Internet and Security, MSc

This course enables you to gain an MSc qualification in an area of Computing that is of growing importance for the IT industry, and will give you advanced knowledge and skills that are highly sought after by employers. Why study this course?

• This course is designed to enable students with a Computing first degree background, or equivalent, to combine technical excellence in internet implementation with specialist Computer Security knowledge.
• The course is taught by active researchers in the Internet and Security fields.
• On completion of the course you will be well qualified for work in industry or for further study for PhD.
• The course includes the opportunity to do a paid work placement for a year in industry.

• The first term is common with MSc Internet and Enterprise Computing allowing you to refine your course choice after joining us.

Our thriving research community has a strong national and international profile, and is involved in a wide range of research activities. In the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) in 2008, 85%-95% of our research (which was submitted to Computing and General Engineering) was classed as "Internationally Recognised", "World-leading" or "Internationally Excellent".

Our principal commitment is to translating our research and teaching excellence into competitive, effective graduates who are equipped to inspire and innovate in their chosen careers.

Questions?Ask NTU
Telephone: +44 (0)115 848 4200

To complete the full Masters course you have to complete 180 cp. This is comprised as follows:

Weeks 1-10

• Advanced Software Engineering (20 credits)
• Internet programming (20 credits)

Weeks 11-30

• Introduction to Information Security (20 credits)
• Computer Security (20 credits)
• Network Security (20 credits)
• Research Methods (20 credits)

Weeks 31-45 (Placement to be taken in the second year)

• Major Project (60 credits)

Modules

Computer Security - 20 CP
Learn how to critically analyse the security problems affecting computing systems, devise security solutions and formulate detailed technical reports.

Network Security - 20 CP
This module will enable you to appraise the main technologies for network security resulting in the design of security solutions for computer networks.

Introduction to Information Security - 20 CP
This module provides you with knowledge and understanding of the main issues related to information security. Learn about security solutions, risks and computer forensics.

Advanced Software Engineering - 20 CP
Extend your existing programming skills and develop expertise in a variety of intelligent system engineering contexts and object-orientated program development.

Internet Programming - 20 CP
Learn more about web based mark-up languages, architecture and implementation of Internet based applications, object oriented methodologies’ pattern based approach and XHTML.

Research Methods - 20 CP
You will develop the skills of research and enquiry that will enhance your independent learning abilities and enable you to write effective project reports and technical papers.

Major project - 60 CP
You will develop advanced skills in a relevant specialist topic area through the completion of a research project. The project integrates knowledge of the course and includes the design and / or development of an innovative solution to a complex and challenging information security problem presented as a dissertation or technical research paper.

How do you study?

Reflecting the relative maturity of postgraduate students, your teaching and learning is designed to enable independent learning. The majority of taught modules will be centred on lectures supported by seminars, workshops and laboratories to provide a significant knowledge resource.

The various teaching methods are:

• lectures to introduce and develop concepts and to explore the application of these concepts;
• workshops and laboratories to develop skills and appreciate concepts;
• seminars to provide academic support;
• case study and project work to develop a deeper understanding of concepts and applications.

In addition your Programme Leader will provide on-going support during the completion of your course.

The major project element of the course will allow you an opportunity to develop greater subject specialism in one specific Internet or security topic of your choice. The programme will also provide you with the research skills necessary to keep up to date with the continually changing issues in the field such as the semantic web, application-level web-security or digital rights management.

Assessment
Laboratory/workshops are used to develop a range of practical and problem-solving skills. A typical assessment is a practical assignment where your achievement is presented via a coursework report and viva or demonstration/presentation.

Based on Clifton campus the School of Science and Technology is a stimulating and creative environment. We provide facilities that enhance the quality of our education and push the boundaries of our research. As a student here, you will have access to specialist facilities including:

• games console laboratories
• networking and security laboratories
• human-interactive technology
• stereo-projection
• Imaging and Displays Research Facility and;
• our Centre for Innovation and Technology Exploitation (CITE).

You will also enjoy working with the latest software. Examples include:

• EnCase
• 3D StudioMax
• XNA Xbox development suite
• The Adobe Creative Suite (Flash, After Effects, Photoshop)
• the Unreal and Half-life Games Engines.

Across NTU, we have a range of first-class facilities that you would expect from a university with high quality teaching and world-leading research. These include:

• an £8m computing and informatics building
• a British Olympic Association-approved environmental chamber.