MSc Cyber Resilience

Why study this subject?

Cyber Resilience goes beyond traditional cyber security, emphasizing an organisation's capacity to sustain core functions amidst cyber threats. This course encompasses prevention, response, and recovery from cyber incidents, aiming to minimize their impact and facilitate swift and effective recovery.

One key aspect of cyber resilience is its recognition that security is not solely a technological challenge but fundamentally a human problem. To adapt and stay up to date companies must adopt a holistic approach that includes physical, human, and procedural security systems. 

To achieve this holistic approach we teach mathematics for statistical risk assessment, computer science for security provision, cryptography for secure communications, and business management skills for policy development and organisational resilience.

MSc cyber resilience explores the complexities of securing and maintaining digital systems in the 21st century. This degree is not confined to a specific cultural or national context; it addresses global challenges from ethical and professional perspectives. Cyber resilience has become a crucial skill set in the workforce, and as a graduate of this course, you'll be prepared to take on leading roles in any industry.

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

MSc Cyber Resilience incorporates guidance from the Communications-Electronics Resilience Group (CESG), a group within the UK Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), as well as the Chartered Institute for Information Security’s Information Resilience Skills framework.

The tutors on this course have a well-established reputation and considerable experience in the cybersecurity industry, in both professional practice and facilitating teaching at all levels.

BNU has invested in a range of state-of-the-art facilities across our campuses to support your learning. Our dedicated cyber security computer lab, in High Wycombe, provides the ideal location for hands-on learning. Giving you the opportunity to put theory into practice.

Our library is the perfect place to find the resources you need and a quiet place to study, filled with four floors of books, journals, computer suites and study rooms. When you are working from home, e-journals and resources are easily accessible for remote study using our Virtual Learning Environment.

You will be taught by academics at the forefront of their field either through their research or professional practice. Find out what research your lecturers are currently involved in.

What will I study?

MSc Cyber Resilience focuses on developing a holistic understanding of cyber resilience, encompassing physical, human, procedural, and technical security systems. It addresses the multi-disciplinary nature of security, incorporating elements from Computer Science, Law, Mathematics, Business Studies, Management, Ethics, and Philosophy.

The curriculum aims to develop your critical thinking, problem-solving, and ethical awareness. Preparing you, for leading roles in the public or private sector. We will build on and grow your understanding of cyber threats, risk management, and network security. 

The modules of this course cover modules such as: ‘Risk, Resilience & Cyber Security’ and ‘Resilient Networks and IT Infrastructures’. You will also get the opportunity to choose between different optional modules including Cryptoanalysis and Steganography, AI, Biometrics and Smart Systems, and Computer Forensic Investigations.

How will I be taught and assessed?

This master's degree is ‘block delivery’, which means that each module is taught separately, in five week sections. The first week is an intensive lab-based workshop comprising ten three-hour sessions, blending theoretical and practical elements. Over the next four weeks, we hold a weekly, evening, online surgery. In these surgeries, you will be invited to participate in online discussions relevant to the module. This will reinforce theoretical concepts and help put theory into practice, with your Module Tutors. It will also allow you to seek further guidance on assessments as required. 

This degree is designed to allow you, as a working professional, access to a course that supports you fully but also allows you to continue working full time. 

Our supportive academics are experienced industry professionals and will guide you through problem-based learning via case studies and classroom-based exercises throughout the course.

You will also benefit from guest lecturers, helping you to understand current practices and prepare you for working life as a cyber security professional.

The majority of assessments come from coursework or team projects appropriate to the module. These often involve writing essays or reports, constructing artefacts or taking practical examinations. They are designed to test your ability to apply and discuss key concepts.