One of a range of degrees from the taught Masters Programme at the School of Computer Science

This course explores the security of computer systems. You will gain familiarity with cryptography and security protocols and learn about the relative strengths and weaknesses of programming language and software features. You will study a range of security requirements, services, threats and counter-measures, developing skills to identify and evaluate the methods employed by adversaries to break into insecure systems.

You will also learn how to write code that is more secure and will study network system administration, with the opportunity to configure, manage and administer your own servers, clients, routers and other devices.

This course is part of our Masters Programme in Computer Science. For more information about the different course titles, visit our Programme Summary page. Here you can also download the Programme Prospectus as a pdf file.

Course Structure:

The course lasts for 12 months over three semesters for the September start or 16 months for the January start, with a break during the summer period: May to September. This break can be used for further study, work experience or a holiday. in the first two semesters there are four or more taught modules, to make a total of 120 credits, and there is a 60 credit project in the third.

There are three core modules fixed for this course. You will also take two or more optional modules, making up 60 credits, which you can choose from the full list of advanced, specialist modules in Computer Science. Alternatively you can elect to replace up to 30 credits worth with masters modules taught by the University's Business School. Visit our Module Descriptions page for further details.

Core Modules:

• Distributed Systems Security (30 credits)
• Network System Administration (15 credits)
• Secure Systems Programming (15 credits)

Project:

In the third semester, you complete a project in your chosen specialism under the guidance of an experienced individual supervisor. Supporting tuition for the project includes the general principles of research methods.

Through the project you will demonstrate your understanding of the principles and concepts you have learned in the taught modules and your ability to apply them to a substantial piece of development or investigative work.