PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION Programme Specification MSc in Information Security Programme title: Final award (BSc, MA etc): (where stopping off points exist they should be detailed here and defined later in the document) UCAS Code (where applicable) Cohort(s) to which this programme specification is applicable: (e.g. from 2008 intake onwards) Awarding institution/body: Teaching institution: Faculty: Parent Department: (the department responsible for the administration of the programme) Departmental web page address: Method of study: Full-time/Part-time/Other Criteria for admission to the programme: MSc in Information Security MSc n.a. 2009 entry onwards UCL UCL Engineering Sciences Computer Science (from July 2009, previously UCL Adastral Park Postgraduate Campus) http://www.cs.ucl.ac.uk/teaching/mscisec The programme is normally taken full-time. Entrance requirements for the programme are a First Class or Upper Second in Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, Mathematics or a related topic. Mathematics graduates should provide evidence of studying courses in Algorithmics and Computer Architecture (for example courses similar to those detailed at http://www.cs.ucl.ac.uk/teaching/syllabus/msccs/d104.htm and http://www.cs.ucl.ac.uk/teaching/syllabus/ug/1001.htm). Electrical Engineering graduates should provide evidence of studying courses in Algebra and Algorithmics (for example courses similar to those detailed at http://www.ucl.ac.uk/mathematics/courses/0809/1201.pdf and http://www.cs.ucl.ac.uk/teaching/syllabus/msccs/d104.htm). Computer Science graduates must provide evidence of studying Algebra (for example a course similar to that detailed at http://www.ucl.ac.uk/mathematics/courses/0809/1201.pdf). msc_isec_progspec09 1
Applicants with a different degree, or with no degree but with relevant professional experience, will be considered by the Admissions Tutor if a case is made for them by the Programme Director. Length of the programme: (please note any periods spent away from UCL, such as study abroad or placements in industry) Level on Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) (see Guidance notes) Relevant subject benchmark statement (SBS) (see Guidance notes) Brief outline of the structure of the programme and its assessment methods: (see guidance notes) One calendar year full-time. M (MSc) N/A The MSc in Information Security is an advanced programme for Computer Science, Electrical Engineering and Mathematics graduates who wish to be involved with the security aspects of Information Technology. All students take 3 compulsory modules and 5 optional modules. The 3 compulsory modules are: Computer Security I (Term 1) Introduction to Cryptography (Term 1) Research in Information Security (Term 2) Students will normally select their 5 options from the following list: Distributed Systems and Security (Term 1) Operating Systems (Term 1) People and Security (Term 1) Advanced Cryptography (Term 2) Applied Cryptography (Term 2) Computer Security II (Term 2) Digital Rights Management (Term 2) Up to 2 of the 5 options may be selected from other programmes offered by the Department of Computer Science, or the Department of Mathematics. These selections must be approved by the Programme Director and are subject to timetabling constraints. Examples of possible options in this category are: Commutative Algebra (Term 1) Image Processing (Term 1) Mathematical Methods, Algorithmics and Implementations (Term 1) Systems Requirements Engineering (Term 1) Algebra 4 (Term 2) Algebraic Number Theory (Term 2) Communications and Networks (Term 2) Elliptic Curves (Term 2) Human-Computer Interaction (Term 2) Software Engineering (Term 2) msc_isec_progspec09 2
Board of Examiners: Professional body accreditation (if applicable): Sub-Board of Examiners for the MSc Information Security N/A Date of next scheduled accreditation visit: N/A Educational Aims of the Programme: This programme aims to develop the student s interest in and knowledge and understanding of Information Security. In particular the programme will provide: 1. an advanced knowledge of topics in information security 2. an awareness of the context in which information security operates in terms of safety, environmental, social & economic aspects 3. a wide range of intellectual, practical and transferable skills which will allow students to develop a flexible professional career in I.T. msc_isec_progspec09 3
PROGRAMME OUTCOMES: The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas: A: Knowledge and understanding A knowledge and understanding of: Teaching/learning methods and strategies 1. Core principles and applications of information security and associated topics 2. Design techniques for the creation of secure networks 3. Commercial and economic aspects, health, safety, environmental and other professional issues 4. Techniques applicable to research and advanced scholarship Acquisition of 1 to 4 is through a combination of lectures, seminars, problem classes, tutorials, laboratory classes and projects. Acquisition of 2 to 4 is augmented in the projects Students will be required to: attend all classes, study extensively on their own and, prepare non-assessed course work as required. Testing of the knowledge base is through a combination of written exams, presentations and vivas, assessed tests, coursework, written reports. Projects are assessed through written reports, vivas and formal presentations. B: Skills and other attributes Intellectual (thinking) skills Students will learn: 1. to use cryptographic algorithms to secure communications, 2. to understand why computers are so vulnerable and some of the challenges to make them secure, 3. how to protect a computer network against several threats hackers (insiders and outsiders) by applying cryptography and computer security, 4. to understand human aspects of computer security, 5. to understand the issues involved in making our electronic media secure, 6. develop a sound understanding of formal techniques in software specification and verification 7. develop a concrete understanding of logic-based specification languages Teaching/learning methods and strategies Intellectual skills are taught at the same time as specialist knowledge, using the same range of teaching methods. Students are gradually taught to: 1. work more independently and more as members of teams, 2. learn actively rather than passively, and 3. include an increasingly wider range of factors in their problem-solving, decision making and analysis msc_isec_progspec09 4
Practical skills: 1. Software programming: 2. working with MAPLE, MAGMA & MATLAB, 3. improving computer security, 4. managing the security of a computer network, 5. increased user-friendliness of computer security techniques, 6. programming & experimentation, 7. programming and usage of model checkers and 8. becoming familiar with future standards. C: Skills and other attributes Intellectual skills are assessed at the same time as specialist knowledge, using the same range of assessment methods. Teaching/learning methods and strategies Practical skills are taught alongside specialist knowledge, using the same range of teaching methods supplemented by laboratory classes. Project work provides the opportunity of greater student involvement in the design of experiments, the design and development of systems, and the analysis and presentation of experimental results. Practical skills are assessed through reports, written coursework and presentation of project work. D: Skills and other attributes Transferable skills : Students will learn: 1. the basics to understand many of the documents, such as standards, written on cryptography 2. how to use computer algebra packages, design of cryptographic schemes and protocols, 3. presentation skills. Students will gain 1. an understanding of computer security/insecurity of PCs, workstations, computer networks etc., media rights issues, 2. the ability to conduct formal proofs, 3. the ability to use specification languages, 4. the ability to use verification toolkits Teaching/learning methods and strategies: Transferable skills are not taught in separate courses but permeate the whole range of teaching and learning methods used in the department. Small group tutorials are used to help students develop management and communications skills which are augmented in the project work carried out. Communications skills are also developed by encouraging discussion and interaction with fellow students and members of staff. msc_isec_progspec09 5
The following reference points were used in designing the programme: Transferable skills are assessed at the same time as specialist knowledge, using the same range of assessment methods. Communications skills are also assessed in vivas and formal presentations of laboratory and project work. the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (http://www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/benchmark/default.asp; the relevant Subject Benchmark Statements (http://www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/fheq/default.asp); the programme specifications for UCL degree programmes in relevant subjects (where applicable); UCL teaching and learning policies; staff research. Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the departmental course handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually by UCL and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency. Programme Organiser(s) Dr Jens Groth Name(s): Date of Production: 1 st October 2007 Date of Review: Date approved by Head of Department: 21 July, on transfer of programme from Adastral Park to UCL s Department of Computer Science Date approved by Chair of Departmental Teaching Committee: Date approved by Faculty Teaching Committee: msc_isec_progspec09 6