MSci (Hons) Cyber Security (Integrated Masters)

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

This integrated master’s degree is a full time four years undergraduate course, which combines undergraduate and postgraduate study levels (Level 4 – Level 7). This degree gives you the opportunity to explore your interest and learning in greater detail and obtain a master’s degree at the end of your course.

Equip yourself with the latest technical knowledge, intellectual know-how, management and practical skills ready to tackle the cyber security challenges that organisations face today.

Whatever your interests, whether it is computer science, engineering, security management systems or information technology, a degree in cyber security could be the answer. Even if you haven’t formally studied computing or computer science before don’t worry – this course could still be for you, we would just need you to demonstrate significant interest in cyber security instead.

This programme will give you a well-rounded appreciation of the issues facing our hyperconnected society. You’ll explore the technological, legislative and social issues that impact organisations today. Alongside this you’ll meet and be taught by practitioners from industry who will provide insight into the current issues and how these are being addressed.

All modules have been designed with input from key industry governing bodies and experts such as the Communications-Electronics Security Group (CESG), a group within the UK Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), as well as Institute of Information Security Professionals (IISP) Information Security Skills Framework.

You will have access to modern technical tools through your time studying with us. These will allow you to evolve your understanding in various areas of cyber security, IT services and risk management, including; network security, intelligent systems, cloud computing and security auditing.

What will I study?

Our MSci (Hons) Cyber Security programme combines three years of undergraduate study with an additional fourth year at postgraduate level, in a single course.

The integrated master’s degree is identical to the equivalent undergraduate course but provides you with the opportunity to delve deeper into your interest in the fourth year of study, enabling you to graduate with a master’s degree.

If you do not achieve the necessary standard of performance to continue onto the fourth year and complete the integrated masters, you can still graduate after three years with a Bachelor degree qualification.

The course addresses the professional and customer-facing skills that are essential for employment in computing industries. Modules also provide opportunities to prepare for the professional certification programmes of global industries such as Amazon AWS, Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard and Cisco. You will be able to practice the technology provided by the world cloud leader Amazon AWS and get the option to gain their official certification exam (optional for students). For further information, please contact Dr Rafid Al-Khannak.

In your first year you will study a broad range of topics including, computer architectures, programming, digital technologies, networking and cyber threat and risk management to solidify your understanding of the foundations of computing and security.

During your second year, you will further your understanding and develop your skills through topics, including, database design, information security, open source systems, software engineering, network systems (Cisco), and intelligent systems.

In your third year, you will study a number of topics, ranging from knowledge-based systems in AI to quality assurance and testing, security auditing and learning machines.

Your final year will allow you to explore topics based on what you are passionate about, options include risk management, cloud security, business continuity and disaster recovery. You will also work on a project of your choice, giving you the opportunity to explore a subject of interest at a more in-depth detail.

How will I be taught and assessed?

At Buckinghamshire New University we like to foster an interactive and student-focused teaching style where we have a combination of formal lectures, tutorials, practical lab sessions, seminars and guest speakers to enhance the learning experience.

We are proud of our industry connections and welcome various guest speakers, who share their real-life experiences, inform on current practices, career opportunities, and help prepare you for working life as a cyber security professional.

A major benefit of integrated master’s degree courses is the final year project which will help you to develop advanced technical and professional skills that are required for research or other practically-based careers.

Employability is at the heart of our MSci (Hons) Cyber Security course, and we will encourage you to prepare for your future career by:

• obtaining the relevant certifications that can help enhance their employability profile
• understand clearance requirements; as many jobs in cyber security may require a security clearance, students need to be mindful that past actions could affect their eligibility
• getting involved and demonstrating an interest in the cyber security field by developing professional relationships; staying abreast of industry trends by joining an association.
• building a portfolio; seeking opportunities to demonstrate their expertise by co-presenting at industry conferences and completing relevant projects
• seeking opportunities; looking for ways to obtain professional experience through summer internships, job shadowing or work-study jobs.

You are more than a number at BNU, and we are here to support you through your education journey. We have in place regular contact hours with our tutors and provide you with feedback throughout the programme of study.