Cyber Security - Applied Cyber Security

Overview

Work towards a Master’s at your own pace with our Flexible part-time pathway



This Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) program is designed for those seeking a flexible, part-time route to achieving a full Master’s (MSc) degree.



Starting with the PGCert, you will complete 60 CAT points. Upon successful completion, you will have the opportunity to progress to the Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip), and finally, complete the MSc by undertaking the remaining project module and dissertation.



This flexible structure allows you to balance your studies with your professional and personal commitments while still working toward a full MSc qualification.



This pathway also provides flexibility for students to exit after completing the PgCert.



PgCert Applied Cyber Security addresses the Skills Shortage in Cyber Security as identified in the Strategic Framework for Action. Cyber Security is vital to all sectors and industries as every aspect of daily life becomes increasingly connected, including contactless and online payments, health, and wellness monitoring devices, connected cars, and connected devices within our homes. Cyber Security skills are essential to every business and organisation.



This PgCert Applied Cyber Security plays a vital role in the overall Cyber Security architecture by developing specialist Cyber Security skills. The PgCert:



- The skills identified are recognised and valued by employers.

- It will attract talented individuals who wish to improve their skills and mobility within the Cyber Security sector.

- Candidates who complete the PgCert will see a recognisable career value and be sought after as part of career progression.

- A flexible part-time delivery model will enable those already employed to undertake the course while minimising disruption to their regular work.



This programme is aimed at:

- Experienced software engineers who wish to upskill into Cyber Security,

- New graduates in Software who are seeking an accelerated route into Cyber Security.

- Career changes which have been in generic IT roles and have recently completed a software degree or PgCert.



About The Course

This innovative programme is at the forefront of technical advances in cutting-edge Cyber Security topics such as Network Security & Monitoring, Software Assurance and Penetration Testing. This is an applied course, which mixes theoretical skills with practical work in the lab to give you hands-on experience.

Course Details

Penetration Testing - 20 CATS

This module seeks to develop a student's skills in penetration testing, in line with recommendations in Cybok. Students will develop a methodical approach to evaluating the security profile of companies and applications by using best practices in Pen-testing and Ethical Hacking. The student will develop an understanding of test infrastructures for vulnerabilities and malicious attack.



Software Assurance - 20 CATS

On completion of this module, the successful student will have achieved the following learning outcomes:

Understand and analyse the cyber security threat landscape; apply software assurance best practice;

manage and implement software assurance processes; critically assess security requirements;

identify risks and vulnerabilities in software components; implement secure coding standards and software verification.



Network Security & Monitoring - 20 CATS

On completion of this module, the successful student will have achieved the following learning outcomes:

Comprehensive understanding of key problems in network security and the treat landscape. Critical awareness of how network traffic can be manipulated and the network misused to enable attacks, the consequent risks, and an ability to select mitigation measures. Ability to devise, analyse and make judgements on the effectiveness of prevention, monitoring and detection tools and methodologies. Ability to design and assess a network architecture.



Modules are regularly updated to reflect new developments in the dynamic field of cyber security. Modules offered may be subject to change.

Normally a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical and/or Electronic Engineering, Mathematics with Computer Science, Physics with Computer Science or a related discipline. Applicants must normally have achieved 2:1 standard or above in relevant modules.



Applicants who hold a 2.2 Honours degree and a Master’s degree (or equivalent qualifications acceptable to the University) in one of the above disciplines will be considered on a case-by-case basis.



All applicants will be expected to have mathematical ability and significant programming experience as evidenced either through the content of their primary degree or through another appropriate formal qualification. It would be beneficial if applicants have experience programming in C and working in a Linux environment.



Applications may be considered from those who do not meet the above requirements but can provide evidence of significant recent relevant technical experience in industry, for example, in programming. Significant experience will be indicated by five or more years hands on technical experience in industry. Management type roles will not be considered as relevant experience.



AICC/NI Cyber funding: A limited number of fully funded places (provided by the Department for the Economy) are available for this programme for eligible applicants resident in Northern Ireland. Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible in order to be considered for a funded place. You will be notified as soon as possible whether your application has been selected for a funded place. If you have not been selected for a funded place, we will accept self-funded or employer-funded applicants, if spaces are available.



The University's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy provides guidance on the assessment of experiential learning (RPEL). Please visit http://go.qub.ac.uk/RPLpolicy for more information.

https://www.qub.ac.uk/about/Leadership-and-structure/Faculties-and-Schools/Engineering-and-Physical-Sciences/AICC/

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 30th June 2025 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.



Please note: A deposit will be required to secure a place on this course.



In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page. Please note: a deposit will be required to secure a place.

1 year (Part Time)

Entry Year: 2025/26