MComp Computer and Information Security

UCAS code

GGK5

Attendance

Full-time

Five years full-time (including one year work placement) or four years full-time

At a glance

Develop the skills and knowledge needed to combat the growth in computer-based crime on this career focused course. You have the chance to spend a year developing your professional skills and knowledge at major firms such as BT, Citrix and Fujitsu. Your final year develops your masters-level professional skills and advanced knowledge needed to give you the edge in your career.

Key points
ХаPrepare for graduate roles in the growing cybersecurity sector.
ХаGain security and general IT skills to give you flexibility in your career.
ХаGet experience with a one year placement with major firms including BT and HSBC.
ХаGain the additional masters experience needed to get fast-tracked in your career.

What is computer and information security?
A growth in computer-based crime, along with industrial and political espionage and its consequent data loss and unauthorised information disclosure has led to the increased demand for cybersecurity skills in the IT sector.

About this course

Gain the knowledge and expertise you need to provide information security services for modern organisations.

During the course, you study all major aspects of security such as cryptography, but you also study more general computing subjects such as computer architecture and database systems to give youаa broad range of skills to enhance your employability.

Laboratory sessions allow you to develop your practical problem-solving skills for each module and areаvital to a successful career in this technical area. You combine this with case studies, group work and online learning to promote the best understanding of computer and informationаsecurity.

We have new, well equipped IT labs furnished with switches, routers, security appliances and virtualized desktops. These dedicated labs enable almost unlimited design, implementation, testing and research into the security of networks and operating systems.

To give you additional insight into industry, we invite various security companiesаto talk to you about their products and employment opportunities. Previous speakersаfrom major companies such as PwC and Citrixаhave spoken on subjects as diverse as penetration testing and cloud computing.

In year three, you can enhance your employability and earning potential by completing a one-year work placement in industry.аPlacements offer you valuable experience and let you apply your knowledge and skills to the industry. Our placement providers include Х BT Х Citrix ХаHSBC ХаFujitsuаХ Sun Microsystems.

In the second and final year, you can select optional modules, letting you focus on your personal and professional interests. Current options in the second year include Х fundamentals of wireless local area networks Хаe-business ХаCisco routers and routing ХаUnix, Linuxаand X.

We tailor course content in the final year according to current technological developments and departmental strengths, to ensure youТre well prepared for your career. Options currently available include Х network management Хаforensic intelligenceаХ advanced web applications.

Key areas of study
Key areas include Х computer technology Х fundamentals of programming Х TCP/IP network administration Х web security Х advanced networking Х enterprise applications Х information security Ц concepts and principles.

About the MComp
This course runs parallel to the BSc (Honours) Computer and Information Security. The main difference begins in year three when the pace of your work increases as you complete your undergraduate studies and begin your postgraduate studies. In year four, self-directed study forms the main part of your learning, supported by taught modules. You also increase the professional activity in your specialist area. This improves your skills and develops career opportunities by building on links with external partners.

Associated careers

As a graduate of this course, you become a sought after IT security specialist. Employment is available in a range of organisations from small to multinational companies and local and national government.

Roles such as IT security consultant and in-house security officer have salaries ranging from г18,000 to г30,000 plus.

Professional recognition

This course is accredited by the British Computer Society. It counts towards the academic requirements for registration as a Chartered IT Professional and Chartered Engineer.

Course content

Year one modules

Х introduction to computer security Х computer technology Х introduction to networks Х fundamentals of programming Х mathematics Х professional and communication skills

Year two modules

Х databases Х network security Х secure programming Х TCP/IP network administration Х project-based learning

Year three

Х optional work placement

Year three/four modules

Х information security management Х web security Х advanced networking Х professional development Х research principles and practice Х option

Final year modules

Х group project Х enterprise applications Х information security Ц concepts and principles Х security case studies Х dissertation

Assessment

Х individual coursework Х group work Х examinations Х dissertation

Entry requirements

2014 entry requirements

Six GCSE passes at grade C or above to include English language and mathematics, plus one of the following

Х 300 points from at least two GCE/VCE A levels or BTEC National qualifications in relevant subjects and including at least 160 points from two GCE/VCE A levels, or BTEC National qualifications, or one AVCE double award. General studies and AS levels may count towards these points.

Х Access Ц an Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2. At least 18 level 3 credits must be at merit grade or above, from a QAA-recognised Access to HE course, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate.

If English is not your first language you must have an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.

We welcome applications from people of any age. We may be flexible in our normal offer if you can show a commitment to succeed and have the relevant skills and experience. This must show that you will benefit from and finish the course successfully.

2013 entry requirements

Six GCSE passes at grade C or above to include English language and mathematics, plus one of the following

Fees

International students

2013/14 academic year

Typically г10,680 a year

2014/15 academic year

Typically г11,250 a year

How to apply

You apply for this course through UCAS.

Contact details

For more information or to check the progress of your application phone +44 (0)114 225 5555, fax +44 (0)114 225 2167, e-mail admissions@shu.ac.uk