This postgraduate course is delivered by Cranfield University on behalf of the Defence College for Military Capability Integration, Defence Academy.
Why this course
Designed for UK Military, MOD Civil Servants and UK Government-sponsored Civil Servants charged with supporting operations in cyberspace, in their current or anticipated role. These staff may also be one or more of the following:
*managers or leaders in a cyber environment who need to understand information risk and respond to cyber threats
*procurement staff commissioning critical or sensitive projects
*policy and planning staff interested in computer network and security operations
*personnel interested in social media and associated concepts such as cyber mobilisation
The MSc is designed to develop professionals to support military manoeuvre in cyberspace, in contested operations and as part of integrated planning.
The course will specifically focus on responses to serious present and emerging threats in the information domain. The course enables the student to understand the context of the cyber domain from a military perspective. Whilst a technical understanding is an advantage, this course enables students from a variety of backgrounds to understand the drivers and constraints within cyber operations and how many roles need to integrate to provide an effective and cohesive operation.
The course specifically evaluates the current military doctrine and planning procedures across a variety of military and civilian contexts. It also evaluates the impact of cyber on control systems, leadership and decision making in the command and control environment.
How the course will be taught
The course has three components: a taught component comprising ten 10-credit modules, a 20-credit module (PgCert/PgDip); and an 80-credit research project assessed by dissertation (MSc).
The course is delivered via blended learning, with a mixture of residential and online teaching, and project based learning.
Modules
Cranfield’s requirement to keep their courses up-to-date and current requires constant innovation and change. The modules they offer reflect the needs of business and industry and the research interests of their staff and, as a result, may change or be withdrawn due to research developments, legislation changes or for a variety of other reasons. Changes may also be designed to improve the student learning experience or to respond to feedback from students, external examiners, accreditation bodies and industrial advisory panels.
The module list is detailed below. Modules are indicative only and may be subject to change for your year of entry.
Compulsory for MSc:
Cyberwarfare in Intelligence and Military Operations
Elective modules:
A selection of modules from the following list needs to be taken as part of this course:
Systems Thinking for Organisational Viability
Critical Networks and Cyber-Physical Systems
Data-led Decision Support and Artificial Intelligence
Emerging Technology Monitoring
Cyber Attack - Threats and Opportunities
Taking a standalone module as a short course
You may also elect to undertake a number of standalone modules as opposed to an MSc, PgDip or PgCert, with the associated assessment, less for the Dissertation module. In these circumstances, you will need to have previously undertaken the Foundations of Cyber module which runs once a year in Sep. Applications for standalone modules can be made direct to Cranfield via the web page linked above.
This course aims to help you to become one of the next generation of individuals who can support manoeuvres in cyberspace, in contested operations and as part of integrated planning. Additionally, it should provide you with both the theoretical and practical understanding of cyberspace within an organisation, enabling you to become one of the next generation of managers.
| Military | |
| MOD civil servants | |
| Partners across government (PAG) |
Due to the nature of the subject matter in this course, a UK or 5EYES enhanced security clearance will be required.
You must have one of the following:
A first or second class honours degree; or 3rd class degree with three years' relevant experience; or pass degree with five years' relevant experience; or HND/C with seven years' relevant experience.
Exceptional candidates may be accepted with seven years' relevant experience, where this experience is gained in information security, information operations, information risk or a related role.
Assessment is through coursework, group practicals, presentations and (MSc only) an individual dissertation.