Security Operations provides a comprehensive understanding of security principles, threat detection, incident response, and mitigation strategies. Students learn to analyse security risks, implement defensive measures, and manage security incidents effectively.
This course provides students with the ability to evaluate and apply the methods, tools and techniques used in Security Operations Centres (SOC).
Topics
- Networking Fundamentals: OSI model. Fundamentals of LAN design and configuration. Common networking protocols.
- Network Security Fundamentals: Main threats and vulnerabilities. Security knowledge management (CVE, CVSS, CWE, Mitre ATT&CK). Network and host data sources (e.g., pcap, netflow, dns, server logs). Access control lists.
- Basics of network monitoring and intrusion detection. Wireshark.
- SIEM - Security Incident Event Management. Alert correlation.
- Incident handling. Digital Forensics. Data collection. Reporting and Analysis.
On completion of this short course, students will be able to:
- Analyse the architecture, protocols, threats and vulnerabilities of a typical enterprise network.
- Analyse key incident events reported by the security incident event management system.
- Apply appropriate tools and techniques to respond to cyber security incidents or threats.
- Document cyber security incidents and responses.
RGU Upskilling
Undertaking an online RGU upskilling course can help you to develop or change your career or support your business to grow.
We're proud to offer a range of online upskilling short courses tailored to meet the evolving needs of businesses and individuals in Scotland. If you are domiciled in Scotland, you will be eligible for a fee-waiver place, meaning you can upskill for free. Identified and created in collaboration with industry, these 15-credit online courses are designed to enhance employability for individuals and organisations looking to upskill their workforce.
Find out more about the range of courses on offer and the benefits of upskilling:
Disclaimer
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 informationThis short course can be completed in 10 weeks. With 8 weeks to complete the online materials and exercises, and 2 weeks to apply techniques learned to a small capstone project.
Teaching
8 weeks of teaching/learning activity as follows:
- Recorded Lectures: approximately 2 hours/week in total, presented as short bite-sized (20-30 minute) lessons
- Practical Labs: a range of hands-on exercises, using relevant tools and techniques to explore the principles covered in lectures.
Assessment
- 1 coursework report on a given scenario, investigating a security incident.
Independent Study
- Materials and exercises are available online, allowing participants to study flexibly and independently at time and place to fit around existing work and life commitments.
- Further reading resources.
- Online tutor support.
Staff Delivering on This Course
The course will be delivered by an academic member of the cyber security team which has an extensive experience delivering cyber security courses (such as the NCSC-accredited MSc Cyber Security), and a track record in cyber security research and consultancy in partnership with industry.
Staff are recognised for their Teaching and Support, with a number of staff receiving STAR awards year on year.
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 online learning students, 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.
There are no prerequisites for this course.
Academic Year 2023/2024
Fee-waiver places
Course participants must be domiciled in Scotland to be eligible for a fee-waiver place.
To be eligible for funding, you generally need to have 'settled status' in Scotland, meaning there are no restrictions on how long you can stay here. For example, this can be from birth or Right to Remain visa.
Eligibility is assessed on application and further evidence may be required.
All other applicants
Applicants who are not eligible for a fee-waiver place can pay to study the course - £350 entire course
Additional Costs
The following course-related costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
- Costs associated with your placement / study abroad
- Accommodation and living costs
- Printing
Disclaimer
For new intakes course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information see: