About the course
OVERVIEW
The course aims to provide students with the skills to design, implement and manage computer-based systems security, using software and networking technologies. This title also includes the basic, key elements of forensic computing: forensics and the legal and ethical issues involved in any digital investigation.
Students will gain a broad understanding of the different levels of computer and network security together with the basic phases of a forensic investigation and of computing in general. They will examine wireless communication systems; networks; operating systems and interfacing socket programming; servers and their security implications; and the planning and implementation of network security management, including security, risk analysis and disaster recovery planning.
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
- The School has an extensive range of equipment in our own specialist laboratories which is supported by a dedicated team of technical staff.
- Research in the School was rated 'internationally excellent' with some rated 'world-leading' in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF).
- Our online virtual learning platform Moodle, provides access to lectures, course materials and assessment information.
- Classes are concentrated on certain days of the week to facilitate part-time students attendance and allow full-time students to undertake part-time employment if necessary.
- The School of Computing, Mathematics and Digital Technology is a member of the Oracle Academy.
- We are an academic partner of the Institute of Information Security Professionals (IISP). This partner status recognises our expertise in the field of information and cyber security.
- We are also an Academy of the Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) and deliver their partner programme which provides a pathway for students towards a rewarding, high-growth IT career.
CAREER PROSPECTS
This course will equip you for a range of positions in the private and public sectors and is also a good foundation for further study. Our MSc graduates have entered a wide range of industries or gone onto PhDs, including in the School of Computing, Mathematics and Digital Technology.
Careers support is available from the moment you join us, throughout your time here, and for up to three years after the completion of your course. We have a range of services available through the School of Computing, Mathematics and Digital Technology and the University Careers Service including dedicated careers and employability advisors.
COURSE DETAILS
You will study advanced topics in computer networks and operating systems, focusing on principles, architectures and protocols used in modern large scale networked systems.
Cryptography and encryption studies cover classical cryptography, key encryption algorithms, how to code algorithms and their variants in a modern programming language and implement cryptosystems over a computer network.
You will develop skills to design and implement advanced security mechanisms in a network environment, considering in depth wired and wireless network security and the best practice in the field.
All course units combine with a flexible approach, which allows students to undertake practical project work while attending work placements. With one-third of the course project-based, it may be possible to undertake yours in collaboration with an external organisation or within the School.
The Masters project will involve practical system creation or experimentation work. Where appropriate, the implementation or experimentation may be work-based.
Our research in Informatics
Manchester Metropolitan Universitys School of Computing, Mathematics and Digital Technology is home to the Informatics Research Centre (IRC), an interdisciplinary hub that conducts leading work on fundamental and applied computer science. Areas of research include intelligent systems, image and sensory computation, logic, peer-to-peer computing, computation, novel and natural computing, informatics and computational fluid dynamics. Research in the School was rated internationally excellent with some rated world-leading in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework.
The Centre is characterised by its distinctive mix of expertise, research strengths and cross-discipline working. Its over-arching aim is to use computer science to address societal challenges and ensure research has significant impact in areas such as healthcare, future cities and security.