MEng in Information and Network Security

This MEng provides in-depth knowledge of emerging security threats and solutions for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) systems. Equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to identify, develop and implement highly secure systems and networks that serve enterprise goals.

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 the 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 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.

Graduate Profile

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.

Programme Content

The Master of Engineering in Information and Network Security provides a comprehensive grounding in key areas of security of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) systems. 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. The total credit weighting of the course is 90 ECTS credits

Autumn

• Cryptography & Security Fundamentals
• Cryptographic Mathematics
• Multimedia Communications
• C++ Programming
• Software Engineering
• Master of Engineering Project 1*

Spring

• Data Forensics
• Biometrics
• Communication & Security Protocols
• Network & Host Security
• Web-based Application Design
• Master of Engineering Project 2*

Summer

• Master of Engineering Project 3*

*Master Project 1/2/3 is a single project undertaken throughout the entire year

The programme introduces students to the 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 to 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.