Explore our Cyber Security Engineering taught Master's degree.

P-H1S1

MSc

1 year full-time

2 October 2023

WMG (Warwick Manufacturing Group)

University of Warwick

Cyber Security Management is designed for graduates looking to understand or apply cyber security in a consultancy, strategic, business or management context. With our expert guidance, you will learn to understand the cyber threat landscape, manage resources, implement solutions and effectively communicate these to senior decision makers. This course is certified by the National Cyber Security Centre (part of GCHQ).

Cyber security is not simply about protecting the internet. As our world becomes ever more dependent upon digital systems, our vehicles, infrastructure, industrial controls, finances, and medical devices all exist within the cyber domain.

By studying Cyber Security Engineering at Warwick, you will deepen your knowledge of this multifaceted cyberspace. You will understand the nature of this evolving cyber environment, and how to protect and enhance the human experience within it.

This MSc focuses on the technical aspects of cyber security and how these may be implemented in a multi-disciplinary way. The practical applications of topics are emphasised, as well as developing your abstract analytical skills. You will also gain unparalleled exposure to industry.

This course is certified by the National Cyber Security Centre (part of GCHQ).

Warwick is an Academic Partner of CIISec and the MSc in Cyber Security Engineering is affiliated to CIISec

This course has two components – a taught component accounting for two thirds of your time and effort, and a research component accounting for one-third.

For the taught component, we blend synchronous and asynchronous learning delivered through lectures, seminars, lab work, syndicate exercises, simulations, and case studies. The majority of modules are taught in small classes to facilitate and encourage interaction. Others practice larger-scale lectures, which are then supported by small class seminar and group activities. Our module leaders have extensive industry experience. Guest speakers from industry also contribute regularly, bringing real-world insight into your learning experience.

In addition to your taught modules, you will undertake a major project as part of your Masters’ degree, which will develop your research and analytical skills and enable you to specialise. This is nominally 600 hours (60 CATS points) of learning, mainly taking place during the Spring and Summer terms. You will engage regularly with your Project Supervisor and to provide progress updates and drafts of your work to an agreed schedule.

Overall this course can accommodate up to 52 students, divided into two classes of 26 students for most modules.

Module delivery patterns vary, but most will be delivered in a short learning block of up to 4 weeks, allowing your focus to be on one module at a time. Each module nominally accounts for 150 hours, which includes scheduled classroom time and online sessions as well as your independent study and assessments.

WMG runs a SPA module (Study, Professional and Analytical Skills) designed to meet the complex learning and professional needs of postgraduate students. This is a blended module delivered throughout the year alongside your modules. Whilst it is an unaccredited module for CSE students, your participation in the lectures, workshops and online sessions is strongly encouraged. There may be occasions where you will be required to attend evening or weekend sessions.

Modules are predominantly assessed by way of written Post Module Assignments (PMA), but assessment can also be in other formats. Most modules will also have a degree of In-Module Assessment (IMA), which will vary by module and may take the form of presentations, on-line tests, self-reflection or a range of other methods.

For the research component, you will undertake a major project. Project submission is likely to include both a written and a presentation element, and accounts for 33% of your overall academic grade.

Reading lists

Most departments have reading lists available through Warwick Library. If you would like to view reading lists for the current cohort of students you can visit our Warwick Library web pageLink opens in a new window.

Your timetable

Core modules will be allocated to students at the end of the first week of term - you will then be able to view your individual module schedule for the rest of the year via the WMG module selection system.

Elective modules will be bookable through the same system later in the term.

Modules will include scheduled classroom time and online sessions as well as your independent study and assessments, and will usually be delivered within a 4 week timeframe. Occasional classes and study skills sessions may be held at weekends or in the evenings.

As a Masters student, you are expected to manage your own time appropriately. On average, you are expected to commit 38-40 hours of study each week, in order to successfully achieve your Master’s degree.

This is a full-time postgraduate course - undergraduate term dates do not apply. Whilst there are no holidays as such, there will be no teaching scheduled when the University is officially closed, during the two weeks over Christmas and New Year.

2:i undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in IT, Computer Science, or a related subject.

Candidates with a UK 2:ii (or equivalent) may be accepted upon demonstration of relevant professional experience.

• Band A
• IELTS overall score of 6.5, minimum component scores not below 6.0

Candidates with professional experience should include their CV with their application.

Core modules are required modules that all students will complete whilst on this programme. For CSE, your core modules are:

• Security Architectures and Network Defence
• Cryptosystems and Data Protection
• Information Risk Management and Governance
• Digital Forensics

Optional modules

For this course you will also be required to select four Elective Modules from the following five:

• Enterprise Cyber Security
• Industrial Espionage and Counterfeiting
• Cyber Security for Virtualisation Systems
• Cyber Intelligence and Operations
• Cyber-Physical Systems

Read the module descriptions for this course on WMG’s website.Link opens in a new window

• Enterprise Cyber Security 
• Industrial Espionage and Counterfeiting 
• Cyber Security for Virtualisation Systems 
• Cyber Intelligence and Operations 
• Cyber-Physical Systems 

Read the module descriptions for this course on WMG’s website. 

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