MSc (Master) in Information Security
The electronic handling of information is one of the defining technologies of our age. Enormous volumes of information are routinely stored and transmitted worldwide - indeed, most aspects of our daily lives would come to a halt should the information infrastructure fail. However, with the benefits deriving from the ability to automatically manage so much information, come major threats to businesses, governments and individuals. These threats include possible fraud through information manipulation, deliberate damage to stored and transmitted information, and blackmail associated with the threat of damage. The field of Information Security, namely the study of countermeasures to these real and serious threats, has grown up very rapidly in recent years. The subject 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.
This advanced M.Sc. degree is an interdisciplinary course taught by the Information Security Group (ISG), and security experts from industry. It is designed to produce a comprehensive education in the technical, legal and commercial aspects of Information Security and is available through two distinct pathways:
- Main Pathway
- Secure Digital Business Pathway
Both these pathways have a core set of modules and a choice of options modules. By appropriate choice of options a student may tailor their MSc in Information Security to specialise in a variety of topics. Such specialisations include Smart Cards and RFID Security Systems and Information Crime.
Students of the degree come from a variety of backgrounds, ranging from new graduates, mature graduates seeking a change in career, applicants without degree level education but with appropriate experience in the information security sector and/or industry certificates, through to very senior security managers (from blue chip enterprises) seeking a formal qualification in Information Security; part-time students are particularly encouraged and there are delivery modes designed to accommodate work. The degree is intended as a foundation for a professional career in Information Security. Graduates of the degree are expected to find employment in both industry and commerce as security experts, and the need for such experts is likely to be very high for the foreseeable future. Indeed, our ex-students can now be found in many organisations working as security professionals, some of whom are now in very senior positions. These organisations range from large financial institutions to technology and research oriented organisations, as well as security specialists. A list of MSc alumni is available.
To ensure that the MSc in Information Security course is completely up to date, several modules involve substantial input from internationally recognised information security experts. Furthermore, all of the academic staff have links with external organisations that are involved with information security and secure digital business, including many of the largest such organisations in the country.The programme is delivered on campus in two modes:
Firstly, modules are delivered in 11 weekly 3-hour lecture slots in the Winter or Spring semester for the Core and Option modules. This is the mode by which full-time students follow the programme and complete it in one year. Part-time students can attend 1 day per week during the Winter and Spring semesters and complete the programme in 2 years.
Secondly, some modules are also delivered in blocks of lectures given within 1 week. The Core modules of the technical pathway are available by this delivery as well as a restricted set of Options. Part-time students can complete the taught course components of the programme by attending 6 separate weeks over a 2-year period.
See Dates and Timetables for the schedule of weekly lectures and the availability of modules in Block Mode delivery.
See General Information for more details of the programme.
The programme is also available in a Distance Learning version through the University of London External Programme . A student may complete the Distance Learning version of the degree in 2 to 4 years.
The MSc modules are also available as Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses. A student who cannot commit to being a full-time or part-time student may still earn credit towards the MSc over a 7-year period by taking modules one at a time and may combine the two campus modes with the Distance Learning mode of delivery. If you are interested in studying the MSc by this route please contact Pauline Stoner, p.stoner@rhul.ac.uk
The information contained in these web pages is also available in the MSc in Information Security course brochure available in Portable Document Format (PDF).
Students who wish to study the mathematics behind secure communications systems rather than follow the vocational direction of this programme are encouraged to consider the MSc in Mathematics of Cryptography and Communications at Royal Holloway.