MSc/Masters

Open Letter for Applicants

An open letter to all who are thinking about studying for an MSc in Information Security.

Royal Holloway’s MSc in Information Security was the first of its kind in the world.  It was introduced in 1992 and the pioneering efforts of our Information Security Group (ISG) were recognised in 1998 when the College was awarded a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for the ISG’s work.  The citation read :

“This pioneering Group provides a unique national resource for the training of information security specialists and the development of highly secure communications and computer systems.  It offers world-leading independent expertise in a field of crucial importance where trust and integrity are paramount.”

More than 1500 people have graduated through the Royal Holloway programme and “Studied at Royal Holloway” has become a recognised and highly respected badge Information Security Professionals worldwide.  The ISG is very proud of its alumni and their achievements and in July 2008 we hosted our first reunion conference.  Apart from the two key note speakers, (Whit Diffie who is an ISG visiting professor and Robert Carolina who is an ISG Senior Research Fellow),  all the speakers and attendees were either ISG alumni (having obtained the MSc) or members of the ISG.

Ever since the ISG was founded in the late 1980’s the basic theme for its activities has been “Academia and Industry in harmony”.  The main focus of the MSc programme is to produce information security specialists with a sound knowledge base and a clear understanding of how information security is implemented by Governments and Industry.  An understanding of the basic principles of the technological solutions is accompanied by the equally important exposure to the requirements of business and the fundamental need for good security management. The ISG also has a large flourishing PhD programme which attracts some of the MSc graduates to undertake research in information security.

As it was the first MSc degree of its kind in the world, when it was introduced there was no existing university syllabi for us to imitate.  Instead we consulted with more than 20 companies and Government departments to ascertain what they felt such a degree programme should contain.  Many of these organisations have maintained close links with the programme and, in a typical year, our students listen to lectures or seminars from up to 50 guest speakers.  These guest lecturers come from all sectors of Government and Industry and their input ensures that our students are exposed to the current issues facing information security practitioners - more information can be found here.
Having an offering that is up to date and relevant to potential employers is a key theme to all our activities.  So, in addition to our comprehensive syllabus and accompanying  seminars, students are offered some additional, optional courses.  In 2007-2008 these included:

  • One day practical “Hacker Bootcamp” course delivered by KPMG
  • Two day practical “Ultimate Web Hacking” course delivered by Foundstone
  • Two-day practical course on firewall configuration (using a commercial product)
  • One and a half day course on “Security in Banking”

Students have access to virtualization software from the ISG Lab in which they experiment with network security settings and concepts introduced in these courses. As well as the general purpose Lab there is also a Pen Test Lab and the Smart Card Centre where specialist kit may be accessed for those who may be undertaking a practical project in these areas.

The ISG also recognise the standing of the CISSP qualification in the ‘workplace’.  As a result we have established an arrangement with (ISC)2 whereby our students attend an intensive two-day CISSP revision course at Royal Holloway and then sit the associated exam (again at Royal Holloway).

Finally it is worth mentioning that our cryptographers have close links with Bletchley Park and many students visit that historic site during their studies.

For an overview of the application process, application forms, details of the College's general entry requirements, as well as for online applications, please go to:

http://www.rhul.ac.uk/studyhere/postgraduate/applying/howtoapply.aspx

Information about tuition fees can also be found on the Finance Office web site:

http://www.rhul.ac.uk/studyhere/postgraduate/feesandfunding/tuitionfees/tuitionfees.aspx

For general information about the MSc please contact:

Information Security Group Secretary
Royal Holloway, University of London
Egham
Surrey TW20 0EX
United Kingdom.

Tel: +44 (0) 1784 443093
Fax: +44 (0) 1784 430766
E-mail: isg [at] rhul [dot] ac [dot] uk
Web Site: http://www.isg.rhul.ac.uk

For more specific queries about the Information Security Group please contact:

Emma Mosley
Information Security Group Administrator
Royal Holloway, University of London
Egham
Surrey TW20 0EX
United Kingdom.

  Tel: +44 (0) 1784 443101
  E-mail: emma.mosley [at] rhul [dot] ac [dot] uk