Masters Degrees (Security Management)

The MSc Cyber Security Management is a specialist programme aimed at both graduate students who have previously studied business and management subjects and students wishing to covert to management from STEM subjects.

The course has been created in response to current market demands and new political measures put in place by worldwide Governments. These measures are aiming to educate organisations on the risk of cyber attacks on businesses.

Specifically, this MSc addresses the needs identified in the UK National Cyber Security Strategy. The Global Information Security Workforce Study estimates that the global cyber security workforce shortage will widen to 1.5 million by 2020. This MSc is designed to address this problem.

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?

The MSc Cyber Security Management has been designed explicitly to develop the knowledge and skills required by Government and industry, and has been developed in direct response to calls from the UK Government, and leading industry figures, to build cybersecurity management capacity in the workforce.

Coventry Business School is working in partnership with the Coventry Law School, to deliver MSc Cyber Security Management, a course that addresses the management of IT security challenges faced by today’s organisations. The Cyber Security Management Research Group within the Business Faculty Research Centre (CBiS), includes highly qualified academics with considerable practical experience of network and computer systems security and risk management from a variety of backgrounds including law enforcement, accounting, business and commerce.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

Specialist modules include International Cyber and Digital Law, Cybersecurity Risk Management and Network Defence Management. Taught materials delivered in these modules have been developed by research active staff as members of the Cyber Security Management Research Group and in association with thought leaders and industry experts.

HOW WILL THIS COURSE ENHANCE MY CAREER PROSPECTS?

Organisations, both private and public, realise the need for their management staff to be aware of information security risks and for their staff to have the ability to put plans in place to reduce and mitigate risks, threats, and crises. Furthermore, managers also need to have the relevant skills and knowledge to carry out a security audit and assurance process, have risk management strategies in place to counter cyber attacks and to have a working knowledge of cyber security terminology for effective communication.

The course is aimed at future managers who have a need to deal with cyber security.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR AN INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE

There will be an emphasis on intercultural experiences for students on the MSc programme via:
-The opportunity for students to enrol on the Global Leaders programme.
-Advertised field trips throughout the School.
-The use of international case studies and examples throughout the programme.

GLOBAL LEADERS PROGRAMME

To prepare students for the challenges of the global employment market and to strengthen and develop their broader personal and professional skills Coventry University has developed a unique Global Leaders Programme.

The objectives of the programme, in which postgraduate and eligible undergraduate students can participate, is to provide practical career workshops and enable participants to experience different business cultures.

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Gain a thorough understanding of risk management and contemporary business security issues on this accredited masters degree. Its distinctive cross-sector approach to risk management will equip you for success whatever your chosen industry.

Introducing your degree

This masters degree is designed to meet growing demand across a range of industries for skilled business risk and corporate security management practitioners. As well as learning about key theories and techniques, you’ll develop your analytical skills and the essential management capabilities needed to implement risk and security management approaches effectively. Modules are delivered by world-leading academics and senior risk professionals, so you’ll learn about cutting-edge concepts and the latest sector issues. And the course is accredited by two leading professional bodies, enabling you to apply for credits towards professional qualifications when you graduate.

Overview

Business risk and security management have become integral to the running of organisations across a wide range of sectors. This course is designed to meet the demand for highly skilled risk and security management practitioners. Unlike many other UK masters courses in this field it covers risk management in its broadest sense, encompassing financial, strategic and operational risk. It also introduces students to contemporary issues in corporate security, and explores the links between risk and security in theoretical and practical contexts.

As well as developing your subject knowledge, the course will enhance your managerial capabilities. You’llgain skills that will be essential for the successful communication and implementation of risk and security approaches in a real-world environment. 

We welcome applicants from a wide range of business-related and social science disciplines; there is no specific requirement for previous quantitative study. Our students include those who have recently completed their undergraduate degrees as well as those with some professional experience who are looking to sharpen their skills or change their career direction.

View the programme specification document for this course.

Career Opportunities

There is growing interest in almost every industry for improved risk management practice. Students graduating from this programme will be sought after by finance, insurance, business management and IT companies, consultancy service firms and government bodies. Many of our students have progressed to senior risk management roles within a few years of graduation.

The MSc in Business Risk and Security Management is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute and the Institute of Risk Management. This enables you to apply for credits towards these organisations’ professional diplomas.

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The MSc International Security and Risk Management course develops and enhances critical theoretical knowledge, security management skills and understanding in an area which presents significant demand for professionalisation worldwide. Run in partnership with Perpetuity Training Academy, who specialise in the fields of security, crime and risk management worldwide, this online course is aimed at practitioners in international security and risk management who are striving to embrace modern approaches to their line of work.

The MSc International Security and Risk Management will provide industry-accredited security management qualifications to enhance your career, increase market value and demonstrate professional development. This Masters programme is delivered through online distance learning, which enables learners to combine their studies with work-based learning. There are three exit points – Postgraduate Certificate; Postgraduate Diploma and the MSc.

See the website http://courses.southwales.ac.uk/courses/1931-msc-international-security-and-risk-management-online-delivery

What you will study

You will study the following modules:

Year 1
Security Management: Prevention and Design
Security Management: Protection Study
Security Management: Risk Management and Loss Prevention
Security and Risk Management Producers and Consumers
Security Management: Corporate Security Study
Strategic Security Management and Leadership
Security Management and Delivering Value

Year 2
Research and Evidence Based Practice in Security Management
Research Methods
Dissertation

Employment Prospects

There is currently significant demand for professional development in the area of international security and risk management and this field is moving toward the postgraduate arena in order to ensure that the body of academic knowledge and the international security and risk management skill-base increases.

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Security management is a rapidly growing profession, with companies under increasing pressure to combat regulatory and actual risks. This distance learning course provides you with the skills and expertise to overcome these challenges through the insights of intelligence professionals, the police service and security studies.

More about this course

Taught via Informa’s online learning platform, this course allows you to set your own schedule and to fit your studies around work or other commitments.

But flexible distance learning doesn’t mean missing out on high-calibre tuition. This course is taught by leading experts in each of the relevant fields, who deliver their lectures via video and audio files and tutorial discussions.

Throughout this course, you’ll examine security threats such as cybercrime, corporate espionage and identity theft on both a theoretical and practical level. You’ll look at strategies to combat these risks and how they’re implemented.

You’ll also look at security on a broader scale, relating to terrorism, intelligence analysis and the domain of public protection. This will involve studying government agencies and law enforcement, and the way intelligence can be obtained and used.

To successfully complete the course you must pass each module. Assessment will incorporate essays and coursework, with the final year culminating in a dissertation.

To find out more about the PGCert portion of this course, please view this web-page: http://www.londonmet.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/security-management-distance-learning---pg-cert/

To find out more about the PGDip portion of this course, please view this web-page:
http://www.londonmet.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/security-management-distance-learning---pg-dip/

Modular structure

The MSc programme is comprised of seven modules. You can apply direct for the MSc level but also have the option to enrol at Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) and Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) level as well.

The PGCert level is three modules of study, the PGDip comprises the same three modules plus three others and the MSc is all six modules plus a dissertation. If you enrol at one of the lower levels you also have the option of continuing your studies at the higher level on the same or future intakes. Further fees will apply.

The modules include:
-Security Studies
-Security Management
-International Financial Crime and Security
-Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism
-Intelligence Analysis
-Contemporary Issues in Crime, Safety and Security
-Security Management Dissertation

After the course

This course prepares you for a role working in the security and intelligence field, whether for diplomatic organisations or international companies. With the experience gained through your studies, you’ll be particularly suited to due diligence work.

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The number of information security incidents, as well as the financial losses relating to such incidents, is increasing. Thus, it is not surprising that information security management, aimed at safeguarding an organisation's information assets, has become a key strategic issue for many organisations.

In today's complex environments, safeguarding an organisation's information assets is difficult and requires more than solely technical skills. In order to facilitate a broad understanding of the field, our programme includes courses considering organisational, social and technical aspects of information security.

During the first year, students will gain a broad understanding of information security and develop advanced knowledge and skills within information security management. The second year aims to develop advanced knowledge and skills in research and investigation. Students will learn how to develop and communicate knowledge within the field of study as well as increase their degree of reflection on research and practice within the field. Teaching is based on case-based learning and flipped classroom pedagogy. These pedagogical methods encourage students to active learning and to develop their problem-solving skills which are necessary to address the complexity of information security management in organisations. By working with cases developed in collaboration with our industry partners, the students gain a deeper understanding and practical field experience.

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Globally, organizations and businesses are increasingly reliant on information technology. Key enterprise data and customer information are stored and shared, communications are made, and transactions between customers, banks, and partners are completed.

Because of the volume and importance of enterprise data that is stored and shared electronically, the defence against ever-evolving cybercrimes has become extremely costly in both the private and public sectors.

It’s estimated by the New Zealand National Cyber Security Centre that cyber-attacks on New Zealand computers and networks have more than doubled in five years. The global cost of cyber-crime has been put at $600 billion a year.

Organisations now seek skilled professionals who have both technical and managerial skill-sets and who can lead teams of technologists to develop and implement security policies and procedures in the defence against cyber threats and can also monitor and audit enterprise information systems.

There is an immediate need in the economy for IT security management professionals. IT Security Specialist is listed on both the Skilled Occupations and Long term skills shortage list by Immigration New Zealand.

The NMIT Post-Graduate Diploma in IT Security Management has been developed by staff with experience in international IT security and digital forensics programmes. It’s aimed at undergraduates seeking a pathway into IT work or people already working in the IT sector looking for a move into managerial roles.

Programme design

This programme is designed to provide students with skills needed to bridge the gap that often exists between enterprise managers and the technical aspects of IT security in the modern digital and internetconnected environment.

The Programme content is applied in focus and is targeted at job-ready skill acquisition. Using a balance of practical work, case studies and theory, the courses prepare students with effective communication and project management knowledge for innovative and effective leadership in crucial areas of IT security. The programme also lays the foundations of research skills which are relevant to IT security and to further postgraduate-level study.

Bring your own device (BYOD)

You are required to have your own laptop with these minimum specifications.

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Security management is becoming more and more important, with many organisations now employing specialists to protect their information and reputation from risks, threats and crises.

This programme will suit you if you are either in or wish to move into a role where you are responsible for the management and deployment of IT security, including infrastructure, policy making, governance and compliance.

In this programme you will consider the impact of the changing IT security landscape and focus on the design and establishment of prevention plans within your organisation. You will consider the evolving field of technology and its rapid development within the context of security risks.

Modules

Technology and Trend Monitoring
Information Security Strategy Development
Risk Management
IT Security Management
IS Governance
Cloud Systems and Applications
Research Project

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As crises arising from terrorism, civil war, and natural disasters dominate world news it is no surprise that security and crisis management - including the perception of risk - is at the top of the global societal and governance agenda.

What does this master's programme entail?

During this multidisciplinary career-relevant master’s programme you become familiar with the political and social dimensions of the governance of (in)security and crisis. You study contemporary security challenges from both local and global pointsof view and gain deep understanding of the ‘wicked problem’ of security and crisis topics in a complex and globalising world. The combination of theory, practical insights and analytical skills prepares you for work in public or private organisations.

Reasons to choose CSM at Leiden University

This MSc offers you unique multidisciplinary perspectives on the governance of security and crisis.

• You learn from members of the Institute of Public Administration and Institute of Security & Global Affairs plus guest lecturers from many fields and organisations;
• Your study is informed by the latest international, interdisciplinary research in security studies;
• You study in The Hague, international city of peace and justice, home to many governmental/ NGO’s concerned with security issues.

Why Leiden University

Is CSM the right programme for you?

• Are you driven to read the news each morning, fascinated by current events and their follow-on developments?
• Can you think critically about complex societal issues?
• Are you interested in combining a variety of academic perspectives and applying them to real-life issues?
• Do you want to contribute to the discussion and practices around crisis and security management?
• Are you able to form an informed opinion and communicate it clearly to a variety of audiences?

Then this is the programme for you!

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With cyber-crime keeping up with the rapid development of technology, there is a growing need for staff with cyber security specialists knowledge who know how to read and analyse data in order to protect business information and reputation from risks, threats and crises.

This programme will suit you if you are either in or wish to move into a role where you are responsible for the management and deployment of IT security, whilst developing relevant data handling skills that will assist you in making strategy driven decisions that benefit your business.

Modules:

Data Design
Data Handling and Decision Making
Data Visualisation and Interpretation
Information Security Strategy Development
IT Security Management
IS Governance
Research Project

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Cybercrime threats are growing as the economy increasingly depends on the Internet, such as through cloud computing, electronic communication and e-commerce, with estimates showing that they cost the UK up to £27 billion annually.

In addition, surveys from PricewaterhouseCoopers and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills show a significant shortage of information security professionals and a lack of security awareness, especially in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), indicating an urgent need for student education, the provision of up-to-date educational resources, industry training and the embedding of good practice.

This MSc in Cyber Security addresses these requirements by increasing relevant knowledge and skills in line with the UK Government’s National Cyber Security Strategy, while also addressing the national skills shortage in information security.

You will develop an understanding of current issues in information security and cyber security, as well as gain in-depth knowledge of a variety of techniques for strategically managing IT, both as a resource and for analysing and controlling security risks.

What will I study?

You will study cyber security from the perspectives of technical aspects of network security, penetration testing and computer forensics, while also adopting a systematic approach to information security management.

The programme will cover topics including information security management; information risk management; implementing secure systems; information assurance methodologies and testing; operational security management; incident management; audit, assurance and review; and business continuity management.

How will I study?

The course is delivered primarily as taught modules. Each module typically involves a 3-hour face-to-face seminar every week for 12 weeks. You will study three modules each semester on the full-time programme, requiring attendance two days per week. For part-time students, modules are scheduled to enable evening study over two years.

Learning and teaching involves a variety of techniques, including lectures, case studies, problem-based learning, guest lectures from industry experts, student-led seminars, one-to-one tutorials, and technology-enhanced learning (such as via a virtual learning environment). Classes are highly interactive, with the practical application of concepts being a key factor, as well as case studies drawn from real-life.

How will I be assessed?

We will assess your vocational capability, academic critical thinking and intellectual development throughout the programme. Coursework, case studies, exams and problem-solving exercises may be used. You may be assessed individually or in a group.

Who will be teaching me?

You will be taught by highly qualified, experienced and enthusiastic academic staff who are research-active and fully engaged with the wider business and academic community.

What are my career prospects?

The MSc has been designed to meet the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) certification criteria for Masters degrees, as well as satisfying the professional body knowledge requirements of the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) and the Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC)².

The programme also aligns with international standards (ISO27001/2) for information security management systems and is informed by the PAS 555:2013 Cyber Security Risk Governance and Management Specification.

On successful completion of the course, you will be equipped with the necessary skills and expertise to work as a cyber security professional, or information security professional, in roles such as an information security engineer/manager, ISO27001 auditor, computer forensic analyst, cyber security specialist or security engineer.

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Study computer and information systems security on a course that combines academic teaching, industry input and practical skills development.

The course has four main focuses

• information security management
• ethical hacking
• system hardening
• computer forensics

This course is ideal if you are already working in an information technology environment or if you wish to specialise in the field of information security. After successfully completing it, you gain industry-recognised certifications that will assist you in progressing further in this field.

You focus on both the technical and managerial aspects of information security. The technically-focused modules involve you exploring a range of systems, tools and techniques at the cutting edge of technology. The managerial-focused modules give you an appreciation of the role information security has in an organisation and how it can be implemented and managed.

On this course you

• develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to work as a computing security professional.
• learn the concepts, principles, techniques and methodologies you need to design and assess complex networks, systems and applications.
• develop the practical experience you need to plan, perform and direct security audits of information systems to the level required by standard security frameworks.
• develop the effective and appropriate communication skills you need to be a security professional.

Free training and certification exam

Thanks to our association with BSI Learning, you are entitled to attend the BSI ISO27001 Lead Auditor course and take the official exam which allows you to become accredited as a BSI certified lead auditor.

Our ethical hacking module is aligned with the CREST Practitioner Security Analyst (CPSA) syllabus providing graduates with industry recognised and desired skills.

BSI lead auditor qualification

• ISO27001 Lead Auditor

BSI courses are delivered by approved BSI trainers and qualified ISO27001 lead auditors. As part of the course you receive the same course material as the official BSI training courses.

Guest Speakers from industry

Due to our strong ties with industry we regularly have special guest speakers. Recent speakers have included industry professionals from Mozilla, South Yorkshire Police, RSA and Blackberry.

Ethical Hacking

In 2014 Sheffield Hallam hosted the North of England's first Ethical Hacking Conference Steelcon. This is set to be an annual event with 2015's event already booked.

Course structure

We developed this course along two main lines.

The first covers the principles and issues of security design concerning systems and systems integration, web and operating system based applications and communication networks.

The second addresses the methodologies and development of skills required to perform security assessments of complex information systems.

Semester one modules

• Information security concepts and principles
• Network security
• Systems and application security
• Web applications and e-commerce security

Semester two modules

• BSI ISO27001 lead auditor
• Group-based case study with capture the flag

Options

• Computer forensics and incident response
• Information security management
• Incident handling and hacking techniques (ethical hacking)

Semester three modules

You study research methods and do a substantial research project leading to a dissertation.

Assessment

Group and individual coursework. You also do a range of

• problem solving assignments
• workshops
• practical projects
• research activities.

Employability

On this course, you gain the knowledge, skills and experience you need to work in many different positions, from technical to management roles.

The Institute of Information Security Professionals (IISP) has highlighted the following specialisms in the area.

Strategy, policy, governance

• strategist • policy manager • information technology services officer (ITSO) • department security officer (DSO) • chief information security officer (CISO)

Risk management, verification and compliance

• risk analyst • risk assessor • business information security officer • reviewer • auditor

Incident and threat management and response

• incident manager • threat manager • forensics (computer analyst, mobile and network analyst) • computer security incident response team (CSIRT) • attack investigator • malware analyst • penetration tester • disaster recovery • business continuity

Operations and security management

• network security officer • systems security officer • information security officer • crypto custodian • information manager

Engineering, architecture and design

• architect • designer • development • secure coding • software design and development • applications development • security tools • implementation

Education, training and awareness

• security programme manager

Research

• security researcher

Successful graduates of this course have gone on to work for companies such as HSBC, Citrix, and Price Waterhouse Coopers.

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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.

Key Features of the MSc in Cyber Security

• We are top in the UK for career prospects [Guardian University Guide 2018]
• 5th in the UK overall [Guardian University Guide 2018]
• 7th  in the UK for student satisfaction with 98% [National Student Survey 2016]
• We are in the UK Top 10 for teaching quality [Times & Sunday Times University Guide 2017]
• 12th in the UK overall and Top in Wales [Times & Sunday Times University Guide 2017]
• 91.9% in graduate employment or further study six months after leaving University [DHLE Survey 2016]
• UK TOP 20 for Research Excellence [Research Excellence Framework 2014]
• Our Project Fair allows students to present their work to local industry
• Strong links with industry
• £31m Computational Foundry for computer and mathematical sciences will provide the most up-to-date and high quality teaching facilities featuring world-leading experimental set-ups, devices and prototypes to accelerate innovation and ensure students will be ready for exciting and successful careers. (From September 2018)
• Top University in Wales [Times & Sunday Times University Guide 2017]

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

Modules on the Cyber Security course may include:

• Information Security Management
• Computer Science Project Research Methods
• Critical Systems
• IT-Security: Cryptography and Network Security
• Security Vulnerabilities and Penetration Testing
• Invention and Innovation in Computing
• Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies and Smart Contracts
• Advanced Topics: Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security
• Web Application Development
• Embedded System Design

Facilities for MSc in Cyber Security

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.

Careers for MSc in Cyber Security Graduates

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:

• Software Engineer: Motorola Solutions
• Change Coordinator: Logica
• Software Developer/Engineer: NS Technology
• Workflow Developer: Irwin Mitchell
• IT Developer: Crimsan Consultants
• Consultant: Crimsan Consultants
• Programmer: Evil Twin Artworks
• Web Developer & Web Support: VSI Thinking
• Software Developer: Wireless Innovations
• Associate Business Application Analyst: CDC Software
• Software Developer: OpenBet Technologies
• Technical Support Consultant: Alterian
• Programming: Rock It
• Software Developer: BMJ Group

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Computer and information security is a vital issue in today’s IT environment. This programme will provide you with the necessary skills to understand and apply specialised security knowledge in the identification and resolution of IT security threats facing modern organisations. Develop a rounded view of key security domain topics such as security management and computer forensics, and gain the hands-on skills to confidently implement, configure and manage the tools you’ll face in practice.

Key features

-Be confident studying a degree accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT. The University has been awarded Academic Partner status by the Institute of Information Security Professionals (IISP), in recognition of the significant base of security-related expertise within the institution. This link encourages and enables a dialogue between academia and the wider community of security practitioners.
-Learn from research-active staff at the forefront of knowledge, conducting research within the Centre for Security, Communications and Network Research.
-Put your skills into practice in our high specification security, networking and digital forensic laboratories.
-Technology supported learning with free iPad mini and eBooks.
-Active Computer and Information Security Society (CISS) provide opportunities for networking, problem solving, speakers from industry as well as a valuable source of contacts.
-Build on the foundation which this course offers and take the opportunity to progress onto a research degree at MPhil or PhD level.
-Explore the option of completing the programme over two years with an integral work placement year.
-Benefit from the courses extensive links with major professional bodies and societies such as the BCS, ISACA, IFIP Technical Committee 11 and the Institute for Information Security Professionals (IISP).
-Take the opportunity to make career inroads through strong industrial links with major organisations such as Kaspersky Labs, Symantec, Orange, France-Telecom, and various UK government departments.
-Engage with the BCS South West branch programme, who hold many of their sessions at Plymouth University. The branch has a rich programme of events that contributes to broadening the knowledge and experience of the students.
-Continually under review to ensure all content is relevant and timely the programme has recently begun to offer AccessData Certification as a part of the cybercrime and investigation module, enabling you to achieve professional recognition as well as academic credit.

Course details

During your year of study you will gain an understanding of key topics such as security management, cryptography, network and system security, computer forensics, and protection in application scenarios. You'll also benefit from being taught a wide variety of hands-on skills, which enable you to implement, configure and manage many of the typical controls you will encounter in practice - including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, authentication and access mechanisms, and forensic case management tools. The project will enable you to explore and develop in-depth knowledge on a particular area of security. You'll become a subject expert and push the boundaries of the current understanding.

Core modules
-SEC501 Information Security Management and Governance
-SEC503 Intrusion Analysis and Incident Management
-BPIE500 Masters Stage 1 Placement Preparation
-PROJ513 MSc Project (September)
-SEC502 Network Security and Penetration Testing
-SEC505 Digital Forensic Investigation
-SEC504 Secure Systems Architectures and Mechanisms
-FTGS507 Professional and Research Skills with Entrepreneurship

Optional placement year
-BPIE501 Computing Masters Industrial Placement

Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

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Be a force for peace in the world

Advance your security career with the Master of International Security.

The Master of International Security is a multidisciplinary course of study drawing on international relations, strategic studies, political science, religion, area studies, political and human geography, and military history.

Fast-track your qualification and your career

The Master of International Security is a 180-credit course. It is right for you if you have completed an appropriate bachelor degree or equivalent and have extensive professional experience in the security sector If you want to develop skills in security management, this is the programme for you. Security management is an increasingly important dimension of government and public policy, with direct benefit to economic security and social wellbeing, so your skills will be in demand.

Follow your own interests

In the Master of International Security you will learn the principles, theory and practice of international security. You will also carry out independent research and planning in a security context. Our committed and supportive staff will encourage you to pursue your intellectual and professional interests and develop your own area of specialisation. You will also benefit from our close relationships with partner agencies in the security sector. Questions that you will consider on this programme include:

• What geopolitical forces shape the international security environment?
• What are the historical, geographical and political dynamics that have shaped New Zealand's strategic environment?
• What are the causes, key protagonists and consequences of differing types of political violence?
• What are the challenges to intervention, peace and stabilisation operations?
• Does statebuilding work?
• What are the new emerging threats to international security?

You will gain advanced knowledge in contemporary international security theory and practice; understanding of interagency perspectives; and analytical and communications skills appropriate to the security context.

Careers

With the Master of International Security you can expect to advance your career in the security sector in government and non-government agencies, and contribute to international security operations.

This programme will prepare you for a role in any of the fields below:

• Analysing regional politics
• Border security
• Conflict resolution
• Customs work
• Police work
• Defence forces
• Peacekeeping
• Policy analysis
• Truce monitoring
• Management
• Planning
• Politics
• Risk management

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Information Technology is a strategic resource within any business and is critical to the survival and success of an organisation and should therefore be carefully managed. A key issue in IT strategy is Information Security, which is becoming more critical with the interconnection of systems through the Internet and the sharing of resources with business partners, clients and customers.

This Masters degree is aimed at current or prospective system managers, system administrators and other IT professionals with a responsibility or aspiration for strategic IT and security management.

You will gain an understanding of current issues in information security and IT management, together with an in-depth knowledge of a variety of techniques for strategically managing IT, both as a resource as well as for analysing and controlling security risks. A key aspect of the programme is the systemic perspective that is taken; security is not simply a technical issue, but a component of the wider context of IT management.

What will I study?

You will study security from two perspectives: the concepts of computer and network security, together with a systemic approach to information security management. The programme of study is informed by ISO27000 legal compliance requirements and professional body knowledge requirements of ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association), ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) and the Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2. The study of computer forensics enables further specialisation.

IT Management is approached from a strategic and risk-based perspective, and includes business continuity and project management. A recent technology development that could have radical impact in both security and IT management is cloud computing, and the course provides an option to enable you to develop a sound understanding of the related issues and technology. Professional, ethical and contemporary issues in computing and research methods are also integrated into the programme.

How will I study?

The course is delivered primarily as taught modules. Each module typically involves a 3-hour face-to-face seminar every week for 12 weeks. You will study three modules each semester on the full-time programme, requiring attendance two days per week. For part-time students, modules are scheduled to enable evening study over two years.

Learning and teaching involves a variety of techniques, including lectures, case studies, problem-based learning, guest lectures from industry experts, student-led seminars and technology-enhanced learning (e.g. Virtual Learning Environment, wiki). Classes are highly interactive, with practical application of concepts a key factor, as well as cases drawn from real-life. The MSc Information Security and IT Management is designed around small groups so you can be sure that you will have plenty of individual discussion with your tutors.

How will I be assessed?

Throughout the programme we will assess your vocational capability, academic critical thinking and intellectual development. Coursework, case studies, problem-solving exercises and exams may be used. You may be assessed individually or in a group.

Who will be teaching me?

You will be taught by highly qualified, experienced and enthusiastic academics who are research-active and regularly engage within the wider business and academic environment. Staff specialise in particular subjects so you will benefit from a wide range of knowledge and experience.

What are my career prospects?

The MSc in Information Security and IT Management will provide you with the skills and knowledge to develop your interests as an IT security professional and IT manager. As organisations become ever more dependent on IT, there are increasing opportunities for specialist positions related to security. The course provides knowledge and skills which underpin Information Systems Security Certification Consortium or (ISC)2 and ISACA certifications.

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