MSc Computer Science (Cyber Security) Part time distance learning

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About the course

MSc Computer Science (Cyber Security) part time distance learning 
Start date:

25 September 2023

29 January 2024

 

Join the fight against malicious programs and cybercrime on our Computer Science (Cyber Security) MSc. We will give you the skills you need to become a cyber security and digital forensics professional – intercepting, collecting, analysing and reporting the events in cyberspace and digital media.

Put yourself on the cyber security front line with Staffordshire University. We have specialised computer laboratories, isolated from university networks, to give you vital experience in the most current security threats - and more importantly, how to protect against and neutralise them.

With us, you will gain advanced knowledge and skills in the theories, principles, practices and technologies of cyber security and digital forensics. Our research-driven and industry-connected academic staff also aim to enrich you in the different ethical and lawful issues, to make you readily employable after graduation.

Our course is focused around recent advances and developments as well as employer-needs and covers the notion of software weaponisation, and the tools and technologies in discovering the cybercrime. 

If you choose to leave before completing the full 180 credit MSc course, you are entitled to a lower award if you have achieved pass grades for the necessary credits. This would be 60 taught module credits for a Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) or 120 taught module credits for a Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip).

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MSc Computer Science (Cyber Security)

Course content
Our course will provide you with not only a thorough understanding of the tool and techniques involved in cyber security and digital forensics, but the opportunity to specialise in certain branches in each stage of the course.

Modules will give you a rounded knowledge of cyber security, cybercrime analysis, penetration testing, mobile forensics, and digital forensics, ready for you to complete your final dissertation.

The MSc dissertation is your final project and your chance to specialise in whatever field of cyber security you choose. This will be supervised by one of our industry-expert academics and is a chance to showcase your knowledge, and provide you with a springboard to launch yourself into a cyber security career.

Modules
This map is an indicative list of compulsory modules for 2022/2023. The range of modules available, and the content of any individual module are subject to change in future years, and according to the mode of study, entry date, award type. In the event of any 2022-2023 compulsory modules changing, we will contact offer holders as soon as possible to inform or consult them as appropriate.

Year 1 Compulsory Modules 

  • Operating System Security 
  • Digital Forensic Fundamentals 
  • Cyber Operations
  • Mobile Forensics 
  • Research Methods
  • Professional Secure Networks 
  • Cybercrime Forensic Analysis
  • Penetration Testing 
  • Dissertation

Entry Requirements 

An undergraduate honours degree (grade 2.2 or above in a related computing discipline from a UK University or the international equivalent).

If you do not meet the above but have significant appropriate experience, your application will be considered, provided that you satisfy the University that you are capable of responding to the challenge of postgraduate work. 

If your first language is not English, you will need to demonstrate that you are fluent enough to cope with the course. A minimum score of IELTS 6 or TOEFL 550 (213 computer-based) is normally required.

Careers
After completing the Computer Science (Cyber Security) MSc, you’ll be equipped to work in the following roles:

  • Security engineer
  • Security analyst
  • Security administrator
  • Digital Forensic Investigator
  • Security specialist
  • Security consultant

Eager for more knowledge? Upon completion, you’ll be ideally placed for further academic study at PhD level.


Study time
Teaching
We know that everyone learns differently. So, not only do we use traditional ways of teaching like lectures, we also use problem-based learning to help you apply your skills.

For this course, you will:

  • Delve deeper into subject areas in workshops
  • Be expected to study independently

Our teaching is supported through our Virtual Learning Environment called Blackboard. This means you can access a range of materials to support your lectures wherever you are.

We’ll also assign you a supervisor to support you throughout your research project.

Assessment
There are two types of assessments: practice (also called formative) or formal (also called summative).

Practice assessments do not count towards your final mark. These are your chance to test your understanding – and learn how to improve for the real thing.

You’ll have formal assessments at the end of each module. These could include essays, exams, or portfolios.

Learning support
Your course tutors will provide lots of support. But you can also take advantage of our Academic Skills team, who can help you with:

  • Study skills (including reading, note-taking, presentation skills)
  • Written English (including punctuation, grammar)
  • Academic writing (including how to reference)
  • Research skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Revision, assessment and exam skills (including time management)

Additional support
If you have additional needs like dyslexia or a sensory impairment, then our AccessAbility Services are here to help make sure nothing stands in your way.

Feedback
We know that it’s important for you to be able to gauge your progress. So, your tutor will give you feedback on any practice assessments you do.

We usually give you feedback on formal assessments within 20 working days, but the format will vary for each module.

 For the course starting on 26 September 2022 the tuition fees are:

 
Tuition fees for MSc Part-time, distance learning
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Part-time £9810 
International: £9810
 
For the course starting on 29 January 2024 the tuition fees are:
 
Tuition fees for MSc Part-time, distance learning
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Part-time £9810
International: £9810

Alumni discount
If you have previously completed an undergraduate degree with us, you may be entitled to a discount off your course fee for any subsequent postgraduate taught course. For further information please contact Graduate Relations.

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