MSc Information Security

Why Surrey?
Our Information Security MSc benefits from the internationally visible, high-quality research activity and multiple links with academia and industry provided by the Department of Computing and Surrey Centre for Cyber Security. Our course is taught by experts, and equips you with the solid theoretical background and hands-on experience demanded by the information-security sector.

Programme overview
The electronic collection, transmission, processing, storage and retrieval of digital information are present in all spheres of our modern computerised society. Most existing commercial and private services can no longer be imagined without the underlying infrastructure and technology for handling the digital information. As such, protection of digital information from unauthorised access and use (as well as resilience of the underlying network infrastructure and systems to various sorts of attacks and their proactive protection against the prevalent cyber threat) has become one of the main challenges of the technological development of our society.

The science behind our Information Security MSc connects various disciplines (from computer science, electronic engineering and mathematics) and aims to design concepts, mechanisms and technologies for effective protection of digital information, communication infrastructures and computing systems.

Focused on key information security concepts, mechanisms and technologies, our MSc examines fundamental and advanced topics in important areas of modern information security, striving to achieve a balance between theoretical foundations and practical experience.

The programme consists of six compulsory (C) modules which span:

- Information security principles, challenges and goals
- Network security (incl. Internet security protocols and technologies, e.g. PKI)
- Cryptographic algorithms and protocols
- Information hiding (incl. multimedia data protection, watermarking and steganography)
- Digital forensics (incl. concepts, technologies, tools)
- Security of operating systems and software (incl. malware)
- Security of Web and mobile applications
- Security of cyber-physical systems (incl. wireless security)
- Privacy-enhancing technologies (incl. online privacy protection and anonymity)
- Human-centered and usable security, security economics
- Security applications and technologies

Module overview
You choose the remaining two modules from four optional (O) modules in Semester 2. These optional modules cover additional security-related topics or more general topics from computer science.

In your final dissertation projects you will be able to individually apply your knowledge of learned concepts and techniques, or conduct original research work on the design and development of innovative security mechanisms and applications.

Compulsory modules:

- Information and Network Security
- Symmetric Cryptography
- Asymmetric Cryptography
- Information Security Management
- Multimedia Security and Digital Forensics
- Secure Systems and Applications

Optional modules:

- Information Security for Business and Government
- Project Management and Business Strategy
- Databases Systems
- Cloud Computing

Dissertation project
The MSc dissertation project makes up one third of the degree programme, starting towards the end of the first semester and completing at the end of the summer. During the project, you are supervised by a member of academic staff to advise and guide you to completion. At the end of the project, you must submit your bound dissertation, which forms a complete record of the project.

The project focuses in depth on a subject at the leading edge of computing. For example, projects can undertake the development of a software system to solve a particular problem, possibly in collaboration with an industrial partner.

Alternatively, projects can be research-based, in which case an aspect of computing is investigated, perhaps to evaluate particular techniques or propose a new algorithm. These projects are usually closely linked to the Department’s research strengths.

Whatever the topic, you are expected to develop a critical understanding of the methods and technologies needed, then implement and evaluate your chosen solution to a professional standard. Project planning and time management is an important part of the experience.

Teaching and assessment
Taught Masters programmes in the Department of Computing utilise our research-active staff in conjunction with state-of-the-art facilities. We provide a range of learning experiences, including lectures, tutorials, directed study, practical laboratories and project work, which prepare graduates for their professional life. Students of the MSc Information Security programme will have access to a modern Applied Security Lab that features modern computer infrastructure that can support a variety of security-related experiments and research activities.

We are particularly keen to develop, in all our students, a broad range of generic skills to complement the core technical or scientific competencies of their chosen subject area. Our modular programme format, coupled with the increasing use of innovative teaching and learning strategies involving e-learning, provides a flexible study environment whilst maintaining academic rigour and quality.

What our students say
Why not read about the experiences of our past and present students, including Andy Smith, George Kapetanios and Arati Gurung?

Professional recognition
Our MSc in Information Security programme has been evaluated by the British Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) and awarded GCHQ-certified status. The present certification status of provisional reflects the relative recency of the programme, and full status will be sought. For more information about GCHQ certification, please visit:

http://www.cesg.gov.uk/AwarenessTraining/academia/Pages/Masters-Degrees.aspx

Entry requirements
Candidates should have a first degree in computing or cognate discipline from a UK university or the international equivalent. They should have obtained the degree at 2.1 level or higher. In exceptional circumstances, work experience may also be considered if the candidate has achieved less than a 2.1.

How to apply
For more information on the course and how to apply please visit the course website.

General enquiries:
+44 (0)1483 681 681

Admissions enquiries:
+44 (0)1483 682 222
admissions@surrey.ac.uk