Network Security
MSc
Course overview
This course will provide you with the necessary skills to enter an expanding and rapidly developing area of the job market. It has been developed in response to the need for personnel equipped with the skills needed to design and deploy advanced security mechanisms within an enterprise-wide computer network infrastructure. This includes critically analysing an organisation's security plan, and using ethical hacking tools to test an organisation's security systems to assess its strengths and vulnerabilities within a controlled environment.This course will enable you to:
- demonstrate a systematic understanding of knowledge and a critical awareness of current problems relating to the field of network security and its deployment in an organisation
- carry out the high-level design of secure computer networking applications
- assess, plan for, and use appropriate network development tools in the deployment of secure enterprise-wide computer networks
- define the goals, parameters and methodology of a research and development activity related to secure information systems, and implement and evaluate such activity.
Module guide
Core modules
Network Routing Architectures (30 credits)
This module introduces the student to current best practice in the design, deployment and subsequent maintenance of advanced IP addressing and routing protocols. The module focuses on advanced IP protocols (such as IPv6), extensible and secure routing protocols (such as OSPF, EIGRP and BGP), and route filtering and path control to provide optimal and secure path selection.
Advanced Network Security Principles (30 credits)
This module provides an introduction to current technologies and best practice in network security and penetration-testing (Ethical Hacking). Topics covered in this module include physical security, introduction to protocol-header manipulation and vulnerability analysis in arrange of modern operating systems.
Enterprise Switched Networks (30 credits)
The module focuses on advanced local area networking switching protocols, the delivery of high availability networks, switch security and the deployment of voice and video within the campus network. The module comprises a mixture of both underlying theory and practical lab sessions, covering the core material of the new Cisco CCNP SWITCH examination (642-813) and relevant sections of the TSHOOT examination (642-832).
Secure Systems
This module provides an overview of the technology and practice of information system security with particular emphasis placed on internet transactions. The module aims to raise awareness of the overarching IT security issues faced by business today and to equip the postgraduate student with the necessary understanding to fulfil management responsibilities with regard to information security strategies.
Research Methods
This module will cover the evaluation of research techniques for postgraduate study. The topic may be drawn from a variety of sources including: departmental research groups, previous / current work experience, the company in which they are currently employed, a lecturer suggested topic or a professional subject of their specific interest (if suitable supervision is available).
- demonstrate an in-depth understanding of protocols and security policies within a campus network environment
- devise strategies to analyse, evaluate and optimise network performance
- evaluate the tools and techniques required to provide secure access to an organisation's network
- identify the legislation relevant to IT practice and understand the implications of non-compliance
- demonstrate an awareness of current research and developments within the discipline
- recognise their obligations to function in a professional, moral and ethical way
- synthesize novel solutions to network design and security from a knowledge of current tools, methodologies and strategies
- critically survey current and recent practice in the networking field, identifying examples of best practice and generalising from them
- demonstrate the ability to manage a project through its life cycle.
Assessment
A broad range of assessment methods will be used, measuring all aspects of your understanding and skill application. These will include written assignments, laboratory practice, presentations and a Major Project-based Dissertation. Recognising that this course relies heavily on knowledge and practical skills, there will be a significant emphasis on laboratory-based assignments.Special features
In undertaking this course you will cover the course material that will enable you to prepare for Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) level.Associated careers
Graduates of this course will typically work as security architects, consultants or within an operations team. The skills that you acquire will mean you will be likely to progress quickly to the position of a senior manager leading a team of network architects or operations and support staff.| Entry Requirements: | An honours degree (2:2 or above) in a Computing/IT subject; no work experience is required. If this qualification requirement is not met, an applicant may be accepted with an honours degree (2:2 or above) in any other subject if it is combined with relevant professional work experience. |
We welcome applications from International and EU students. Please select one of the links below for English language and country-specific entry requirement information.
How to apply
Location
Duration
12 months (September start) or 15 months (January start)Teaching times*
Trimester 1:Mon and Thur
10.00am-12.00pm
and 1.00pm-3.00pm
Trimester 2:
Mon 9.00am-12.00pm
and 1.00pm-3.00pm,
Tues 9.00am-1.00pm
Trimester 3:
Non-timetabled student/supervisor meetings for major project.
Available starts
September, JanuaryStudent finance
Open Day
Saturday 13 JulyPostgraduate Open Day
Faculty
Science & TechnologyDepartment
Computing & TechnologyContact us
UK and EU applicants:- Call 01245 686868
- Complete enquiry form
- Call +44 (0)1245 493131 ext 2609
- Complete enquiry form
*Teaching days and times are for guidance only and are subject to change each academic year. We advise all applicants to wait until they are in receipt of their timetable before making arrangements around their course times.
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