Information Security PhD

Program Overview

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The Information Security PhD program at Royal Holloway University of London is a four-year, full-time program designed to provide students with the advanced knowledge and research skills necessary to become leaders in the field of information security. The program features a rigorous curriculum that covers a wide range of topics, including cryptography, network security, systems security, and security management. Students also have the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of interest through a variety of elective courses. The program culminates in a research thesis, which must be successfully defended in an oral examination.

Program Outline

• Develop students' research skills through a combination of coursework and independent research.
• Prepare students for successful careers in academia, industry, or government.

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Description:

The program features a rigorous curriculum that covers a wide range of topics, including cryptography, network security, systems security, and security management. Students also have the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of interest through a variety of elective courses. The program culminates in a research thesis, which must be successfully defended in an oral examination.

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Outline:

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Content:

The program covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Cryptography
• Network security
• Systems security
• Security management
• Security engineering
• Privacy
• Digital forensics
• Human factors in security

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Structure:

The program is divided into four years:

• Year 1: Coursework (taught modules)
• Year 2: Coursework (taught modules)
• Year 3: Research (MPhil)
• Year 4: Research (PhD)

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Modules:

The program includes a variety of modules, each with its own specific focus. Some examples of modules include:

• Cryptography I
• Network Security
• Secure Systems
• Security Management
• Security Engineering
• Privacy and Data Protection
• Digital Forensics
• Human Factors in Security

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Assessment:

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Assessment methods:

Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Written assignments
• Examinations
• Project work
• Presentations
• Research thesis

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Teaching:

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Teaching methods:

The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Workshops
• Independent research

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Faculty:

The program is taught by leading experts in the field of information security. The ISG has a strong international reputation for its research and teaching excellence.

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Unique approaches:

The program offers a number of unique features, including:

• A focus on research-led teaching
• Opportunities for students to work on real-world projects
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities

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Careers:

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Career paths:

The program prepares students for a wide range of careers in information security, including:

• Security researcher
• Security analyst
• Security engineer
• Security consultant
• Security manager

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Opportunities:

The program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a variety of challenging and rewarding careers. Graduates of the program are highly sought-after by employers in both the public and private sectors.

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Outcomes:

The program has a strong track record of producing successful graduates. Many alumni of the program are now working in leading positions in the field of information security.

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Other:

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Entry requirements:

A UK Second Class Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject

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English language requirements:

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no subscore lower than 5.5 The program offers a unique combination of research-led teaching, real-world project opportunities, and access to state-of-the-art research facilities. Graduates of the program are highly sought-after by employers in both the public and private sectors, and they have a strong track record of success in a variety of challenging and rewarding careers.

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Home (UK) students tuition fee per year : £4,786 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.
• Please note that for research courses, we adopt the minimum fee level recommended by the UK Research Councils for the Home tuition fee.
Each year, the fee level is adjusted in line with inflation (currently, the measure used is the Treasury GDP deflator). Fees displayed here are therefore subject to change and are usually confirmed in the spring of the year of entry.

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