Cyber Security (Integrated Masters)

Cyber security is an increasingly important area to build a rewarding career in. We’ll support you from day one, ensuring that you leave BNU as a 'work-ready' graduate. To help you achieve your goals we have invested in well-equipped computer labs on our High Wycombe Campus.

Why study Cyber Security at BNU?
Integrated Master's Degree
By choosing the MSci (Hons) Cyber Security at BNU, you get the unique advantage of an integrated master's degree. This means you'll complete both undergraduate and postgraduate studies in one seamless course, giving you a competitive edge in the job market.

Industry aligned curriculum
Our course is designed by industry experts to reflect current trends and employer needs. You'll explore highly demanded technical and management security technologies, preparing you for the fast-moving cyber security sector. This ensures that what you learn is directly applicable to the workplace, making you a valuable asset to potential employers.

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.

Hands-on learning
You'll engage in practical sessions in our specialised computer labs, designed to simulate the real-world, allowing you to develop and hone the skills essential for a successful career in cyber security. From penetration testing to forensic analysis, you'll have the chance to practice industry techniques on professional standard hardware and software, helping you to gain confidence in your abilities. We focus on learning by doing, so you’re prepared to step into the workplace.

Learn from industry experts
Your lecturers aren’t just teachers - they’re seasoned professionals who’ve worked in the cyber security field. This means you’ll gain insider knowledge, practical tips, and real-world insights that textbooks can’t offer. They’ll show you how to apply what you’re learning to real challenges, so you graduate feeling confident and career-ready. Their close ties with the industry mean you'll have opportunities to engage with professionals, participate in networking events, gain exposure to the working world. These connections might open doors to placements, mentorships, and even future employment.

What will I study?
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).

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 major project or extended piece of written work of your choice, giving you the opportunity to explore a subject of interest at a more in-depth detail.

Year one
Core
Programming Concepts
Computer Architecture
Networking
Cyber Systems and Threats
Computational Fundamentals

Year two
Core
Information Security
Malware and Cyber Security Management
Research Methods
Optional
Digital Forensics Investigation and Penetration Testing
Data Essentials
Network Systems

Year three
Core
Secure Business Management
Optional
Security Auditing and Response
Network Security
Cloud Computing
Software Testing and QA
Digital Innovation
Knowledge-Based Systems in Artificial Intelligence
Learning Machines & Intelligent Agents

Year four
Core
Cyber Security Assurance and Risk Management
Extended Independent Work
Optional
Mobile and Information Systems Security Management
Cyber Security in Network Systems
Cloud Security
Business Continuity and Cyber Resilience
AI Based Security Systems

At Buckinghamshire New University we like to foster an interactive and student-focused teaching style where we have a combination of formal lectures, tutorials, practical lab sessions, seminars and guest speakers to enhance the learning experience.

We are proud of our 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.

Assessments are, where possible, tied to real-world contexts and constraints, to allow you to practically demonstrate the skills you have developed. A variety of assessment methods will be used, including written work, in-class assignments, workshops, presentations and formal written and practical exams.

You are more than a number at BNU, and we are here to support you through your education journey. We have in place regular contact hours with our tutors and provide you with feedback throughout the programme of study.