Information Technology with Cyber Security

You will learn to develop and manage the modern software tools and secure information systems demanded by industry using appropriate development methodology to provide high-quality, secure software systems.

The core technical content of the course is directed towards the study of modern tools and techniques in the fields of information and security management, software development, secure database systems and web security.

Throughout the course, content is complemented by practical work, allowing you to support your theoretical understanding by developing real-world problem solving skills and gaining practical experience. 

*For students who undertake a placement the course duration will be extended by the length of the placement.

Stage 1

• Information and Security Management
• IT Infrastructure and service management
• Object Oriented Programming
• Data Management

Stage 2

• Database and Web Security
• Intranet Systems Development
• Software Project Engineering
• Data Visualisation and Analysis

Stage 3

• MSc Project Investigation
• MSc Project

Student stories

Hear from our students and graduates about their experiences studying this course:

Learning Methods

You will be taught through a mixture of lectures, tutorials, labs and external speakers, supported through our online virtual learning environment affording access to a wide variety of resources and support materials.

Part-time September start students

• A) Part-time September start students who would like to work on their project during the summer start their project in May of their second year and complete in December of their third year. (Approximately 28 months)
• B) Part-time September start students who would like to avoid working on their project during the summer start their project in September of their third year and complete in May that year.  (Approximately 33 months)

Part-time January start students

• C) Part-time January start students who would like to work on their project during the summer will start their project in January of their third year complete their project in August that year. (Approximately 32 months)
• D) Part-time January start students who would like to avoid working on their project during the summer will start their project in January of their third year, have a break during the summer term and continue their project September-December that year. (Approximately 36 months)

How long is an Information Technology with Cyber Security course?

The MSc Information Technology with Cyber Security course can successfully be completed in:

• 12 - 17 months (full time)*
• 28 - 36 months (part time)

*For students who undertake a placement the course duration will be extended by the length of the placement.

Activity Summary

Lectures

• 25 students per group, 7 hours per week (Term 1)
• 25 students per group, hours per week (Term 2)

Project Supervision

• 1 for 1 hour per week (Term 3)

Practical class or workshop

• 25 students per group, 10 hours per week (Term 1)
• 25 students per group, 9 hour per week (Term 2)

Independent Study

• 23 hours per week (Term 1)
• 25 hours per week (Term 1)
• 39 hours per week (Term 3) 

Independent Study

A significant portion of this courses is underpinned by independent learning, and you will be expected to be responsible for managing your coursework, reading and other learning activities appropriately.

Assessment

Typically students are assessed each year:

• 5 written exams, typically for 3 hours per exam
• 1 written assignments, including essays
• 2 report
• 2 dissertation
• 2 project outputs
• 2 oral assessment
• 7 practical skills assessment
• 1 group critique

Staff Delivering on This Course

Our staff members feature in the annual Support and Teaching staff with Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) awards voted by the students and organised by RGU:Union. Recently we have been awarded two Lecturer of the Year awards and an award for Continued Excellence.

Many of our academic staff are Fellows or Senior Fellows of the Higher Education Academy or are working towards this accolade. This is a professional recognition of practice, impact and leadership of teaching and learning.

Staff on this course could also include: visiting lecturers, visiting Distinguished Researchers, library staff and industry experts and postgraduate researchers.

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

Online Learning & Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

• Academic writing
• Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
• Maths and statistics
• English language
• Information technology support

Library Support

The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.

Placements

Students have the option to seek a short placement. However, permission to undertake a placement is at the discretion of the School and is not guaranteed.

For students who undertake a placement the course duration will be extended by the length of the placement.

Job Prospects

As a graduate of this you could go on to work in a wide variety of IT careers, for example, to work as a Software Engineer, Applications Developer, Business Analyst, Database Developer, Web Developer, Network Manager and Administrator. You could also go on to pursue a career in research or academia. 

Aberdeen is home to many multinational oil and gas companies and associated suppliers such as mainstream software houses, IT providers to major oil-related companies, specialist software consultancies, and venture capital start-ups.

The university is involved in a number of commercial collaborations on a local, national and international scale with organisations such as BP, British Geological Survey, Wood Group PSN, Accenture, WIPRO and many Aberdeen-based software development companies.

The course also prepares students for research careers by providing the skills necessary of an effective researcher. Suitable MSc graduates may continue to PhD programmes within the school.

What is needed for MSc Information Technology with Cyber Security?

• Applicants normally hold a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree or its equivalent in any NON-Computing discipline.
• Applicants with a lower degree classification and / or relevant work experience will be considered on a case by case basis.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.

International Students 

International students who do not meet our direct entry requirements for this course can gain additional entry points through our International College at Robert Gordon University.

Additional Costs

• £320 for short placement

Applicants (Scottish domiciled and EU) to this course may be eligible for a Postgraduate Tuition Fee Loan (PTFL). Students can apply now by downloading an application form from the SAAS website.