StudyQA — Master: Computer and Network Security

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Description Contents Requirements

As society becomes more dependent upon computer network services, the threat of security breaches is ever more critical. This specialist Computer and Network Security Masters extends beyond the technical sphere to cover strategic, organisational and managerial issues, including planning, to address network security, minimise security breaches, mitigate the damage and shorten recovery time.

You will cover the technologies, algorithms and protocols used in securing computer networks, as well as security breaches, security risk analysis and mechanisms to protect computer communication systems. You will examine wireless communication systems, network operating systems and interfacing socket programming, servers and their security implications; the planning and implementation of network security management, including security, risk analysis and disaster recovery planning. The course will provide you with an understanding of the fundamental importance of computer, network and communication system security for an organisation.

This course is available both full-time and part-time

Taught modules are assessed by unseen examination and coursework, including individual and group assignments, team presentations and project activities. The postgraduate project is assessed by a proposal, a milestone report and the final dissertation report.

Computer Networks, Wireless and Mobile Communications Systems (30 Credits)

Computer network technology enables a vast range of significant activity: business competitiveness, national security, personal communications to name but a few. This module will establish an understanding of the operation, capabilities, security issues affecting network and Internet communications, business use of computer networks and the various ways in which these factors interact with each other. On successful completion of this module, you will come to appreciate the operation of a variety of types of current networks and a single framework will be used to analyse, design and construct networks capable of providing the right connectivity and performance needed by specific applications.

In particular, you will understand the principal technical aspects of underlying computer network operation, their capabilities, security threats to networks and a range of countermeasures that can be taken to mitigate these. You will be able to analyse and evaluate specific networks for a range of applications and are provided the opportunity for developing commercially viable network applications.

* Network Management, Security and Disaster Recovery (30 Credits)

The module aims at imparting the conceptual knowledge and acquiring the skills essential for: (i) The management of computer networks, their development and subsequent operation, monitoring and assessment ii) The management of the security of an enterprise information and network systems, including risk analysis, incident response and disaster recovery plans

* Network Security: Protocols and Standards (30 Credits)

This module covers the concepts and critical issues of network security with emphasis on standards, protocols and applications. It aims at providing students with an understanding of network security technologies, algorithms and protocols. It will also provide an understanding of the design criteria in cryptography and data security as well as developing basic system analysis and solution synthesis

* Network Systems and Services (30 Credits)

This module looks at the design, implementation and maintenance of network systems and services. It examines concepts such as a network operating system and explores networking paradigms including socket and thread-based programming, Remote Procedure Calls (RPC), CORBA and Java RMI. It also explores the design and implementation of Global Services such as Web Servers. The course concludes by looking at new developments in networking including Network Processors, Blade Servers and Grid Computing

* Postgraduate Project in Computer Communications (60 Credits)

This project would give the student the opportunity to use a combination of general and specialist computer communications knowledge and understanding to apply an existing or emerging technology to the solution of a practical problem. Or to contribute and extend the theoretical understanding of new and advancing technology and its application. The project will also give students the opportunity to demonstrate a personal commitment to professional standards, recognising obligations to society, the profession and the environment.

The work undertaken must be: ¿ Independent ¿ shaped largely by one¿s own decisions and preferences ¿ Complete ¿ accomplished from conception to delivery, via all stages in between ¿ Technically competent ¿ employing techniques and exploiting knowledge gained during earlier parts of the programme ¿ Supervised ¿ working under the guidance (but not instruction) of a member of academic staff ¿ Academically sound ¿ taking critical account of current knowledge and methods in the chosen specialist area ¿ Demonstrate an understanding of the legal, social, ethical and professional issues in the context of computer communications ¿ comply with appropriate professional code of conduct recognising their obligation to society and their profession and to the environment

Normally a second class honours degree or above in computer science, science or engineering, or an equivalent overseas qualification. Candidates with other degrees but with relevant work experience will also be considered.English Language RequirementsIf your first language is not English, you should have a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or TOEFL 575 (paper-based), 231 (computer-based). English Language Requirements CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 75 (Grade B)