MSc Information Security - Royal Holloway

www.isg.rhul.ac.uk/msc

www.londonexternal.ac.uk

Course Structure

The ISG offers an advanced MSc degree as an interdisciplinary course which embraces a range of technologies such as cryptography, computer security, and fraud detection, and also includes the study of how security can best be managed. The degree is designed to introduce the technical, legal and commercial aspects of  Information Security and consists of six taught course modules and a research project.  Of the six modules, four are mandatory core modules; the other two are optional modules chosen by the student from a list of options.  Each module usually consists of three hours of lectures per week, sometimes with tutorials and practical work. The MSc is available through two distinct pathways:

       Options for both pathways:

Application and Business Security Developments

Standards and evaluation criteria

Advanced cryptography

Computer crime

Database security

Smart cards/tokens security and applications

Software security

Entry Requirements

Students must: hold a second class honours degree or equivalent, in a relevant discipline, from a university or other institution acceptable to the University of London (a relevant discipline includes, but is not restricted to, computer science, electronics, information systems and mathematics)

and

have an advanced level of ability in English. For this purpose, applicants may be required to pass, or to have passed within the last five years, at the appropriate level, a test of proficiency in English acceptable to the University.  Students without a degree but with appropriate industrial experience will also be considered.

Students without a degree but with appropriate industrial experience will also be considered.

Duration Full time -1 year,  Part Time -2 years. Commences September

Updated 13 Sep 2006

MSc Information Systems Security - Sheffield Hallam

Course Structure

The MSc in Information Systems Security has been developed in association with the British Standards Institution (BSI), growing out of successful and popular undergraduate provision, research and developing expertise within the Communications and Networks subject group at Sheffield Hallam University. The course is targeted at recent graduates in computing or closely-related disciplines who wish to specialise in the area of IT security. You may also be a professional with one or more years experience in the IT industry who wants to enhance their marketability through gaining a postgraduate academic qualification.

Semester 1
Information Security Concepts and Principles
Network Security
System and Application Security
Web Applications and e-Commerce Security

Semester 2
ISO 27001 Security Audit and Assessment
Group-Based Case Study
And a choice between:
Professional Consultancy
Option Module

Semester 3
Research Principles & Practice (15 credits)
Dissertation (45 credits)

Entry Requirements

In order to be admitted on the MSc, students will need one of the following -
A good honours degree in a computing-related discipline
or   A good honours degree (or equivalent) in any area with at least three years experience in a relevant professional field
or   An HND, FdSc or equivalent, plus at least four years relevant experience in a relevant professional field
or   At least five years professional experience in a relevant area at a senior level
and   A good level of spoken and written English is required. You will need one of the following: first or higher degree (or equivalent) taught and assessed in English; GCSE grade C or equivalent; IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.
and    A good reference or recommendation from an employer is required.

Duration N/K. Commences September

Updated 13 Nov 2006

MSc Information Technology Security - Westminster

Course content   

This innovative and flexible course aims to equip those responsible for the development and implementation of IT security policy to:

·         Assess faults and risks in an information technology environment;

·         Develop a sound ethical information technology security policy;

·         Establish an information technology security management structure;

·         Manage and control computer networks with due regard for information technology security;

·         Build Information Technology security into new computer software and hardware system implementations

·         Prevent and, if necessary in spite of best practice, manage crises;

·         Ensure user compliance with agreed security policy.

Course Structure

This course is structured in block mode. Each single (20-credit) module lasts about five weeks. The first week of the module will comprise an intensive programme of lectures and tutorials to deliver the module's main content. During this week full-time attendance is required every day. The next three weeks will be used for student centred study and other self-managed academic activity with access to tutorial support on a demand led basis. Those studying in block mode spend the same total amount of time on each module as those studying in full or part-time mode. It does however allow them to concentrate all their formal teaching into the intensive one week blocks. This has been found to be of particular advantage to students who are combining an MSc course with an industrial career. Part-time students taking this course follow the same study pattern as full-time students but take only three modules per year, spreading their study period over two years.

·         Modules

Business Needs, Planning and Policy

Computer Forensics

Legal and Ethical Aspects of Information Technology Security

Project Module

Research Methods and Transferable Skills

Risk Analysis

Security Awareness

Security Management

Threats and Counter-measures 1 and 2

Entry Requirements

A suitable Honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent qualification. This qualification need not necessarily be in a computing discipline or have a substantial computing component but studentsmust be computer-oriented. A flexible attitude will be taken towards those employed in an industrial or academic context that has an interest in IT Security such as those involved in countering computer crime. Applicants will normally be interviewed before being offered a place. 

Duration Full time -1 year,  Part Time -2 years. Commences September & January

Updated 13 Sep 2006

MSc Computer Systems Security - Glamorgan

Course Content

This specialist course focuses on the technical aspects of computer system security and systems management. The award is designed to provide up-to-date, relevant and practical information on the technical aspects of computer security. This field is becoming increasingly important as the use of information systems becomes more widespread in the lives of individuals, business and society. This course equips students for careers which require in-depth knowledge of security issues at a technical and managerial level. Potential careers include systems administrator or security penetration tester.

·         Modules

Project Management & Research Methodology

Security Management

Cryptography and Electronic Commerce

Network Security

Practical NT/2000/XP Security

Practical Unix Security

Individual Project

Course Structure

Each module is taught in a five-day block of lectures and you will need to spend a substantial amount of time working independently on reading and preparing for assessments. This should represent about 160 hours of work. Stusents are sent a pack that will contain work to complete before the start of the module. This is typically directed reading to introduce the student to the concepts underpinning the module. Most of the assessment is by coursework. While the style of coursework may vary, most will be the submission of a research style paper or essay. Each module normally has two essay/papers of around 3,000 words.

Entry Requirements

This course is designed for Honours graduates. While any discipline is acceptable, all entrants must have IT skills and extensive experience of the sector or be graduates in computing or a related area. 

Duration Full time -1 year,  Part Time -over several years. Commences September

Updated 13 Sep 2006

MSc Information Security and Computer Crime - Glamorgan

Course Content

There is inreasing recognition of the importance of a national information infrastructure in creating an information society. Given the rapid spread of IT, ensuring security of information and authentication of access becomes even more important. The demands for secure systems come from all sections of the community: individuals, business and industry. This award is designed to provide up-to-date, relevant practical information on security and crime, underpinned by an academic framework. A range of external speakers in various modules will ensure that the information presents a state-of-the-art position in the field. On successful completion you will be well-equipped for a career in this rapidly-expanding branch of IT. With the breadth of technical and legal issues you will be able to make a major contribution to information security. This course is accredited by the British Computer Society and gives exemption from some of its examinations.

·         Modules

Project Management and Research Methodologies

Security Management

Computer Forensics

Network Security

Cryptography and Electronic Commerce

Computer Law

Course Structure

There is a need to spend a substantial amount of time working independently on reading and preparing for the assessment. This should represent about 160 hours of work and will mainly be assessed through coursework. All assessment is coursework based. While the style of coursework may vary, most will be the submission of a research-style paper or essay. Each module normally has two essay/papers of around 3,500 words. Each module is taught in a five-day block and assessment normally takes place within three weeks.

Entry Requirements

This course is designed for Honours graduates. While any discipline is acceptable, all entrants must have IT skills and extensive experience of the sector or be graduates in computing or a related area. 

Duration Full time -1 year,  Part Time -over several years. Commences September

Updated 13 Sep 2006