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Master Programme
MSc Cyber Security
MSc Cyber Security
In the world of cyberspace, businesses and organisations are increasingly reliant on network and information security and its deployment in response to cyber-attacks. MSc Cyber Security, an 100% online and part-time programme provides students with quality skills to manage computer-based systems security, assess risks and make decisions in using networking technologies to tackle cyber security challenges.
Core topics of this cross-disciplinary course comprise the fundamental governing principles of information and network security; cyber-attacks and threats; an inter-disciplinary perspective that involves human factors in risk management and protecting information; ethical and privacy issues concerning cyber defenses; digital forensics and investigation; and understanding of traditional and contemporary Software Development Life Cycle models.
You will develop an individual project with a topic of your own interest or relevant work experience within the Cyber Security Body of Knowledge.
Amid a global shortage of computer science professionals and an urge for substantial cyber security measures for various business sectors that comply with legal ordinances, this programme will help you excel in this popular domain with essential knowledge and skills. You should be able to obtain key security principles, utilise network development and deployment tools, and demonstrate analytical approaches to safeguard the online environment of any organisation. That leads you to succeed in areas such as Threat Management, Risk Analyst, Software Developer, Security System Designer/Programmer and Forensic Analyst.
Following a successful advisory visit, BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, will undertake a full accreditation visit in the 2021/22 academic year, to consider programmes for accreditation towards Chartered IT Professional.
This programme is also available for Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma study options. Please reach out for more details.
Other online master's programmes are also available:
- MSc Data Science
- MSc Artificial Intelligence
- MSc Computer Science
- MSc Information Systems Management
Programme Excellence
- A comprehensive course that also covers commercial and legal areas within cyber security in additional to technical aspects
- Saves you from downloading software packages as all programming languages are included within the tuition fee and all work is carried out in the online development environment
- No exams – you are assessed exclusively through assignments
Course Structure
- Launching into Cyber Security (20 credits)*
- Network Security (10 credits)
- Security and Risk Management (20 credits)
- Secure Software Development (10 credits)
- The Human Factor (10 credits)
- Secure Systems Architecture(10 credits)
- Principles of Digital Forensics and Cyber Law (20 credits)
- Research Methods and Professional Practice (20 credits)*
- MSc Cyber Security Project (60 credits)*
*These modules are core and must be passed to achieve the award.
Programme Start Date: 11 Jul 2024
Duration: 24 months^
^The actual duration may be longer or shorter depending on your speed of study, study options chosen and module availability.
Learning and Assessments
Teaching methods
As a 100% online education provider, we use a state-of-the-art Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) to deliver our teaching, resources and assessments. Our system tracks and manages the learning process in real-time and provides you with immediate access to your learning materials. The VLE is accessible 24/7 and allows both students and tutors to actively take part in real-time conversations and live seminars.
In order to meet the technical requirements for this course, students will need access to a computer with at least 8GB RAM.
Assessment methods
All assessments are delivered through our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). There is no requirement to go to external test centres. Instead, you will submit written assignments through the VLE; and for the few courses where exams are required, we use a virtual system that allows you to take academically rigorous exams from the comfort of your own home.
You are always aware of your current provisional grade which allows you to continually evaluate the success of your current study methods and identify areas to improve. We believe that this information helps you to make the most of your course. We achieve this by:
- assessing you throughout modules rather than waiting for end of year exams
- showing your marks in your grade book which can be viewed whenever you log onto the VLE
- rapid turnaround on work assessed to ensure your grade book is always up to date
- ensuring you have regular contact with your Student Support team
We also have a policy of ensuring that the work submitted by students is authentic – we use a well-established electronic monitoring system to check for plagiarism.
Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements
In order to satisfy the entry route requirements for this programme, you must have either:
- an undergraduate degree from an approved institution, equivalent to a UK Honours degree, or a relevant professional qualification; or
- at least three years’ work experience with relevant qualifications
As part of the application process, you will be asked to take a short aptitude test which is designed to test your ability to handle the intellectual and practical demands of the course. Please note that we will consider your performance in the aptitude test as part of your overall application, so if you don’t pass the test you may still be accepted onto the course.
Additionally, you will need to pass your first assignment set within your two week induction period of the course in order to continue your studies.
English language requirements
As the programme is delivered in English, a high proficiency with English is required. If English is not your first language, your English ability should be equivalent to an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5. We offer a free online English test to assess your proficiency if you don’t hand in an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
You don’t need to prove your English ability if you are a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, any of these countries.
Fees and Funding
Full tuition fee: £12,428Δ
University education is one of the biggest investments in yourself and your career. Our tuition fees are the same for all students (in the UK and international) and include all teaching materials and required reading – there aren't any hidden charges for assessments or resits. We also offer students a range of tuition fee discounts, scholarships, and payment options for our online courses:
- Monthly payment plan available.
- 5% discount if you pay the full course fee upfront.
10% discount for Kaplan HK Alumni
If you have completed a course in Kaplan Hong Kong campus, you are eligible to enjoy a 10% discount.
10% Anniversary scholarship
The University of Essex will be marking 60 years since it first opened its doors to students. To celebrate this milestone, the university is offering a 10% scholarship on all Master's programmes for July and the rest of the intakes in 2023.
Δ All tuition fees shown are net of any applicable sales tax payable by you in your country of residence. Where we are required to add sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the tuition fees shown and confirmed during the payment process. Programme fees are reviewed annually. We reserve the right to increase programme fees in line with the RPI-X index.
University
With quality assured and flexible programmes designed specifically for online delivery, the University of Essex Online is a top-notch establishment for global students who aspire to take the full higher education experience to the next level.
University of Essex Online works in partnership with Kaplan Open Learning, an expert in online higher education learning, for a host of online Master's degree programmes. Since 2007, this collaboration has been jointly offering high-quality online undergraduate and postgraduate degrees with more than 3,000 online students having successfully graduated.
Top rating
A token of confidence as the highest quality online educational experience provided, the University of Essex Online has been awarded for the Best online classroom experience at the Global Student Satisfaction Awards 2021. They are fully committed to delivering world-class quality assured online programmes for aspiring students.
Road to success
You get to enjoy the benefits of online learning with high-quality teaching resources and dedicated support, to the same level you would expect from a campus institution. The University of Essex Online provides an engaging, interactive learning experience to all students, allowing 24/7 access to its cutting-edge personalised virtual learning platform. All online courses are designed for online teaching and delivered by leading authorities and experienced tutors in their respective fields.
Top-notch support
You will benefit from mentoring and academic support throughout your entire course, from enrolment to graduation, thanks to our dedicated Student Advisers and Study Skills specialists. In the 2021 National Student Survey (NSS) in the UK that gives students the opportunity to share their views on their courses, institution, and overall experiences, University of Essex Online students rated the programmes 95% for overall satisfaction – the highest rating for any online-only provider.
Study online, graduate on campus
All University of Essex Online degrees are awarded by the University of Essex. You will be welcomed to their beautiful Colchester Campus for your graduation ceremony as well as joining the global alumni community to enjoy the unique ‘Essex’ spirit.
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