Getting an M.Sc. in Information Security

The electronic handling of information is one of the defining technologies of our age. Enormous volumes of information are routinely stored and transmitted worldwide - indeed, most aspects of our daily lives would come to a halt should the information infrastructure fail.

However, with the benefits deriving from the ability to automatically manage so much information, come major threats to businesses, governments and individuals.

These threats often arise from non-malicious or accidental events, but also include possible fraud through information manipulation, deliberate damage to stored and transmitted information, and blackmail associated with the threat of damage.

The field of information security, namely the study of countermeasures to these real and serious threats, has grown rapidly in recent years. The subject embraces a range of technologies such as cryptography, computer security, and fraud detection, and also includes the study of how security can best be managed.

Due to the popularity of the course at Royal Holloway, and due to requests from around the world, Executrain is offering this M.Sc. degree by distance learning. The course is designed to introduce the technical, legal and commercial aspects of information security.

It is intended as a foundation for a professional career, as well as for postgraduate research, in information security. Graduates of the degree are expected to find employment in both industry and commerce as security experts, and the need for such experts is likely to be very high for the foreseeable future.

The M.Sc. degree course consists of six modules and a project. These include four compulsory core modules: security management; an introduction to cryptography and security mechanisms; network security; and computer security, as well as two optional modules from: secure electronic commerce and other applications (expected to be available by 2006); standards and evaluation criteria (expected to be available by 2005); advanced cryptography (2005); database security (2006); computer crime (2005). In addition, candidates must complete their M.Sc. project.

Each module (except the project report) will be assessed by an unseen written examination. The project report will be assessed by the submission of a written dissertation. Examinations take place once a year in May/June.

The examinations are held in Malta, organised by the Examinations Department of the Ministry of Education, Floriana. The 'study year' is effectively between September and May/June.

Students registering for this degree have a minimum of two years and a maximum of four in which to complete the degree.

When registering, candidates will be sent an individual study pack containing a range of specially written materials to help plan studies and prepare for examinations. Depending on which modules have been applied for, the pack may include textbooks and CDs.

It will also give details for accessing the online learning environment. This gives access to the entire package of learning materials for each module including:

¤ reflective questions

¤ formative exercises

¤ on-line tutorial activities

¤ sample examination questions

¤ access to an appropriate range of on-line resources.

As learning will be supported by virtual seminars, access to the Internet is essential. This medium enables students to communicate with tutors and each other to share ideas, even though widely scattered geographically.

As a student you will discuss topics in tutored groups and, within the structured period allocated to each discussion topic and you will be able to contribute to the conferencing 'discussion' at the times that suit you best.

All contributions are stored so that you can make reflective and considered contributions. You are also able to print out a permanent record of all discussions on a particular topic within your tutor group. Most subjects will include a variety of non-assessed coursework and you will be expected to participate in all the virtual seminars

If you think this qualification is for you and require further information visit www.londonexternal.ac.uk/postgraduate/holloway/info_security/index.shtml and contact Charles Theuma on 9947-1173 or e-mail ctheuma@executrain.com.mt for a full prospectus and assistance.