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What facilities can I use?

You will have access to the university facilities as a student of BNU, which entitles you to some benefits, such as access to our 24/7 library with free study space and free laptop loans. Our AppsAnywhere service provides you with online access to the software you need to complete the course.

As a student of BNU you will have access to our student union, with free trips, societies and events for you to get involved in. We also have support services such as counselling, cost of living support, free laptop loans and CV writing. Our new restaurant serves food with a discounted rate and is only open to students and staff.

What will I study?

In this course, you will delve into the architecture of operating systems such as UNIX, Linux, and Windows to understand their core components and functionalities. You'll learn to identify and analyse common security vulnerabilities and loopholes in these systems, developing skills to recognise potential threats. The course covers various penetration testing techniques, providing practical experience in assessing system security and discovering vulnerabilities.

Additionally, you'll evaluate and compare different access control technologies, such as passwords, smart cards, and tokens, to understand their strengths and weaknesses. Network security issues will also be explored, focusing on LAN architecture, characteristics, and protocols, as well as the impact of interconnecting equipment like bridges, routers, switches, and VLANs on network security.

You'll study different types of firewalls, including static and dynamic packet filtering, and learn how to configure them to protect network traffic using TCP/IP protocols. The course will teach you methods to enhance the security of operating systems through practical target hardening techniques.

Legal and ethical considerations in penetration testing are also a crucial part of the curriculum, ensuring you understand the regulations and ethical standards required in the field. Throughout the course, you'll engage in lab-based tutorials, case studies, and workshops to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, reinforcing your learning through hands-on practice.

How will I be taught and assessed?

On this short course you will be studying this module as part of the MSc Cyber Resilience degree, which will help ensure a good learning environment. This short course is taught in ‘block mode, over the course of five weeks. 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. This will reinforce theoretical concepts and help put theory into practice, with the tutors. It will also allow you to seek further guidance on assessments as required.

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.