Cyber Security

A major part of the course is the individual project. It provides an opportunity for you to apply your specialist knowledge, problem-solving, managerial and communication skills to a particular area of interest within cyber security. Working with the full support and guidance of an allocated Project Supervisor, you will propose, plan, specify, develop, evaluate, and present a substantial project.

During the project phase, you will initially conduct a project investigation. In addition to attending a few workshops, you will have regular weekly meetings with your project supervisor to discuss progress and get advice.

The general format of the course consists of two terms of taught modules, followed by a term for the project modules. Term 1 and Term 2 consist of 10 weeks each. Each term comprises 4 taught modules. Each module generally consists of a 2 hour lecture and 2 hour lab weekly sessions. Part-time students attend only 2 modules per term.

*For students who undertake a placement the course duration will be extended by the length of the placement.

Student stories

Hear from our students and graduates about their experiences studying this course:

Learning Methods

Throughout the course, content is complemented by practical work, allowing you to support your theoretical development by providing real-life simulation. You will be taught through a mixture of lectures, labs and external speakers. You will also be supported through our online virtual learning environment where you can access a wide variety of resources and other support materials.

Part time September-start students

• A) Part time September-start students who would like to work on their project during the summer start their project in May of their second year and complete in December of their third year. (Approximately 28 months)
• B) Part time September-start students who would like to avoid working on their project during the summer start their project in September of their third year and complete in May that year. (Approximately 33 months)

Part time January-start students

• C) Part time January-start students who would like to work on their project during the summer will start their project in January of their third year complete their project in August that year. (Approximately 32 months) 
• D) Part time January-start students who would like to avoid working on their project during the summer will start their project in January of their third year, have a break during the summer term and continue their project September to December that year. (Approximately 36 months)

How long is a Cyber Security course?

The MSc Cyber Security course can be successfully completed in:

• 12 - 17 months (full time)*
• 28 - 36 months (part time)

*For students who undertake a placement the course duration will be extended by the length of the placement.

Activity Summary

• Lectures - 20 students per group, 6 hours per week
• Project Supervision - 17 hours, term 3 only
• Practical class or workshop - 20 students per group, 10 hours per week
• Independent study - 36 hours per week

Independent Study

A significant portion of this course is underpinned by independent learning, and you will be expected to be responsible for managing your coursework, reading and other learning activities appropriately.

Assessment

Typically students are assessed:

• 7 written assignments
• 1 report
• 1 project output
• 1 oral assessment
• 1 practical skills assessment
• 1 group critique 

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Staff Delivering on This Course

Our staff members feature in the annual Support and Teaching staff with Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) awards voted by the students and organised by RGU:Union. Recently we have been awarded two Lecturer of the Year awards and an award for Continued Excellence.

Many of our academic staff are Fellows or Senior Fellows of the Higher Education Academy or are working towards this accolade. This is a professional recognition of practice, impact and leadership of teaching and learning.

Staff on this course could also include: visiting lecturers, visiting Distinguished Researchers, library staff and industry experts and postgraduate researchers.

Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

Online Learning & Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

• Academic writing
• Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
• Maths and statistics
• English language
• Information technology support

Library Support

The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.

Placements

Paid short placements (3 months) and long placements (45 weeks) are built into the course structure. You are supported in finding a placement through the University Placements Office. Alternatively, you can seek your own placement.

For students who undertake a placement the course duration will be extended by the length of the placement.

Job Prospects

The course prepares you for a career in cyber security. Job roles include: IT Security Engineer, Digital Forensics Analyst, Network Manager, IT Security Auditor, IT Risk Specialist and E-business Security Analyst. The course also prepares students for research careers by providing the skills necessary of an effective researcher. Suitable MSc graduates may continue to PhD programmes within the school.

Aberdeen is home to many multinational oil and gas companies and associated suppliers such as mainstream software houses, IT providers to major oil-related companies, specialist software consultancies, and venture capital start-ups, so graduates can seek employment locally. RGU is also involved in a number of commercial collaborations on a local, national and international scale with organisations such as BP, British Geological Survey, Wood Group PSN, Accenture, WIPRO and many Aberdeen-based software development companies, and you may benefit from the university’s links with some of these companies when it comes to securing employment.

What is needed for MSc Cyber Security?

• Applicants normally hold a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree or its equivalent in Computing or related subject such as Electronics and Information Systems.
• Applicants with a lower degree classification and / or relevant work experience will be considered on a case by case basis.

International Students

International students who do not meet our direct entry requirements for this course can gain additional entry points through our International College at Robert Gordon University.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.

Additional Costs

• £1,000 for long placement
• £320 for short placement

Applicants (Scottish domiciled and EU) to this course may be eligible for a Postgraduate Tuition Fee Loan (PTFL). Students can apply now by downloading an application form from the SAAS website.