Cyber Security (Top-up)

30 credits

This module provides both theoretical foundations and practical insights, preparing you to address current and emerging security threats in cloud environments and empowering you to develop resilient, compliant, and secure cloud systems.

This module is designed to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of security principles and practices specific to cloud computing environments. As organisations increasingly rely on cloud services to store, process, and manage critical data, ensuring the security and integrity of cloud systems has become paramount. Making this module an essential part of addressing security concerns in cloud design, implementation, and adoption 

You will explore the fundamental concepts of cloud security architecture, data protection, threat management, and compliance issues. you will analyse real-world security challenges, evaluate security frameworks and tools, and develop practical skills in designing, implementing, and assessing secure cloud solutions. 

Teaching and learning

The module adopts a workshop centred approach, integrating theoretical foundations with practical application. Teaching combines bite-sized lectures, problem-based technical challenges, and hands-on exercises, supported by group discussions and guided independent study. 

You will work with a cloud environment such as AWS through hands-on lab activities while adopting cloud-native tools such as Kubernetes, Terraform, and others that enable secure multiple cloud platforms, including Azure and Oracle. 

Assessment

This module will be assessed through lab activities-based coursework (60%) and in-class test (40%).

30 credits

Designing, building, deploying, and maintaining secure software in today’s digitally connected world presents significant challenges. Traditional software development often prioritises features and functionality over security, leaving systems vulnerable to exploitation. This module addresses these challenges by introducing you to the principles of security by design and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into secure development practices.

Throughout this module you will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to apply Secure Software Development Lifecycle (SSDL) frameworks across the entire development process, from requirements gathering and solution design to coding, testing, deployment, and implement secure coding practices to prevent common vulnerabilities. Emphasis will be placed on embedding security considerations at every stage.

The module covers both Static Application Security Testing (SAST) and Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST), enabling you to identify, analyse, and remediate security weaknesses at different stages of development. You will explore how AI and machine learning technologies are transforming vulnerability detection and security testing, while critically examining AI's dual role as both a security enabler and potential attack vector.

Teaching and learning

This module adopts a workshop focused teaching and learning approach, designed to foster an active, collaborative, and student-led learning environment. The strategy blends hands-on practical exercises, problem-based learning, and bite-sized lectures, all supported by group discussions and guided independent study.

Active sessions and computing labs are used to introduce, develop, and consolidate understanding of new key topics while accompanying carefully designed learning materials of directed study focuses on examples of application to acquire deeper insight.

Weekly workshops provide you with hands-on experience in secure software development. Working both individually and collaboratively in teams, you will use industry-standard tools and techniques to identify, assess, and mitigate vulnerabilities in software systems. Under the guidance of the lecturer, you will compare approaches, share insights, and develop strategies that directly support your coursework and project assessments.

Assessment

This module will be assessed through coursework, software security assessment video and written document (50%) and coursework on AI based software design and documentation (40%).

30 credits

This module is designed to develop the professional skills and mindset needed to succeed in technology-related careers, alongside enhancing your research and academic skills.

Taking key emerging technologies and current professional issues within your chosen pathway as a starting point, you will define and develop your own area for enquiry. You will be supported to systematically find and analyse academic and industry research publications and review existing technical solutions relevant to your area.

You will return to key topics in professional practice, including project lifecycle management, professional frameworks, agile and traditional methodologies, technical communication, ethical and legal considerations with deeper understanding, and apply these to your own project.  You’ll also engage with global perspectives and inclusive practices relevant to your discipline.

Teaching and learning

Your learning will be active and applied. In class, you’ll participate in seminars, lab-based workshops, and project supervision sessions. Outside the classroom, you’ll conduct independent research, collaborate with peers, and use industry-standard tools such as Git, Trello, and JIRA to manage your work.  

Each week includes a four-hour teaching session, structured as:

• Interactive keynote discussion - introducing key concepts, frameworks, and professional contexts.
• Guided workshop activities - hands-on practice with tools, methods, and scenarios; individual and collaborative problem-solving.

You will begin to engage with outside stakeholders relevant to your project and apply your knowledge and skills in user research and requirements gathering.

Assessment

This module will be assessed through coursework, where you will prepare a literature review on a chosen topic (50%) and poster project proposal with a Q&A session (50%).

30 credits

The Capstone Project provides you with the essential opportunity to deeply explore a subject of high personal interest, situated within the context of your overall programme of study.

You are expected to apply and synthesise your professional practice and research capabilities throughout this project. By bringing these skills together, you will conduct a substantial investigation that extends and demonstrates your practical and academic knowledge. Upon completion, you will produce a significant technical artifact alongside a detailed report.

Building on the Professional Practice in Technology module, you will be able to critically engage with current literature and established research methodologies. Using the knowledge and feedback gained from this module, you will be equipped to develop your research question or problem statement. This work will lead you to systematically evaluate relevant sources, creating a strong foundation for your investigation.

Implementing knowledge gained from the earlier module will enable you to strengthen your methodological approach and demonstrate advanced research and problem-solving skills in your capstone project. You will be able to design and implement an evidence-based solution that addresses your research question and stated objectives. The project culminates in a critical evaluation and reflection on the impact of your solution in relation to your original research goals.

You will be assigned a named individual supervisor who will provide expert guidance throughout your project. While your supervisor is key, you are strongly encouraged to access the full range of academic and research support systems available across the university to enhance your work.

Collaboration is often a feature of the Capstone Project: you may either work with external stakeholders who provide a real-world project brief, or you may have the chance to work alongside an academic, contributing directly to their ongoing research. This project is not undertaken in isolation; peer support is fundamental, and your Capstone Project is developed within a strong, supportive learning community of both staff and fellow students.

Teaching and learning

The module is delivered via three modes of study:

• On-campus sessions that help you conform to the necessary timeline and project requirements
• One-to-one feedback from a named supervisor
• Independent study

The on-campus sessions provide practical activities which directly contribute to the students’ project deliverables.

Peer support via on-campus session activities and group supervisory meetings is strongly encouraged and rewarded via digital badges in Moodle.

Assessment

This module will be assessed by a feedback-feedforward and Q&A session (30%) and a report and artefact (70%).