Master of Science - Information Security

The creation, transmission and storage of huge volumes of electronic data is one of the defining features of this age. Whilst these technologies bring untold benefits, they also expose businesses, governments and individuals to repeated threats, such as fraud through data manipulation, deliberate sabotage and blackmail. As a result, businesses, governments and individuals around the world rely on the expertise and innovations of information security specialists, without which global communications systems would grind to a halt.

This flagship Information Security programme was the first of its kind in the world. It is certified by GCHQ, the UK Government Communications Headquarters, and taught by academics and industrial partners in one of the largest and most established Information Security Groups in the world. Royal Holloway is a UK Academic Centre of Excellence for cyber security research, and an Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Centre for Doctoral Training in cyber security. Royal Holloway works closely with industry, and much of the curriculum and research is informed and audited by the industry itself. Teachers are specialists in the field, with backgrounds in computer science, engineering, mathematics, statistics and the social sciences.

The broad curriculum encompasses cryptography, fraud detection, system security, network security, device security and the study of how security itself should be managed. Students will learn about the technical, legal and commercial aspects of the industry and have the chance to complete a supervised dissertation on a topic of their choice. In a typical year, students could benefit from lectures and seminars given by as many as 50 different guest speakers. Students will also have access to the virtualisation software, for experimenting with network security settings and ideas, as well as to the Penetration Testing Laboratory and industry-sponsored Smart Card Centre.

Royal Holloway offers a friendly, supportive learning environment and students will have a dedicated personal adviser to guide them through their studies. The skills students gain will open up a range of high-level career options and provide a solid foundation if they wish to progress to a PhD.  Graduates are in demand for their cutting-edge grasp of the field as well as their technical expertise and transferrable skills such as data handling, analysis, problem solving and research.