Information Security and Biometrics – (M.Sc.)

Contents

The portfolio of taught MSc programmes offers extensive choice and flexibility in entry routes, content and format.

Types of programme

The most appropriate type of programme will depend largely on your original degree subject:

* Computing and related disciplines – consider the Advanced Master's or IT and Business Master's programmes.
* Other disciplines but with a sound working knowledge of IT (perhaps gained through personal interest or work experience) – consider the IT and Business Master's or Conversion Master's programmes.
* No prior knowledge of computer science – consider the Conversion Master's programme.

Formats and attendance

Each of the programmes is available in a number of formats:

* Without an industrial placement – one year full-time or three years part-time
* With an industrial placement – 14-24 months full-time
* International Master's without an industrial placement – two years full-time
* International Master's with an industrial placement – 26-36 months full-time.

Industrial placements

Each programme may optionally include an industrial placement of between eight and 50 weeks. The timing and duration of the placements depend on the particular employer. We have a dedicated team to help organise this.

International Master's

The International Master's courses are equivalent to a Pre-Master's Graduate Diploma, followed by a one-year MSc programme with an optional industrial placement. They are aimed at international students with undergraduate degrees from institutions that do not award the equivalent of UK honours degrees and who prefer (or whose financial sponsors require) enrolment on a single MSc programme..

Part-time study

Applications for part-time study are considered on an individual basis. Admission will depend on whether the student's availability is compatible with the timetable. Note that International Master's programmes and programmes involving an industrial placement are only available on a full-time basis.

Java programming

All courses include at least one module on Java programming. Students with substantial prior experience of programming take a single module on Advanced Java for Programmers. Others take an introductory module followed by a more advanced one (depending on their Master's course).

Optional modules

All programmes allow students to choose one or more modules from a wide variety of options. The number and selection of options depend on the particular programme. The options available may vary from year to year and are subject to timetabling and prerequisite constraints.

Advanced English language module

An Advanced English module is available to all overseas students who are not native speakers. This provides support throughout the taught programme and develops key communication skills, such as technical writing and presentations.

Course content

* Core modules
* Biometrics Technologies (15 credits)
* Computer Security (15 credits)
* Fundamentals of Image Analysis (15 credits)
* Object-Oriented Programming (15 credits)
* Research Methods and Project Design (30 credits)
* MSc Project (60 credits)

Optional modules

* Advanced Instrumentation Systems (15 credits)
* Advanced Java for Programmers (15 credits)
* Advanced Pattern Recognition Techniques (15 credits)
* Computing Law, Contracts and Professional Responsibility (15 credits)
* Industrial Context of Biometrics: Standards, Testing and Evaluation of Biometric Systems (15 credits)
* System Security (15 credits)
* Trust, Security and Privacy Management (15 credits)

Assessment

The project module is examined by a presentation and dissertation. The Research Methods and Project Design module is examined by several components of continuous assessment. The other modules are assessed by examinations and smaller components of continuous assessment. MSc students must gain credit from all the modules (180 credits in total). For the PDip, you must gain at least 120 credits in total, and pass certain modules which enable meeting the learning outcomes of the PDip programme.