Programme structure: Cyber Security (Cyber Secure Everywhere) (PhD) - what's running in 2024/25

    What do the Levels represent?

    What do the teaching blocks (TB) mean?

    If you are selecting optional units, ensure that you have a balanced workload through the year.

  • Year 1 (2024/25)

The maximum period of study for full-time students is 4 years. This catalogue only shows the taught units on the programme and may not show all years of study.

The PG Dip is an exit point from the PhD in Cyber Security (Cyber Secure Everywhere) and may be awarded to students who leave the PhD following successful completion of the first year of study, comprising the units outlined below.

Mandatory Units COMSM0162, COMSM0161, COMSM0163, COMSM0165 are must pass. Optional Units COMSM0119, COMSM0120 and COMSM0164 are must pass. For the definition of must pass units please see the Glossary of Terms from Annex 1 to the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.

Unit name Unit code Credit points Status Teaching Block
Research Methods, Futures Literacy and RI COMSM0161 20 Mandatory TB-1
Cyber Secure Everywhere Masterclasses COMSM0163 20 Mandatory TB-2
Sandpits and Placements COMSM0165 20 Mandatory TB-2
Foundations for Cyber Secure Everywhere COMSM0162 30 Mandatory TB-1
Students select one unit from the following 3 options to complete a deep dive elective:
Internet of Things (IoT) and Industrial IoT (IIoT) Security COMSM0119 30 Optional TB-2
Security of Industrial Control Systems COMSM0120 30 Optional TB-2
Secure Software Engineering COMSM0164 30 Optional TB-2
For the purposes of the exit award of a PGCert students may be required to successfully complete an optional unit:
Advanced Topics in Cyber Security COMSM0116 10 Optional TB-2
For the purposes of the award of an MRes students will be required to successfully complete a Research Project:
Research Project COMSM0033 60 Optional AYEAR
Cyber Security (Cyber Secure Everywhere) (MRes)   180    

Progression/award requirements

The assessment of the taught component of a doctoral degree is governed by the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes and is assessed separately from the research project. Progression to the research project may be dependent on the successful completion of the taught component - please refer to the relevant handbook for the structure of the particular programme.

The pass mark set by the University for any level 7(M) unit is 50 out of 100.

Exit awards

It may be possible to exit the programme with a taught award. For detailed rules please see the Regulations and Code of Practice for Research Programmes and the relevant faculty handbook.