MSc Information Technology Security

In contemporary society, the importance of gathering, organising and manipulating data is well known. Virtually every business activity, public and private, requires the storage of large quantities of information in a format that is readily available and easily updated. Securing the integrity, privacy and confidentiality of this knowledge is essential.

This innovative and flexible course gives you the skills to assess faults and risks in an IT environment, develop a sound ethical IT security policy and security management structure, and manage and control computer networks with due regard for IT security. As well as building IT security into new software and hardware system implementations, you will be able to ensure user compliance with agreed security policy, and prevent and – if necessary – manage crises.

The course is taught in block mode of one week’s intensive teaching in dedicated postgraduate rooms, followed by a period of about one month when assignments are completed. It’s a course structure that is very popular with both employees and employers.

Course content

Core modules

Postgraduate Project Module • Research Methods and Professional Practice • Security Awareness • Threats and Counter-Measures

Option modules

Biometrics Security Systems • Computer Forensics Fundamentals • Computer Forensics Tools • Evidence and Procedure • Risk Analysis

Alongside the state-of-the-art Learning Resource Centre, you will also benefit from 20 computer laboratories equipped with more than 600 workstations, five dedicated network development and testing rooms, an advanced multimedia laboratory, and video conferencing backbone line to the national Super-Janet network.

Length of Course

One-year, full-time, or two-year, part-time, block mode

Location

Central London (Cavendish)

Fee band

Fee band 3, see fees spreadsheet

Associated careers

Some of the senior staff supporting this course offer permanent posts to graduates. For others, an e-group has been set up for all past and present students. This enables the two groups to talk to each other, and puts employers in touch with students when a position needs filling. It is a feature that is much appreciated by those seeking either new employment or advancement in the IT security field.

Entry requirements

You will have a suitable Honours degree from a UK university (or equivalent qualification); this does not necessarily need to be in a computing discipline, or have a substantial computing component, but you must be computer-oriented. Those employed in an industrial or academic context with an interest in IT security will also be considered. If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent.

University of Westminster