Cyber Security - MSc

The aim of this module is to provide students with an understanding of digital forensic principles, modern examination techniques using current best practices for handling digital evidence in a forensically sound manner.  This module emphasises a ‘practice-led’ approach to developing practical skills and theoretical knowledge of digital forensic investigation techniques using open-source and commercial forensic tools.  Students will acquire the keys skills necessary in conducting and auditing a systematic forensic investigation of a computer system for user activity, operating system operation, configuration and connectivity.  Practical sessions comprises a series of hands-on analytical experiments to progressively unpack the more advanced aspects of the topic being investigated. All practical sessions will be hosted in the specialist Computer Forensics Laboratory.

The module provides students with an opportunity to learn and critically reflect on the skills of Advanced Ethical Hacking and information security within a global context. This module builds on the knowledge and underpinning theory from the networking modules and reviews the requirements for a secure network communication system.

This module prepares students for the research project that they will undertake towards the end of their master’s course. It equips students with knowledge and transferable skills that will also help them in their subsequent career, for example, when they are asked to write a report or to carry out an IT project. The students will become familiar with the research literature in their discipline, research methodology and research ethics, as well as project management tools, methods and techniques.

This module aims to introduce learners to the security of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS). Taking a holistic approach, the module will cover both operational and information technology (OT and IT) aspects of the CPS. The module will enable learners to familiarise with the state of the art with respect to CPS security through research-informed curriculum and engagement with the cutting-edge during the module. Specifically, the module will include introduction to unique security requirements for such systems, identify cyber security threat landscape for CPS, and include discussions around methods and mechanisms to protect against security threats along with codes of practice and standards used in different industries such as Manufacturing, Power, Automotive or Medical.

The module covers information security governance and its associated body of knowledge and aims to develop students’ technical competence in information assurance. Security measures for adequate protection of valuable information assets are essential to guard business success, reputation, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. This module provides students with in-depth knowledge and understanding of the concepts, methods, processes, tools and practices underlying good information security governance. Topics to be covered include security governance, risk management, security programme development and management, legislation, policies, standards, frameworks, and issuing bodies, business continuity and cybercrime.

This module covers the concepts and techniques of applied artificial intelligence (AI), focusing on the machine learning applications in practice. It provides the underpinning principles on the design and development of AI to address emerging challenges in the cyber world. A range of machine-learning schemes are examined, including identification of anomalous situations that alter data reliability and integrity. In addition, the students will develop related analytical and practical skills that can be applied in designing AI for data processing applications.