Module Descriptors

Cybersecurity Science and Applications

This module explores the foundational science and practice of cybersecurity, offering students a thorough understanding of key concepts, principles, and methodologies. It covers a broad spectrum of topics, including security threats and vulnerabilities, risk management strategies, access control mechanisms, cryptographic techniques, network security, and incident response. Students will also engage with contemporary cybersecurity technologies and tools, while examining emerging threats and evolving challenges faced by individuals and organizations in the digital landscape.

Network Security

This module provides an advanced study of network security, equipping students with the critical knowledge and practical skills required to secure digital communication systems and infrastructure. It covers key principles, protocols, and technologies used to identify, assess, and mitigate network threats and vulnerabilities. Students will critically evaluate security policies, architectures, and solutions, applying industry standards and best practices to complex scenarios.

Cyber Threat Intelligence and Analysis

This module explores advanced concepts and methodologies in cyber threat intelligence. Students will learn to identify, analyse, and respond to evolving cyber threats using intelligence sources, adversary tactics, and analytical techniques. Emphasis is placed on the ethical, legal, and strategic aspects of intelligence collection, the application of artificial intelligence tools, and the communication of actionable insights to varied audiences. Learners will apply threat analysis methods to real-world scenarios and develop strategies that promote resilience, innovation, and stakeholder trust.

Cryptography and Information Security

This module provides a critical and practical introduction to cryptography and information security. Students will examine key principles, algorithms, and protocols used to protect data and ensure secure communication. Topics include symmetric and public-key encryption, authentication, access control, network and wireless security, and emerging areas such as quantum and post-quantum cryptography. Learners will apply theoretical concepts through analysis and secure system design while evaluating the strengths and limitations of modern cryptographic solutions in diverse computing environments.

Cybersecurity Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance

This module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of governance, risk management, and compliance (GRC) within cybersecurity. It covers key principles, frameworks, and regulatory requirements that shape secure and resilient enterprise systems. Students will critically evaluate governance strategies, assess risk, develop policy and response plans, and address emerging compliance challenges. Emphasis is placed on real-world application, decision-making, and communication in a complex regulatory and threat landscape.

Malware Investigation and Analysis

This module provides an advanced study of Malware including its reverse engineering, investigation, and analysis techniques. It will provide students with an in-depth understanding of Malware threats and expose them to the contemporary tools, technologies and techniques that are applicable in mitigating and eradicating Malware during incident response, security operations triage, or identifying them during threat hunting and forensics investigations. By means of extensive hands-on engagement, students will acquire skills to reverse engineer, dissect and investigate Malware in a safe environment while gaining the opportunity to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the analysis of Malware behaviour. 

Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Assessment

This module equips students with advanced knowledge and hands-on skills in penetration testing and vulnerability assessment. It explores industry-standard methodologies for ethical hacking, reconnaissance, scanning, exploitation, and risk reporting. Students will learn to simulate real-world attack scenarios, evaluate system vulnerabilities, and recommend security improvements within ethical and legal boundaries. Emphasis is placed on critical analysis, tool development, collaborative engagement, and effective communication of technical findings to varied stakeholders.

Digital Forensics and Incident Investigation

This module provides students with critical knowledge and applied skills required for digital forensic investigations and incident response. Emphasis is placed on evidence identification, acquisition, analysis, and reporting using industry-recognized tools and methodologies. Students will investigate a variety of incidents, including data breaches and insider threats, while addressing legal, ethical, and procedural considerations. Through hands-on labs and projects, learners will develop forensic investigation competencies, ethical awareness, and the ability to communicate findings to technical and non-technical audiences.

Recent Trends and Issues in Cybersecurity

This module examines current and emerging trends developments, and challenges in cybersecurity, including AI-driven threats and defenses, zero-trust models, cloud security, quantum-safe cryptography, and supply chain risks. Students will explore the impact of new technologies on security, engaging with real-world cases, current research, and innovative solutions. Emphasis is placed on technical depth, ethical and legal considerations, and the societal impact of evolving cybersecurity issues.

Dissertation

This module focuses on the design, development, and completion of a research dissertation as partial fulfilment of the master’s degree. Students will identify a real-world cybersecurity problem, conduct a thorough literature review, and apply appropriate research methodologies to design, implement, and evaluate an original investigation. They will learn key research techniques and expand subject knowledge. Assessment consists of a written dissertation of 25,000–35,000 words (excluding references/appendices) and an oral viva, including a 15–20 minute presentation followed by jury questions.