Excited by the role of mathematics in securing the modern electronics and communications that we all rely on? This intensive MSc programme explores the mathematics behind secure information and communications systems, in a department that is world renowned for research in the field.
You will learn to apply advanced mathematical ideas to cryptography, coding theory and information theory, by studying the relevant functions of algebra, number theory and combinatorial complexity theory and algorithms. In the process you will develop a critical appreciation of the challenges that mathematicians face in facilitating secure information transmission, data compression and encryption. You will learn to use advanced cypher systems, correcting codes and modern public key crypto-systems. As part of your studies you will have the opportunity to complete a supervised dissertation in an area of your choice, under the guidance of experts in the field who regularly publish in internationally competitive journals and work closely with partners in industry.
We are a lively, collaborative and supportive community of mathematicians and information security specialists, and thanks to our relatively compact scale we will take the time to get to know you as an individual. You will be assigned a personal advisor to guide you through your studies.
Mathematicians who can push the boundaries and stay ahead when it comes to cryptography and information security are in demand, and the skills you gain will open up a range of career options and provide a solid foundation if you wish to progress to a PhD. These include transferable skills such as familiarity with a computer-based algebra package, experience of carrying out independent research and managing the writing of a dissertation.
Core modules
Optional modules
In addition to these mandatory course units there are a number of optional course units available during your degree studies. The following is a selection of optional course units that are likely to be available. Please note that although the College will keep changes to a minimum, new units may be offered or existing units may be withdrawn, for example, in response to a change in staff. Applicants will be informed if any significant changes need to be made.
You will initially choose 8 courses from the list of available options, of which you specify 6 courses during the second term that will count towards your final award. You will also complete a core research project under the supervision of one of our academic staff.There is a strong focus on small group teaching throughout the programme.
Assessment is carried out through a variety of methods, including coursework, examinations and the main project. End-of-year examinations in May or June will count for 66.7% of your final award, while the dissertation will make up the remaining 33.3% and has to be submitted by September.
By the end of this programme you will have an advanced knowledge and understanding of all the key mathematical principles and applications that underpin modern cryptography and communications. You will have advanced skills in coding, algebra and number theory, and be able to synthesise and interpret information from multiple sources with insight and critical awareness. You will have learnt to formulate problems clearly, to undertake independent research and to express your technical work and conclusions clearly in writing. You will also have valuable transferable skills such as advanced numeracy and IT skills, time management, adaptability and self-motivation.
Graduates from this programme have gone on to carry out cutting-edge research in the fields of communication theory and cryptography, as well as to successful careers in industries such as: information security, IT consultancy, banking and finance, higher education and telecommunications. Our mathematics postgraduates have taken up roles such as: Principal Information Security Consultant at Abbey National PLC; Senior Manager at Enterprise Risk Services, Deloitte & Touche; Global IT Security Director at Reuters; and Information Security Manager at London Underground.
The campus Careers team will be on hand to offer advice and guidance on your chosen career. The University of London Careers Advisory Service runs regular, tailored sessions for mathematics students, on finding summer internships or vacation employment and getting into employment.
On the MSc in Cyber Security course at Swansea University your studies will include themes including cryptography, blockchain, cryptocurrencies, the security and privacy of personal data, cyberterrorism, cybercrime and mobile security to name but a few. In the Cyber Security course, Swansea Computer Science takes a holistic and interdisciplinary approach, bringing together modules on diverse topics such as penetration testing, formal modelling, information security management, cryptography and AI in order to equip our students with a suitable mindset for a career in cyber security. The department's cyber security lab provides the perfect backdrop for exploring the security landscape, allowing Cyber Security students and staff to carry out experiments in network security, mobile security, and to explore threats and defence mechanisms in the context of the Internet of Things.
Our increasingly connected world presents continual new and serious security threats. From privacy violations (hacking, monitoring communications, leaking sensitive data, stealing and publishing private information) through to the drugs trade, sex trafficking and terrorism, Computer Science can provide the techniques required for mitigating such risks, in order to provide secure, reliable and trustworthy systems.
Taught component: The MSc in Cyber Security offers a range of modules, taught by internationally renowned researchers and covering topics such as: Cryptography and Network Security, Penetration Testing, Information Security Management, Embedded Systems Modelling and Verification Techniques, Web Application Development, Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies and Smart Contracts, Advanced Topics: AI and Cyber Security Invention and Innovation in Computing.
Dissertation component: A further four months duration is spent undertaking a substantial research project (60 credits), which will involve using and exploring cutting edge techniques for specifying, developing, verifying and accessing systems against security criteria. Cyber Security Students will benefit from our broad range of industrial partners and internationally leading research expertise.
Possible Future Pathways: Cyber Threat Analyst - Penetration Tester PhD Researcher - Data Security Analyst Secure Web Developer - Verification Engineer.
Modules on the Cyber Security course may include:
The Department is well equipped for teaching, and is continually upgrading its laboratories to ensure equipment is up-to-date – equipment is never more than three years old, and rarely more than two. Currently, students use three fully networked laboratories: one, running Windows; another running Linux; and a project laboratory, containing specialised equipment. These laboratories support a wide range of software, including the programming languages Java, C# and the .net framework, C, C++, Haskell and Prolog among many; integrated programme development environments such as Visual Studio and Netbeans; the widely-used Microsoft Office package; web access tools; and many special purpose software tools including graphical rendering and image manipulation tools; expert system production tools; concurrent system modelling tools; World Wide Web authoring tools; and databases.
As part of our expansion, we are building the Computational Foundry on our Bay Campus for computer and mathematical sciences. As a student on the MSc in Cyber Security, you will study at the Bay Campus in the new Computational Foundry, a dedicated £32 million building for computational studies, providing the latest labs, resources and ecosystems for world leading, interdisciplinary research.
All Computer Science courses including the MSc in Cyber Security will provide you the transferable skills and knowledge to help you take advantage of the excellent employment and career development prospects in an ever growing and changing computing and ICT industry.
94% of our Postgraduate Taught Graduates were in professional level work or study [DLHE 14/15].
Jobs include:
The Information Security MSc offers a specialist programme designed to provide a fundamental understanding of information security and to convey practical engineering skills. There are good prospects for highly trained information security professionals and there is a shortage of trained personnel in this area.
Students develop an advanced knowledge of information security and an awareness of the context in which information security operates in terms of safety, environmental, social and economic aspects. They gain a wide range of intellectual, practical and transferable skills, enabling them to develop a flexible professional career in IT.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of four core modules (60 credits), four optional modules (60 credits) and a research project (60 credits).
Core modules
Optional modules
Students choose 60 credits from the following:
Please note: the availability and delivery of optional modules may vary, depending on your selection.
Dissertation/report
All MSc students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation (maximum length of 120 pages) and an oral presentation.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, problem classes, tutorials, laboratory classes and projects. Assessment is through written examinations, presentations, vivas, tests, coursework, written reports, formal presentations and the research project.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Information Security MSc
UCL graduates are keenly sought after by the world's leading organisations. UCL Computer Science graduates are particularly valued as a result of the department's strong international reputation, strong links with industry, and ideal location close to the City of London. Our graduates secure careers in a wide variety of organisations, e.g. with global IT consultancies, as IT analysts with City banks, or as IT specialists within manufacturing industries.
Recent career destinations for this degree
Employability
Some of the brightest alumni of the degree go on to careers in academia. The majority of our students take jobs in the software and consultancy industries, usually in a security-related role such as security standards compliance, secure software design or security consultancy. Students have the opportunity to do industrially based projects with companies such as BT and McAfee. The department is recognised as an academic centre of excellence on cyber security and further opportunities to expand both academic and industrial contacts arise through the ACE-CS guest lecture series integrated into the degree.
Careers data is taken from the ‘Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education’ survey undertaken by HESA looking at the destinations of UK and EU students in the 2013–2015 graduating cohorts six months after graduation.
UCL Computer Science is recognised as a world leader in teaching and research.
UCL received the highest percentage (96%) for quality of research in Computer Science and Informatics in the UK's most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF2014).
This MSc is taught by academics who conduct world-leading research, most notably in cryptography and human-centred approaches to security, privacy and trust. Access to industry-led projects and guest lecturers from academia and industry will enhance post-graduation opportunities for careers in security-related research, or employment in cyber security roles.
UCL's central London location enables students to enjoy the full benefits of life in a vibrant world city with easy access to excellent scientific and cultural centres.
Accreditation
Information Security has been successfully awarded full certification from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). Students who wish to gain the certification with their degree need to choose COMPGA14 Information Security Management as one of their optional modules.
The Research Excellence Framework, or REF, is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The 2014 REF was carried out by the UK's higher education funding bodies, and the results used to allocate research funding from 2015/16.
The following REF score was awarded to the department: Computer Science
96% rated 4* (‘world-leading’) or 3* (‘internationally excellent’)
Learn more about the scope of UCL's research, and browse case studies, on our Research Impact website.
The creation, transmission and storage of huge volumes of electronic data is one of the defining features of our age. Whilst these technologies bring us untold benefits, they also expose businesses, governments and individuals to repeated threats, such as fraud through data manipulation, deliberate sabotage and blackmail. As a result, businesses, governments and individuals around the world rely on the expertise and innovations of information security specialists, without which global communications systems would grind to a halt.
Want to join this expanding field and learn from the very best? Our flagship Information Security programme was the first of its kind in the world. It is certified by GCHQ, the UK Government Communications Headquarters, and taught by academics and industrial partners in one of the largest and most established Information Security Groups in the world. We are a UK Academic Centre of Excellence for cyber security research, and an Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Centre for Doctoral Training in cyber security. We work closely with industry, and much of our curriculum and research is informed and audited by the industry itself. Our teachers are specialists in the field, with backgrounds in computer science, engineering, mathematics, statistics and the social sciences.
Our broad curriculum encompasses cryptography, fraud detection, system security, network security, device security and the study of how security itself should be managed. You will learn about the technical, legal and commercial aspects of the industry and have the chance to complete a supervised dissertation on a topic of your choice. In a typical year you could benefit from lectures and seminars given by as many as 50 different guest speakers. You will also have access to our virtualisation software, for experimenting with network security settings and ideas, as well as to our Penetration Testing Laboratory and industry-sponsored Smart Card Centre.
We offer a friendly, supportive learning environment and you will have a dedicated personal adviser to guide you through your studies. The skills you gain will open up a range of high-level career options and provide a solid foundation if you wish to progress to a PhD. Our graduates are in demand for their cutting-edge grasp of the field as well as their technical expertise and transferrable skills such as data handling, analysis, problem solving and research. The programme can be completed in one year full-time, two years part-time, three to seven years through Continuous Professional Development (CPD), or two to four years through distance learning.
The programme can be completed in one year full-time, two years part-time, three to seven years through Continuous Professional Development (CPD), or two to four years through distance learning.
Core modules
Optional modules
In addition to these mandatory course units there are a number of optional course units available during your degree studies. The following is a selection of optional course units that are likely to be available. Please note that although the College will keep changes to a minimum, new units may be offered or existing units may be withdrawn, for example, in response to a change in staff. Applicants will be informed if any significant changes need to be made.
We use a range of teaching methods, including seminars, lectures and practical lab work. There is a strong focus on small group teaching. The programme has a flexible, modular structure, combining a sueprvised dissertation and mandatory courses that together make up 120 of the 180 credits required to pass, with a range of optional modules on specialist topics, worth 20 credits each.
During your studies you will be invited to attend an intensive, two-day revision course to prepare for the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) exams, which you will then be able to sit on campus, through an established arrangement with (ISC)2.
Assessment is through a combination of end-of-year examinations sat in May or June and the written dissertation, which has to be submitted in September.
By the end of this programme you will possess the knowledge and skills to pursue a career as a cyber security professional, and an ideal basis for moving on to further postgraduate research if you prefer. You will have an advanced knowledge and understanding of the latest breakthroughs and techniques, as well as key challenges and opportunities in the field. This programme will also give you valuable transferable skills such as advanced IT skills, data handling, analysis, research, communication, problem solving, time management, adaptability and self-motivation.
Our graduates are highly employable and in recent years they have gone on to forge successful careers in a wide range of sectors, including: banking, telecommunications, security consultancies, the civil service, public utilities and the retail sector.
You will be assigned a personal advisor to guide you through your studies and advise you on further postgraduate opportunities. The campus Careers team will be on hand to offer advice and guidance on your chosen career and the University of London Careers Advisory Service runs regular sessions on finding summer internships or vacation employment and securing employment after graduation.
Protecting digital information from unauthorised access and use, and ensuring the resilience of the underlying network infrastructure and systems, are key challenges for the continued technological development of our society.
The science behind our Information Security MSc connects various disciplines; from computer science, electronic engineering and mathematics, 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 programme examines fundamental and advanced topics in important areas of modern information security, striving to achieve a balance between theoretical foundations and practical experience.
This programme is studied full-time over one academic year and part-time over three academic years. It consists of eight taught modules and a dissertation.
Example module listing
The following modules are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that not all modules described are compulsory and may be subject to teaching availability and/or student demand.
The programme will:
Knowledge and understanding
Students will gain:
Intellectual / cognitive skills
Students will leave the programme with the ability to:
Professional practical skills
Students will gain the ability to:
Key / transferable skills
Students will have:
We often give our students the opportunity to acquire international experience during their degrees by taking advantage of our exchange agreements with overseas universities.
In addition to the hugely enjoyable and satisfying experience, time spent abroad adds a distinctive element to your CV.
In addition to being a science in its own right, mathematics plays a fundamental role in the quantitative areas of practically all other academic disciplines, particularly in the natural sciences, engineering, business administration, economics, medicine and psychology. Mathematical results permeate nearly all facets of life and are a necessary prerequisite for the vast majority of modern technologies – and as our IT systems become increasingly powerful, we are able to mathematically handle enormous amounts of data and solve ever more complex problems.
Special emphasis is placed on developing students' ability to formalise given problems in a way that facilitates algorithmic processing as well as enabling them to choose or develop, and subsequently apply, suitable algorithms to solve problems in an appropriate manner. The degree programme is theoretical in its orientation, with strongly application-oriented components. Studying this programme, you can gain advanced knowledge in the mathematical areas of Cryptography, Computer Algebra, Algorithmic Algebra and Geometry, Image and Signals Processing, Statistics and Stochastic Simulation, Dynamical Systems and Control Theory as well as expert knowledge in Computer Science fields such as Data Management, Machine Learning and Data Mining.
Furthermore, you will have the chance to learn how to apply your knowledge to tackle problems in areas as diverse as Marketing, Predictive Analytics, Computational Finance, Digital Humanities, IT Security and Robotics.
The core modules consist of two mathematics seminars and the presentation of your master's thesis.The compulsory elective modules are divided into eight module groups:
1) Algebra, Geometry and Cryptography
This module group imparts advanced results in the areas of algebra and geometry, which constitute the fundament for algorithmic calculations, particularly in cryptography but also in many other mathematical areas.
2) Mathematical Logic and Discrete Mathematics
The theoretical possibilities and limitations of algorithm-based solutions are treated in this module group.
3) Analysis, Numerics and Approximation Theory
Methods from the fields of mathematical analysis, applied harmonic analysis and approximation theory for modelling and approximating continuous and discrete data and systems as well as efficient numerical implementation and evaluation of these methods are the scope of this module group.
4) Dynamical Systems and Optimisation
Dynamical systems theory deals with the description of change over time. This module group is concerned with methods used for the modelling, analysis, optimisation and design of dynamical systems, as well as the numerical implementation of such techniques.
5) Stochastics, Statistics
This module group deals with methods for modelling and analysing complex random phenomena as well as the construction, analysis and optimisation of stochastic algorithms and techniques used in statistical data analysis.
6) Data Analysis and Data Management and Programming
This module group examines the core methods used in computer science for the analysis of data of heterogeneous modalities (e.g. multimedia data, social networks and sensor data) and for the realisation of data analysis systems.
7) Applications
In this module group, you will practise applying the mathematical methods learned in module groups 1 to 6 to real-world applications such as Marketing, Predictive Analytics and Computational Finance.
8) Key Competencies and Language Training
In this module group, you will choose seminars that develop your non-subject-specific skills, such as public speaking and academic writing and other soft skills; you may also undertake internships. This serves to complement your technical expertise gained during your degree studies and helps to prepare you for your professional life after university.
“There is no branch of mathematics, however abstract, which may not someday be applied to phenomena of the real world.” – Nikolai Ivanovich Lobachevsky
If you're looking to take your undergraduate mathematics experience to new levels and develop advanced research skills, this intensive programme covers the wide spectrum of discrete mathematics, applied mathematics and statistics, and addresses some of the key quantifiable challenges and opportunities in the world around us. An interdisciplinary subject by nature, we will help you to apply mathematical concepts and methods to the ever-changing worlds of science, engineering, business, digital technology and industry, and particularly to communication theory, mathematical physics and financial mathematics, where some of our key research interests lie.
The skills you gain will open up a range of career options and provide a solid foundation if you wish to progress to a PhD. You will be guided by renowned specialists in the field who publish in internationally competitive journals and work closely with partners in industry.
Join our friendly and inspiring department and you will benefit from a thoroughly supportive learning environment, with generous staff office hours and a dedicated personal advisor to help you with any queries and guide you through your degree. Our graduates are in demand for their skills in research, numeracy, data handling and analysis, logical thinking and creative problem solving.
Core modules
Optional modules
In addition to these mandatory course units there are a number of optional course units available during your degree studies. The following is a selection of optional course units that are likely to be available. Please note that although the College will keep changes to a minimum, new units may be offered or existing units may be withdrawn, for example, in response to a change in staff. Applicants will be informed if any significant changes need to be made.
You will initially choose eight modules from the list of available options, of which you specify modules during the second term that will count towards your final award. You will also complete a core research project under the supervision of one of our academic staff. There is a strong focus on small group teaching throughout the programme.
Assessment is carried out through a variety of methods, including coursework, examinations and the main project. End-of-year examinations in May or June will count for 66.7% of your final award, while the dissertation will make up the remaining 33.3%.
By the end of this programme you will have completed a major research project and acquired an advanced knowledge and understanding of: the role and limitations of mathematics in solving problems that arise in real-world scenarios. You will also have impressive skills in selected areas of mathematics and their applications, and the ability to synthesise and interpret information from multiple sources with insight and critical awareness. We will teach you to formulate problems clearly and express your technical work and conclusions clearly in writing, and you will develop valuable transferable skills such as time management, adaptability and self-motivation.
Our graduates have gone on to carry out cutting-edge research in the fields of communication theory and cryptography, as well as successful careers in industries such as: information security, IT consultancy, banking and finance, higher education and telecommunication. They have taken up roles such as: Principal Information Security Consultant at Abbey National PLC; Senior Manager at Enterprise Risk Services, Deloitte & Touche; Global IT Security Director at Reuters; and Information Security Manager at London Underground.
You will have a dedicated personal adviser to guide you through your studies and advise you on postgraduate opportunities, and the campus Careers team will be on hand to offer advice and guidance on your chosen career. The University of London Careers Advisory Service offers regular, tailored sessions for Mathematics students, on finding summer internships or vacation employment and getting into employment.
Our one year MSc Software Engineering degree will allow you to broaden your skills in traditional and contemporary software development with opportunities to study specialist subjects such as computer vision, critical systems, cryptography, distributed computing systems, e-business, intelligent agents, model checking and multimedia.
Explore both traditional and contemporary approaches to software development to give a strong foundation to advance your ideas.
This programme covers formal methods as well as object-oriented programming. You will enhance your skills in software modelling, design, development, and testing, with opportunities to study specialist subjects such as:
You will undertake both a major project and a dissertation, which will give you the opportunity to integrate the material covered in the taught modules.
View the programme specification document for this course
Graduates with this qualification typically go on to work in software engineering research or advanced software development projects.
"After my MSc in Software Engineering I went on to study the topic at PhD level because of the interest I developed while studying in ECS. This was helped by the guidance and support available from the faculty members and factors including programme’s ranking among the top in the UK." Ali Gondal MSc Software Engineering
Through an extensive blend of networks, mentors, societies and our on-campus startup incubator, we also support aspiring entrepreneurs looking to build their professional enterprise skills. Discover more about enterprise and entrepreneurship opportunities.
In this MRes Mathematical Sciences course, you will gain deep knowledge of a chosen topic in mathematics or statistics and develop your research skills in project planning, reviewing literature, group discussions, research presentations and writing publications.
You can choose to work with experts from a range of areas including quantum cryptography, graph theory, statistical analysis, bioinformatics and mathematical modelling.
You will take three taught modules each providing you with the underpinning theory to support your research work.
Visit us on campus throughout the year, find and register for our next open event on http://www.ntu.ac.uk/pgevents.
The M.Sc. program in Computer Engineering aims to provide advanced education and a cutting edge research experience in computer engineering. The focus of the program is excellence in research. Graduates of the program can join industry or continue their research careers in Ph.D. in Computer Engineering programs.
The program aims to provide advanced education and a cutting edge research experience in computer engineering or in electrical and computer engineering crossing the boundary of the two disciplines.
• Advanced Design Technologies
• Artificial Intelligence
• Computational Systems Biology
• Cryptography, Security, Privacy
• Intelligent User Interfaces
• Multicore Software Engineering
• Multimedia, vision, and Graphics
• Networked and Distributed systems
• Parallel and Multicore Computing
The international Master's programme with three main specialties - Cyber Security, Digital Forensics and Cryptography - provides students with core skills in wide aspects of the security of information systems and specialized skills in the chosen specialization. Students get a unique chance to study under high-level cyber security practitioners from Estonian banks, telecoms, law enforcement, CERT and the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence.
The programme is taught jointly by the two largest public universities in Estonia. The Cyber Security and Digital Forensics studies are concentrated in Tallinn, while Cryptography specialization is concentrated in Tartu. Upon successful completion of the programme students will receive a joint degree signed by both universities - Tallinn University of Technology and University of Tartu.
Cyber Security
The public focus on the field of cyber security is growing around the world. Estonia is well known for its eagerness to put innovative IT solutions into everyday use. It is a pioneer in electronic identities and electronic voting and enthusiastically adopts mobile technology, online banking and electronic government services. However, with so many e-solutions and such extensive use of the internet, attention also needs to be turned to the security issue.
Digital Forensics
Digital forensics is a branch of forensic science encompassing the recovery and investigation of material found in digital devices, often in relation to computer crime. The area is becoming critical for both data security and law enforcement and is involved in a complicated interplay between surveillance and counter-surveillance issues.
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