Cyber Security - Applied Cyber Security

Overview
The world's online security depends on you. Step up to the plate with this fascinating Master's course, taught by experts at one of the world's leading cyber security hubs.

About You
You'll be analytical, technical and a modern-day codebreaker. Cyber security is a challenge that will not go away, affecting companies, individuals and even governments. You could be:

A recent graduate – possibly a maths or engineering graduate with good programming skills, or you might be a good developer but have little knowledge of cyber security.

Already working in industry – experienced in technical software development, and looking to upskill and enhance your professional development.

An international student looking to study a UK master's degree, to meet the global need for cyber security skills.

About the Course
This innovative programme is at the forefront of technical advances in cutting-edge cyber security topics such as cryptography, computer forensics, malware, networking, software development, as well as investigating the increasingly important legal and ethical issues in cyber security.

This is an applied course, which mixes theoretical skills with practical work in the lab to give you hands-on experience.

Learning and Teaching
The course mixes lectures with practical,hands-on learning sessions. You you learn in a sandbox environment where you can experiment and make mistakes, enabling you to put your new skills into practice in hands-on cyber challenges.

You'll meet our researchers and learn how they apply the cutting edge research being developed here to cyber security technologies.

Professional Accreditations
Fully certified by GCHQ/NCSC

Course Details
The course comprises seven taught modules and a research project, and provides a broad foundation in cyber security.

The MSc in Applied Cyber Security is available in a full-time or a part-time option.

Full-time (1-year): Consists of seven taught modules (120 CATS points) and a 3-4 month practical project of a research nature (60 CATS). Students study seven taught modules (120 CATS). They will also commence an individual research project (60 CATS).

Part-time (2+ years): Part-time students are normally enrolled for two years. The first year will normally compromise four taught modules (60 CATS), and the second year normally comprises three taught modules (60 CATS) plus an individual research project (60 CATS).

Higher Level Apprenticeships based on part-time study are also available. Further information can be requested via the contact details below.

The individual Research Project focuses on applying taught skills to a leading edge issue in cyber security research. A dissertation is required for the project. Following tutor approval, the project may be undertaken as a summer placement at a company.

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

Full-Time/Part-Time

The MSc in Applied Cyber Security is available in a full-time or a part-time option:

Full-time (1-year): Consists of six taught modules (120 CATS) and a 3-4 month practical project of a research nature/work placement (60 CATS).

Students study all taught modules (120 CATS points) up to the end of the Semester 2 exam period. They will also commence an individual research project (60 CATS points) and continue this through to month 12.

As an integral part of the ELE8095 Individual Research Project, students may undertake summer work placements/internships lasting 3-4 months with local, national and international employers, under the regular supervision of an academic staff member and a staff member of the host organisation.

Part-time (2+ years): Part-time students are normally enrolled for two years. The first year will normally compromise the following modules: Ethical & Legal Issues in Cyber Security, Computer Forensics, and Applied Cryptography. The second year normally comprises Network Security & Monitoring, Software Assurance, Malware, and an individual research project. The part-time MSc consists of six taught modules (120 CATS) which are delivered alongside full-time students over a two year period (normally), and a practical research project (60 CATS) which may be on a work-based research project following tutor approval.

Students normally take three taught modules (60 CATS points) during Year 1, and three taught modules (60 CATS points) during Year 2. During Year 2 students will undertake the individual research project (60 CATS points.

Graduate
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 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 recent relevant technical experience in industry, for example, in programming. 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.

Please note that a non-refundable deposit of £400 is required (which will be deducted from tuition fees).

International Students
For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.

English Language Requirements
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level

Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

How to Apply
Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal go.qub.ac.uk/pgapply and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 30th June 2022 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. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.

PLEASE NOTE:

Applications for this course received after 30th June 2022 may not be accepted. In addition, a deposit will be required to secure a place.

1 academic year full-time, 2 academic years part-time.

Career Prospects
In keeping with the aims of GCHQ/NCSC certified Master's courses, this programme is intended to provide:
• a deeper understanding of cyber security concepts, principles, technologies and practices.

• a bridge between undergraduate degrees and careers in cyber security.

• a platform for further research at Doctoral level.

• an effective way for people in mid-career to enhance their knowledge of the subject or to move into cyber security as a change of career path.

Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.
http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/