Newcastle University

Computer Science

Computer Security and Resilience MSc

12 months full time; 24 months part time

Fees

Fees per academic year 2012-13

UK/EU: full time £6,000 part time £3,000
International: full time £14,320 part time fees
Please refer to our Tuition Fees section for information about changes to fees and fee discounts.

Aims

This programme equips you with the skills to develop and assess computing systems that have to be secure and safe in the face of failure or attack. We focus on the range of skills required, including an understanding of human factors, information security and system safety. The programme prepares you to work as a specialist in fields as diverse as e-business and e-government, scientific computing, information technology, software development and computing science research.

Programme Description

There are three phases in the programme. In the first phase (60 credits) we introduce core knowledge and skills through modules covering: system security; information security and trust; human factors engineering; system validation; and an optional module in advanced programming in Java or object-oriented programming.  A module on the challenge of dependability brings these themes together in their engineering and business context.

In the second phase (30 credits) we emphasise the practice of resilient computing through modules in high-integrity software development and research skills, followed by a group project on the development and assessment of a real system.

The third phase of the programme (90 credits) is a six-month individual system development or research project undertaken with personal supervision in one of the School’s research groups, or in industry. Projects are often in collaboration with the programme’s industrial advisers, which include HP, IBM, BAE Systems and DSTL.

Find out more detailed information about the programme modules

Entrance Requirements

A minimum of a second-class Honours degree in computer science or in a discipline with significant computing content such as mathematics, engineering or systems engineering. However, science graduates with several years of relevant industrial computing experience are also considered. Candidates are expected to have knowledge and experience of a high-level programming language. Applicants whose first language is not English require IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 90 (Internet-based), or equivalent.

Our INTO Newcastle University Centre can provide extra tuition to help you meet the University's English language requirements.

Tier 4 Student Visas (International Applicants)

The UK Border Agency (UKBA) has now revised its rules for Tier 4 student visa applications regarding English language ability. You are now required to hold a minimum of IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent) in all sub skills (listening, writing, reading and speaking) to be eligible to apply for a Tier 4 visa.

Please note that the University’s English language requirements are normally higher (see above).

Typical Funding

UK students – employer funding. Students on industrial placements receive additional payments determined by their sponsoring company.

How to Apply

There is no closing date for this programme. However, international students applying for September 2012 entry should apply by Friday 13 July 2012 to ensure that they have time to put appropriate arrangements in place.

For the quickest and easiest way to apply, visit our postgraduate online application site.

Further Information

Due to the dedicated resources needed, places are limited on this advanced course so we advise early application.

For further information please contact:
Admissions Secretary
School of Computing Science
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 222 8072
E-mail: cs.admissions@ncl.ac.uk