Cyber Security Analytics

The MSc Cyber Security Analytics is an innovative taught course that allows you to study two highly-sought-after skills: Cyber Security and Data Science. Combining these two disciplines will allow you to study challenges in our modern life from two complementary viewpoints. Completing this programme successfully will allow you to start a career in data analytics, cyber security, or in the intersection of both – e.g., using data analytics to solve cyber security challenges. The programme equips you with the necessary skills for both a career in industry (e.g., as a cyber security analyst) and in research, e.g., pursuing a PhD.

Cyber Security and Data Science are growth areas with an excellent career development potential. The University of Exeter is a world-class research active institution which regularly features in UK Top-10 and Global Top-100 rankings.

The MSc Cyber Security Analytics will provide outstanding training in cyber security and data science. The course content covers the fundamental mathematical and computational techniques underpinning both data science and cyber security. Furthermore, the course will apply these foundational concepts, e.g., using machine learning, mathematical modelling, offensive and defensive security techniques, to applications in data science and cyber security.  The research project will allow students to explore the intersection of data science and cyber security.

Content will be delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops, individual self-study, and group work on Exeter’s Streatham campus.

The MSc Cyber Security Analytics programme is a one-year (full-time) or two year (part-time) programme of study at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). The programme is divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work. The programme comprises 180 credits in total.

Exit Awards

If you do not complete the programme, you may be able to exit with a lower qualification.

• Postgraduate Diploma: At least 120 credits of which 90 or more must be at RQF Level 7.
• Postgraduate Certificate: At least 60 credits of which 45 or more must be at RQF Level 7.

The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual review of this programme. Details of the modules currently offered may be obtained from the College website:

http://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/emps/studentinfo/subjects/computerscience/modules/

Not all modules will be available every year, and new modules may be made available from time to time.

Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook.

Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook. 

In accordance with University policy, a system of Personal Tutors is in place for all students on this programme. A University-wide statement on such provision is included in the University's TQA Manual. As a student enrolled on this programme, you will receive the personal and academic support of the Programme Coordinator and will have regular scheduled meetings with your Personal Tutor; you may request additional meetings as and when required. The role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties, such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.

Information Technology (IT) Services provide a wide range of services throughout the Exeter campuses including open access computer rooms, some of which are available 24 hours, 7 days a week. Help may be obtained through the Helpdesk, and most study bedrooms in halls and flats are linked to the University's campus network.

Additionally, the Faculty has its own dedicated IT support staff, helpdesk and computer facilities which are linked to the wider network, but which also provide access to some specialised software packages. Email is an important channel of communication between staff and students in the Faculty and an extensive range of web-based information (see https://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/emps/) is maintained for the use of students, including a comprehensive and annually revised student handbook.

The Harrison Learning Resource Centre is generally open during building open hours. The Centre is available for quiet study, with four separate rooms that can be booked for meetings and group work. Amongst its facilities, the Learning Resource Centre has a number of desks, four meeting rooms with large LCD screens, and free use of a photocopier. Also available are core set texts from your module reading lists, and undergraduate and MSc projects from the past two years.

Online Module study resources provide materials for modules that you are registered for, in addition to some useful subject and IT resources. Generic study support resources, library and research skills, past exam papers, and the 'Academic Honesty and Plagiarism' module are also available through the student portal (http://vle.exeter.ac.uk).

Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students & staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.

Candidates may be interviewed (e.g., via teleconference) to assess their programming ability and suitability for the course.

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed Faculty assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both Faculty and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.

Certain programmes are subject to accreditation and/or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs). This programme is not subject to any such requirements.