MSc Information Systems Security
Full-time, Part-time
Location • City Campus
Subject area • Computing
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Read case studies outlining coursework completed by students from this course.
Professional exams and certifications.
Find out how this course's professional links, including BSI, Sony and Cisco, could benefit you.
Read profiles about our students.
View a 360 degree tour of the Cantor lecture theatre.
Watch videos of course leader Mathew Love explaining more about our courses including facilities, professional examinations and student support.
Our Digital Design Centre can print medium to large format high quality outputs on a range of different media. The laboratories have software supporting 2D and 3D engineering and creative design applications. Find out more.
One of the most valuable resources available for you to access is our highly experienced technical support team. Find out how they can help support your development.
Read profiles about the staff in our computing subject area.
We developed this course along two main lines.
The first covers the principles and issues of security design concerning systems and systems integration, web and non web-based applications and communication networks.
The second addresses the methodologies and development of skills required to perform security assessments of complex information systems.
Semester one modules
Information security concepts and principles
In this module we introduce the idea of risk management and the basic security properties (confidentiality, integrity, availability), security mechanisms (authentication and access control), security principles such as 'least privilege' and 'failsafe defaults' and security legislation. We spend time looking at cryptosystems and protocols; symmetric and asymmetric algorithms, digests, message authentication codes, digital signatures and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI). We look in detail at authentication mechanisms and protocols and a variety of access control types and implementations.
Assessment is via two online sets of challenges where you are presented with a series of problems to solve. The first of these involves general crytography and the second concerns PKI. A short online exam completes the assessment. Previous students have reported that they find the challenges an interesting and enjoyable way to expand their knowledge and understanding of the subject. You are supported by weekly lectures and lab sessions where hands-on exercises enable you to put the theory into practice to consolidate your learning.
Network security
You are initially introduced to the underlying technologies and protocols which allow networks to function. You then build on this information by learning how these technologies and protocols can be used to either secure or break into a network. Typical topics include • the principles of securing computer networks • firewall architecture and design • virtual private networks • network intrusion detection • vulnerability scanning.
Systems and application security
We consider security threats against the operating system and a number of commonly-used servers, such as Domain Name System (DNS), Email and Web. For example we look at issues relating to email spoofing in the Sendmail application and how a poorly-configured email server, either deliberately or accidently, can allow emails to be sent to users from trusted addresses. Another example of an area we look at is the Linux file system and how when properly secured, it can be used to prevent or delay an attacker compromising the entire system.
Web applications and e-commerce security
We aim to educate you on the potential insecurities that may be present in web applications throughout the world. We take you through the steps and processes required to carry out a penetration test on a web application to discover weaknesses in its configuration and setup. For example part of the module looks at cross-site scripting (XSS) and SQL injection, two very common and potentially dangerous vulnerabilities that have had their fair share of media attention. We also investigate ways to secure vulnerable web applications using techniques and tools such as web-based firewalls, access control and secure encryption.
Semester two modules
BSI ISO27001 lead auditor
Modern organisations have to constantly protect their assets and information against threats. These threats come in a variety of forms such as external hackers and internal users with grudges, script kiddies and organised crime syndicates. There are vast number of controls which can be put in place to help secure an organisation against these threats. Unfortunately, over time, these controls can become disjointed and unfit for purpose as the organisation grows or changes. This module teaches you how to approach the issue of information security management. You learn how to examine risks to organisations in depth, how to select a suite of information security controls and adopt and manage the process to ensure the information security management system works.
Group-based practical case study
You are given the opportunity to put into practice what you have learned in the preceding modules. In a team of six, you are given the specification for a computer system providing a number of services typical to a small organisation. Half of the team designs and builds a secure implementation of the specification and the other half develops a security evaluation strategy for the system. The emphasis is on following accepted standards, methodologies and systematic procedures in the development process. At the end of the module those developing the security evaluation system apply their strategy to another team's system in a day-long practical pen-testing session. All procedures are conducted in safe virtual environments built in our well-equipped labs. Tutors act as clients and consultants in the development processes and you also receive guidance from visiting expert security consultants. This is a highly demanding but extremely rewarding and valuable experience in the development of your security knowledge, awareness and skills.
Option modules
You study a selection from • information security management • computer forensics and incident response • intrusion detection in depth • incident handling and hacking techniques • assessing and securing wireless networks • consultancy theory and practice • an option module from other computing master degree
Semester three
You study research methods and do a substantial research project leading to a dissertation.
Find out more about studying MSc Information Systems Security
Full-time –12 to 18 months
Part-time – typically two years
Starts September
Complete the application form available at www.shu.ac.uk/study/form
2013/14 academic year
Typically £5,355 for the course
Part-time study should be calculated pro rata.
The course fee may be subject to annual inflationary increase. For further information on fees and funding see www.shu.ac.uk/funding
2013/14 academic year
Typically £12,060 for the course
2014/15 academic year
Typically £12,150 for the course
The course fee may be subject to annual inflationary increase. For further information on fees, scholarships and bursaries see www.shu.ac.uk/international/fees
Group and individual coursework. You also so a range of • problem solving assignments • workshops • practical projects • research activities.
Learn to protect and safeguard information
Student work
Ben Evans, secure wireless hotspot coursework
For his dissertation Ben designed and implemented a secure wireless hotspot. Wireless hotspots offer public wireless network services, allowing people using a variety of devices from laptops to Wi-Fi phones to connect to the Internet. Wireless hotspots are often found in airports, hotels and coffee shops.
The end system was developed on an embedded PC board (WRAP 1E) with two miniPCI a/b/g wireless cards, using the OpenWRT firmware and the WifiDog Captive portal. The wireless hotspot also involved the secure integration of a RADIUS server for the authentication of wireless users. Finally Ben tested the developed system by performing a number of well known as well as advanced attacks to wireless hotspots.
The testing involved the adoption of the advanced wireless hacking techniques and tools Ben had learnt during his MSc studies. Ben is now a security consultant for a large hedge fund company in London, designing advanced solutions for a number of international clients.
Chris Gray, HSBC placement coursework
During his MSc studies, Chris was offered a placement opportunity at HSBC within the IT security department, and as part of the infrastructure security team. Chris was primarily involved in working with security products including intrusion detection systems, anti-virus software, firewall software and encryption techniques. Key activities included evaluating the security impact of a product designed to capture network traffic to aid troubleshooting and working on a number of security enhancements.
In his final report Chris said that, 'The relevance of the MSc to the placement was apparent throughout; in particular the ISO27001 work provided an excellent basis to many of the assignments undertaken'. At the end of his graduate studies, Chris was offered a job by HSBC to re-join their IT security department and work in the penetration testing team.
Nafly Nizamdeen, security awareness coursework
People are a security weakest link and many organisations recognize the importance of having effective information security awareness and training for all employees. In his assignments for the standard-based security audit and assessment module, Nafly looked at how organisations can measure the effectiveness of information security awareness training, and identified a number of suitable metrics. Security awareness training is also a requirement of the international standard for the management of information security ISO27001. Nafly also attended and passed the ISO27001 lead auditor course and is now an information security consultant helping companies secure their information and IT infrastructure.
Kai Stimpson, incident handling and hacking techniques
Kai chose to attend one of the MSc modules including SANS training and certification, titled incident handling and hacking techniques. As part of the assessment for this module students have to pass a practical exam where they are asked to apply the knowledge and competences learnt during the module. The practical questions ranged from assessing the security of operating system and application passwords, to assessing compromised systems. Kai was keen to learn many of the hacking techniques and spent a considerable amount of personal time to develop his competences and make full use of the resources provided. In the end his hard work paid off and he passed the assessment with a great score.
Professional exams and certifications
Our association with BSI Learning and the SANS Institute makes this course unique as we can offer you the official BSI certified ISO27001 lead auditor and SANS courses.
From BSI
ISO27001 Lead Auditor
By taking this MSc course you are entitled to take the official BSI course free of charge. BSI courses are delivered by approved BSI trainers and qualified ISO27001 lead auditors. As part of the course you receive the same course material as the official BSI training courses.
From SANS (laptop required)
• Intrusion Detection In Depth (SANS 503)
• Incident Handling and Hacking Techniques (SANS 504)
• Assessing and Securing Wireless Networks (SANS 617)
• Web App Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking (SANS 542)
You can also top up your studies with additional SANS training. You can take the university modules and then decide if you want to complement your studies with SANS training which carries a fee to cover the cost of online materials including MP3s. Due to our relationship with SANS, we can offer you the SANS training at a discounted rate.
SANS courses are delivered over a six day period just like it is at a larger SANS event. You also receive all the same content, audio files, and other materials. SANS courses are delivered by SANS Community Instructors, pulled from the best of the SANS Mentor programme.
Assessment
The assessment for each specific module is independent from any certification exam. This means that you can pass the module assessment and gain academic credit towards the MSc even if you do not pass the related certification exam.
Laptop required
For all of the SANS-based courses you are required to use a laptop meeting specific requirements. Should you choose to take a SANS course, it will be your responsibility to have a laptop that meets the SANS laptop requirements.
ISO27001 Lead Auditor
Auditing is crucial to the success of any management system. As a result, it carries with it heavy responsibilities, tough challenges and complex problems.
This five-day intensive course prepares you for the qualification process for ISO 27001:2005, trains you to plan, manage and implement the audit programme. It also empowers you to give practical help and information to those who are working towards compliance and certification.
Intrusion Detection (SANS 503)
This is the most advanced programme in network intrusion detection that has ever been taught. All of the course material is either new or just updated to reflect the latest attack patterns. This series is jam-packed with network traces and analysis tips. The emphasis of this course is on increasing your understanding of the workings of TCP/IP, methods of network traffic analysis, and one specific network intrusion detection system – Snort. This course is not a comparison or demonstration of multiple NIDS. Instead, the knowledge/information provided here allows you to better understand the qualities that go into a sound NIDS and the 'whys' behind them, and thus, to be better equipped to make a wise selection for a site's particular needs.
This is a fast-paced course and you are expected to have a basic working knowledge of TCP/IP (please visit the SANS website to fully view the topics that are discussed on this course) Although others may benefit from this course, it is ideal if you are, or want to become, an intrusion detection analyst. Students generally range from novices with some TCP/IP background all the way to seasoned analysts. The challenging, hands-on exercises are specially designed to be valuable for all experience levels. We strongly recommend that you spend some time getting familiar with TCPdump, WINdump or another network analyzer output before coming to class.
For more information on this course and for the specific laptop requirements, please visit the SANS website page.
Incident Handling and Hacking Techniques (SANS 504)
By helping you understand attackers' tactics and strategies in detail, giving you hands-on experience in finding vulnerabilities and discovering intrusions, and equipping you with a comprehensive incident handling plan, the in-depth information in this course helps you turn the tables on computer attackers. This course addresses the latest cutting-edge insidious attack vectors and the 'oldie-but-goodie' attacks that are still so prevalent, and everything in between. Instead of merely teaching a few hack attack tricks, this course includes a time-tested, step-by-step process for responding to computer incidents; a detailed description of how attackers undermine systems so you can prepare, detect, and respond to them; and a hands-on workshop for discovering holes before the bad guys do. Additionally, the course explores the legal issues associated with responding to computer attacks, including employee monitoring, working with law enforcement, and handling evidence.
This challenging course is particularly well suited to you if you lead or are a part of an incident handling team. Furthermore, general security practitioners, system administrators, and security architects will benefit by understanding how to design, build, and operate their systems to prevent, detect, and respond to attacks.
For more information on this course and for the specific laptop requirements, please visit the SANS website page.
Assessing and Securing Wireless Networks (SANS 617)
Wireless technology fundamentally changes accepted security paradigms. With the pervasive deployment of wireless technology, attackers have latched on with sophisticated and effective techniques to exploit wireless systems at work, at home, or on the road. Despite the significant threats, organizations are deploying WiFi, Bluetooth, and proprietary wireless technology at a break-neck pace. This can expose internal networks and client systems, often allowing attackers to bypass intrusion detection systems and other defences.
To be a wireless security expert, you need to have a comprehensive understanding of the technology, the threats, the exploits, and the defence techniques along with hands-on experience in evaluating and attacking wireless networks. This course takes an in-depth look at these fields, exposing you to wireless security threats through the eyes of an attacker. Using readily available and custom-developed tools, you navigate your way through the techniques attackers use to exploit WiFi networks, including attacks against WEP, WPA/WPA2, PEAP, TTLS, and other systems. We also examine the commonly overlooked threats associated with Bluetooth, WiMAX, and proprietary wireless systems. Using the SWAT toolkit, we back up the course content with hands-on labs and practical exercises designed to reinforce the concepts and other systems. We also examine the commonly overlooked threats associated with Bluetooth, WiMAX, and proprietary wireless systems. Using the SWAT toolkit, we'll back up the course content with hands-on labs and practical exercises designed to reinforce the concepts.
Using assessment and analysis techniques, this course shows you how to identify the threats that expose wireless technology and build on this knowledge to identify defensive techniques that can be used to protect wireless resources.
For more information on this course and for the specific laptop requirements, please visit the SANS website page.
Web App Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking
Web applications are a major focal point of vulnerability in organisations and businesses. Web application flaws have resulted in the theft of millions of pounds of loss and reputational damage for hundreds of enterprises. In this intermediate to advanced level class, you learn the art of exploiting web applications so you can find flaws in your enterprise's web apps before the bad guys do. Through detailed, hands-on exercises and training from a seasoned professional, you are taught the four-step process for web application penetration testing. You inject SQL into back-end databases and learn how attackers exfiltrate sensitive data. You utilize (XSS)cross-site scripting attacks to dominate a target infrastructure in our unique hands-on laboratory environment. And you explore various other web app vulnerabilities in depth with tried-and-true techniques for finding them using a structured testing regimen. You learn the tools, techniques and methods of the attacker, so that you can be a powerful defender.
Collaboration with industry leaders (1:07)
Course leader Almerindo Graziano talks about the benefits of the MSc Information Systems Security for students undertaking the course, and reveals the links that the course has with industry, such as BSI and SANS as well as Sony, Oracle and Cisco.
Ray Lowes
MSc Information Systems Security 2011 graduate
As an alumni undergraduate student, I was already aware of the high quality teaching and positive learning experience on offer at Sheffield Hallam and was keen to repeat the experience as a postgraduate student. The flexible part-time study options available on the masters programme also played an important part of my decision making process as I needed to be able to fit the study around my full-time employment with minimum disruption.
I chose this course as I've always had an interest in information security and wanted to formalise my learning and knowledge. After considering part-time courses from a number of higher education providers, the course at Sheffield Hallam University became the clear choice thanks to its wide curriculum and mix of academic learning and industry-recognised qualifications.
Completing the course has been a very rewarding journey for me as a mature, part-time student. I was able to maintain a good work/study balance thanks to the flexibility of the course structure. I moved into my current information security role whilst enrolled on the course so I'm already starting to see the rewards in terms of career opportunities and development.
Adewole Kayode Adetayo
International student from Nigeria
'Sheffield Hallam University happens to be one of the few universities in the UK offering my choice of course, and I was overwhelmed by the prompt response I got from the admission team.
'Over the short period of time on the course, I have learnt amidst other things information systems audit, web security, systems and application security, and will very soon improve my knowledge of network security. Coming to study in the UK is such a big decision in everyone's life and making the right choice of school is a tough one. Having passed through this process myself I will like to recommend Sheffield Hallam University for international students intending to study in the UK.'
Luke Hull
MSc Information Systems Security graduate
'I found the MSc to be a fantastic way of getting a foot in the door with prospective employers as well as a great and hugely enjoyable way of building a firm network of professional contacts.
'The course gave a solid grounding in the fundamental concepts and skills that I have used and expanded every day in my working life. I took a placement with PricewaterhouseCoopers who then went on to hire me, which was an excellent end to a great course.'
Damir Derd
MSc Information Systems Security 2011 graduate
I currently work for Citrix as a software test engineer based at the Cambourne Office. I work on System 3 interoperability testing for enterprise virtualisation products. My role also involves managing a virtualised desktop deployment for a site in the US and two in the UK.
I chose to continue my studies at Sheffield Hallam because I did my undergraduate degree here and found the teaching to be fantastic and they offered a varied choice of modules. They also have an excellent reputation for building links with different IT companies.
I chose to study MSc Information Systems Security as I wanted to explore it in more depth at postgraduate level and felt it would give me the opportunity to further my career.
The course was challenging, engaging and definitely worth doing. The practical skills I have acquired are invaluable.
Profiles
Ray Lowes
MSc Information Systems Security 2011 graduate
Adewole Kayode Adetayo
International student from Nigeria
Luke Hull
MSc Information Systems Security graduate
Damir Derd
MSc Information Systems Security 2011 graduate
Cantor Lecture Theatre
The Cantor lecture theatre opened in 2008 in the state-of-the-art Cantor Building.
Our computing courses (1:55)
Course leader Mathew Love talks about the benefits of our computing courses and the range of courses we offer.
Industry links and professional examinations (0:49)
Course leader Mathew Love talks about the links we have with leading software suppliers. These links enable our students to complete professional-based examinations as part of the course.
Student support (1:02)
Course leader Mathew Love talks about the support network available to our computing students.
The Digital Design Centre
The Digital Design Centre comprises a suite of 6 IT laboratories (4 PC and 2 MAC) together with the Print Output room, an area for printing medium to large format high quality output on a range of different media. The laboratories have a wide range of software supporting 2D and 3D engineering and creative design applications.
The Digital Design Centre runs a high quality computer printing facility and has the ability to print sizes between A4 and A0 and wide format banners. A3, A2, A1, A0 and Banner photo quality printing is available on a range of papers, as well as AutoCAD type plans ( B & W ) on standard paper.
Technical support team
While you will find excellent facilities throughout, the most valuable resource you will have at your disposal is access to our extremely dedicated, highly experienced technical staff.
All the staff are there to support you during your time in the workshops. The technical team with its professionally qualified staff and practicing professionals, has a wealth of knowledge and expertise across all areas of our provision and comprises engineers, designers, silversmiths and jewellers, fine artists, media arts specialists and IT experts.
The team are committed to using their diverse range of skills and knowledge to support practical aspects of your
course work, whether solving a simple software problem, producing a complex engineering project or creating design work for an international exhibition. There are currently 50 technical staff directly supporting the Technical Resource Centres and the research institutes of the faculty.
Dr John Bunning
Principal lecturer and placement tutor for BSc Business and ICT, IT with Business Studies and IT Management
After studying for a BSc at King's College, University of London, I obtained a teaching qualification and then worked in a secondary school for three years, before studying for a PhD at Leeds University. Following this, I worked as a post-doctoral research assistant at the Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, and after a short spell of teaching in further education, obtained a lecturing post at Nottingham Trent Polytechnic.
I came to Sheffield Hallam in 1989 and have been involved with degrees in the business and enterprise area for many years, particularly teaching the practical elements of the courses, along with year tutor duties, overseeing placement selection and visiting students on their industrial placements. In addition to these activities, I am the quality enhancement coordinator for the Department of Computing.
My areas of expertise lie in physics education and materials teaching. Research interests are in the field of liquid crystals, particularly their structural and physical properties. I have carried out research resulting in many publications and supervised and examined PhD students in this subject area over many years.
Graham Coyne
Senior lecturer
I teach on five modules - computer technology for business; ICT infrastructure, information systems, information systems methods and organisations, and web-based information systems.
My academic background is in physics and computing. I mainly worked in the area of information systems for the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK and Eire in roles covering the whole of the software development life cycle. The NHS is a rich, complex and interesting domain which is often underestimated by suppliers of information systems.
For the last ten years or so I have been teaching mostly undergraduates at Sheffield Hallam, on courses covering information systems, analysis and design, computing fundamentals, and communications in a business and organisational context.
I hope that the internet and other emerging technologies may be used to promote an inclusive and healthy society.
Kiefer Lee
Principal lecturer in marketing
I teach on the marketing planning and management module taken by final year BSc Business and ICT, BSc IT with Business Studies and BSc IT Management students.
I specialise in strategic marketing management, developing market innovations, international/global marketing and strategic alliances. I am currently programme leader for the undergraduate business and management courses. I am also an elected member of the Faculty Academic Board and the Academic Development Committee at the Business School.
As a practitioner, I am a professionally accredited Chartered Marketer, having spent a number of years in project management and business development roles in the healthcare sector, managing international marketing activities for a number of small and medium-sized companies. I am highly committed to publishing and disseminating good practice. I am the lead author of 'Global Marketing Management: Changes, New Challenges and Strategies' published by the Oxford University Press.
I am passionate about learning, teaching and assessment (LTA). I am particularly encouraged by the prospect of taking leadership and making contribution to enhancing LTA, enthusing and motivating others to do the same. I am highly committed to the development and delivery of innovative learning experiences that truly engage students in the process of constructing their own knowledge. I see this as a valuable opportunity to be exposed to the latest thinking in LTA development, and to engage in research-led reflection.
Ann Norton
Subject leader, strategic management
I teach on the BA Business Studies, BSc Business and ICT and BSc IT with Business Studies courses.
The first part of my career was spent working for a major UK bank, primarily in the area of marketing. After 11 years in banking I moved on to work for a research and consultancy company, undertaking research for European financial service institutions.
In 1992 I joined Sheffield Hallam as a senior lecturer and course leader for the MBA Financial Services, and later as programme leader for the European MBA. I became a principal lecturer in 2002, taking on the role of subject leader for the strategic management subject group. My teaching is primarily in the field of strategic management, organisational change and strategic human resource management, delivering on postgraduate, undergraduate and professional programmes.
My expertise and research interest is in the contribution and relationship of human resources (HR) strategy with business strategy, and the impact on organisational performance. I have co-authored a number of text books on organisations and management, and have undertaken consultancy work on the design and implementation of HR strategy, policies and practices, both for blue chip companies and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
In addition to my University roles, I work for a number of professional bodies including the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, the Charted Institute of Bankers, the Institute of Directors and the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators.
Dr Rod Apps
Principal lecturer
I teach on the BA Business Studies, BSc Business and ICT, BSc IT with Business Studies and BSc IT Management courses.
After completing degrees in economics, I undertook research and teaching in economics at the Universities of Durham and Manchester. Since joining Sheffield Hallam, I have emphasised teaching in the areas of business strategy and financial services. I teach on a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, and additionally supervise dissertations on many of these courses.
Most of my career has been within academic institutions, including periods in Switzerland and (more recently) in China. My research interests are in the areas of the strategy formation processes within organisations, and the development of the fund management industry.
Dr Paul Parry
Subject group leader in business computing
Until very recently I was the postgraduate study area leader in the area of art, design, media and computer games where I was responsible for the strategic planning of postgraduate courses, quality and procedures, resourcing and operational issues. As such I have been instrumental in setting up many of the links between the PG and UG Game Software Development courses.
I deliver core teaching on the games courses in the areas of programming and games, including C++ programming, project management, DirectX and 3D graphics. In my teaching I have promoted the collaboration of students from the disciplines of games programming and digital animation, allowing them to work together on shared projects in an attempt to mirror the way the game industry works.
I have developed working relationships with computer games companies such as Sony Computer Entertainment Europe and Sumo, as well as with the regional computer games company's trade association, Game Republic.
Alongside my teaching and course management responsibilities, I continue to conduct research in the area of computer graphics and software requirements engineering. I have published and presented several refereed conference and journal papers.
Dr Andrew Hirst
Senior lecturer in enterprise and business development
I teach on three modules - new venture creation, managing a growing business, and supporting entrepreneurial ventures (taken by BSc Business and ICT, BSc IT with Business Studies and BSc IT Management students).
I gained a PhD from Loughborough University in marketing research. I specialised in multivariate data analysis which include techniques such as conjoint analysis, regression/discriminant analysis, factor/cluster analysis and was a post-doctoral researcher in relationship management and new product development.
My academic career has so far resulted in publications in prestigious marketing journals and conference proceedings, such as European Journal of Marketing, Marketing Letters and the proceedings of the European Marketing Academy. I have practical research experience in marketing research and this work included focus group, interviews, data analysis, eye tracking studies, location planning and forecasting.
I also have a blue chip career background working at companies such as British Aerospace, Experian, Tesco, Gala Group, IDmagasin and Business Link. I have worked with over 200 SMEs and been a consultant to a range of market sectors that involved project working for Coca Cola, Warburton's, KwikSave, TSB, Orange Telecomms, and major banks.
Mike Heselton
Senior lecturer and admissions tutor
Mike is a senior lecturer in information systems, and is also an admissions tutor.
Mike joined Sheffield Hallam University in 2003 and has worked on final year undergraduate modules of the business information systems (BIS) degree and postgraduate modules in IT project management.
His specialist area is project management and he spent 13 years as a senior project manager in large organisations such as British Steel, Cap Gemini and Royal Mail. The bulk of his time was spent managing large, complex projects that were often multinational and with multi-million pound budgets.
Outside the University Mike sits on the Information Systems Examination Board (ISEB) panel for IT project management and is also an examiner for project management on the British Computer Society's Professional Diploma. As an approved membership assessor he is involved in process of awarding CITP recognition to those applying to become chartered IT practitioners.
Mike is passionate about the role of BIS in preparing young people for careers as managers within the IT departments of large organisations. He has led a programme of promoting BIS to schools and colleges and works with employers to help shape improvements to the BIS degree.
Fiona Hollis
Senior lecturer in management strategy
I teach on six modules - understanding organisations, managing resources, strategic planning, organisation management, work-based learning, and management project.
I originally studied French and Spanish at Sheffield University, and after gaining a Diploma in Education, taught for several years in secondary schools. In 1990, I studied here at Sheffield Hallam and was awarded a Certificate in Management.
I started lecturing at Sheffield Hallam in 1991 and am a member of the strategy group. I am currently module leader for the Level 4 module understanding organisations taken by first year BSc Business and ICT, BSc IT with Business Studies and BSc IT Management students.
Lynne Dawson
Senior lecturer
I have a BSc Mathematics with Computing from the University of Bath (1989), a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Warwick (2005) and am a Chartered Mathematician with the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications.
I teach on the BSc Computing and BSc IT Management routes. I have worked at Sheffield Hallam for ten years and teach across all undergraduate levels. My main area of expertise is IT service management (based around the ITIL Framework), and I am certified in ITIL at Foundation and Intermediate level. I also teach topics such as computer technology, and architectures for enterprise applications, as well as being the co-ordinator for final year projects.
My industrial experience includes working as a front-line IT support analyst for a variety of financial institutions in the City of London, and as an IT consultant, specialising in designing and implementing highly available IT solutions for clients such as Vodafone, Transco (British Gas), Telewest, Walkers Crisps, and local governments.
Steve Brierley
Senior lecturer and first year tutor for BSc Business and ICT, IT with Business Studies and IT Management
I teach on the information systems and ICT infrastructure modules.
I graduated from Sheffield University in electronic engineering in 1970 then took a Masters course in control systems. Following this, I worked in the steel industry for 26 years, and then ended up as the IT manager for the Stainless Division before leaving in 2000. I have extensive experience in management and technology.
I joined Sheffield Hallam in 2001 as an associate lecturer, and latterly as a full-time lecturer. My areas of expertise are knowledge management, business applications architecture, data modelling, information systems, online learning and database design.
Dr Peter O’Neill
Associate lecturer and acting module leader for programming for computing
I joined Sheffield Hallam University in 2008 as an associate lecturer in Visual Basic to first year undergraduates. In 2009 I extended my role and became the acting module leader for programming for computing, as well as supervising undergraduates with their final year BSc projects and postgraduates with their MSc projects.
In addition, I work at Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Sheffield and I also run my own company called Madhouse Software Productions Ltd, developing software applications in the domain of electronic assistive technology (EAT), for the elderly and disabled, the research areas I obtained my PhD.
Prior to the above employment, I worked for the Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering Department at Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, undertaking research in the enhancement of the prescription of integrated EAT (IEAT). For example, communication aids (speaking on behalf of the users), environmental controls (turning the television, lights etc., on and off in the users home) and mobility (driving an electric wheelchair), all of which were controlled by a single personal computer. During this time I also lectured at Barnsley College, teaching students to program in C / C++.
My main area of interest and focus is single switch-based EAT) That is the creation of software applications, to improve the prescription of assistive technology (AT) and the use of these technologies, to enhance the user's quality of life.
Bob Steele
Principal Lecturer
I have a long teaching and research career at Sheffield Hallam, working in the areas of concurrent processes, human computer interaction, multi-media systems and, more latterly, interaction design in computer games.
Together with Paul Parry, I have led the development of the MSc Game Software Development courses and has taken an active role in establishing working relationships with games companies and the regional trade association, Game Republic. I took the lead in the creation of the Academic Game Network as an academic arm of Game Republic, with the aim of creating more formal academic/company relationships in the region. I also developed the initial proposal for a national accreditation scheme for computer games courses and undertook the research and development work on behalf of Skillset for the creation of the accreditation criteria.
I have acted as external academic adviser on validation panels for computer games courses at several UK Universities, including Abertay, Portsmouth, Coventry, UCLAN and Hull. I am an external examiner at the Universities of Coventry and Lancaster.
In 2010 I instigated the proposal for the creation of the Steel Minions studio and negotiated with the University on its establishment.
I continue to deliver teaching in the areas of interaction design and approaches to games design. I have a particular interest in the development of innovation in teaching involving getting programming and arts students to collaborate on joint project work.
Dr Jacob Habgood
Senior Lecturer in Games Development
My background is in the games industry working as a programmer and project-manager for Gremlin, Infogrames and Sumo-Digital over a period of 14 years. During this time I worked on over a dozen published games for the PlayStation 1 and 2, XBox, Gamecube and DS.
I teach mainly on the third and fourth years of the game software development degrees in game-specific subjects relating to 3D graphics programming and console game development (all using C++). I'm also the author of a series of books on hobbyist game development using Game Maker, which I use in my teaching to explore game design concepts.
I am studio manager of the Steel Minions Game Studio based in Sheffield Hallam's Science Park. The studio is an official PlayStation minis developer and provides a commercially licensed environment in which students can bring games to market through the PlayStation Network (PSN). The studio currently has a couple of PSP titles in development, including a reworking of the classic 90's game Zool, which was originally created in Sheffield.
I have a PhD in game-based-learning and I conduct research into the effective integration of digital games and learning content. This research was originally presented at the International Game Developers Conference in San Francisco and has recently been published in the Journal of the Learning Sciences. I have also written various articles for Gamasutra and Develop magazine.
Paul Henderson
Senior lecturer
My main teaching areas are project management, system design, and database implementation (Microsoft Access)
I teach preparatory year, first year and second year students, both foundation degree and named degree. I am interested in the analysis and design processes that lead to database implementation and am keen to show students the usefulness of Microsoft Access.
I worked for many years in various roles in the computer industry and try to use that experience in my teaching, where appropriate.
Pascale Vacher
Course leader for BSc/MComp Games Software Development
My interest and expertise lie in the field of programming, including object oriented design as well as implementation and programming for games. I specialise in teaching programming, especially C++ and DirectX, to students on all years of the game software development and software engineering courses, at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
As the course leader for the game software development undergraduate degrees, I am the main academic contact for students on these courses. I am involved in teaching students from their first week, to the day they graduate and mentor them throughout the course. Whenever possible I aim to facilitate communication between groups of students across years and related courses and between students and staff teaching on the course.
I organise extra curriculum events such as industrial visits, student competitions and professional training courses, including Games Republic, Creative Spark and ADOBE ACA certifications courses (Flash, Dreamweaver). I coordinate activities related to the organisation, development and accreditation of these courses and have successfully led the validation (and subsequent revalidation) of these two courses.
Dr Peter Collingwood
Subject group leader in software engineering, graphics and multimedia
I have had a long academic career at Sheffield Hallam University, during which I have used my background in mathematics and control theory to underpin my lecturing and research activities in the areas of distributed computer systems and the behaviour of multiprocessor systems, mobile robotics, intelligent agents and genetic programming.
My main teaching input on the course is on programming (especially scripting languages such ActionScript and Python) and the technology of distributed systems for online gaming.
I currently occupy a senior role in the academic structures within the faculty of ACES, being the subject leader for the software engineering, graphics and multimedia group.
I was engaged as an external examiner for games courses at the University of Lincoln (Computing & Games related BSc/BA modules) and the University of Teeside (MSc/MA Games & Animation) and have also acted as an external moderator for the BSc/MComp in Computer Games Production at the University of Lincoln, and BSc in Games Application Development at the University of Abertay.
Anita Whitworth
Portfolio manager for BSc Business and ICT, IT with Business Studies and BSc IT Management
I am a non-teaching member of staff whose role is to support students in their studies. I have worked at the University for several years supporting students on computing and business and enterprise courses.
After gaining a degree in American studies/history I moved into the travel industry where she gained managerial experience before moving to Sheffield Hallam University in 2004. I have since gained a Masters degree in history from Sheffield Hallam.
My work interests lie in looking at ways of making students' experience at Sheffield Hallam as positive and enjoyable as possible. In order to facilitate this I have undergone training in counselling, coaching and mentoring and helping students with learning difficulties, particularly Aspergers syndrome.
Dr Simon Clark
Head of Business and Enterprise Group
I teach on the BSc Business and ICT, BSc IT with Business Studies and BSc IT Management courses.
After studying for a BSc at Reading University, I worked for several years as a product manager for a research company specialising in the development of communication technologies. I subsequently studied for a PhD at Cardiff University and then went on to be a research fellow at Barcelona University.
I came to Sheffield Hallam in 1994 as a senior and later principal lecturer. I currently lead the business and enterprise group.
My areas of expertise lie in the fundamental principles that underpin ICT and its strategic application to business, combined with the development of enterprise teaching and learning (see http://venturematrix.shu.ac.uk/). My research interests lie in nanotechnology, focused on developing the next generation of satellite, mobile communication and display systems.
I have authored over 60 research articles, supervised many PhD students and carried out research with a number of European universities, and telecoms, communications and automotive organisations in Germany, Japan, Taiwan, Korea and China.
Sue Marriott
Principal lecturer, strategy and enterprise
I teach on the BA Business Studies, BA Business Studies and Enterprise Management, BSc Business, ICT, BSc IT with Business Studies and BSc IT Management courses.
Before joining Sheffield Hallam in 2002, I worked in a number of private and public sector organisations. Originally a civil servant in the Department of Employment, I worked on the Enterprise Allowance Scheme and on Business Growth Training Programmes monitoring the progress of small businesses. I then joined a private sector organisation that offered training for start-up businesses and also engaged in consultancy work in the public and private sectors.
Returning to the public sector in 1993, I worked for Sheffield Training and Enterprise Council managing their development team. This involved designing, piloting, and securing funding for a range of initiatives designed to encourage • enterprise in small businesses, and • individuals to engage in lifelong learning. From there I moved to Business Link South Yorkshire, developing a range of services for business start-ups.
My current interests are still firmly in the enterprise field, mainly focused on individual and organisational competitiveness, but I also have an interest in business ethics.
Peter Mulvihill
Senior lecturer
I teach on the managing business finance and supporting entrepreneurial ventures modules taken by BSc Business and ICT, BSc IT with Business Studies and BSc IT Management students.
After studying for a BA (Hons) in Business Studies at Nottingham Trent, I went on to work in accounting in industry for around five years. I then spent nearly three years as a professional drummer. After this, I returned to study a PGCE in Business and Finance at the Bolton Institute of Higher Education. I then went on to work in further education for the next six years.
I came to Sheffield Hallam in 1990 as a senior lecturer, teaching various accounting modules on professional, degree and higher national courses. I am currently the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) course leader.
My area of expertise is financial accounting, with a particular interest in small businesses. Although I have been involved in some research during my academic career, I am principally a lecturer and teacher.
Graham Coyne
Senior lecturer
I teach on five modules - computer technology for business; ICT infrastructure, information systems, information systems methods and organisations, and web-based information systems.
My academic background is in physics and computing. I mainly worked in the area of information systems for the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK and Eire in roles covering the whole of the software development life cycle. The NHS is a rich, complex and interesting domain which is often underestimated by suppliers of information systems.
For the last ten years or so I have been teaching mostly undergraduates at Sheffield Hallam, on courses covering information systems, analysis and design, computing fundamentals, and communications in a business and organisational context.
I hope that the internet and other emerging technologies may be used to promote an inclusive and healthy society.
Nick Williams
Senior lecturer in enterprise and strategic management
I teach on the supporting entrepreneurial ventures module taken by BSc Business and ICT, BSc IT with Business Studies and BSc IT Management students.
Before joining Sheffield Hallam University I worked as a researcher, completing research and evaluation projects for central, regional and local government bodies as well as the private sector. My work included evaluations of enterprise policy (including cultural aspects such as enterprise education), business support and cluster strategy.
My interests are in entrepreneurship, competition and economic development. I am currently working on a number of research projects, mainly related to entrepreneurship in uncompetitive regions and in deprived urban neighbourhoods.
Dr Adrian Oram
Senior lecturer in software engineering
I have a long and varied academic career in which I have studied in the fields of computing and civil engineering.
In computing I have been an active researcher in the areas of parallel and concurrent processing and held the post of Deputy Director of the National Transputer Centre, which was based at the University of Sheffield. My current research activities focus on grammatical inference techniques as applied in civil engineering.
I have more than 16 years lecturing experience in higher education across a range of computing and engineering areas and now concentrate on teaching computer and games console architectures and assembly level languages to games students at under and postgraduate levels.
In the game software development courses I lead the teaching of programming low level architecture and take main responsibility, along with Jake Habgood, Paul Parry and Pete Collingwood and for utilising the faculty's specialist PS2, GameCube, PSP and PS3 development console kits in their teaching.
Profiles
Dr John Bunning
Principal lecturer and placement tutor for BSc Business and ICT, IT with Business Studies and IT Management
Graham Coyne
Senior lecturer
Kiefer Lee
Principal lecturer in marketing
Ann Norton
Subject leader, strategic management
Dr Rod Apps
Principal lecturer
Dr Paul Parry
Subject group leader in business computing
Dr Andrew Hirst
Senior lecturer in enterprise and business development
Mike Heselton
Senior lecturer and admissions tutor
Fiona Hollis
Senior lecturer in management strategy
Lynne Dawson
Senior lecturer
Steve Brierley
Senior lecturer and first year tutor for BSc Business and ICT, IT with Business Studies and IT Management
Dr Peter O’Neill
Associate lecturer and acting module leader for programming for computing
Bob Steele
Principal Lecturer
Dr Jacob Habgood
Senior Lecturer in Games Development
Paul Henderson
Senior lecturer
Pascale Vacher
Course leader for BSc/MComp Games Software Development
Dr Peter Collingwood
Subject group leader in software engineering, graphics and multimedia
Anita Whitworth
Portfolio manager for BSc Business and ICT, IT with Business Studies and BSc IT Management
Dr Simon Clark
Head of Business and Enterprise Group
Sue Marriott
Principal lecturer, strategy and enterprise
Peter Mulvihill
Senior lecturer
Graham Coyne
Senior lecturer
Nick Williams
Senior lecturer in enterprise and strategic management
Dr Adrian Oram
Senior lecturer in software engineering
