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Cyber Security and Pen Testing MSc

Develop your knowledge and experience with our industry partners in a constantly evolving sector where graduates are in high demand
Code
PGI108
Start
September 2024
Duration
1 year full-time
2 years part-time
Attendance
Full-time
Part-time
Fees
£11,000 (UK) *
£17,300 (INT) *
Course leader
Mahdi Aiash
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Why study MSc Cyber Security and Pen Testing at Middlesex University?

This course provides intensive practical training and strong foundations in theory covering the technicalities of network security and strategic and organisational issues. Our academics are leading scientists and practitioners in the field, with years of experience in the industry.

Our strong research profile means our courses are innovative. Our academics are internationally recognised in the field of cyber security and they have been commissioned to build Next-Generation Cyber security products some of which have been directly funded by the UK Government.

If you've previously studied computing at university level or you're currently working in the sector and you're looking to develop an advanced mastery of the subject, then this course is for you.

What you will gain

You'll develop the knowledge and expertise to analyse and build security systems, software and hardware applications, secure transactions, authentication measures, and cryptography and encryption techniques.

You'll become familiar with the configurations of different systems in laboratories and learn to choose the appropriate measures and applications for a network.

In addition to gaining proficiency in the subject, you'll also develop your mathematical, problem-solving, communication, time management and critical skills.

Other benefits of the course include the opportunity to gain practical experience in our industry-standard networking labs. We'll also encourage you to explore new concepts and developments. The acquired skills in the programme are in demand in the market and our graduates secured jobs as junior pen testers, security analysts, and security engineers in well-established businesses. A number of our students embarked into PhD studies under the supervision of our academics.

3 great reasons to pick this course

  • Excellent career opportunities
    Graduates have gone onto work for companies such as IBM, L'Oreal, Hutchinson 3G, Halcrow Group and more
  • Cutting-edge facilities
    We have developed our own cyber security lab. Using virtualization, our students will hone their skills in safe and isolated environment
  • Top 2 university in the UK
    According to Times Higher Education (THE ) – Young Universities 2022

Find out more

Sign up now to receive more information about studying at Middlesex University London.

This master's degree gives you an in-depth understanding of network design and construction, programming and operating systems, and the legal, ethical and professional issues which surround this sector.

You'll also study online security risks, install the relevant procedures to ensure data is transmitted and stored securely, and develop measures that can be taken not only to prevent breaches but to minimise damage if they do occur.

  • Modules

    • Computer Networks and Internetworking (15 Credits) - Compulsory

      During this module you will develop a systematic understanding of the concepts, protocols and standards for computer networks and internetworking, used in current and future communication infrastructures. It is vital in today's networking market that network managers, administrators and engineers have a critical insight and practical experience of the essential tools used for monitoring, managing and evaluating computer networks. This module is designed to equip you with these problem solving and practical skills.

    • Operating Systems and Application Environments (15 Credits) - Compulsory

      This module focuses on the design and implementation of the modern operating systems and application environments used to build commercial, online applications. The module examines key operating concepts including processes and threads, memory management, scheduling, inter-process communication (IPC), device drivers, storage systems, multiprocessor systems, micro-kernels and networking interfaces. You will concentrate on Linux, Windows, Apple iOS and Android operating systems before focusing on a detailed study of key application environments including the Eclipse IDE, XCode, and Android SDK. Finally, we look at the concept of virtual machines and building applications for the cloud using the Google GAE SDK.

    • Security Solutions and Applications (30 Credits) - Compulsory

      This module covers the concepts and critical issues of security with emphasis on security architecture and mechanisms, standards, protocols, solutions and applications. It will provide you with an understanding of security technologies, algorithms and solutions as well as an understanding of the design criteria in security, basic system security analysis, and security solution synthesis.

    • Penetration Testing and Forensics (30 Credits) - Compulsory

      The aim of this module is to provide you with the knowledge and experience in methodological approach to computer forensics and evidence analysis. It will familiarise you with the methods intruders use to gain unauthorised access to an organisation's networked systems and then compromise them.

    • Network Security and Mechanisms (15 Credits) - Compulsory

      This is module covers the principles and foundations of network security. It aims at providing students with security issues, technologies, algorithms and protocols used in securing computer networks and associated systems. It will also provide an understanding of possible security breaches, security risk analysis and mechanisms to protect computer and network communication systems. It also studies an in-depth review of commonly-used security mechanisms and techniques, security threats and network-based attacks.

    • Cyber Security and Legal Regulations (15 Credits) - Compulsory

      This module provides you with a solid introduction to the subject of cyber security and information assurance. This includes a broad understanding of the security technologies available to support information assurance and security requirements and vulnerabilities corresponding to attack vectors. It will also explore regulation of Investigatory Powers Act, E-commerce Bill, key escrow.

    • Individual PG Project (60 Credits) - Compulsory

      This module is an independent piece of work shaped largely by one’s own decisions and preferences to accomplish and deliver a task via prescribed stages. The module aims to facilitate students’ understanding of designing, planning and conducting applied research. The module encourages students to apply and test theory and to contribute to applications, through enhancing students’ ability to handle data for problem solving and evaluation; to test theory using analysis and simulations, integrating the learning from other modules.

To find out more about this course, please download the Cyber Security and Pen Testing MSc specification (PDF).

This is an intensive course and much of your study will be independent.

You'll develop your practical skills in laboratory sessions delivered online, and deepen your theoretical knowledge by attending lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials.

The course is delivered by our academics and industry partners in person and via digital platforms. Our learning activities include lectures, presentations, webinars, one-to-one tutorials and group projects.

You'll be taught by an experienced teaching team with a wide range of expertise and professional experience.

Where will you study?

You will be based at our north London campus. Our cyber security lab is in the Hatchcroft building and the Computer Network lab is in the Ritterman building.

Timetable

If you're a full-time student, you should expect to spend a maximum of three days a week in classes. If you're studying part-time, you should expect one or two days a week.

We aim to make timetables available to students at least 2 weeks before the start of term. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on campus sessions.

Teaching vs independent study

In a typical year, you’ll spend about 1200 hours on your course.

Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework and presentations.

Typical weekly breakdown

A typical week looks like this:

Learning

Hours per week

On-campus

7

Online

5

Independent study

24

For placement, there may be additional hours.

Learning terms

On-campus: This includes tutor-led sessions such as seminars, lab sessions and demonstrations as well as student-led sessions for work in small groups.

Online learning: This is teaching that is delivered online using tools like Skype or Zoom, as well as work that you do yourself using online teaching resources.

Independent study: This is the work you do in your own time including reading and research.

Part-time study

You can also study this course part-time.

Academic support

We have a strong support network online and on campus to help you develop your academic skills. We offer one-to-one and group sessions to develop your learning skills together with academic support from our library, IT teams and learning experts.

Coursework and assessments

As well as exams, tests and your research project, you’ll be assessed through practical assignments, including laboratory work, and through coursework including essays, reports, presentations and class discussions. Some assessed work will be group work.

For your independent project, you'll plan, conduct and produce an original piece of research relevant to the industry – either using existing or emerging technology to solve a practical problem or extending the theoretical understanding of new technology. You will be assessed on your research proposal, written report and via an oral examination.

Feedback

You'll evaluate your work, skills and knowledge and identify areas for improvement. Sometimes you'll work in groups and assess each other's progress.

Each term, you'll get regular feedback on your learning.

  1. UK entry
  2. International entry
  3. How to apply

We'll encourage you to learn, explore and work within our award-winning technology centre and its five specialist laboratories.

These are equipped with the latest industry-standard hardware and software including OPNET, Wireshark, MATLAB, Simulink, OpNet Modeller 17.0, OMNeT++ , NI and Cisco technology such as Packet Tracer.

The Sheppard Library

Our library is open 24 hours a day during the term and includes:

  • Over 1,000 study areas with rooms for group study and over 600 computer spaces
  • 350,000 books and e-books and more than 24,000 online journals
  • Free laptop loans, Wi-Fi and printing.

Student support

We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health and disability support.

Additional needs

We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability and Dyslexia team.

Wellness

Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.

Work while you study

Our Middlesex Unitemps branch will help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above. Visit the Middlesex Unitemps page.

Financial support

You can apply for scholarships and bursaries and our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.

We have also reduced the costs of studying with free laptop loans, free learning resources and discounts to save money on everyday things. Check out our guide to student life on a budget.

The fees below refer to the 2024/25 academic year unless otherwise stated.

UK students*

Full-time students: £11,000
Part-time students: £73 per credit
Part-time students: £37 per dissertation credit

*Course fees are subject to annual inflation so the total costs for part-time study are shown here as a guide.

For more information and to answer your frequently asked questions, please visit our postgraduate funding page.

The fees below refer to the 2024/25 academic year unless otherwise stated.

International students*

Full-time students: £17,300
Part-time students: £117 per credit
Part-time students: £59 per dissertation credit

*Course fees are subject to annual inflation so the total costs for part-time study are shown here as a guide.

For more information and to answer your frequently asked questions, please visit our postgraduate funding page.

Additional costs

We cover your costs for the day-to-day things that you need to do well in your studies.

  • Free – laptop loans, Wi-Fi and printing
  • Free specialist software for your course
  • Free online training with LinkedIn Learning.

The following course-related costs are not included in the fees, and you will need to budget for these:

Financial support

We offer lots of support to help you with fees and living costs. Check out our guide to student life on a budget and find out more about postgraduate funding.

Postgraduate scholarships

You may be eligible for one of our scholarships including:

  • The Alumni Postgraduate Award – for all UK/EU Middlesex alumni a 20% fee reduction
  • The Commonwealth Scholarship – full course fees, airfares and a living allowance
  • The Chevening Scholarship – full course fees
  • The European Academic Awards – £1000 to £7000 for students showing academic excellence
  • Regional or International Merit Award –up to £2,000 towards course fees

For international students, we also have a limited number of other awards specific to certain regions, and work in partnership with funding providers in your country to help support you financially with your study.

Find out more about our postgraduate scholarships.

Help from your employer

Your employer can contribute towards the cost of your postgraduate study as part of their staff development programme.

Work while you study

If you are not currently working, we can help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above.

Fees disclaimers

1. UK fees: The university reserves the right to increase postgraduate tuition fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. The tuition fees for part-time UK study are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

2. International fees: Tuition fees are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.

How can the MSc Cyber Security and Pen Testing support your career?

From national security to the privacy of personal communications, the smooth running of societies and economies depends on the security of computer networks. With a security breach potentially costing a company millions, highly skilled experts who can provide protection are sought-after across the globe. Technology is constantly developing and security issues are too, making this a challenging and rapidly evolving specialism.

This master's degree will leave you ideally placed for a role as a training specialist, systems dispenser, business analysis manager or university lecturer. The majority of our graduates are in roles directly related to their studies and working in programming, telecommunications engineering, network management, and computer and network security. You could even start your own business or you may wish to pursue a career in academia.

Our university's postgraduate courses have been recognised for their ability to support your career.

95% of our postgraduate students go on to work or further study – Graduate Outcomes, 2022.

Career paths

Our graduates have gone on to achieve many successes since leaving Middlesex, including working for such companies as:

  • IBM
  • L'Oréal
  • Hutchinson 3G
  • Halcrow Group
  • Cyberspace Network
  • AK Electronics
  • One Hundred Computers
  • Pilat Media
  • F5 Networks.

MDXworks

MDXworks, our employability service, will help you make the most of your experience and connections to achieve your career goals. You'll have unlimited access to one-to-one advice and support from specialists in your sector plus 24/7 online support. You can also make the most of events and networking opportunities, on and off campus.

Our dedicated lifetime career support, like our business start-up support programme and funding for entrepreneurs, has been recognised with the following awards:

  • The top 20 UK universities for business leaders and entrepreneurs – Business Money, 2023
  • A top 10 university for producing CEOs – Novuana, 2023.

Global alumni network

You’ll be studying with students from 122 countries who’ll become part of your personal global network. You'll learn how to work with a global mindset and make invaluable connections on your course for your chosen industry.

  • Middlesex staff profile

    Hadi Sanei

    Graduate

    Completing my MSc course gave me a huge amount of confidence in myself and my capabilities. I learnt how to deal with complex problems, how to analyse them and how to find the best solutions. The modules on systems simulations and modelling completely changed my career plans. I found the topic so interesting that I based my final project around it, which was later published and presented as a conference paper in the UK and Italy.

    I now work for Halcrow as a systems engineer. We provide consultancy services and design for a variety of rail systems globally. In the last four years, I have worked on many major rail projects in the UK, Malaysia, Indonesia, Qatar, Canada and Brazil.


We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.

Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.

Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.

At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.

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