Cyber Security and Pen Testing MSc

During this module you will develop a systematic understanding of the concepts, protocols and standards for computer networks and internetworking, used in current and future communication infrastructures. It is vital in today's networking market that network managers, administrators and engineers have a critical insight and practical experience of the essential tools used for monitoring, managing and evaluating computer networks. This module is designed to equip you with these problem solving and practical skills.

This module focuses on the design and implementation of the modern operating systems and application environments used to build commercial, online applications. The module examines key operating concepts including processes and threads, memory management, scheduling, inter-process communication (IPC), device drivers, storage systems, multiprocessor systems, micro-kernels and networking interfaces. You will concentrate on Linux, Windows, Apple iOS and Android operating systems before focusing on a detailed study of key application environments including the Eclipse IDE, XCode, and Android SDK. Finally, we look at the concept of virtual machines and building applications for the cloud using the Google GAE SDK.

This module covers the concepts and critical issues of security with emphasis on security architecture and mechanisms, standards, protocols, solutions and applications. It will provide you with an understanding of security technologies, algorithms and solutions as well as an understanding of the design criteria in security, basic system security analysis, and security solution synthesis.

The aim of this module is to provide you with the knowledge and experience in methodological approach to computer forensics and evidence analysis. It will familiarise you with the methods intruders use to gain unauthorised access to an organisation's networked systems and then compromise them.

This is module covers the principles and foundations of network security. It aims at providing students with security issues, technologies, algorithms and protocols used in securing computer networks and associated systems. It will also provide an understanding of possible security breaches, security risk analysis and mechanisms to protect computer and network communication systems. It also studies an in-depth review of commonly-used security mechanisms and techniques, security threats and network-based attacks.

This module provides you with a solid introduction to the subject of cyber security and information assurance. This includes a broad understanding of the security technologies available to support information assurance and security requirements and vulnerabilities corresponding to attack vectors. It will also explore regulation of Investigatory Powers Act, E-commerce Bill, key escrow.

This module is an independent piece of work shaped largely by one’s own decisions and preferences to accomplish and deliver a task via prescribed stages. The module aims to facilitate students’ understanding of designing, planning and conducting applied research. The module encourages students to apply and test theory and to contribute to applications, through enhancing students’ ability to handle data for problem solving and evaluation; to test theory using analysis and simulations, integrating the learning from other modules.

This is an intensive course and much of your study will be independent.

You'll develop your practical skills in laboratory sessions delivered online, and deepen your theoretical knowledge by attending lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials.

The course is delivered by our academics and industry partners in person and via digital platforms. Our learning activities include lectures, presentations, webinars, one-to-one tutorials and group projects.

You'll be taught by an experienced teaching team with a wide range of expertise and professional experience.

You will be based at our north London campus. Our cyber security lab is in the Hatchcroft building and the Computer Network lab is in the Ritterman building.

If you're a full-time student, you should expect to spend a maximum of three days a week in classes. If you're studying part-time, you should expect one or two days a week.

We aim to make timetables available to students at least 2 weeks before the start of term. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on campus sessions.

In a typical year, you’ll spend about 1200 hours on your course.

Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework and presentations.

Typical weekly breakdown

A typical week looks like this:

For placement, there may be additional hours.

Learning terms

On-campus: This includes tutor-led sessions such as seminars, lab sessions and demonstrations as well as student-led sessions for work in small groups.

Online learning: This is teaching that is delivered online using tools like Skype or Zoom, as well as work that you do yourself using online teaching resources.

Independent study: This is the work you do in your own time including reading and research.

Part-time study

You can also study this course part-time.

As well as exams, tests and your research project, you’ll be assessed through practical assignments, including laboratory work, and through coursework including essays, reports, presentations and class discussions. Some assessed work will be group work.

For your independent project, you'll plan, conduct and produce an original piece of research relevant to the industry – either using existing or emerging technology to solve a practical problem or extending the theoretical understanding of new technology. You will be assessed on your research proposal, written report and via an oral examination.

You'll evaluate your work, skills and knowledge and identify areas for improvement. Sometimes you'll work in groups and assess each other's progress.

Each term, you'll get regular feedback on your learning.