Computer Networking and Cyber Security – MSc

Why study this course?

Our Computer Networking and Cyber Security MSc postgraduate course includes Cisco accreditation and is designed for those wishing to pursue a career in computer networking and cyber security. During the course, you’ll develop the ability to design and manage robust networking and cyber security systems.

Keeping computer systems secure is one of the most challenging tasks of our time. To help you rise to the challenge, this MSc provides knowledge in the very latest security principles, tools and techniques taught by specialist staff in a dedicated IT security laboratory. You’ll also gain an understanding of the principles underpinning effective approaches to cyber defence in response to a cyber attack.

Guest speakers from the industry will complement the teaching staff and enhance and challenge your knowledge of computer networking and cyber security.

Our Computer Networking and Cyber Security MSc degree has been accredited with partial CITP status by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT. This accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by BCS. As a graduate of this course, accreditation will also entitle you to professional membership of BCS, which is an important part of the criteria for achieving Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status through the Institute.

The course has also achieved partial CENG status by BCS on behalf of the Engineering Council. Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). An accredited degree will provide you with some or all of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.

More about this course

This master’s course offers you a unique opportunity to combine knowledge of networking technologies with cyber security and gain Cisco accreditation. Such a combination is attractive to employers who increasingly seek graduates in this field.

The growing international consensus is that increased cyber security skills are needed in order to respond to the number and sophistication of digital threats. Governments, corporations and large and small organisations recognise this as a priority, and so are on the lookout for graduates of a high calibre to work in this field.

Our Communications Technology group was one of the first university groups in the UK to be awarded the Cisco Networking Academy accreditation in 1998. Since then, we have been running short and evening courses in Cisco CCNA and CCNP certification. These are two of the most prestigious vocational certifications valued in computer networking and its related industries.

Several of the modules in both the CCNA and CCNP are currently embedded in the Computer Networking and Cyber Security MSc course, allowing you to learn the relevant Cisco certification.

The ten practical sessions will be housed in specialist laboratories with up-to-date networking technology equipment, including our IT Security Laboratory. 

Accreditation of Prior Learning

Any university-level qualifications or relevant experience you gain prior to starting university could count towards your course.

Modular structure

The modules listed below are for the academic year 2022/23 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.

Year 1 modules include:

Cyber Security Management (core, 20 credits)

Cybercrime and Cyber Security (core, 20 credits)

MSc Project (core, 60 credits)

Network Routing Protocols (core, 20 credits)

Switched Networks (core, 20 credits)

Digital Forensics (option, 20 credits)

Hardening Network Infrastructure (option, 20 credits)

Network Troubleshooting (option, 20 credits)

Security Auditing and Penetration Testing (option, 20 credits)

Where this course can take you

There is an abundance of sectors and industries that require the skills and knowledge you’ll develop on this course. Your skills in networking, network security and cyber security, IT security and computer forensics will be highly valuable. You could become a network engineer, network manager, cyber security consultant, crime and computer forensic and network security professional.