Information Security (MSc and Postgraduate Diploma)

Duration: 2 years

Awarding Body:
University of London (External Programme)

Admission Requirement:
A Levels or equivalent or
Higher Secondary Certificate with good grades

Is this course for me?
The field of Information Security is the study of countermeasures to the threat of information infrastructure failure to ensure the security of electronic information. It 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 programme introduces the technical, legal and commercial aspects of Information Security. Students come from a variety of backgrounds, ranging from new graduates through to senior security managers in blue chip enterprises seeking a formal qualification in Information Security.
Course summary

Prestige
The programme has been developed by academics within the Information Security Group (ISG) (external link) at Royal Holloway, University of London, one of the foremost academic security groups in the world.
The ISG is at the cutting edge of research into the design and evaluation of smart cards, electronic commerce, security management, mobile telecommunications security, and the integration of security techniques into specific applications. The ISG was awarded a Queen's Anniversary Prize in 1998 in recognition of it providing "a unique national resource for the training of information security specialists".

Career progression
Graduates of the programme can be found in many organisations, ranging from large financial institutions to technology and research- oriented organisations, as well as security specialists. The MSc is also a foundation for further postgraduate research.

Your time commitment
This courses are offered online, enabling you to fit your studies around work and family commitments. To complete in the minimum study period you will need to study 20 hours per week during the academic session (September-April).

Structure and Syllabus
The MSc consists of six modules and a project. The PG Diploma consists of six modules:

Four compulsory core modules
Security management  [690IC01]
An introduction to cryptography and security mechanisms [690IC02]
Network security [690IC03]
Computer security [690IC04]
Two optional modules chosen from:
Secure electronic commerce and other applications [690OPT5]
Standards and evaluation criteria [690OPT7]
Advanced cryptography [690OPT8]
Database security [690OPT9]
Information crime [690OP10]
PLUS
MSc project [6900011]
Notes:
The compulsory core modules are available as Short courses.

Summary of key dates