The course provides students with the skills required to become a successful cyber security professional in this growing, fast paced sector. Students will be able to help protect their organisations against evolving threats. They will develop the lifelong learning professional skills, ethics and behaviours required to stay abreast of a rapidly evolving domain.
Year 1
The course covers topics which offer students a thorough grounding in:
- Information risk management
- Development of a successful security program
- Appraisal of security controls to meet business requirements
- Building and maintaining of secure networks
- Development and execution of vulnerability assessments and penetration tests
- Security operations and digital forensics
Year 2 (6 months)
Students will undertake a substantial security project, drawing together all the main skills developed throughout the course.
Modules
Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes. The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our course and module disclaimer for more information.
Detailed module informationLearning Methods
The course is delivered using structured online learning materials/activities and directed study, facilitated by regular online tutor support. Workplace Mentor support and work-based learning activities will allow students to contextualise this learning to their own workplace. Face-to-face engagement occurs through annual induction sessions, employer work-site visits, and modular on-campus workshops.
Activity Summary
- Webinars - 30 hours per module
- Demonstrations - 30 hours per module
- Placement/Work based Learning - 240 hours per module
Assessment
Year 1
- 4 reports
Year 2
- 1 dissertation
- 1 oral assessment
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
The course integrates the expertise of staff gained from research, consultancy and scholarly activity into the programme materials. The course team is involved in delivering the on-campus MSc Cyber Security course which has recently been fully accredited by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), making it only one in three masters courses in Scotland to have achieved this accolade.
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.
What is needed for Graduate Apprenticeship MSc Cyber Security?
- Employment: All applicants must be employed in a role related to the course of study, must have the right to live and work in Scotland and be working in Scotland. The employer must commit to providing a suitable workplace environment and to offering guidance and mentoring support to the apprentice. In addition, the company must be willing to partner with the university to create a setting in which the student will be able to achieve the required experience and learning outcomes.
- Applicants normally hold a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree, or its equivalent, in a subject area with substantial Computing content.
- Applicants with a degree in an alternative subject area or lower degree classification and/or with relevant work experience will be considered on a case by case basis.
For Academic Year 2023/2024
- £1,820 per academic year
For Academic Year 2022/2023
- £1,820 per academic year
Additional Costs
The following course-related costs are not included in the course fees:
Graduate Apprenticeship courses include an on-campus induction, together with one or two on-campus day(s) per module, therefore employers supporting Graduate Apprenticeship students need to plan for this time away from the workplace together with any associated travel and accommodation costs.
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
- Accommodation and living costs
- Printing
- Re-sit fees, fees for re-assessment opportunities in a repeat year
Student Funding
Subject to meeting course entry and employer eligibility criteria, a number of fully-funded places are available for this course.
Students should apply to SAAS to have their tuition fees paid:
As a paid employee, apprentices would not be eligible for other SAAS funding such as bursaries and student loans.
Find out more information about funding and other frequently asked questions:
Have a question about the course? Get in touch with the Graduate Apprenticeship team and they'll do their best to help.