University of Manchester: University honoured with national cyber security recognition

The Department of Computer Science at The University of Manchester is thrilled to have received recognition for the MSc in Advanced Computer Science as a ‘Masters Incorporating Cyber Security’ by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC – a part of GCHQ).

This certification is a significant accolade that gives students added confidence that they are going forward to deal with cyber security in a way that is “business as usual”.

Professor Robert Stevens, Head of Department of Computer Science, said: “I’m delighted that our cyber security pathway has received this certification. Cyber security has always been important, but that importance is growing and I’m pleased that the Department of Computer Science’s contribution to the training of the next generation of cyber security experts has been validated in this way.”

In 2004, The University of Manchester worked with the National Computing Centre to enhance its teaching in computer-related security. This led to a computer security module that quickly became very popular. Over the years it has expanded to a pathway covering computer and network security and was joined by specialist teaching in cryptography and software security. The latter is taught by the world-class Systems and Software Security Research Group, famous for its award-winning testing tools.

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I’m delighted that our cyber security pathway has received this certification. Cyber security has always been important, but that importance is growing and I’m pleased that the Department of Computer Science’s contribution to the training of the next generation of cyber security experts has been validated in this way.

Professor Robert Stevens, Head of the Department of Computer Science
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This Computer Security pathway is now embedded in the MSc course and has seen over 2000 students through the programme. They get to tackle the challenges of cyber security that encourages them to go on to defend, innovate and grow the systems we rely on day to day. They learn from our academic team and practitioners in the field including Barclays, CISCO, Cyjax, KPMG, McAfee, NCC Group, North West Regional Organised Crime Unit, and Pentest Partners.

Each student engages in a significant research-based dissertation project that sees them tackling fundamental cyber security conundrums within the framework of the Cyber Security Body of Knowledge (CyBOK).

Chris Ensor, NCSC Deputy Director for Cy
ber Growth, said: “I am delighted that The University of Manchester’s MSc in Advanced Computer Science (Security Pathway) is now fully certified by the NCSC. Offering a certified degree helps prospective students make more informed choices about their future career prospects in cyber security and employers can rest assured that graduates of these courses will be well-taught and have valued industry skills.”

Danny Dresner, Professor of Cyber Security at The University of Manchester, said: “Our policy has been to embed cyber security teaching with other opportunities including systems governance and machine learning so that our students can fulfil their learning objectives in computer science with cyber security being dealt with throughout the system’s life cycle.”