Master of Science (Hons)
Cyber Security (Integrated Masters)
Cyber security is an increasingly important area to build a rewarding career in. Buckinghamshier New University will support you from day one, ensuring that you leave BNU as a 'work-ready' graduate. To help you achieve your goals they have invested in well-equipped computer labs on their High Wycombe Campus.
An integrated master's degree allows you to gain the same funding as undergraduate students and stand out in a competitive jobs market. Employers are increasingly looking for employees with the advanced technical skills and expert understanding provided by an integrated master's degree course.

Why study this subject?
Now is an exciting time to join the cyber security field, as more businesses turn to digital and information technology systems. With unprecedented access to information, there has been a significant increase in system breaching and attacks, meaning there is a high demand for qualified specialists with cyber security skills to help implement the strategies needed to protect IT systems and data.
The UK has set its sights on becoming a prominent name in cyber security which makes now the perfect time to join this rapidly growing industry with recognised standards and certifications.
BNU MSci (Hons) in Cyber Security has been specifically designed by their industry expert academics to reflect current sector currency, employer and industry requirements. It explores highly demanded technical and management security technologies, trends and polices to prepare you for employment in this fastmoving sector.
Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?
This integrated master’s degree is a full time four years undergraduate course, which combines undergraduate and postgraduate study levels (Level 4 – Level 7). This degree gives you the opportunity to explore your interest and learning in greater detail and obtain a master’s degree at the end of your course.
Equip yourself with the latest technical knowledge, intellectual know-how, management and practical skills ready to tackle the cyber security challenges that organisations face today.
Whatever your interests, whether it is computer science, engineering, security management systems or information technology, a degree in cyber security could be the answer. Even if you haven’t formally studied computing or computer science before don’t worry – this course could still be for you, we would just need you to demonstrate significant interest in cyber security instead.
This programme will give you a well-rounded appreciation of the issues facing our hyperconnected society. You’ll explore the technological, legislative and social issues that impact organisations today. Alongside this you’ll meet and be taught by practitioners from industry who will provide insight into the current issues and how these are being addressed.
All modules have been designed with input from key industry governing bodies and experts such as the Communications-Electronics Security Group (CESG), a group within the UK Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), as well as Institute of Information Security Professionals (IISP) Information Security Skills Framework.
You will have access to modern technical tools through your time studying with them. These will allow you to evolve your understanding in various areas of cyber security, IT services and risk management, including; network security, intelligent systems, cloud computing and security auditing.
What facilities can you use?
BNU has invested in their facilities to ensure that you can learn on industry standard systems and software, meaning that you can make an easy transition from education into employment. Quite simply we are committed to making sure we provide you with the best learning experience possible.
BNU make sure they keep the University’s computing facilities well maintained and equipped. They have a range of large labs, most filled with dual-screen, dual boot (Windows and Linux) systems. Latest industry standard software is also included on devices to allow you to develop your skills to what is needed in the workplace.
Labs have been custom built to provide the best spaces to nurture the specific skills needed for game and internet development. These allow you to build your skills within key areas of future employment.
What will you study?
Buckinghamshier New University's MSci (Hons) Cyber Security programme combines three years of undergraduate study with an additional fourth year at postgraduate level, in a single course.
The integrated master’s degree is identical to the equivalent undergraduate course but provides you with the opportunity to delve deeper into your interest in the fourth year of study, enabling you to graduate with a master’s degree.
If you do not achieve the necessary standard of performance to continue onto the fourth year and complete the integrated masters, you can still graduate after three years with a Bachelor degree qualification.
The course addresses the professional and customer-facing skills that are essential for employment in computing industries. Modules also provide opportunities to prepare for the professional certification programmes of global industries such as Amazon AWS, Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard and Cisco. You will be able to practice the technology provided by the world cloud leader Amazon AWS and get the option to gain their official certification exam (optional for students). For further information, please contact Dr Rafid Al-Khannak.
In your first year you will study a broad range of topics including, computer architectures, programming, digital technologies, networking and cyber threat and risk management to solidify your understanding of the foundations of computing and security.
During your second year, you will further your understanding and develop your skills through topics, including, database design, information security, open source systems, software engineering, network systems (Cisco), and intelligent systems.
In your third year, you will study a number of topics, ranging from knowledge-based systems in AI to quality assurance and testing, security auditing and learning machines.
Your final year will allow you to explore topics based on what you are passionate about, options include risk management, cloud security, business continuity and disaster recovery. You will also work on a project of your choice, giving you the opportunity to explore a subject of interest at a more in-depth detail.
How will you be taught and assessed?
At Buckinghamshire New University they like to foster an interactive and student-focused teaching style where they have a combination of formal lectures, tutorials, practical lab sessions, seminars and guest speakers to enhance the learning experience.
BNU is proud of their industry connections and welcome various guest speakers, who share their real-life experiences, inform on current practices, career opportunities, and help prepare you for working life as a cyber security professional.
A major benefit of integrated master’s degree courses is the final year project which will help you to develop advanced technical and professional skills that are required for research or other practically-based careers.
Employability is at the heart of our MSci (Hons) Cyber Security course, and we will encourage you to prepare for your future career by:
- obtaining the relevant certifications that can help enhance their employability profile
- understand clearance requirements; as many jobs in cyber security may require a security clearance, students need to be mindful that past actions could affect their eligibility
- getting involved and demonstrating an interest in the cyber security field by developing professional relationships; staying abreast of industry trends by joining an association.
- building a portfolio; seeking opportunities to demonstrate their expertise by co-presenting at industry conferences and completing relevant projects
- seeking opportunities; looking for ways to obtain professional experience through summer internships, job shadowing or work-study jobs.
You are more than a number at BNU, and they are here to support you through your education journey. They have in place regular contact hours with their tutors and provide you with feedback throughout the programme of study.
What are your career prospects?
Throughout your time with Buckinghamshier New University they’ll support you on the route to your chosen career. The will help you to develop crucial skills, encouraging you to become enterprising, employable and good leaders. BNU also help you find employment after graduation.
BNU is very proud of their reputation for delivering industry standard courses and the success our graduates achieve after leaving the University. BNU's MSci Cyber Security degree is perfect for gaining the knowledge and skills needed to kickstart your career as a specialist in the cyber security industry.
The course is designed to equip graduates for senior positions with responsibility for the IT-based security, it opens up the opportunity to work in various sectors, including banking, finance, insurance, information technology, government and consulting/professional services.
With an MSci there are endless career possibilities you can look into, including:
- Security Analyst
- Security Engineer or Architect
- Security IT Manager or Director
- CISO/CSO Systems Administrator
- Forensics Investigator
- Auditor
- Systems Engineer
- Integrator.
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