Information and Network Security

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Security has recently become a top priority as communication and information have become a key factor in economic and societal development. Networks and information systems are now supporting services and carrying data to an extent inconceivable only a few years ago. Concerns about security of electronic networks and information systems have been growing along with the rapid increase in the number of network users and the value of their transactions. Security has now reached a critical point where it represents a prerequisite for the growth of electronic businesses and the functioning of whole economies.

Maintaining secure systems and guarding company information are considered critical in today's business environments. Most companies, especially those in banking, defence, e-commerce and telecommunications, are making systems security a top priority. Consequently, there is a great need for skilled professionals who can plan, analyse and implement security measures.

The course is offered as a one-year, full-time taught postgraduate programme spanning a single academic year, and requires full-time attendance on campus. The course consists of a taught component and a project.

Objectives

The MEng in Information and Network Security programme aims to provide graduates with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to contribute as technical leaders and researchers in systems security management.

Careers

Graduates of this programme will be able to develop and manage security policies related to organisations' IT systems and to combat threats to corporate technical resources.

Semester 1

Cryptography & Security Fundamentals, Cryptographic Mathematics, Multimedia Communications, C++ Programming, Software Engineering,

Semester 2

Data Forensics, Biometrics, Communication & Security Protocols, Network & Host Security, Web-based Application Design, Master of Engineering Project 1/2

The programme introduces students to theory and practice of:

* Cryptography & security fundamentals, including security threats and vulnerabilities as well as security services for modern e-commerce and mobile applications.
* Cryptographic Mathematics used to underpin cryptographic algorithm techniques.
* Multimedia communications and networking infrastructures as used in communications for data in form of text, images, audio and video.
* Programming languages and development of object-oriented programming skills.
* Software engineering methodologies as used in software design for advanced communication systems.
* Data forensics techniques and their application for data collection, data preservation, investigation of potentially compromised systems and collection of evidence in compromised systems.
* Biometric techniques used for the identifying and verification of individuals. Security, performance, accuracy, standards, privacy and legal issues of biometric systems.
* Communication & cryptographic security protocols, their application, design and evaluation of their reliability.
* Network & Host Security operation, techniques and skills for their reliable operation and protection of networks and hosts against attack.
* Web-based applications design principles using available web-based technologies, including reliability and security issues.
* Master of engineering project (practicum) enables students gain experience in undertaking a significant engineering task, which will involve research into a selected topic in the area of information and network security, along with advanced design and implementation. The project commences in the Autumn semester and continues through to the Summer semester.

An honours primary degree, at minimum second class honours, in a relevant engineering, computing, mathematics, science or technology discipline. Applicants from other disciplines who have a significant mathematics or computing element in their primary degree will also be considered.Applicants who possess an honours undergraduate degree, at minimum second class honours, or equivalent in a non-numerate discipline and have a minimum of three years experiential learning in an appropriate computing discipline will also be considered.ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTSAs all international students are required to possess sufficient language skills to attend lectures and sit examinations at the University of Limerick, students should be competent to communicate through the medium of English prior to their arrival.Students must have a minimum score of 550 (paper based) or 213 (computer based) 80 (internet based) in TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score in the range of 6.5-7 and not less than 6.0 in any one component. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 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. 80 (Grade A) TOEFL paper-based test score : 550 TOEFL iBT® test: 80