MSc Critical Infrastructure Security

Applications for September 2023 will be opening soon.

Why study this subject?

Critical infrastructure supports all societies, and encompasses the ‘facilities, systems, sites, information, people, networks and processes, necessary for a country to function and upon which daily life depends. It also includes some functions, sites and organisations which are not critical to the maintenance of essential services, but which need protection due to the potential danger to the public (civil nuclear and chemical sites for example).’ (UK Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure – CPNI).  

Whilst different countries may identify the infrastructure sectors in different ways, all of them will be deemed fundamental to maintenance of societal stability.

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

The UK government’s official definition of Critical National Infrastructure is: ‘Those critical elements of national infrastructure (facilities, systems, sites, property, information, people, networks and processes), the loss or compromise of which would result in major detrimental impact on the availability, delivery or integrity of essential services, leading to severe economic or social consequences or to loss of life.’

With the constant threat of terrorism; the growth of cyber-crime and the prevalence of activism, it is really important to ensure that our infrastructures are protected from attack, disruption and damage. Maintaining that protection is challenging and requires those engaged in the analysis, planning and management of it to be highly capable and knowledgeable. 

Our MSc Critical Infrastructure programme is designed to develop high level capability and knowledge in professionals responsible for Critical Infrastructure protection.

Critical infrastructure incorporates chemical, nuclear, commercial facilities, communications, critical manufacturing, defence and associated industrial base, emergency services, energy, food and agriculture, financial services, government facilities, healthcare and public health, information technology, transportation systems, water and wastewater systems.

Throughout the course, the links between academic theory and practical outcomes for you and your organisations will be examined and emphasised.

Buckinghamshire New University is a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant and supports the Armed Forces Community. We recognise the value Serving Personnel, both Regular and Reservists, Veterans, and military families contribute to our business and country.

This programme is eligible for funding under the UK Ministry of Defence Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) scheme. Our ELCAS number is 1682.

What will I study?

On this course, you will study a range of modules, which will help:

• prepare you for a senior leader career through the development of enhanced personal and interpersonal skills and, in particular, leadership capability and skills in critical infrastructure sector security and resilience
• equip you with an advanced understanding of concepts and current issues in critical infrastructure security
• enable you to anticipate and address risks that may adversely affect your organisation, helping to ensure future organisational resilience and sustainability
• develop the reflective and critical thinking as well as analytical and research skills needed to make logical arguments and creative contributions to improve critical infrastructure security and resilience management and leadership practice
• develop a strategic, integrated and holistic perspective on critical infrastructure security through a study of organisations, risks and mitigation.

How will I be taught and assessed?

This programme will allow you to study alongside your work or other commitments. Online learning will be complemented by two, two-day workshops, which are designed to foster discussion and development of ideas in a group setting.

Throughout the course, there will be emphasis on applying the various principles, theories and practices to your individual business, work role and employment requirements or aspirations.

You will be able to get support throughout the programme and can contact tutors through email, telephone, our virtual learning environment, and face-to-face.