MSc Information Security & Privacy
MSc Information Security & Privacy with placement

Appropriate security measures are an essential part of any modern enterprise. A detailed understanding of the key threats and the essential techniques for ensuring security, privacy and trust are fundamental requirements for successful information systems. Professionals in this field are well placed for a wide variety of employment opportunities.

To enhance your CV further you can opt for a two-year programme and apply for a paid 12-month work placement (year in industry).

The course

This programme addresses the key security issues that are faced by global communications and information systems. The programme provides a mix of business context with core security, trust and privacy issues that challenge the IT sector. As well as studying themes such as trust and identity and forensic investigation, security techniques and network and cyber security, the programme provides an understanding of the e-Commerce and business environment. This combined business/security approach provides valuable training for interacting with organisations, and understanding their business functions in a deeper context.

Using case based analysis the programme also gives you the opportunity to learn about forensic approaches to investigation across multiple platforms. On a practical level, you have the opportunity to gain external accreditation for use of market leading forensic software, as taught in our dedicated network security lab. The School is one of only five universities in the UK to offer training in Microsystemation XRY, an industry-leading mobile phone forensics tool used by more than 85 percent of police forces and all major forensic laboratories in the UK and Ireland.

This degree programme follows a modular pattern based on two semesters of taught material, followed by an individual project. To achieve the MSc degree you will need 180 credits; 120 credits will come from taught modules and 60 credits from your project.

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Modules taught in 2012-13

See all modules and documents relating to this degree. Please note that these documents are valid for the current academic year only.

Full time, part time or with placement

Study for one-year full time or part time over three years (60 credits per year with the dissertation in year 3). Full time students may choose to apply for a paid 10-month work placement to be undertaken on completion of Spring semester and before completing the MSc programme with a 60 credit dissertation. Subject to satisfactory progress we will support you with our professional and experienced work placement consultants who aim to satisfy your individual preferences.

Admissions criteria

We welcome applications from those who have a good honours degree (2i or above) in computing or information systems. Applications from non-graduates, or from graduates of other disciplines, with appropriate experience will also be considered. We are always pleased to consider suitably qualified international applicants. If your first language is not English you must provide evidence of competence in English. Our standard requirement is an overall IELTS result of at least 6.5 with no area less than 6 (other English Language qualifications are accepted by the University), the University offers English language courses which can help you achieve this. We are committed to providing equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

How to apply

The course starts in September each year but applications are considered as they arrive throughout the year. Full details of the university application process, and the Online Application Service are available from the University's pages for prospective students. Please feel free to supplement your application with a detailed CV or any other supporting material you may consider to be appropriate.

If you have any questions about the course or the application process please contact the Admissions Tutor,