100% online MSc Computer Science with Cyber Security
Credits:
180
180
Two years, part-time
£8,160
£8,160
World-class Russell Group university
16th in UK (THE World University Rankings 2021)
100% online - study from anywhere
Six starts per year
Pay-per-module
Total programme cost: £8,160
Next start: 7 March 2022
Break into the cyber security sector
With our lives increasingly dependent on computer networks and the internet – both of which are potential targets of terrorist and criminal attacks – cyber security is becoming one of the greatest challenges that society is facing today. Graduates who understand the technologies and practices that underpin secure computer systems are in very high demand.
This 100% online MSc Computer Science with Cyber Security programme is designed for working professionals and graduates who may not currently have a computer science background and want to launch their career in this in-demand and lucrative field.
Our online programmes allow you to study around work and home commitments, at different times and locations. This is your Masters degree, on your own terms, in your own time.
Request information here
On this programme, you will learn about:
- Network and operating system security
- Security risk analysis
- Secure software development – covering security requirement specification, security design, secure coding and security testing
You will develop your expertise through specialist modules and an independent cyber security project. You will also develop your core computer science skills, including:
- Computational thinking
- Computational problem-solving
- Software development
- Broad knowledge of computer science
Advancing your career
In the UK alone, over 1.5 million people work in the digital sector, while the number of digital technology jobs has grown at twice the rate of other roles. The programme will help prepare you for a range of in demand roles in computer science, software development, programming, and security solutions. You will be able apply computational thinking, and apply current vulnerability detection methods, and forensic and security techniques in a range of business and academic settings.
Why York?
- Part of the elite Russell Group of major research-intensive universities
- Ranked Top 20 in the UK (THE World University Rankings 2021)
- Top 150 in the world (THE World University Rankings 2021)
- Over 20,000 students and 4,000 staff from 150 countries
- Ranked 10th for research impact (Times Higher Education’s ranking of the most recent Research Excellence Framework)
Admission requirements:
- 2:2 (or equivalent) undergraduate degree in any subject
- Or Masters degree (or equivalent) in any subject
- Students whose first degree was not taught in English should have an appropriate English language qualification
- If you earned your degree outside the UK, check that it is equivalent to a 2:2. Our country-specific pages can help you to find out more
- If English isn’t your first language you may need to provide evidence of your ability, such as:
- IELTS: 6.5, with no less than 6.0 in each component
- PTE: 61, with no less than 55 in each component
- CAE and CPE (from January 2015): 176, with no less than 169 in each component
- TOEFL: 87, with a minimum of 21 in each component
- TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition: 87, with a minimum of 21 in each component
- Trinity ISE: level 3 with Merit in all components
- Duolingo – 110, minimum 100 in all other components
You need to have completed the test within two years of the start date of your programme. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test.
- You will not need to provide evidence of your English language abilities:
- If you’re from a specified majority English-speaking country
- If you’ve completed a degree in English in a specified country within two years of your intended start date
Successful completion of this course will require you to access widely used software and university systems. Please speak to our enrolment advisers for more information on this.
Modules
Algorithms and Data Structures (15 credits)
This module provides techniques for using algorithms and associated data structures. It also covers computational thinking and the theoretical underpinnings and practical applications of computer science, covering: programming; control structures; methods; inheritance; arrays and mechanics of running and testing; and complexity and implementation of algorithms in programs.
Cyber Security Threats (15 credits)
This module teaches the fundamentals of cyber security. You will develop an understanding of typical threats and a range of technologies that can help to reduce risk, increase protection and remain compliant.
Security Engineering (15 credits)
This module teaches methods, techniques and tools for the development of secure application systems, from security requirement analysis and specification to design of secure application systems, secure programming and security testing. It also covers security assurance in order to demonstrate a system is secure to operate.
Advanced Programming (15 credits)
This module details advanced programming concepts such as file manipulation, event-driven programming, multi-threaded programming, programming for data analysis and the use of packages and documentation. It also covers the social context of computing: social impact of computers and the internet; professionalism; codes of ethics and responsible conduct; copyrights, intellectual property; and software piracy.
Computer and Mobile Networks (15 credits)
A sound understanding of internet architecture, protocols and technologies and their real-world applications forms the core of this module. Discussions around networks and the internet, network architecture, communication protocols and their design principles, wireless and mobile networks, network security issues and networking standards feature. The module also covers related social, privacy and copyright issues.
Software Engineering (15 credits)
This module focuses on designing and building software systems. You will look at principles and patterns of software design, where to apply them, and how they inform design choices. Learn techniques for ensuring systems you build behave correctly. We demonstrate how the application of these principles makes it possible to evolve systems effectively and rigorously.
Computer Architecture and Operating Systems (15 credits)
The module aims to provide you with an understanding of the concepts of modern computer architectures and system software. Beginning with an overview of computer architecture, it then covers how computer systems execute programs, store information, and communicate. You will learn the principles, design and implementation of system software such as operating systems.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (15 credits)
This module explores the field of artificial intelligence along with the principal ideas and techniques in three core topic areas: problem solving, knowledge representation and machine learning. The implications of AI for business and society are also covered.
Research Methods (15 credits)
This module provides you with a range of approaches to research and individual research projects. Formulate research questions appropriate to an area of interest, and evaluate the relationship between question, methodology and method.
Research Proposal (15 credits)
This is an extended research proposal for your final Individual Research Project. The module is created to ensure you are prepared for the IRP in sufficient depth before undertaking final studies. Designed to give you the flexibility of developing a proposal, exploring a work-based problem or one that is driven by your own findings.
Individual Research Project (30 credits)
The 30-credit Individual Research Project (IRP) builds on the previous module, defining and developing a plan for to research within a particular field of your choice. The IRP is the implementation and write-up of these results. A self-study module, you’ll draw on skills acquired throughout the degree, including self-management, deadlines and subject knowledge.