Liverpool Hope’s MSc Networks and Security is an academically rigorous course and is designed to provide a purposeful and challenging set of coherent courses to meet scientific, industrial and employment challenges in this fast-evolving area of Networks and Security.
The course offers a mix of compulsory and elective courses, and a research dissertation, so you can focus your skill base and your potential career direction.
As an MSc student you have access to the best facilities. The Department of Computer Science has dedicated postgraduate labs with recently refurbished i7 processors and Windows 7. Research is supported by the established Intelligent and Distributed Systems (IDS) Research Laboratory and High Performance Computing (HPC). Labs are configured as render farms for background graphics processing, plus state-of- the-art Robotics and Embedded Systems equipment.
The MSc Networks and Security combines academic and practical courses, consisting of eight taught courses (4 compulsory and 4 elective) and a dissertation (final research project).
The Compulsory courses are:
· Networks
· Security and Forensic Computing
· Algorithms
· Research Methods for Computer Science
· Dissertation Project
Elective courses include:
· Embedded Systems and Robotics
· Cloud Computing and Web Services
· Mobile and Ubiquitous Computing
· E-Business
· Innovations in Computer Science
Course Descriptions
Networks (compulsory - 15 credits): This course examines the science underpinning computer network communications.
Security and Forensic Computing (compulsory – 15 credits): You will learn
to analyse risks to networks and the steps needed to select and deploy the appropriate countermeasures to reduce exposure to physical and network threats.
Algorithms (compulsory - 15 credits): This course gives a firm grounding in the philosophy and evolution of algorithmic design and analysis for computer science, engineering and information systems.
Research Methods for Computer Science (compulsory - 15 credits): The course will expose you to the established techniques of research and enquiry that are used to extend, create and interpret knowledge in computer science.
Embedded Systems and Robotics (elective - 15 credits): The course will examine the Robotics Operating System and robotic programming languages, such as Urbi.
Cloud Computing and Web Services (elective - 15 credits): You will study the concepts behind the idea of cloud computing and web services and gain practical knowledge of Azure, the .Net framework and C#.
Mobile and Ubiquitous Computing (elective - 15 credits): You will examine mobile phone OSs (Android) and Windows Phone 7. You will learn how to develop software for these devices using JavaFX for mobile and C#/Silverlight for Mobile.
Computational Modelling and Simulation (compulsory – 15 credits): This course develops understanding and knowledge of the principles, techniques and design of computational modelling and their applications.
E-Business (elective - 15 credits): E-business encompasses, and is more than, e-commerce. You will examine e-commerce technology, such as the internet and web-based technologies.
Innovations in Computer Science (compulsory - 15 credits): You will examine the particular research interests of Computer Science Department. This gives a valuable insight into the breath and focus of the research in the department and will therefore be useful in helping the forming the choice of subject addressed by the research dissertation.
Dissertation (compulsory - 60 credits): This module will allow the students to develop a Masters level research project with the support of an academic supervisor.
Applicants normally require an undergraduate degree (2nd class or above) in a relevant subject area (Computer Science, Information Technology or an Engineering Discipline). Industrial experience or other qualifications may also be considered where appropriate.
The programme is taught in English. Students whose first language is not English are normally required to have an IELTS 6.5 (including reading 6, writing 6), TOEFL paper based 560, TOEFL ibt 83 or other equivalent recognised English language qualification.
The Department of Computer Science brings together multi-disciplinary research interests and substantial experience and expertise in the field of Computer Science and Informatics including Computer Networks, Security and Communications.
Its aim is to facilitate research into Intelligent and Distributed Systems, Computer Simulation and Modelling, Data Engineering, Operations Research, Bioinformatics, Software Engineering, Human Computer Interactions (HCI), and Computer Supported Collaborative Work (CSCW).
In the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (RAE 2008), 60% of the research submitted by the Department was judged to be of ‘international recognition and excellence’. The Department’s commitment to research includes an ongoing research seminar and conference programme with speakers from around the globe; a state-of-the-art research facility, the Intelligent and Distributed Systems (IDS) laboratory; and opportunities for PhD bursaries for outstanding postgraduate students with demonstrated research potential.
There is strong predicted growth in for jobs in cyber security. The UK in particular has difficultly recruiting qualified people, and industry experts believe that the number of jobs will increase, whilst the number of people applying to the IT sector as a whole is decreasing. MSc Networks and Security graduates will be well placed to fill this need. In addition, the course provides an excellent foundation for further postgraduate research study through PhD studies.
Student Recruitment
+44 (0) 151 291 3111
Department: Mathematics and Computer Science
