Network & Information Security / with Management Studies MSc
- Computing and information systems
- Postgraduate
Gain the skills you need to kick-start your career with the Network & Information Security MSc. You can choose from an accredited cyber pathway or combine the course with management studies. Whichever route you choose, you will have the opportunity to use a state-of-the-art cyber lab, with specialist cyber security tools, resources and equipment.
Learn how to protect data from external cyber threats in the network infrastructure
Undertake practical experiments in a safe sandbox environment, with penetration testing, port scanning and other ethical hacking activities.
On our Network & Information Security masters, you will be based at the Penrhyn Road campus. Here you'll have access to a modern environment with the latest equipment, including:
- Dedicated postgraduate computing laboratories, fully-equipped with fold-flat LCD screens, data-projection systems and high-spec processors
- State-of-the-art hardware and the latest software, including:
- Development software and tools, such as Linux, Microsoft.net, Dreamweaver MX, Flash 8, Eclipse, Java 2 Standard and Mobile Editions, tools for Motorola and Nokia phones, UML and CASE tools and NXP Processors Development Kits
- Digital Signal Processors (dsPIC Digital Signal Controllers)
- IP Set Top Box development environment (NXP's STB810)
- Electronics Laboratory
- A mix of wireless LAN technologies
- The learning resources centre, offering subject libraries, online database subscriptions and resource materials
- A postgraduate teaching suite
- The dedicated Graduate Centre on campus, providing seminar rooms and social spaces
I would recommend this course to anybody who wants to study a good blend of theoretical knowledge and practical applications. There is a wide range of modules, covering topics such as cryptography, wireless security, mobile security, risk management and data communication.
Why choose this course
Cyber security, the umbrella term for computer, network and information security, is of increasing importance. New legislation, technologies, vulnerabilities and threats necessitate frequent system updates.
Our Network and Information Security MSc course will equip you with a critical awareness of current developments and future trends in cryptography, network security and mobile/wireless security.
You will explore techniques and technologies to combat threats, such as malware, social engineering, data leakage or zero-day attacks. All the techniques taught are underpinned by an understanding of secure authentication mechanisms, access control, intrusion detection, information security policies and user education.
This course can also be combined with Management Studies, to allow you to develop key business and management skills.
A project/dissertation will enable you to study an area of interest in depth and gain valuable research skills. Your project is usually relevant to your career, so it provides an excellent selling point when you are looking for a job or promotion. If you are an overseas student, we will help you to carry out a project either based in your home country or that will be of specific relevance when you return home.
Many of our staff in the Faculty are research active. This ensures they are in touch with the latest thinking and bring best practice to your studies. Computing research activities are focused around the following main research centres:
- Digital Imaging Research Centre – offering expertise in computer vision, medical imaging, visual surveillance, ambient intelligence, machine learning and computer graphics.
- Wireless Multimedia and Networking Research Group – The research group carries out fundamental and applied research on wireless communications and networking, media streaming and closely related fields.
Industry contacts provide demonstrations of current technology for you to explore. We also organise vendor seminars to expose you to current and emerging technologies.
Accreditation
This degree has been accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS), The Chartered Institute for IT.
The Network & Information Security degree (not with Management Studies) has been accredited by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) if you select the option module 'Mobile Security'.
Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by BCS. An accredited degree entitles you to professional membership of BCS, which is an important part of the criteria for achieving Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status through the Institute.
Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords. This degree is accredited by BCS for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
This degree has been accredited by BCS, on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for a Chartered Engineer (CEng). Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). An accredited degree will provide you with some or all of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).
For full details of exemption and accreditation levels, please check the BCS course search.
The Faculty is a long-time member of BCS. For many years we have hosted meetings of the local BCS Kingston and Croydon Branch, contributing to members' continuing professional development programmes.
Please note: The programme delivered at our partner institution overseas is not currently accredited by the BCS.
Course content
You will gain a critical awareness of the current developments and future trends in cryptography, network security and wireless security, starting from the mathematical principles behind cryptographic algorithms and moving on to secure network protocols.
As security and dependability are inextricably linked, the course also covers dependable and highly available architectures. Techniques and technologies to combat threats will be explored, from secure authentication mechanisms, through firewalls, to information policies and user education to combat social engineering and data leakage.
The Management Studies route will set your technical knowledge in a management context.
The full MSc course consists of an induction programme, four taught modules, and a project dissertation. Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list.
For a student to go on placement they are required to pass every module first time with no reassessments. It is the responsibility of individual students to find a suitable paid placement. Students will be supported by our dedicated placement team in securing this opportunity.
Please note, optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.
Work placement scheme
Many postgraduate courses at Kingston University enable students to take the option of a 12-month work placement as part of their course. Although the University supports students in finding a placement and organises events to meet potential employers, the responsibility for finding the work placement is with the student; we cannot guarantee the placement, just the opportunity to undertake it. You may find securing a professional placement difficult as they are highly competitive and challenging, but they are also incredibly rewarding. It is very important to prepare and apply yourself if this is the route you wish to take. Employers look for great written and oral communication skills and an excellent CV/portfolio. As the work placement is an assessed part of the course, it is covered by a student's Student Route visa.
Find out more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.
Network and Information Security MSc modules
Core modules
Optional modules
Network and Information Security MSc with Management Studies
Core modules
Optional modules
Professional placement
Professional placement
Career opportunities
Boost your employability
Many companies are actively recruiting security specialists and the major software houses are training their coders in security. In fact, it can be hard to get a job with a large company, even as a software developer, without some appreciation of security.
This means graduates of our Network & Information Security course are in high demand. They have progressed to work at corporations such as Google, ECS and Lloyds, in roles such as ethical hacker, cyber security engineer and security consultant.
Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Education
Kingston University is committed to promoting excellent cyber security education. As such the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment has established the Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Education and Culture.
Careers and recruitment advice
The Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing has a specialist employability team. It provides friendly and high-quality careers and recruitment guidance. This includes advice and sessions on job-seeking skills such as CV preparation, application forms and interview techniques. Specific advice is also available for international students about the UK job market and employers' expectations and requirements.
The team runs employer events throughout the year, including job fairs, key speakers from industry and interviews on campus. These events give you the opportunity to hear from, and network with, employers in an informal setting.
Links with business and industry
To ensure your studies are kept up to date and answer the needs of business, our courses are created and reviewed in consultation with an advisory board of key industry experts and senior academics. The Board also provides input and advice on our research portfolio.
Members of the board are from organisations, such as Google, Microsoft, easyJet, games developer Colossal. The board also includes Chief Information Officers from local government. Our Advisory Board therefore represents the diverse spectrum of industries and public sector organisations that make up the jobs market for our graduates.
Teaching and assessment
Fees and funding
Fees for future course years
Part time
If you start your second year straight after Year 1, you will pay the same fee for both years.
If you take a break before starting your second year, or if you repeat modules from Year 1 in Year 2, the fee for your second year may increase.
Funding support for postgraduate students
If you are a UK student living in England and under 60, you can apply for a loan to study for a postgraduate degree. Find out more through the government's website.
Scholarships and bursaries
For students interested in studying Network & Information Security with Management Studies MSc at Kingston, there are several opportunities to seek funding support:
Additional course costs
Some courses may require additional costs beyond tuition fees. When planning your studies, you’ll want to consider tuition fees, living costs, and any extra costs that might relate to your area of study.
Your tuition fees include costs for teaching, assessment and university facilities. So your access to libraries, shared IT resources and various student support services are all covered. Accommodation and general living expenses are not covered by these fees.
Where applicable, additional expenses for your course may include:
CAVE (Centre for Augmented and Virtual reality Environments)
Students have full access to the University's CAVE, a treasure trove of specialist equipment, including:
- virtual reality headsets and specialist equipment that tracks eye movements and brain activity
- state-of-the-art technology allowing students to monitor a user's levels of experience and enjoyment
- professional high-dynamic range (HDR), UHD, and light field (plenoptic/holographic) cameras and displays to capture and represent (even remotely) immersive environments
- event-driven (a.k.a. neuromorphic) visual sensors, which capture scenes mimicking the human eye
This lab has also allowed computing students to work closely and collaborate with design students. These collaborations promote interdisciplinary work and allow students to establish successful partnerships based on creating innovative products at the forefront of technology.
Due to this collaborative learning environment, Kingston University has become one of only 12 universities to have obtained an educational partnership with Sony (2017).
As a result, students have the possibility to experiment with several types of wireless networks and enterprise scale networking technologies. These include Internet of Things communications and 5G with a mobile edge computing testbed.
Extensive computer resources for experimenting with deep learning and blockchain technology are also available. As well as a fully equipped "cyber-lab" for students who wish to focus on security aspects.
How to apply
Before you apply
Please read the entry criteria carefully to make sure you meet all requirements before applying.
How to apply online
Use the course selector drop-down at the top of this page to choose your preferred course, start date and mode, then click 'Apply now'. You will be taken to our Online Student Information System (OSIS) where you will complete your application.
If you’re starting a new application, you’ll need to select ‘new user’ and set up a username and password. This will allow you to save and return to your application.
Application deadlines
We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Applications will close when the course is full.
Information required to confirm your place
If English is not your first language, we will require proof of your proficiency to allow us to confirm your place on the course. This will generally be either an IELTS or TOEFL test certificate, which can be forwarded to us after you have submitted your application. If you do not hold a formal English language qualification, please indicate how you have acquired your proficiency in written and spoken English.
After you have applied
If the postgraduate admissions tutor requires further information or wishes to invite you to further assessment by interview they will contact you directly. You will then hear whether your application has been successful.
If you do not clearly meet the standard entry requirements and the admission tutor wishes to see a portfolio from you, you will be sent an email asking you to upload your portfolio to your Kingston University OSIS account. Further details on how to do this will be provided at the time.
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Find out more about course changes
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
What our students and graduates say
The tutors are knowledgeable, approachable and open to student feedback. There are lots of good academics in Kingston doing amazing research and the chance to interact with them and discuss a mutual area of interest has been wonderful.
I chose to study at Kingston University because of its high ranking for teaching quality. I've found this reputation to be justified – all the lecturers I've come across have been very friendly, helpful and encouraging.
