MSc Cyber Security Engineering

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As organisations and government departments become increasingly reliant on virtual environments, cyber security has become an important part of day-to-day life. Solent University’s essential cyber security engineering conversion degree is well suited to students from a wide range of backgrounds, helping you to develop new skills and gain an advanced knowledge of computing, networking and information security.

Solent’s cyber security engineering master’s conversion degree will help equip students with the essential skills and knowledge to become cyber security specialists, learning how to tackle cybercrime and manage security systems.

As well as gaining a firm grounding in web and software development, students on this course will learn the necessary skills to become ethical hackers, penetrate test networks, and prevent and eradicate malware. Students will also develop their problem-solving skills and explore research methods.

The course curriculum is developed with input from a variety of sources, including an industrial liaison panel, to ensure students are studying the latest technology and working practices employed by industry experts.

To aid study, students have full access to the University’s specialist networking labs equipped with industry-standard networking equipment from Cisco, Fluke and HP, as well as high-fidelity simulation systems, including the market-leading Opnet. Using Alienware computers and CISCO Packet Tracer, students can practice their software development skills and test their web applications.

Computing students have full access to the University’s state-of-the-art IT and networking facilities.

What does this course lead to?

Graduates from this course could consider roles in: IT project management, security management.

The course comes to a close with students conducting their own research projects. This can be an excellent way to specialise knowledge, or act as a springboard for PhD study.

Who is this course for?

This conversion master’s course is ideally suited to students from a number of academic backgrounds who have a strong interest in tackling cybercrime and managing security systems.

The course is also suited to those with extensive industry experience in IT or data systems, and who wish to gain an academic qualification.

Tuition fees

The tuition fees for the 2019/20 academic year are:
UK, EU and Channel Island full-time fees: £8,220
International full-time fees: £13905

Students in receipt of a postgraduate loan from the Student Loan Company are typically able to pay their tuition fees via instalments.

For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.

Bursaries and scholarships

Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.

Graduation costs

Graduation is the ceremony to celebrate the achievements of your studies. For graduates in 2018, there is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost.

Honours degree at 2:2 or higher in any discipline, or extensive industrial experience in this area.

Applicants should be able to show an interest in learning to code.
Qualifications equivalent to the above may also be considered – contact the University for further information.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please refer to our course entry requirement statement.

English language requirements

Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:

IELTS 6.0 with no component score below 5.5
TOEFL IBT minimum 80 with a minimum of 19 in each individual component
or equivalent.

Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.

The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.

The industry

Recent research conducted by the UK government suggests that the costs of cybercrime to the UK could be in the order of £27 billion per year. To combat this, the Government has invested in a National Cyber Security programme which aims to make the UK one of the most secure...

The industry

Recent research conducted by the UK government suggests that the costs of cybercrime to the UK could be in the order of £27 billion per year. To combat this, the Government has invested in a National Cyber Security programme which aims to make the UK one of the most secure places in the world to do business in cyberspace.

The cyber security sector has grown to over £17 billion in the UK, employing over 100,000 people. With the increasing importance for organisations to ensure their computer networks are robust against attempted security breaches, this sector is likely to grow, with high demand for skilled cyber security engineers.

A postgraduate qualification can put you at the forefront of this demand, demonstrating your commitment to the industry and your ability to carry out in-depth computing research.
This is echoed from reports and comments from industry-

“As a small software house, dealing with a group of international corporates, we have a regular need for graduates with strong software engineering and database skills. Given that we design systems that link to e-commerce, a good understanding of cyber security engineering is also key. Over the years we have found the pool of graduates with the required technical skills has seriously diminished so the more technical graduates from Solent University are an important source for us.”
John Noden, Managing Director/Executive Director Technical Design, Zentive
Transferable skills

Students are supported to develop a range of transferable skills throughout the course. These include project management, problem solving and analytical skills that empower students to work in a range of different industries after graduation. Students will also develop high-level academic skills, perfect for those who are hoping to pursue a PhD.
Practical vs theory

With few formal lectures, most units are taught in small class-based sessions, usually in IT labs.

For the research and development project you will be assigned a project tutor, who will advise and support you.
Student support and services

Student welfare - Solent University is committed to giving you the best possible educational experience during your time with us. As such we have a number of support services and policies set up covering funding, careers and employability, chaplaincy, counselling, international advice, student affairs, key academic skills, disability support and...

Student support and services

Student welfare - Solent University is committed to giving you the best possible educational experience during your time with us. As such we have a number of support services and policies set up covering funding, careers and employability, chaplaincy, counselling, international advice, student affairs, key academic skills, disability support and general student advice. Find out more about our approach to student welfare.

Accommodation - Solent University has a range of student accommodation available. All student residences are in the city centre and within easy walking distance to the city campuses. Accommodation costs vary depending on the size and type of room. Find out more about the cost of living in our student residences.

University facilities - You will have access to a modern, comfortable and efficient study environment, including the Mountbatten library and learning resource centres. Solent offers a wide variety of sports halls, gyms and sports equipment, plus superb IT, media, and cutting-edge specialist facilities. Find out more about our first-class facilities here.

Living in Southampton - Southampton is a modern, vibrant student city brimming with arts and culture, top high street brands, green spaces and a buzzing nightlife. Studying at Solent means that you’ll be at the very heart of it. Find out more about being a student in Southampton.

Solent Students’ Union - Run by students for students, Solent Students’ Union is on hand to offer independent advice and support while you’re at university. Visit the Students’ Union website for more information.

Solent alumni save up to 50% on their tuition fees

Study location

East Park Terrace

Got a question about this course?

Contact our Ask Solent team:

admissions@solent.ac.uk 023 8201 5066

How to apply

Applications for postgraduate courses can be made at any time prior to the start of the course. However, we strongly recommend you apply at your earliest convenience.

Please ensure you upload the following mandatory documents with your application.

Two academic references
Certified transcripts of qualifications, including English language proficiency if non-UK student
Copy of passport
Copy of current visa (if applicable)
A personal statement
Employer sponsor form where appropriate

Full time:

Starts on 25 September 2019

Apply

Alumni discount

Solent alumni could be eligible for up to a 50% reduction of tuition fees if returning to study a postgraduate course. The discount applied will be dependent on your undergraduate degree classification as follows:

Solent Alumni with a:

First (1.1) will be offered a 50% discount to study at PG level
2.1 or 2.2 will be offered a 20% discount to study at PG level

The discount applied will be based on the most recently completed course.

If you are currently a student at Solent University and are continuing on without a break in your studies, your discount will be automatically applied on your return.

If are not following directly on from a course at Solent University, but have studied with us in previous years, you will need to register for the alumni discount.

Click here to register or to find out more

Research Methods (15)
Professional Issues and Practice (15)
Pilot Project (15)
Research Project (45)
Computer Fundamentals (15)
Cyber Security (15)
Cyber Security Management (15)
Networking (15)
Security (15)
Web Technologies (15)

Programme specification document

Web-based learning

Solent's virtual learning environment provides quick online access to assignments, lecture notes, suggested reading and other course information.

The Student Hub

The Student Hub is a central space where you can access all of the information and support you need during your time at University.

Professional and experienced staff can help resolve any query, and if they cannot answer the question themselves they will find the person who can.

Career support

Prins Butt Senior Lecturer View profile

The university cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.

We have up-to-date IT laboratories and a usability lab with eye-tracking facilities, used to test and refine interfaces. Students also have the opportunity to learn to program robotic devices, and can develop apps for android devices.

You will also have access to modern computer labs set up for various programming languages and using the latest design and development software, including Adobe Creative Cloud and GNS3.

We also have specialist networking labs with a wide variety of real-world networking equipment from Cisco, Fluke and HP, plus high-fidelity simulation systems, including the market-leading Opnet.

You’ll use Alienware computers, CISCO Packet Tracer, and test your web applications in our new device laboratory. This is a special test area integrated within one of our existing software development spaces. It consists of a range of mobile devices mounted on flexible tethers. This arrangement allows you to test your website designs and apps on real equipment, ensuring they perform as expected on the target platforms.

Small group teaching allows for tailored support, helping students to shape the course to their own interests.

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Computing and usability lab

Cisco networking labs

Course content is developed with input from a variety of sources, including an industrial liaison panel, making sure that your studies include the latest technology and working practice from industry experts.

You’ll also have the chance to work directly with real-world companies on live briefs, events and projects, while regular BCS meetings hosted at the University are your chance to build professional connections and secure valuable work experience opportunities.