Information Security MSc

Program Overview

The Information Security MSc program, certified by GCHQ, provides students with advanced knowledge and skills in information security. Taught by experts in the field, the program offers a flexible structure with core and optional modules, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests. Graduates are highly employable and have pursued successful careers in various sectors, including banking, telecommunications, and security consultancies.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Flagship Information Security program, the first of its kind in the world.
• Certified by GCHQ, the UK Government Communications Headquarters.
• Taught by academics and industrial partners in one of the largest and most established Information Security Groups in the world.
• Aim: Equip students with the knowledge and skills to work at a high level in the information security industry or move into postgraduate research.
• Strong industry ties ensure graduates are well-prepared for the job market.
• Successful graduates have pursued careers in a wide range of sectors.

Outline:

• Core Modules:
• Security Management and Methods
• Cryptography and Security Mechanisms
• Project (dissertation)
• Optional Modules:
• Cyber Crime
• Smart Cards, RFIDs and Embedded Systems Security
• Software Security
• Digital Forensics
• Security Testing
• Cybersecurity to Critical Infrastructure Security
• Structure: Flexible, modular structure.
• 120 credits of mandatory courses.
• 60 credits of optional modules.
• Dissertation option.
• Schedule: Full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years).
• Modules: Each module description is provided in the context.

Assessment:

• End-of-year examinations.
• Written dissertation.

Teaching:

• Seminars, lectures, and practical lab work.
• Small group teaching focus.
• Faculty with expertise in computer science, engineering, mathematics, statistics, and the social sciences.
• Guest speakers from industry.
• Industry-sponsored Smart Card Centre.

Careers:

• High employability rate.
• Graduates have pursued careers in:
• Banking
• Telecommunications
• Security consultancies
• Civil service
• Public utilities
• Retail sector
• Careers team offers advice on finding internships, vacation employment, and securing employment after graduation.

Other:

• Virtualisation software for experimenting with network security settings and ideas.
• Penetration Testing Laboratory.
• Friendly and supportive learning environment.
• Program is constantly updated to reflect the latest industry trends.
• Strong track record of helping graduates into successful, high-level careers.

Home (UK) students tuition fee per year : £13,200 Find out more about funding options, including loans, grants, scholarships and bursaries.

• and These tuition fees apply to students enrolled on a full-time basis in the academic year 2024/25.
Students studying on the standard part-time course structure over two years are charged 50% of the full-time applicable fee for each study year. Royal Holloway reserves the right to increase all postgraduate tuition fees annually, based on the UK’s Retail Price Index (RPI). Please therefore be aware that tuition fees can rise during your degree (if longer than one year’s duration), and that this also means that the overall cost of studying the course part-time will be slightly higher than studying it full-time in one year.

Find out more Costs, such as accommodation, food, books and other learning materials and printing, have not been included.