Cyber Security

In the module you will gain practical and theoretical knowledge of how modern operating systems and networks enforce security. You will study user privilege management, access control, authentication, and secure communication, alongside configuring and hardening local and network services to reduce vulnerability. The module introduces applied cryptography, secure network design, and ethical hacking, enabling you to analyse weaknesses and conduct controlled penetration testing. Through hands-on work in virtualised environments, you will learn system hardening, network monitoring, and the use of professional security tools. By the end, you will be able to design, implement, and evaluate secure systems and networks for professional cybersecurity roles.

In the module you will gain a practical and theoretical understanding of how artificial intelligence and automation are transforming modern cybersecurity operations. You will explore AI-driven continuous monitoring, threat detection, anomaly analysis, and automated incident response, while examining Security Operations Centre (SOC) functions and platforms such as SIEM and SOAR. The module emphasises responsible automation, balancing human oversight with machine-driven processes, and addresses transparency, accountability, and governance. You will also consider the legal and regulatory frameworks governing AI-enabled security. By the end, you will be prepared to design, implement, and manage AI-enhanced security operations in professional cyber roles.

In the module you will learn how to identify, collect, analyse, and interpret digital evidence to support security investigations and incident response. You will work through the full forensic lifecycle, maintaining evidential integrity and legal admissibility while applying industry-standard tools and methods. The module emphasises reconstructing events, attributing actions, and producing structured, defensible reports. You will also explore how forensic findings inform containment, remediation, and recovery processes. By the end of the module, you will be equipped to conduct comprehensive digital forensic investigations, contribute effectively to multi-stage incident response operations, and practice ethically within professional and legal frameworks.

In the module you will explore how to secure interconnected IoT and cloud environments, focusing on architectures, communication protocols, cryptography, and layered defence strategies. You will gain hands-on experience designing and evaluating scalable, standards-aligned security solutions through practical workshops and real-world scenarios. The module develops your ability to model threats, apply identity and access controls, and manage risks in distributed systems. Ethical, sustainable, and professional considerations are embedded throughout, preparing you to secure complex digital infrastructures in modern organisational and industrial contexts.

Take on a final project in an area of cyber security that matters to you. You will research, design, and deliver a substantial report and artefact, demonstrating your ability to apply technical knowledge and critical thinking to a complex, real-world challenge.