Netizens’ Security Perspectives
The goal of this project is to develop an effective in-silico model for dynamic social networks, aimed at simulating interactions and dependencies within social groups and individuals. This model will help identify role-risk relationships and highlight key individuals and communities, particularly in the context of Netizens' security.
Research Opportunities
Summary
Security Aspects of Netizens explores the intersection between human behaviour in digital spaces and cybersecurity practices. Netizens, or citizens of the internet, engage in online interactions that can expose them to cyber threats. This concept investigates how cultural, social, and psychological factors influence online security practices, such as password usage, privacy concerns, and susceptibility to phishing or other attacks. Understanding these patterns helps cybersecurity experts design more effective defences and awareness programs tailored to diverse online communities, addressing both technical and human vulnerabilities in the digital realm. It highlights the importance of balancing user freedom with security protocols.
Aims
Develop a Security-Focused Social Network Growth Model: Create a model to analyse interactions, dependencies, and information flow within social groups and individual users, specifically examining how these dynamics impact cybersecurity. By incorporating contextual data and observing dynamic user behaviour, the model will identify key communities and influential individuals, highlighting potential cyber vulnerabilities and security-critical interactions.
Establish an Attractiveness Matrix for Misinformation and Disinformation: Using insights from the network growth model, develop a security-specific matrix to evaluate the spread and influence of misinformation and disinformation within digital communities. This matrix will assess the susceptibility of different groups to such threats, providing a framework to predict and mitigate potential security risks.
Methods: Enhance existing social network growth models, such as Preferential Attachment, by integrating contextual and temporal data with a focus on cybersecurity. This approach aims to capture the evolution of social networks over time, highlighting link dynamics and security-relevant patterns, such as the spread of cyber threats or the identification of high-risk user clusters.
Expected Candidate
The ideal candidate should have strong research skills, with experience and expertise in Machine Learning, Social Network Analysis (preferably Graph Analysis), and Software Engineering.
References
Supervisors
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Research Themes
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About our Research Degrees
We welcome specific ideas from applicants for a potential research degree topic. The University offers a number of potential self-funded topics in each School which you could consider developing your research project around.
It is not unusual for a proposed research degree topic to evolve as you progress through the application stage and even your future studies. This ensures the best match of your academic/professional experience with that of your supervisory team.
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Entry requirements
Entry Requirements for Research Degrees
Normal entry requirements are a first or upper second class honours degree from a University of the United Kingdom, or from an overseas University, or degree equivalent qualification, subject to the approval of Robert Gordon University.
Applicants holding other qualifications shall be considered on their merits and in relation to the nature and scope of the proposed research programme.
Applicants will normally register for an MSc/PhD or MRes/PhD with transfer to PhD dependent on satisfactory progress. However, applicants who already possess a Master’s degree which includes a significant research component could be registered directly for a PhD, subject to a satisfactory research proposal, and clear evidence of research expertise.
Some Research Degree Topics require employment experience, research experience and/or transcripts for international qualifications.
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English Language
Any applicant whose first language or language of previous University-level instruction is not English must normally demonstrate competence in English. This should be a score of IELTS 6.5 with 6.5 in all elements, or an approved 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 researchdegrees@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
Fees & Costs
For Academic Year 2025/2026
UK Students
- Full time - £5,006 per academic year
- Part time MPhil/PhD - £3,000 per academic year
- Part time MRes/MSc by research - £3,000 per academic year
International Students
- Full time - £20,030 per academic year
- Part time MPhil/PhD - £12,020 per academic year
- Part time MRes/MSc by research - £12,020 per academic year
For Academic Year 2024/2025
UK/EU Students
- Full time - £4,786 per academic year
- Part time MPhil/PhD - £2,870 per academic year
- Part time MRes/MSc by research - £2,390 per academic year
International Students
- Full time - £16,980 per academic year
- Part time MPhil/PhD - £10,190 per academic year
- Part time MRes/MSc by research - £8,490 per academic year
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Robert Gordon University is delighted to offer a 20% discount on course fees for all alumni who have graduated from RGU.
Scholarships and Financial Awards
Postgraduate research students will normally make their own arrangements for payment of fees. However you may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
Funded Studentships
Occasionally, the University will also advertise available funded studentships, for very specific topics or subjects:
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How to Apply
Applications
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Before you apply, find out more about the application process, research proposal writing guides, routes and durations:
Our Research degrees usually start in February and October each year. There are no formal deadlines for you to submit your application, though we recommend you submit it as early as possible in order to ensure we can help you join us at your preferred time.
Completed application forms should be accompanied by:
- Degree certificate
- Statement of purpose, detailing why you would like to study this degree in the UK, and why you have chosen RGU.
- A short research proposal, in the range of 1,500 - 3,000 words, containing a rationale and background, study aims and objectives, a literature review, proposed research methods and a full reference list.
Further guidance on the application process:
English Language Requirements
All applicants whose first language is not from a recognised English speaking country will be asked to provide evidence of their English language skills as part of their offer to study at RGU.
Find out more about the English language qualification we accept:
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