Nottingham Trent University

Course Specification

Basic Course Information

1.   Awarding Institution: Nottingham Trent University

2.   School/Campus: School of Science & Technology

3.   Final Award, Course Title and MSc IT Security

Modes of Study: FT, SW or PT

4.   Normal Duration: FT 1 year, SW 2 years, PT up to 2.5 years

5.   UCAS Code(s): COMP124-FT, COMP125-SW, COMP126-PT

6.   Overview and general educational aims of the course

The overall aim of the course is to provide you with a specialist Masters level education
in theory and practice relating to Information Technology security issues. The course
provides a broad education in the area of computer and Internet security. Student-
centred learning, hand-on practical work and problem solving are central to the
learning approach taken.

An original feature of this course is that it combines the technical and managerial
aspects of IT Security. Building on a practical foundation comprising the understanding
of operating systems, network protocols security and how to develop secured code,
you will learn how to critically assess the security risks to IT organisations and how to
evaluate the information security solution to mitigate them.

The major project element of the course will allow you an opportunity to develop
greater subject specialism in one specific Internet or security topic of your choice. The
course will also provide you with the research skills necessary to keep up to date with
the continually changing issues in the field such as computer forensics, security in
Cloud infrastructures and digital rights management. Overall the course will equip you
to be an independent learner with advanced technical implementation skills and a
good knowledge of security issues.

If you enrol into the sandwich (SW) mode of study, then you will have the option to
apply for a paid industrial placement that is obtained via a standard employment
application process for which we give you support. If successful, then you undertake a
one-year placement between the completion of the taught modules and the start of
the project.

On successful completion of the course you will be able to seek employment in a

variety of computing and IT related industries. You will be particularly attractive for
employers seeking technical security and computer forensics specialists. If you wish
to pursue further study, you will also be fully equipped to embark on a computer
science related, PhD level course of study, at a UK or EU university.

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 7.   Course outcomes
Course outcomes describe what you should know and be able to do by the end of your course if
you take advantage of the opportunities for learning that we provide.

Knowledge and understanding

By the end of the course you should be able to:

C1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of IT security related problems and of
processes, approaches and procedures necessary to minimise vulnerability.
(B)

C2. Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and advanced understanding of the tools

and techniques required to undertake a computer forensics investigation.

C3. Apply appropriate software and/or hardware tools to design, develop and
critically evaluate innovative IT security solutions at the application
development and computer network levels. (B)

C4. Critically appraise the main issues involved in information security

management procedures to provide a secure environment within an
organisation. (B)

C5. Critically appraise and evaluate issues related to an information security based
case study in the form of a major project.

Skills, qualities and attributes

By the end of the course you should be able to:
   

    C6. Be Innovative in applying security principles in IT applications. (B)

C7. Critically compare and contrast a variety of security technologies and

management practices to provide secure solutions.

C8. Be systematic and efficient in analysing the security risks in Enterprise and
Cloud infrastructures, and draft security policies to mitigate the risk factors.
(B)

C9. Communicate concepts, plans and designs, using a variety of approaches,

including written, oral and computer based presentations. (B)

C10. Learn independently to expand on the knowledge and understanding

developed during the course.

(B) indicates that the outcome has been mapped to the Computing benchmark
standards, which provide a national framework for describing the content and
standards of a Master’s degree in Computing disciplines.
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/InformationAndGuidance/Documents/QAA386_Computing.pdf

8.   Teaching and Learning Methods

In planning the course, we have used an outcome-based approach, which incorporates
the experience that has been developed in the School over a number of years based
on feedback, review and reflection. The purpose is to create a student centred
learning environment with teaching and learning methods selected to facilitate student
engagement in activities that are appropriate to the outcomes.

Reflecting the relative maturity of postgraduate students, your teaching and learning is
designed to enable independent learning. The majority of taught modules will be
centred on lectures supported by seminars, workshops and laboratories to provide a

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 significant knowledge resource. You will be able to apply this knowledge through case
study and project work either at the University or away from the University.

The various teaching methods are:

•   lectures to introduce and develop concepts and to explore the application of

these concepts;

•   workshops and laboratories to develop skills and appreciate concepts;

•   seminars to provide academic support;

•   case study and project work to develop a deeper understanding of concepts

and applications.

Comprehensive teaching material will be available to support the learning process

utilising the World Wide Web and e-learning where applicable. Such teaching material
will typically be comprised of written information, recommended reading, tutorial
questions, self-assessment tests and computer based learning and teaching
instructions. It is a normal practice of the School to invite external professional staff
to contribute to learning material and to give lectures on a ‘visiting faculty’ basis. The
web and the University’s own Virtual Learning Environment (NOW) is an important
mechanism for us to support your learning. Extensive use of this is made in all
modules to offer you online support in your study.

You will also take the Research Methods module in order to enhance your independent
learning and research skills.

The major project module will integrate the knowledge base of the taught modules to
enable individual development of highly specialised knowledge and research skills.

If you are an international student where English is not your first language, language
support will be provided where appropriate by the School to enhance your learning
experience and to improve your presentation skills. If necessary, you may be required
to attend advanced English language classes as a supplementary module.

9.   Assessment Methods
The course uses a variety of methods of assessment to ensure that you can
demonstrate the range of higher-level learning outcomes. You will gain knowledge
and understanding together with skills to apply various techniques and use
technology. Your abilities will be assessed through coursework reports, presentations,
vivas and demonstrations. These also assess a range of transferable skills including
competence in written communication and oral presentations.

Simulated problems are used in case studies to assess problem solving skills and
creativity in design solutions.

Laboratory/workshops are used to develop a range of practical and problem-solving

skills. A typical assessment is a practical assignment where your achievement is
presented via a coursework report and viva or demonstration/presentation.

During the Major Project, you will be required to undertake a major piece of practical
work. This then forms the basis of a dissertation. Finally you will have to attend a
viva voce where you will discuss the project with a small panel of lecturers.

The assessment schedule of the course is summarised in the following table.

Credit Assessment
Module Title Status
Points Type Details
Written report addressing a computer
Computer Coursework forensics problem for a specific use-
20 Core
Security 100% case based on investigation of the
literature

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 Written assignment that includes
Information
Coursework researching a particular information
Security 20 Core
100% security problem and recommending a
Management systemic solution for an organisation.
The analysis, design and
Internet Coursework implementation of a web based
20 Core
Programming 100% application to be derived from a
specification given by the module team
Coursework Element 1: addressing a computer
forensics problem for a specific use-
50%
case based on investigation of the
Computer literature.
20 Core
Forensics
Element 2: Written report
Coursework demonstrating the practice of computer
50% forensics.

Written report addressing a network

Network and Coursework
20 Core security problem for a specific use-case
Cloud Security 100% based on investigation of literature

A literature survey investigating

existing solutions and relevant
publications for a specific research
Coursework
Research problem
20 Core 100%
Methods A project definition form to be handed
in as a written report, detailing the
proposal for the Major Project and its
SW/HW requirements
Produce a written dissertation that
describes, discusses, evaluates and
analyses the outcome of your
Coursework investigation and technical
Major Project 60 Core
100% development. You will also be required
to present what you have achieved via
a mixture of viva voce and formal
presentation.
Assessment of the optional industrial placement is defined in the specification for the
Placement Diploma (or Certificate) of Industrial Studies.

10.   Course structure and curriculum

The course is studied on a one year full-time basis. Together, the modules on the
course develop and assess the learning outcomes for the course as a whole. What we
term a ‘Curriculum Map’ is available should you wish to see how the course outcomes
and modules interrelate.

Full Time and Sandwich modes of study for the September start:

Weeks 1-10 (term 1)

•   Computer Forensics (20 credits)

•   Information Security Management (20 credits)

Weeks 11-30 (terms 2-3)

•   Internet Programming (20 credits)

•   Computer Security (20 credits)
•   Network and Cloud Security (20 credits)
•   Research Methods (20 credits)
* At this point, sandwich students successful of securing a placement position undertake a
one-year work placement before returning the following year to start the major project.

Weeks 31-45 (summer Term, SW to be taken in the second year)

•   Major Project (60 credits)

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 Full Time and Sandwich modes of study for the January start:

Weeks 1-20 (terms 2-3)

•   Internet Programming (20 credits)

•   Computer Security (20 credits)
•   Network and Cloud Security (20 credits)
•   Research Methods (20 credits)
* At this point, sandwich students successful of securing a placement position undertake a
one-year work placement before returning the following year to start the major project.

Weeks 21-35 (summer term, SW to be taken in the second year)

•   Major Project (60 credits)

Weeks 36-45 (term 1)

•   Computer Forensics (20 credits)

•   Information Security Management (20 credits)

Part Time Mode of Study

In part time mode students will take half of the taught modules in year one and the
other half in year two. Modules must be taken at the times that they are delivered to
full time students. It is also important that the Research Methods module is delivered
before students undertake their major project, which is scheduled in year 2 for part
time students to allow them to experience a wider range of subject disciplines before
embarking on the project. An example programme for September and January entry is
given below.

Part Time modes of study for the September start:

Year 1

Weeks 1-10 (term 1)

•   Information Security Management (20 credits)

Weeks 11-30 (terms 2-3)

•   Internet Programming (20 credits)

•   Network and Cloud Security (20 credits)

Year 2

Weeks 1-10 (term 1)

•   Computer Forensics (20 credits)

Weeks 11-30 (terms 2-3)

•   Computer Security (20 credits)

•   Research Methods (20 credits)

To be taken over 30 weeks during the course

•   Major Project (60 credits)

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 Part Time modes of study for the January start:

Year 1

Weeks 11-30 (terms 2-3)

•   Internet Programming (20 credits)

•   Network and Cloud Security (20 credits)

Weeks 1-10 (term 1)

•   Information Security Management (20 credits)

Year 2

Weeks 11-30 (terms 2-3)

•   Computer Security (20 credits)

•   Research Methods (20 credits)

To be taken over 30 weeks during the course

•   Major Project (60 credits)

Weeks 1-10 (term 1)

•   Computer Forensics (20 credits)

11.   Admission to the course

For admission to the course, you should have a good honours degree or equivalent in
any numerate (relevant) subject discipline.

Applicants with relevant employment experience or other relevant qualifications will

also be considered, and might be interviewed to establish their eligibility for the
course.

If English is not your first language, you will require an English language qualification,
normally comprising one of the following: IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 550, or CBTOEFL 213.

This requirement may be waived if you can demonstrate language skills that indicate
you have the potential to succeed on the programme by achieving good passes in
English Language examinations taken as part of your Bachelor degree programme, or
providing confirmation from academic referees/institutions that the medium of
instruction throughout the degree study programme is English. If you are already
studying in the UK, assessment may be based on the outcomes of an interview.

Mature candidates without a degree but with equivalent academic achievement and
relevant industrial experience are welcomed to apply. You will normally be expected to
provide a portfolio of accredited supporting evidence and to attend an interview, where
appropriate.

Selection is by application form, supported by documentary evidence of academic

qualifications/attainments and references.

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 12.   Support for Learning

We start with an induction programme (including IT and Library use) where you will
receive a course handbook that provides all the essential information about the course
and the support we provide for your learning.

Staff teaching on the course are generally educated to PhD level and many are
members of professional institutions including British Computer Society (BCS) and
Institution of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Staff are generally active
researchers and many have involvement with industry to undertake research or
consultancy work.

The Course Leader, who is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the course,
oversees all students enrolled on the course. The course leader is responsible for the
pastoral care of all students on the course and will offer support and advice as
necessary during your study.

The library and other learning resources (equipment/IT) are continually updated to
ensure they are fit for purpose. As previously mentioned, NOW (NTU Online
Workspace) is an important platform in supporting your learning.

The University central student Support Services offers a range of general, specialist
and professional support services for students. http://www.ntu.ac.uk/student_services/

For students hoping to take a placement, support and advice is available from the
University’s employability services.

13.   Graduate destinations / employability

There is a wide range of career opportunities in the Computing & IT sector and related
industries. This course will prepare you for roles as a technical security specialist
together with a range of technical development and implementation roles. You will also
have the potential to develop into security consultancy and technical management
roles. The School of Science and Technology at Nottingham Trent University has an
enviable graduate recruitment record.

Some graduates choose to venture into other sectors – such as project management
or financial forecasting – where they are likely to be equally successful in gaining
employment because of the transferable skills gained on the course. Other graduates
go on to study for a PhD.

The University Employability Service is available to all students, offering individual

consultation.

14.   Course standards and quality

A course committee monitors student feedback on module delivery.

•   You will be given feedback on all assessed work.

•   There is one External Examiner, who submits an annual report on the standards
and quality of the course.
•   The subject benchmarks of the Quality Assurance Agency have been incorporated
into the course’s learning outcomes.

An annual monitoring process at course level is documented in a Course Standards

and Quality Report (CSQR), which articulates the range of reflections and evaluations
that have taken place throughout the year. Its emphasis is on evaluation and quality
enhancement.

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 15.   Assessment regulations
This course is subject to the University’s Common Assessment Regulations (located in
its Academic Standards and Quality Handbook). Any course specific assessment
features are described below:

There are no course specific exceptions from the University regulations.

16.   Additional Information

Collaborative partner(s): None

Course referenced to national QAA Computing (2011)

Benchmark Statements – indicated by
(B) in section 7- the course outcome:

Course recognised by: N/A

Date implemented: May 2015

Any additional information: N/A

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