Course overview
As our reliance on, and our use of, Internet-facilitated working continues to become ever more pervasive, the uninvited targeting and misuse of the technology have also become ever more pervasive. As consequence, companies and organisations of all kinds need to address this challenge and keep up-to-date in what has been described as an “arms race”.
The Cyber Security MSc programme is aimed principally at graduates who are already in IT-related employment who seek to enhance their abilities in the rapidly expanding field of cyber security. The programme will provide students with a comprehensive but critical understanding of the theory and techniques of cyber security, and the practical application of these techniques in the context of business information and real-world problems.
Job outcomes
- Cyber Security Analyst/Consultant
- Cyber Security Engineer
- Computer Network Architect
- Computer Information Systems Manager
- Chief Information Security Officer
What you'll learn
On completion of the programme, you should have gained a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical underpinning that supports the domain of cyber security. You will have developed a critical understanding of the challenges in assessing and managing security risks within the modern workplace, and a good understanding of the tools and techniques that may be deployed to prevent and limit cyber-crime. You will also be equipped with an in-depth understanding of the processes available to investigate suspected cyber-attacks
During your studies, you will develop your ability to work independently, and with others, to research, design, implement and deploy creative cyber security solutions, and to subject your work and that of others to critical analysis and evaluation.
You will also have an opportunity to create a professional development plan and, throughout the course of the programme, build an e-portfolio that exhibits your understanding of the domain of cyber security and its practical application.
Study method
- Online
- Blended
- In-class
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Entry requirements
Applicants should possess either:
- A degree in computer science or a closely related subject, equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree, coupled with two years’ relevant IT professional experience; or
- Professional work experience in IT or a related field and/or other prior qualifications, which will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
All applicants must have reached a minimum required standard of English language and are required to provide evidence of this. Successful applicants from outside the UK must have an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 overall or equivalent.
Assessment
Assessment is exclusively through online activities carried out in the VLE rather than examinations. You will be assessed through a range of activities, including discussion forum participation, practical assessment and group work.
Practical assessment adopts the principle of authentic assessment where the assessment tasks to be undertaken are aligned with the kinds of task that students would be expected to undertake in a professional setting. Examples could include presentations, reports, software, system demonstrations, reviews and/or essays.
Career destinations
Cyber security experts can find roles in many different sectors, including IT, finance, healthcare, government agencies and technology. Organisations across these sectors, both commercial and non-commercial, are experiencing a significant recruitment challenge and employment opportunities are expected to outstrip the supply of qualified cyber security graduates.
The skills that graduates will acquire during the programme should provide them with a solid foundation for furthering their career development towards senior technical and managerial positions.
Job opportunities are wide and varied; examples include: Cyber Security Analyst/Consultant, Cyber Security Engineer, Computer Network Architect, Computer Information Systems Manager and Chief Information Security Officer.
Delivery
This programme is designed to be studied wholly online and part-time. Teaching is delivered through our state-of-the-art virtual learning environment, which provides students with access to all resources required for interactive study online. On this platform, you will be encouraged to work collaboratively with classmates and actively read around your topic through our comprehensive library of ebooks and journals.
Subjects
The Cyber Security MSc consists of the following taught modules and a final dissertation project.
There is a brief break scheduled between modules to allow students to refresh themselves and reflect on what they have learned.
Shorter postgraduate diploma (120 credits) and postgraduate certificate (60 credits) awards are also available in this subject.
About University of Liverpool Online Programmes
University of Liverpool is a member of the elite Russell Group of research-led UK universities. They have been offering online programmes since 2000 and are one of Europe's leading providers of wholly online postgraduate degrees. Their programmes are designed specifically for online learning; teaching and assessment are delivered through a state-of-the-art learning platform, providing students with access to all resources required for interactive study online.
