Interested in this course? Why not participate in our MSc Virtual Open Day. More details can be found on our Skype Live and Interactive and MSc Virtual Open Day web pages.
Why choose this course?
As the world has moved online, so the security of computer networks has increased in importance. Whether at the local level of a small/home office wireless router, a corporate LAN or the global Internet, the need to ensure the integrity, availability and confidentiality of both infrastructure and data is vital to individual freedom, corporate privacy and national security. The MSc Network Security programme gives students the knowledge, skills and abilities to develop and manage secure networked IT systems.
A network security professional has not only deep system knowledge but also the theoretical underpinning to allow that knowledge to evolve and grow as the technological and threat environments develop. The aim of this course is to build and develop the professional skills that will allow graduates to practise in the area of network security and to maintain their awareness and skill throughout their career. The course content covers elements from 5 areas:
Building on undergraduate skills in computing and/or electronic engineering, the MSc Network Security will examine network security from perspectives such as designing secure systems, testing and evaluating security, emerging cybersecurity threats with a principle focus on the areas of advanced networking technology, penetration testing and digital forensics.
How you learn
Teaching is focused around lectures and practical sessions in dedicated classrooms. Lectures are used to present the key concepts while practicals increase your understanding of the subject and allow you to develop your competence in technological and theoretical work. The course is taught using a problem-based learning approach. You will spend about 12 hours per week attending classes and about 30 hours a week of private study.
How you are assessed
The taught course will be assessed using a combination of written coursework, presentations and seminars with a written dissertation at MSc level.
Applicants should have a minimum of an lower second-class Honours degree in the wider area of Computing. The course is designed for students whose degree comprises a significant component of software development or networking. Applicants who do not cover the appropriate subjects during their degree will be considered if they have relevant industry experience. This would normally be a minimum of two years' experience of working in the area of software development or networking, in either a promoted post or with a significant level of responsibility.
Overseas/EU
All applicants are required to provide certified proof of competence in English Language and the University's minimum requirements are listed here
Your future
Graduates can be employed in any organisation with a large, complex IT infrastructure. There they would take the role of network managers, system administrators and system security specialists. Other opportunities exist within auditing organisations that employ security professionals to test out the computer systems of other companies. There is also a rich consultancy market in this area.
Other IT specialists such as software engineers and systems architects who study this course would gain a significant advantage in the employment market as the knowledge and and skills gained would also be applicable in the design and development of the next generation of secure software, systems and infrastructure.
Download the course leaflet
MSc Network Security - New
