MSc Applied Cyber Security

01 Sep 2023 - 31 Aug 2028

Course Leader Peter Eden
Course Team Mamoun Qasem, Richard Ward, Sharan Johnstone, Joshua Richards, Andrew Bellamy, Tom Harris, Nisha Rawindaran, Muhammad Awais, Christopher Manley, Rachael Medhurst
Awarding Body University of South Wales
Teaching Institutions University of South Wales
Modes of Study Full Time, Part Time

Document Version

Version 2
Valid From 01 Sep 2023
Valid To 31 Aug 2028

QAA Benchmarks

The course’s aims and learning outcomes support the requirements of the Quality Assurance Agency’s Subject Benchmark Statement for Computing (Masters) (QAA, 2019) and the course adheres to the QAA Master's Degree Characteristics Statement (QAA, 2020) - Characteristics Statements (qaa.ac.uk)

Educational Aim

The MSc Applied Cyber Security has the following generic aims which are stipulated by the British Computer Society:

a. To develop a systematic understanding of knowledge, tools and techniques at the forefront of the discipline and a critical awareness of trends and developments relevant to the field of study;

b. To develop an awareness of relevant professional practice, and related legal, social and ethical issues;

c. To enhance conceptual understanding of how research and enquiry methodologies are used to create and interpret knowledge within the discipline;

d. To develop the ability to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, apply understanding, develop ideas, solve problems and make sound judgements, often in the absence of complete data;

e. To develop the ability to employ reflection and clearly communicate conclusions, as well as the knowledge and rationale underpinning these, to specialist and non-specialist audiences;

f. To develop the student's ability to employ autonomy and originality in the application of the principles and practices of the discipline in producing a justified solution to a significant problem that is informed by a critical review of research, and facilitate the development of a self-directed, life-long learner.

 

The MSc Applied Cyber Security also has the following specific aims:

g. Develop and demonstrate a masterly understanding of information systems in terms of deterrence, detection, protection, and reaction to unauthorised access through evaluation.

h. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of forensic detection, its associated tools and practice;

i. Appraise tools and techniques and demonstrate an ability to apply digital forensics to a range of devices;

j. Through critical evaluation and synthesis, demonstrate knowledge of the salient legal and regulatory framework within which practitioners operate and the nature of related criminal activity in context.

Through synthesis and critical evaluation, demonstrate an understanding of research methodologies that are relevant to cyber security.

k. Appraise and interpret data and information for the management of an information system in terms of deterrence, detection, protection and reaction to unauthorised access;

l. Assess and defend decisions relating to computer systems security and network security that is informed by developments at the forefront of the field and demonstrate the practical skills necessary for their secure management;

m. Evaluate, manage and implement security and penetration testing at the operating system and network services level.

Learning Outcomes

A1 Appraise and demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices related to current trends and developments in Computing and Cyber Security
A2 Through critical evaluation and synthesis, demonstrate knowledge of research methodologies relevant to the field of Computing and Cyber Security;
A3 Appraise and demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the legal and regulatory framework within which Cyber Security is required to operate;
A4 Apply high-level analytical skills and demonstrate autonomy and originality, to solve a range of real-world /complex problems
A5 Through critical evaluation, demonstrate a systematic understanding of current practices, tools and techniques used in analysis and design tasks appropriate to the application discipline
B1 Extrapolate and critically analyse information from relevant technical literature and present research outputs both orally and by written report
B2 Critically evaluate Information System in terms of deterrence, detection, protection, reaction, and recovery to unauthorised access
B3 Critically assess the tools, techniques, and frameworks available to IT Directors and Managers of large organisations;
B4 Through systematic examination, differentiate between the different approaches and standards related to the implementation and management of cyber security within an organisation;
B5 Critically appraise the laws and ethics of computer crime, computer espionage and computer misuse.
C1 Acquire knowledge and skills in establishing and maintaining appropriate governance of (including processes, roles, awareness strategies, legal environment and responsibilities).
C2 Demonstrate the application of risk analysis, vulnerability analysis and threat assessment principles and methods.
C3 Analyse and demonstrate knowledge and application, the common technical security controls available to prevent, detect and recover from security incidents and to mitigate risk.
C4 Through critical analysis, identify and apply appropriate research methods and approaches.
C5 Identify, manage and respond to all aspects of cyber security, including reacting to new threats and vulnerabilities, secure operational and service delivery consistent with security polices, standards and procedures, and handling security incidents of all types according to common principles and practices, consistent with legal constraints and obligations, as well as capable of managing or investigating an information security incident at all levels;

Course Structure

Level 7 Modules

Module Code Module Id Module Title Module Status Credit Value Module Type
IY4S707 MOD001024 Network Security Running 20 specified
IY4S730 MOD012527 Legislation, Risk and Governance in Cyber Security  Running 20 specified
IY4S731 MOD012528 Security Management and Incident Response Running 20 specified
IY4S733 MOD012530 Advanced Security Concepts Running 20 specified
IY4S734 MOD012531 Applied Artificial Intelligence in Cyber Security  Running 20 specified
IY4T705 MOD012533 MSc Project Running 60 core
IY4S736 MOD013515 Leadership and Transformational Changes in a Digital Era Running 20 specified

Teaching and Assessment

Learning and Teaching Methods

Employer Engagement

Employer Engagement will be achieved by:

Visiting Speakers

Visits by employers will be organised at module or course level. Students are invited to a fortnightly industry guest speaker seminars arranged throughout the academic year and focusses on specialist areas related to Cyber Security. The aim of these seminars is to create employment opportunities and for students maintain market currency in their knowledge.

Volunteering

South Wales Police Cyber Volunteering Programme (via application)

Fieldtrips

Visits to local employers or external bodies may be organised as appropriate.

Work Placements

Students are able to apply for placements via our Careers and Employability teams and directly to employers.

Employer Forums

The University’s career service delivers several events throughout the academic year; fairs and forums, that bring together potential employers, current students, and recent graduates to meet, either online or in-person, to discuss opportunities and seek guidance on their future careers.

In 2021, the career service partnered with top employers across the country to create an exclusive All Wales Virtual Careers fair for students to access online and was very well received by our students.

Other

Most modules use case studies, scenarios, and examples from the cyber security industry to illustrate concepts and their importance. Opportunities for work-related learning activities continue as students engage in and contribute in a positive manner to the solution of world of work tasks and problems.

Means of Assessment

Learning Support

Induction

During the first week of attendance the course team will plan and deliver a range of induction activities which are pre published to students via the USW Fox system. Inductions are designed to welcome students to the course and the university and introduce them to the course team and university systems they will be using, or may need to interact with, such as student services, DDS etc.

Personal Academic Coach

Although there is no formal Personal Academic Coaching embedded into the programme, the Course Leader will act as the pastoral support point of contact.

Learner Analytics

Learner Analytics such as engagement and progression data can be obtained using a variety of tools such as Course Evaluation within UniLearn (Blackboard) and JISC. The data is used to monitor course engagement and students not engaging are contacted initially by the Course Leader to determine the reason for absence and offer pastoral support and may result in a referral to the USW progression and engagement team.

Office hours

Staff are generally available when they are not teaching both in person and remotely using other methods such as Microsoft Teams. Office hours are 9-5 and are published, along with staff contact details on each module, within the VLE. As with the undergraduate course, published drop-in sessions with the Course Leader will be made available.

Tutorials

Every module has at least one hour of tutorial or lab practical where students are able to apply and practice what they are learning and receive individual support. Tutorials help to clarify and reflect on lecture content and frequently use problem solving scenarios and case studies.

Seminars

Students are invited to a fortnightly industry guest speaker seminars arranged throughout the academic year and focusses on specialist areas related to Cyber Security. The aim of these seminars is to create employment opportunities and for students maintain market currency in their knowledge.

Formative Assessment

Lectures and tutorials contain formative exercises to encourage students to experiment and gain practical experience. Staff provide cohort feedback to aid development.

Progress meetings

Students undertaking their MSc project are assigned a project supervisor who also undertakes the role of pastoral course tutor. Regular meetings are arranged throughout the duration of the project.

Research Supervision

Students undertaking their MSc project are assigned a project supervisor. Regular meetings are arranged throughout the duration of the project.

Online Resources

Teaching and coursework assessment materials are made available on-line through the University’s virtual learning environment (UniLearn). Modern computing laboratories provide access to specialist resources and students can gain remote access to software if working from home. Each student has an academic e-mail account that is particularly useful when requesting support from teaching and tutorial staff.

Advice Zone

USW students have access to the Advice Zone. Typically, this falls under the purview of Student Services. Students can use the USW Advice Zone for any problems they may have and will deal with the USW Advice Zone for guidance on applying for Extenuating Circumstances, Appeals etc.

Disability

Students with disabilities and learning difficulties can access initial assessment and appropriate support to meet their needs through the Disability and Dyslexia service (DDS). Agreed support is documented on an Individual Student Support plan (ISP) which is issued to the course team and kept on the students’ record. Consideration is given to students with ISP requirements when designing assessments and the Universal Design for Learning is adopted. In addition to this, students with any disabilities or any support concerns can request support from Student Services or USW advice zone.

IT/Library

USW has a modern up-to date library which provides access to textbooks, journals, on-line materials, many of which are available via the electronic Find It Service and can be accessed remotely. Students are issued with a recommended reading list for each module to supplement their learning and directed to specific texts. IT equipment is available in the library and loan PC’s can be booked via ITS to help students with their studies.

Course Exit Points

Award Criteria Final
Postgraduate Certificate 60 credits with at least 40 at Level 7 and no more than 20 at Level 6 Exit
Master of Science 180 credits of which at least 150 must be at Level 7 and no more than 30 at Level 6 Final
Postgraduate Diploma 120 credits of which at least 90 must be at Level 7 and no more than 30 at Level 6 Exit

Progression Route

Typically, MSc graduates continue their careers in industry or commence doctoral research.

Entry Requirements

Admission to the course is typically through the following qualifications:

The MSc Applied Cyber Security is designed for graduates with a minimum 2:2 Honours degree or equivalent in a connected subject. Typically, entrants will have graduated in a technical degree – such as Applied Cyber Security, Computer Security, Computer Science, Information Technology – and need to further develop their skills within Cyber Security.

Candidates applying to the course with non-standard qualifications will be judged on an individual basis using Recognition of Prior Learning procedures as defined in the University’s Regulations. For example, the University may admit students based on their prior experiential learning, provided that it is identifiable, relevant to the programme of study for which they are applying and provides sufficient evidence of their ability.

The School of Computing and Mathematics seeks actively to promote University policies on equal opportunities and widening access and will seek to recruit as wide a range of students as the current mode of attendance and admission requirements permit. The procedures, criteria, and regulations for admission, including promotion of wider access and equal opportunities will follow those established for the existing post-graduate provision offered by the School of Computing and Mathematics. Normally, evidence will be sought of successful completion of an under-graduate Honours degree and, where appropriate, a minimum average IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 6.5.

Inclusive Curriculum Statement

The University of South Wales operates a policy of inclusive learning, teaching and assessment to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Course teams will have considered ways of designing out any potentially disadvantageous element of courses during the course design process. However some specific needs may remain, details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3040-disability-and-dyslexia-service/

Addendum for Delivery at a Partner Institution

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Methods Of Quality Standards

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Quality Of Standards Indicators

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