Cyber Security - Applied Cyber Security

About The Course
This innovative programme is at the forefront of technical advances in cutting-edge cybersecurity 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.

PgCert Applied Cybersecurity addresses the Skills Shortage in Cybersecurity as identified in the Strategic Framework for Action. Cybersecurity 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. Cybersecurity skills are essential to every business and organisation.

This PgCert Applied Cybersecurity plays a vital role in the overall cybersecurity architecture by developing specialist cybersecurity 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 cybersecurity 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 cybersecurity,

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

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

By completing this PG Cert successfully with 60 CAT points, you will be eligible to progress directly into Year 2 of study on the MSc Applied Cybersecurity.

Applied Cyber Security Highlights
The demand for certified cyber security professionals is currently growing at over 12 times the rate of the overall job market.

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 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 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.

International Students
Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.

English Language Requirements
Applicants 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. Please see the following link for further information: https://www.qub.ac.uk/International/International-students/Applying/English-language-requirements/

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.

The closing date for applications is Friday 28th July 2023 at 12 noon.

Places available on this programme are limited. Where there are more eligible applications received than places available, the academic selectors for this programme will make offers in rank order based on academic merit and potential as evidenced in the totality of the information provided in each application. We will operate a waiting list as required to allow us to fill all available places.

Please Note: In addition, a deposit will be required to secure a place.

How to Apply
Applications should be submitted online via the Postgraduate Applications Portal for admission to the vast majority of postgraduate programmes.

New applicants will need to register via the Portal to create an application account. If you are already a Queen's student with an active Qsis account, you can log in using your student number and Qsis password. Guidance on how to complete an application is provided within the Portal and it is possible to save application data and return to complete it at a later date, if you wish. After core details about yourself and your academic background have been provided, you can submit an application, or multiple applications, if required.

If you applied in a previous cycle through the Portal and are re-applying, you should use your previous log in details. Please review and update your personal and contact details, academic and professional qualifications before submitting a new application.

Important – please ensure that the email address you provide is correct and active, as this will be used by us to communicate the progress of your application to you.

1 year (Part Time)