MSc Computer Security

COURSE OVERVIEW

Interest in computer security is booming. From whistle-blower Edward Snowden to the NHS ransomware attack, the increase in cybercrime has led to a strong demand for security experts in this area. This online course will teach you how to protect and safeguard the information stored on digital devices around the world.

With an in-depth focus on penetration testing and the implementation of defensive measures, your course will enhance your existing computing knowledge and develop your security expertise. We will teach you how to break systems in order to tighten their security and stop others from breaking into them, and you will develop new methods to protect a company's security.

You will gain hands-on experience in a Virtual Learning Environment. Connecting to a remote machine from your PC or laptop, you will discover how to 'hack' and defend machines in order to test their security using safe and legal training procedures.

To successfully protect organisations you're going to learn how to hack into machines, introduce viruses, and break systems. However, for legal, ethical, and moral reasons we don't want you doing this on your own machines. That's why we provide you with a learning environment that will allow you to connect to a remote machine, providing you with a virtual environment to practise what you learn.

This is a course that can be studied from the comfort of your own home. It is taught entirely online, providing you with practical scenarios in which you can role-play as an IT security professional.

A virtual learning environment is provided which will host all the relevant material for the course and, where appropriate, weekly online lectures or tutorials will be given.

TEACHING & LEARNING

Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.

Our silver status in the latest Teaching Excellence Framework, reflects our commitment to deliver high-quality teaching, learning and outcomes for our students.