MSc Cyber Security

  • Study Mode: Full Time
  • Location: High Wycombe
  • Duration: One Year
  • Start Date: September 2024

Our MSc in Cyber Security will help you develop a deep understanding of how to analyse and protect variant system’s application against threats and risks, putting you at a competitive advantage when applying for any cyber security roles.

Buckinghamshire New University has strong expertise in the security industry and our academics are experienced industry professionals. You will also benefit from our specialist computing suite on our High Wycombe Campus.

I think learning experience and on-demand industrial skills gained from different core modules of this course which is well balanced between both technical and management aspects of cybersecurity is my best takeaway of this course.
Harihara Sudhan
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Why study this subject?

The expanding area of Cyber Security and Resilience in the computing field is being strongly promoted by the UK government’s Industrial Strategy as a prime focus for the future of the country’s security development. A master’s in cyber security will help you develop the in demand technical and managerial skills and knowledge to help you gain a role in this exciting area. It will also help IT business specialists and managers seeking to gain a deeper understanding of cyber security solutions in a strategic, technical, consultancy or management context.

 

BNU has been a great learning experience for myself. It’s a great university, especially for international students. The quality of teaching is very good and there’s a lot of support from tutors. I am very satisfied with my course leaders and the Student Hub. The lecturers are always willing to help and the material has helped me to grow professionally in order to become work ready. So many opportunities have come out of my time at BNU and I have loved studying here.
Anjali Bajaj
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Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

Our MSc in Cyber Security focuses on technical and management security areas, technologies, trends and polices in the security sector.

It is designed to incorporate guidance from the Communications Electronics Security Group (CESG), a group within the UK Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), as well as Institute of Information Security Professionals and Information Security Skills Framework (IISP).

You will also get opportunities to expand your knowledge both inside and outside of the lecture theatre. Students have previously visited sites of historical importance, including Bletchley Park, to learn more about the history of computing and how it impacted the world.

You will learn modern technical tools such as:

  • network and software security
  • artificial intelligent systems security
  • cloud computing systems security
  • mobile systems security
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You will also develop:

  • management skills in business continuity and disaster recovery
  • cyber security assurance and risk management
  • research techniques.

We are proud to have a partnership with Amazon for running Amazon AWS Academy at BNU, helping you gain industry standard knowledge and skills and further enhance your career prospects.

You will be able to practice the technology provided by the world cloud leader and undertake a free Amazon AWS official certification MOC exam, and gain a 50% discount on Amazon AWS (Cloud Architecture) official certification exam (optional for students). For further information, please contact Dr Rafid Al-Khannak.

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Female on laptop showing a locked screen for security
Studying Cyber Security at level 7 with Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) has been inspiring. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and hurricanes forcing closures, the lecturing and administration staff upheld the demands of students whilst staying committed to the syllabus. The course was relevant, intensive, enlightening and rewarding.
Kofi Asiedu-Berchie

What facilities can I use?

We’ve invested in a range of state-of-the-art facilities across our campuses to support your learning. You will benefit from our specialist computing suite in the Gateway building on our High Wycombe campus

Our library, also located in the Gateway Building, is the perfect place to find the resources you need and a quiet place to study, filled with four floors of books, journals, computer suites and study rooms. Or, if you’d rather work off campus, e-Journals and resources are only a few clicks away using our Virtual Learning Environment.

What will I study?

Our MSc in Cyber Security will help give you the technical and business skills cyber security employers are looking for. You’ll have the chance to acquire skills in design, development and programming, for a comprehensive range computing activities including building information data stores and secure web and mobile applications.

You’ll work on team-based software projects whilst exploiting an agile development approach. We’ll help you learn how to develop highly dependable and reliable computer systems, within an object-oriented design approach, using several industry standard methodologies. You’ll also look at the process involved in managing the development of large-scale complex software projects.

We will help you to:

  • obtain the relevant certifications to enhance your employability profile
  • understand clearance requirements – as many jobs in cyber security require a security clearance which can affect your eligibility
  • develop professional relationships and demonstrate an interest in the cyber security industry
  • build a portfolio
  • seek opportunities to demonstrate your expertise by co-presenting at industry conferences and completing relevant projects
  • join an association to help you stay abreast of industry trends
  • look for ways to integrate with professional experience through summer internships, job shadowing or work-study jobs.

How will I be taught and assessed?

Our supportive academics are experienced industry professionals and will facilitate problem-based learning via case-studies and classroom-based exercises throughout the course.

You will also benefit from guest lecturers as well as industrial visits, helping you to understand current practices and prepare you for working life as a cyber security professional.

You will attend sessions within our specialist computing suite in the Gateway building on our High Wycombe campus. This will include using our specialist networking lab for those modules involving any aspect of network or cloud-based development and/or security.

The majority of the assessment comes from coursework or team projects appropriate to the module, often involving essay or report writing, artefact construction or portfolio construction. Some modules will also make use of individual and group project presentations, as well as in class time-constrained tests and formal examinations.

MSc Cyber Security Programme Specification

What are the course entry requirements?

Applicants will be assessed on their academic qualifications although previous experience and interest in computing, IT, business or management is desirable.

A typical offer will include 2:2 honours degree or equivalent qualification in computing, web development, computer sciences, software engineering, system engineering, mathematics with computer science, physics with computer science or a related discipline.

Applicants who don’t meet the above requirements but have technical/management experience in industry could be considered (subject to interview).

General Postgraduate Requirement for IELTS -  6.5 (6.0)

Modules

This provides a guide of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our Academic Advice section.

What are the tuition fees

Home

Home, Academic Year 2024 - 2025

£13,330 per year

International

Overseas/International, Academic Year 2024 - 2025

£19,000 per year

Additional course costs and financial support

Most courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees.
You could benefit from financial support through a bursary or scholarship during your time as a student. For more details visit our financial support, bursaries and scholarships section.

Questions about fees?

If you have any questions about the fees above, contact our Enquiries team by calling 0330 123 2023 or emailing advice@bnu.ac.uk.

What are my career prospects?

Graduates from our MSc Cyber Security will have gained the knowledge and skills needed to sit some of the leading industry exams and certifications and to become leading specialists in the cyber security industry.

Positions can include:

  • Systems Security Specialist
  • Cyber Security Engineer
  • System Security Analyst/Architect
  • Information Analyst/Architect
  • Security Analyst
  • Security Engineer/Architect
  • Security IT Manager/Director
  • Systems Administrator
  • Network Architect/Engineer
  • CISO/CSO
  • Forensics Investigator.

Based on the SANS survey the top four industries for cyber security professionals are:

  • banking/finance/insurance
  • information technology/management
  • government
  • consulting/professional services.

Did you know?

We are one of the top 10 UK universities mostly likely to produce graduates who go on to own or manage a business (Capital on Tap, 2021), find out more about this excellent news.

Course leader

Rafid Al-Khannak - staff profile
Dr Rafid Al-Khannak
  • Senior Lecturer
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Dr Carlo Lusuardi
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Justin Luker
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Gavin Butler
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Dr Shahadate Rezvy
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A headshot of a smiling John McCarthy, a lecturer in Cyber Security at BNU.
John McCarthy
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