowledge, skills and experience you need to work in many different positions, from technical to management roles.

The Institute of Information Security Professionals (IISP) has highlighted the following specialisms in the area.

Strategy, policy, governance

• strategist • policy manager • information technology services officer (ITSO) • department security officer (DSO) • chief information security officer (CISO)

Risk management, verification and compliance

• risk analyst • risk assessor • business information security officer • reviewer • auditor

Incident and threat management and response

• incident manager • threat manager • forensics (computer analyst, mobile and network analyst) • computer security incident response team (CSIRT) • attack investigator • malware analyst • penetration tester • disaster recovery • business continuity

Operations and security management

• network security officer • systems security officer • information security officer • crypto custodian • information manager

Engineering, architecture and design

• architect • designer • development • secure coding • software design and development • applications development • security tools • implementation

Education, training and awareness

• security programme manager

Research

• security researcher

Successful graduates of this course have gone on to work for companies such as HSBC, Citrix, and Price Waterhouse Coopers.

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The MSc Cyber Security Management is a specialist programme aimed at both graduate students who have previously studied business and management subjects and students wishing to covert to management from STEM subjects.

The course has been created in response to current market demands and new political measures put in place by worldwide Governments. These measures are aiming to educate organisations on the risk of cyber attacks on businesses.

Specifically, this MSc addresses the needs identified in the UK National Cyber Security Strategy. The Global Information Security Workforce Study estimates that the global cyber security workforce shortage will widen to 1.5 million by 2020. This MSc is designed to address this problem.

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?

The MSc Cyber Security Management has been designed explicitly to develop the knowledge and skills required by Government and industry, and has been developed in direct response to calls from the UK Government, and leading industry figures, to build cybersecurity management capacity in the workforce.

Coventry Business School is working in partnership with the Coventry Law School, to deliver MSc Cyber Security Management, a course that addresses the management of IT security challenges faced by today’s organisations. The Cyber Security Management Research Group within the Business Faculty Research Centre (CBiS), includes highly qualified academics with considerable practical experience of network and computer systems security and risk management from a variety of backgrounds including law enforcement, accounting, business and commerce.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

Specialist modules include International Cyber and Digital Law, Cybersecurity Risk Management and Network Defence Management. Taught materials delivered in these modules have been developed by research active staff as members of the Cyber Security Management Research Group and in association with thought leaders and industry experts.

HOW WILL THIS COURSE ENHANCE MY CAREER PROSPECTS?

Organisations, both private and public, realise the need for their management staff to be aware of information security risks and for their staff to have the ability to put plans in place to reduce and mitigate risks, threats, and crises. Furthermore, managers also need to have the relevant skills and knowledge to carry out a security audit and assurance process, have risk management strategies in place to counter cyber attacks and to have a working knowledge of cyber security terminology for effective communication.

The course is aimed at future managers who have a need to deal with cyber security.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR AN INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE

There will be an emphasis on intercultural experiences for students on the MSc programme via:
-The opportunity for students to enrol on the Global Leaders programme.
-Advertised field trips throughout the School.
-The use of international case studies and examples throughout the programme.

GLOBAL LEADERS PROGRAMME

To prepare students for the challenges of the global employment market and to strengthen and develop their broader personal and professional skills Coventry University has developed a unique Global Leaders Programme.

The objectives of the programme, in which postgraduate and eligible undergraduate students can participate, is to provide practical career workshops and enable participants to experience different business cultures.

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This MSc Risk Management course will teach you cutting-edge risk management principles and techniques that you can apply in any domain, opening up a wealth of career options.

Introducing your degree

This degree is one of a few UK masters courses to cover risk management theory and practice within a broad framework, with applications across a range of sectors. It gives you the freedom to explore your own interests through optional modules in areas such as finance, quantitative methods or corporate security. You’ll be taught by academics at the forefront of risk management research, including world-leading experts in decision making in uncertain environments and project risk. You’ll also benefit from close links with the Business School’s Centre for Risk Research, the only specialist centre of its type in a Russell Group University. In addition, the course is accredited by two UK risk and insurance professional bodies.

Overview

From banking and insurance to manufacturing and public health, effective risk management is now recognised as a crucial factor for success in all sectors. This popular degree is one of just a handful of masters courses in the UK that teaches risk management within a broad framework that can be applied in any field, rather than focusing on a specific industry such as finance or engineering. This gives you the freedom to explore different aspects of risk and discover your area of interest, which you can pursue by choosing from a range of specialist modules.

The programme is delivered in conjunction with the Business School’s multidisciplinary Centre for Risk Research, the only risk-related research centre of its kind in a Russell Group university. Our academics’ links with the Centre’s research programmes will inform your learning, and you’ll have access to additional opportunities such as industry seminars run by the Centre.

This course will be of interest if you already have some professional experience and want to advance risk management practice in your industry, or if you are looking to specialise following your undergraduate studies. We welcome students from a range of academic backgrounds who have undertaken some quantitative study.

The MSc in Risk Management is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute and the Institute of Risk Management. This reflects our rigorous academic standards and means you’ll be able to apply for credits towards professional qualifications when you graduate.

View the programme specification document for this course.

Career Opportunities

You’ll graduate with a wide range of career options. You could choose to work for a financial or insurance company, the pharmaceutical or medical industry, or in environmental risk management. Potential employers include consultancy service firms and government organisations as well as private sector companies.

Our graduates have gone on to work for companies such as:

• PwC
• Deloitte
• Ernst and Young
• Old Mutual Wealth
• Formula 1

The reputation of our risk management courses means we are regularly approached by companies seeking talented students for placement, internship or job opportunities. For example, Zurich Insurance recently offered placements for some of our students. These opportunities are not a formal part of the course and vary from year to year.

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This course is delivered via Blended Learning and students will be required to occasionally attend the Coventry Campus. Please contact us for further advice in regard to short term study visas if required.

This qualification has been developed in direct response to the need for government and industry to increase cyber management knowledge and expertise in the workplace.

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?

The MBA in Cyber Security (MBACS) aims to provide an educational experience which enables individuals to achieve an integrated understanding of the operation and strategy of management and to develop appropriate intellectual and personal skills.

The MBACS will enable individuals to understand complex business problems and key issues in cyber security whilst exploring many associated business issues such as globalisation and ethics to ensure successful global trade.

There is an exciting opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge gained in the MBACS to business. This can be achieved by undertaking an appropriate individual or group research project based on a real cyber security issue at the dissertation stage.

The MBACS is designed to explicitly cultivate the knowledge and skills necessary to fulfil the gap in the workforce.

The first of its kind, the MBACS is structured so that you are exposed to a common core of key management issues within the fields of Strategy, Finance and Accounting, Human Resource Management and Marketing.

As distinct from MSc courses in this field, the MBACS aims to provide individuals with the skills to become effective managers by making informed decisions around cyber security risk management issues. The course provides a number of specialist modules that allows the individual to tailor their own pathway to complement and build on their existing knowledge.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

Mandatory modules
-Cyber Security: Strategic Thinking and Analysis
-Cyber Security: Management and Leadership
-Network Security
-Cyber Security: Financial Accounting and Decision Making
-Cyber Security: Human Resource Management, Trust and People
-Cyber Security: Marketing Principles and Crisis Communications

Optional modules
-Digital Security Risk and Audit Management
-Enterprise and Big Data Management
-International Cyber and Digital Law
-Network Defence Management

The titles and content of the modules will continue to evolve with help from our Industry Advisory Board.

HOW WILL THIS COURSE BE TAUGHT?

This is a blended MBA, so individuals will have the opportunity to manage their own time and choose how and when to study. There will be mandatory events on campus but learning will occur mostly online. For each module individuals will have engaging video lectures and a variety of interactive content and activities. The online interaction between lectures and colleagues will help individuals to stay motivated and committed to the learning experience.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

Assessment on the course will vary depending on the module being studied. Some modules are 100% coursework and others assessed through a mixture of assignments, viva voce and formal examinations. In addition to written tasks you will be required to deliver presentations to ensure that you develop a full range of communication skills. Coursework can be individual or set in groups, demonstrating a full range of communication skills.

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From earthquakes and train derailments to cybercrimes and terrorist acts, anything can happen, and today's emergency management professionals must be ready to respond.

Walden’s online master’s in emergency management program helps prepare you with the advanced skills you need to lead emergency response efforts, improve public policy, and protect communities from natural and human-caused disasters. Whether you work in the nonprofit, private, or public sector, this online master’s program will help enable you to serve in a variety of emergency management leadership roles. These roles may include collaborating with first-responder and critical incident-management teams, working with government leaders to improve public policy, and developing and delivering training to response teams and communities.

The online master’s in emergency management program focuses on the key competencies related to creating and implementing disaster prevention and response plans. Coursework will also help prepare you to earn certificates from Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA’s) Emergency Management Institute.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this master’s degree in emergency management program will be prepared to:

1. Apply the theoretical underpinnings of emergency management to practice.
2. Apply different research methodological approaches to theoretical and practical issues in emergency management.
3. Interpret and analyze research data results related to emergency management.
4. Critically analyze the emergency management cycle (mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery) as applied to urban and rural settings.
5. Demonstrate competency in assessing risk susceptibility, resilience, resistance, and vulnerability among communities and organizations.
6. Critically evaluate the role and purpose of response and recovery in emergency planning and policy development and implications for social change.
7. Demonstrate advanced management skills specific to the needs of emergency management.

Find detailed information for the general specialization of this program, or all other specializations of this program, including possible occupations, completion rate, program costs, and median student loan debt.

MS in Emergency Management Degree Specializations

Walden’s MS in Emergency Management program offers a General Program as well as a variety of specializations to help you meet your personal and professional goals.

• General Program 
• Self Design

Career option

With the effects of 9/11 still impacting both the public and private sectors, the spending on emergency management and need for field specialists has become increasingly important. A U.S. News & World Report article calls the role of emergency management specialist one of the 50 best jobs of 2011 and anticipates an increased need for this type of specialist over the next decade. Further, the article also states that the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment in the emergency management field to grow by 2,800, or 22%, between 2008 and 2018.*

Walden’s MS in Emergency Management program can help prepare you for a broad range of leadership positions within government agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as other public and private sectors of society, including health, public works, transportation, and community services.

Potential career options in emergency management include:

• Public safety
• Emergency response
• Disaster risk reduction
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
• Department of Homeland Security
• Fire services
• Law enforcement
• Community emergency response
• First response teams
• Intelligence and/or Security Studies
• State/County Emergency Management
• Red Cross – Disaster Relief

Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.

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Be a force for peace in the world

Advance your security career with the Master of International Security.

The Master of International Security is a multidisciplinary course of study drawing on international relations, strategic studies, political science, religion, area studies, political and human geography, and military history.

Fast-track your qualification and your career

The Master of International Security is a 180-credit course. It is right for you if you have completed an appropriate bachelor degree or equivalent and have extensive professional experience in the security sector If you want to develop skills in security management, this is the programme for you. Security management is an increasingly important dimension of government and public policy, with direct benefit to economic security and social wellbeing, so your skills will be in demand.

Follow your own interests

In the Master of International Security you will learn the principles, theory and practice of international security. You will also carry out independent research and planning in a security context. Our committed and supportive staff will encourage you to pursue your intellectual and professional interests and develop your own area of specialisation. You will also benefit from our close relationships with partner agencies in the security sector. Questions that you will consider on this programme include:

• What geopolitical forces shape the international security environment?
• What are the historical, geographical and political dynamics that have shaped New Zealand's strategic environment?
• What are the causes, key protagonists and consequences of differing types of political violence?
• What are the challenges to intervention, peace and stabilisation operations?
• Does statebuilding work?
• What are the new emerging threats to international security?

You will gain advanced knowledge in contemporary international security theory and practice; understanding of interagency perspectives; and analytical and communications skills appropriate to the security context.

Careers

With the Master of International Security you can expect to advance your career in the security sector in government and non-government agencies, and contribute to international security operations.

This programme will prepare you for a role in any of the fields below:

• Analysing regional politics
• Border security
• Conflict resolution
• Customs work
• Police work
• Defence forces
• Peacekeeping
• Policy analysis
• Truce monitoring
• Management
• Planning
• Politics
• Risk management

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Information Technology is a strategic resource within any business and is critical to the survival and success of an organisation and should therefore be carefully managed. A key issue in IT strategy is Information Security, which is becoming more critical with the interconnection of systems through the Internet and the sharing of resources with business partners, clients and customers.

This Masters degree is aimed at current or prospective system managers, system administrators and other IT professionals with a responsibility or aspiration for strategic IT and security management.

You will gain an understanding of current issues in information security and IT management, together with an in-depth knowledge of a variety of techniques for strategically managing IT, both as a resource as well as for analysing and controlling security risks. A key aspect of the programme is the systemic perspective that is taken; security is not simply a technical issue, but a component of the wider context of IT management.

What will I study?

You will study security from two perspectives: the concepts of computer and network security, together with a systemic approach to information security management. The programme of study is informed by ISO27000 legal compliance requirements and professional body knowledge requirements of ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association), ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) and the Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2. The study of computer forensics enables further specialisation.

IT Management is approached from a strategic and risk-based perspective, and includes business continuity and project management. A recent technology development that could have radical impact in both security and IT management is cloud computing, and the course provides an option to enable you to develop a sound understanding of the related issues and technology. Professional, ethical and contemporary issues in computing and research methods are also integrated into the programme.

How will I study?

The course is delivered primarily as taught modules. Each module typically involves a 3-hour face-to-face seminar every week for 12 weeks. You will study three modules each semester on the full-time programme, requiring attendance two days per week. For part-time students, modules are scheduled to enable evening study over two years.

Learning and teaching involves a variety of techniques, including lectures, case studies, problem-based learning, guest lectures from industry experts, student-led seminars and technology-enhanced learning (e.g. Virtual Learning Environment, wiki). Classes are highly interactive, with practical application of concepts a key factor, as well as cases drawn from real-life. The MSc Information Security and IT Management is designed around small groups so you can be sure that you will have plenty of individual discussion with your tutors.

How will I be assessed?

Throughout the programme we will assess your vocational capability, academic critical thinking and intellectual development. Coursework, case studies, problem-solving exercises and exams may be used. You may be assessed individually or in a group.

Who will be teaching me?

You will be taught by highly qualified, experienced and enthusiastic academics who are research-active and regularly engage within the wider business and academic environment. Staff specialise in particular subjects so you will benefit from a wide range of knowledge and experience.

What are my career prospects?

The MSc in Information Security and IT Management will provide you with the skills and knowledge to develop your interests as an IT security professional and IT manager. As organisations become ever more dependent on IT, there are increasing opportunities for specialist positions related to security. The course provides knowledge and skills which underpin Information Systems Security Certification Consortium or (ISC)2 and ISACA certifications.

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Cybercrime threats are growing as the economy increasingly depends on the Internet, such as through cloud computing, electronic communication and e-commerce, with estimates showing that they cost the UK up to £27 billion annually.

In addition, surveys from PricewaterhouseCoopers and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills show a significant shortage of information security professionals and a lack of security awareness, especially in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), indicating an urgent need for student education, the provision of up-to-date educational resources, industry training and the embedding of good practice.

This MSc in Cyber Security addresses these requirements by increasing relevant knowledge and skills in line with the UK Government’s National Cyber Security Strategy, while also addressing the national skills shortage in information security.

You will develop an understanding of current issues in information security and cyber security, as well as gain in-depth knowledge of a variety of techniques for strategically managing IT, both as a resource and for analysing and controlling security risks.

What will I study?

You will study cyber security from the perspectives of technical aspects of network security, penetration testing and computer forensics, while also adopting a systematic approach to information security management.

The programme will cover topics including information security management; information risk management; implementing secure systems; information assurance methodologies and testing; operational security management; incident management; audit, assurance and review; and business continuity management.

How will I study?

The course is delivered primarily as taught modules. Each module typically involves a 3-hour face-to-face seminar every week for 12 weeks. You will study three modules each semester on the full-time programme, requiring attendance two days per week. For part-time students, modules are scheduled to enable evening study over two years.

Learning and teaching involves a variety of techniques, including lectures, case studies, problem-based learning, guest lectures from industry experts, student-led seminars, one-to-one tutorials, and technology-enhanced learning (such as via a virtual learning environment). Classes are highly interactive, with the practical application of concepts being a key factor, as well as case studies drawn from real-life.

How will I be assessed?

We will assess your vocational capability, academic critical thinking and intellectual development throughout the programme. Coursework, case studies, exams and problem-solving exercises may be used. You may be assessed individually or in a group.

Who will be teaching me?

You will be taught by highly qualified, experienced and enthusiastic academic staff who are research-active and fully engaged with the wider business and academic community.

What are my career prospects?

The MSc has been designed to meet the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) certification criteria for Masters degrees, as well as satisfying the professional body knowledge requirements of the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) and the Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC)².

The programme also aligns with international standards (ISO27001/2) for information security management systems and is informed by the PAS 555:2013 Cyber Security Risk Governance and Management Specification.

On successful completion of the course, you will be equipped with the necessary skills and expertise to work as a cyber security professional, or information security professional, in roles such as an information security engineer/manager, ISO27001 auditor, computer forensic analyst, cyber security specialist or security engineer.

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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 or courses with a significant component of either. Work experience will also be considered.

Delivering effective cyber security in a global business environment

In 2010, the UK government announced a 650 million pound investment strategy into Cyber Security & declared that Cyber-Security had become a ‘tier 1’ priority alongside international terrorism and major national incidents. The UK is one of many governments around the world which recognize the serious nature of the threat that is emerging from the cyber-sphere. 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. The course covers all aspects of Cyber Security including network security, computer security and information security. 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.

A Master's course uniquely embedded in industry

When you study the MSc Cyber Security and Management at WMG, Warwick, you will gain an exposure to industry that is unparalleled in many HEIs. All the cyber security modules contain a considerable input from industry, for instance in the academic year 2012-2013 alone, we had the following companies giving guest lectures to our students: HP, Amethyst Consulting, Deep Secure Ltd, Siskin Technolgy, SOCA (Serious Organised Crime Agency), CSC, VMware, OCSIA, Nottingham Police, Mozilla, Metropolitan Police, Kaspersky, Berwin Leighton Paisner, LW Risk Associates, Telefonica, IBM, Garren James Associates, Blackstage Forensics, Derbyshire NHS Trust and Nettitude.* But this is just one way in which students on the course engage with industry. Further to this, you will have opportunities to visit and present at conferences, participate in specialist industrial trips and even receive mentoring/advice from industry in key stages of your work.

Course Structure

The course is modular; each student takes a combination of core and elective modules. 9 modules are studied and assessed in total. Modules consist of nominally 40 hours directed tuition in the form of lectures, seminars, group work, presentations, case studies and e-learning. This is covered in a full-immersion, intensive week.

Modules are assessed by Post Module Assignment - this is typically a further 40 -60 hours of work.The taught modules account for 50% of the Master's degree. A major individual research project, submitted in the form of a dissertation accounts for the other 50%. This should take approximately 900 hours of study time. An oral examination is held upon completion.

For the current academic year (2017/18), the course comprises nine 10-credit modules and a 90-credit dissertation.Please note:Our course and module content and schedule is continually reviewed and updated to reflect the latest research expertise at Warwick, so it is therefore very important that you check the website for the latest information before you apply and when you accept an offer. warwick.ac.uk/wmgmasters/csm

Core modules

• Security Architectures and Network Defence
• Cryptosystems and Data Protection
• Information Risk Management and Governance
• Industrial Espionage and Counterfeiting
• Digital Forensics

Plus choose 3 from the list of modules below:

• Cyber Intelligence and Operations*
• Cyber-Physical Systems*
• Enterprise Cyber Security*
• Globalisation and Outsourcing
• Financial Analysis and Control Systems
• Leadership
• Organisations, People and Performance

* Modules required for the GCHQ Provisionally Certified Pathway Plus a ninth module from the full list of modules.

After you 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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