Cyber Defence and Information Assurance MSc (Defence)

The Cyber Defence and Information Assurance MSc (Defence) is designed to develop military and defence industry professionals who can lead in a defensive cyber environment. The course focuses on understanding and articulating the strategic and executive-level responses to serious present and emerging threats in the information domain.

Overview

• Start date: September
• Duration: MSc: 11 months full-time or up to three years part-time; PgDip: up to two years part-time; PgCert: up to two years part-time
• Delivery: The course is delivered via blended learning, with a mixture of residential and online teaching, and assessment is through coursework, group practicals, presentations, and (MSc only) an individual dissertation.
• Qualification: MSc, PgDip, PgCert
• Study type: Full-time / Part-time
• Campus: Cranfield University at Shrivenham

Course Details

The course has two components: a taught component comprising twelve 10-credit modules (PgDip/MSc) (PgDip has six 10-credit modules); and (MSc only) an 80-credit research project assessed by dissertation.

Compulsory Modules

All the modules in the following list need to be taken as part of this course.

• Foundations of Cyber
• Thesis

Elective Modules

Eleven of the modules from the following list need to be taken as attendance-only modules.

• Understanding Risk
• Cyber Attack - Threats and Opportunities
• Social Technologies
• Data-led Decision Support & Artificial Intelligence
• Emerging Technology Monitoring
• Incident Management
• Cyber Law
• Information Operations
• Cyber Deception
• The Human Dimension
• Critical Networks and Cyber-Physical Systems
• Systems Thinking for Organisational Viability

Teaching Team

You will be taught by Cranfield's leading experts with many years' industrial experience as well as external speakers from industry and defence. The Course Director is Ian Owens.

Accreditation

The course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP).

Your Career

This qualification will take you on to become one of the next generation of managers who can understand and effectively manage and exploit the threats and opportunities of cyberspace at the organisational level. Crucially, it will also enable graduates to communicate cyber issues to senior management or executive board level.

Fees and Funding

Course Fees

• Home:
  • MSc Full-time: ｣24,625
  • MSc Part-time: ｣24,625
  • PgDip Full-time: ｣19,820
  • PgDip Part-time: ｣19,820
  • PgCert Full-time: ｣9,920
  • PgCert Part-time: ｣9,920
• Overseas:
  • MSc Full-time: ｣26,865
  • MSc Part-time: ｣26,865
  • PgDip Full-time: ｣21,620
  • PgDip Part-time: ｣21,620
  • PgCert Full-time: ｣10,825
  • PgCert Part-time: ｣10,825

Funding Opportunities

• Cranfield University GREAT Scholarship
• Postgraduate Loan from Student Finance England
• Women Techmakers Scholars Programme
• ISC Information Security Scholarship
• Cranfield Defence and Security Alumni Discount Scheme

Entry Requirements

• A UK lower second-class undergraduate degree with honours, as a minimum, or equivalent international qualification.
• Ideally, your experience will be in Information Security, Information Operations, Information Risk, or a related role. Exceptional applicants may be accepted on experience alone.
• Security clearance for Shrivenham: Some Cranfield University courses are delivered at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Shrivenham, which is a Ministry of Defence (MoD) site. All applicants to courses that are wholly or partially delivered at Shrivenham must hold suitable clearance.
• English language: To study for a formal award at Cranfield, you will need to demonstrate that you can communicate effectively in English in an academic environment.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS: 6.5 overall and 5.5 in all skill components.
• TOEFL: 92 total and minimum skill component scores of 18 reading, 17 listening, 20 speaking, and 17 writing.
• Cambridge Assessment English: Any Cambridge Assessment English test meeting the required scores will be accepted.
• Duolingo: 120 overall and minimum subscores of 95 speaking, 95 writing, 95 reading, and 95 listening.
• Kaplan: 495 overall and 425 in all skill components.
• LanguageCert: 70 overall and 60 in all skill components.
• International ESOL B2 Communicator: High Pass overall and 33 in all skill components.
• Password: 6.5 overall and 5.5 in all skill components.
• Pearson PTE: 65 overall and 59 in all skill components.
• Skills for English: Overall Pass with Merit outcome.
• Trinity College London: Integrated Skills in English - ISE III (C1) - Overall Pass outcome.

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Overview:

Cranfield University is a postgraduate-focused institution specializing in science, technology, engineering, and management. It is renowned for its strong industry links and practical approach to education.

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Services Offered:

Cranfield University offers a wide range of services to students, including:

Careers and Employability Service:

Provides guidance and support for career planning and job searching.

IT Services:

Offers access to computer labs, software, and technical support.

Libraries:

Provides access to extensive collections of books, journals, and online resources.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Industry Links:

Cranfield University has close relationships with numerous organizations, providing students with opportunities for internships, placements, and networking.

Practical Approach to Education:

The university emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world applications, preparing students for successful careers.

World-Class Facilities:

Cranfield boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including laboratories, workshops, and research centers.

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Academic Programs:

Cranfield University offers a variety of postgraduate programs, including:

Taught Degrees:

MSc programs in various fields, such as aerospace, energy, and management.

Research Degrees:

PhD and MPhil programs for students seeking to conduct advanced research.

Apprenticeships:

Level 7 apprenticeships for professionals seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Professional Development:

Short courses and executive development programs for individuals and organizations.

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Other:

• Cranfield University has two campuses: Cranfield Campus and Cranfield University at Shrivenham.
• The university is committed to sustainability and has a strong track record in environmental research.
• Cranfield University is ranked highly in various international rankings, including those for sustainability and engineering.