To address systems security challenges, we adopt an approach inspired by Adam Shostack’s method for modelling security threats. For any given systems context, we systematically answer the following questions:
The module has five blocks. Block 1 introduces the domain of systems security. This gives an overview of the other blocks and covers the introductory principles of those blocks. You’ll be concerned with the mathematics involved in cryptography. The focus of this module is the application of cryptography – how, when, and why. The emphasis is on designing and implementing the appropriate cryptographic techniques to secure a system's architecture.
Block 1 – Systems security fundamentals
Introduction to systems security; modelling systems and analysing threats; fundamentals of cryptography; fundamentals of authentication, authorisation, accountability; fundamentals of operating systems and virtualisation security; fundamentals of distributed systems security.
Block 2 – Cryptography
Symmetric and asymmetric cryptography; applications of cryptography.
Block 3 – Authentication, authorisation and accountability (AAA)
Authentication protocols and technologies; authorisation and access control models, enforcement mechanisms, federated access control; principles of accountability including data collection, analysis, assessment and privacy.
Block 4 – Operating systems and virtualisation security
Security mechanisms for operating system functions, virtualisation technologies and associated security mechanisms, designing secure operating systems and virtualised system architectures.
Block 5 – Distributed systems security
Types of distributed systems; peer-to-peer (P2P) systems and associated security threats; mechanisms to secure distributed systems.
On completion, you’ll be able to:
Securing digital systems requires qualified technical cybersecurity professionals. They need the knowledge and skills to analyse threats to the security of these systems, evaluate suitable solutions that minimise the risk of these threats being realised, implement these solutions, and monitor their efficacy. Within the broader field of cyber security, these activities fall into the domain of systems security, which is the focus of this module.
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
Course work includes:
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
M817 is a compulsory module in our:
M817 is an option module in our:
Systems security (M817) starts once a year – in May.
It will next start in May 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in May 2029.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
There are no formal entry requirements for this module.
At The Open University, we believe education should be open to all, so we provide high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.
Even though there are no entry requirements, having a basic understanding of some mathematical principles for the cryptography block would be helpful. This includes number systems (natural, negative, and real numbers), prime, relatively prime, and co-prime numbers, modulus arithmetic, and matrices.
Additionally, it would be helpful to have some experience with different operating systems (particularly Linux) and familiarity with using programs with a command-line interface.
The study material is online, so you’ll spend considerable time using a computer and the internet.
If you’re using printed materials as part of reasonable adjustments to support your studies, note that printed versions of online materials are unavailable for this module.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our disability support pages.
| Start | End | Register by | England fee |
|---|
| 01 May 2026 | 31 Oct 2026 | 09 Apr 2026 | £1,775 |
| 01 May 2027 | 31 Oct 2027 | 08 Apr 2027 | Not yet available* |
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to support your study costs. To find out more, see Postgraduate loans in England.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to help with your tuition fees. To find out more, see Postgraduate tuition fee loans in Northern Ireland.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to help with your tuition fees. To find out more, see Postgraduate loans in Scotland.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to support your study costs. To find out more, see Postgraduate loans in Wales.
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Read more about Open University Student Budget Accounts (OUSBA).
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Over 30,000 employers have used the OU to develop staff so far. If the module you’ve chosen is geared towards your job or developing your career, you could approach your employer to see if they will sponsor you by paying some or all of the fees.
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We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may wish to pay part of your tuition fee with a debit card and pay the remainder in instalments through an Open University Student Budget Account (OUSBA).
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may get support from your employer to pay part of your tuition fee and pay the remainder by credit or debit card.
For more information about combining payment options, contact an adviser.
Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
