Study a fast-growing and exciting subject. Study topics such as network security and cybersecurity in organisations. Undertake a placement and put your new skills into practice.
Overview
This course is excellent preparation for jobs in cybersecurity, which is a rapidly growing area given the rise in computer-related crime. You’ll study topics such as network security and cybersecurity in organisations, looking at the processes, procedures and protocols required to implement effective secure and dependable systems.
Using the latest forensic analysis tools, you’ll interrogate data and systems, examining applications of cryptography, secure programming and defensive programming, as well as learning how to design a secure and resilient system.
In addition to the taught modules, you'll have the opportunity to undertake a placement (subject to availability) and put your skills into practice, enhancing your employability. You can find your own placements or develop professional practice projects, working in our Digital Incubator or research-based projects with one of our academic research teams.
This highly practical course means you’ll have the opportunity to experience the latest technologies and tools used in industry, giving you the confidence to be productive and effective when you go out into the workplace.
Why us?
- The course includes practical experience throughout, enabling you to transfer your new skills to industry
- There is a strong employability focus with strong links with companies in the region, and our modules are created in collaboration with employers so you graduate with the key skills and knowledge to make an immediate impact in your career
- The course is 100% coursework-based with no exams
- Sunderland was named Smart City of the Year 2020 (Digital Leaders UK). Boasting the second-fastest growth in digital turnover outside of London, Sunderland is the ideal city to study computing and set up a business
Course structure
You’ll be taught by passionate academics who produce internationally-excellent research. A typical week for you will include lectures, group work, research, discussion groups and seminars. Assessment is 100% coursework-based with no exams, with methods including written reports and research papers, practical assignments and the Masters project. The placement element of the course will be assessed by a portfolio of evidence gathered during your work, regular logs of your progress, progress reviews and a final presentation or video.
Compared to an undergraduate course, you will find that this Masters requires a higher level of independent working.
Facilities
You’ll be based at The David Goldman Technology Centre, on the Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter’s; it looks out over the River Wear and is less than a mile from the seaside.
Career ready
There is a high demand for cybersecurity professionals and the UK government is investing £1.9 billion over the next five years in a cybersecurity strategy that will include automatic defences to protect businesses and individuals.
On completion of this course, you’ll progress in some of the most attractive fields and industries as we prepare you for a range of cyber security jobs. Advance your career in a wide range of roles, including: information security manager, security analyst, security architect, security administrator, incident responder, security engineer, security auditor, security software developer and vulnerability assessor.
Strong industry links
The cybersecurity course is underpinned by strong collaboration with employers, and it is further enhanced by the contribution from cybersecurity employers and external experts in a number of ways including a series of guest lectures, master classes and seminars.
Graduates studying Cybersecurity have gone on to secure employment with a range of companies and organisations including: GCHQ, (ISC)2, Accenture, HPE, BT, PWC, SAGE, Sunderland City Council, Northumbria Police, Durham Constabulary, and the Cybersecurity Workforce Alliance.
Professional practice placement
This course provides you with the opportunity to undertake professional practice by either undertaking a placement in an industry organisation (subject to availability) or undertaking professional or relevant, research-based practice work.
The placement will allow you to develop your research, knowledge and technical skills, and will improve your interpersonal, team working and project management skills, boosting your academic performance and future employability prospects.
We cannot guarantee external placements for all students but will support you in securing these and will offer professional or research-based practice projects if an industrial placement is not possible.

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