Cyber Security - Applied Cyber Security with Professional Internship

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.

The MSc Applied Cyber Security with Professional Internship is a two-year programme. The first year comprises taught modules and a research project. The second year comprises an internship up to 12 months in industry in a cyber security related role. To progress to an internship in the second year students must secure an internship before the end of the first year. Students must also pass all modules before beginning an internship.

Applicants should be aware that students must be proactive in applying to appropriate companies to have the best chance of securing an internship. Internships are not offered by the university. This is a competitive recruitment exercise outside the control of the university, and some students may not be successful. Students who are unable to secure an internship will transfer to the 1-year MSc Applied Cyber Security and graduate after one year.

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.

Applied Cyber Security With Professional Internship Highlights
Our MSc is one of an elite number of UK master's degrees in cyber security to achieve GCHQ/NCSC Certification.

Professional Accreditations
Fully certified by GCHQ/NCSC
https/www.ncsc.gov.uk/information/ncsc-certified-degrees

Course Details
The course, comprising seven taught modules and a research project, 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).

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).

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 with Professional Internship is only available in a full-time option.

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.

Pending satisfactory completion of taught modules, students will normally commence their Professional Internship sometime in September for a period of up to 12 months. The exact time of commencement may depend upon internship procedures of the host company.

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 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 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
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.

Please Note:
Applications for this course received after 30th June 2023 may not be accepted. In addition, a deposit will be required to secure a place.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 30th June 2023 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.

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.

2 years (Full Time)

Career Prospects
Introduction
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 our innovative MSc Applied Cyber Security programme integrates a range of unique and exciting opportunities to interact and engage with business and research leaders in cyber security, ensuring we help our students to gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.
http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/