MSc Information Security and IT Management

Summary 2012/13

• Gain in-depth skills and knowledge of information security and IT management based on professional standards and certifications;
• Study a programme designed specifically for system managers, system administrators and other IT professionals with a responsibility or aspiration for strategic IT and security management;
• Enhance your employability and put the skills you have developed into practice with an optional short work placement.

Information Technology is a strategic resource within any business and is critical to the survival and success of an organisation and should therefore be carefully managed. A key issue in IT strategy is Information Security, which is becoming more critical with the interconnection of systems through the Internet and the sharing of resources with business partners, clients and customers.

This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge to take on security and IT management responsibilities. A key aspect of the programme is the systemic perspective that is taken; security is not simply a technical issue, but a component of the wider context of IT management.

2012 Entry Requirements

You will need to have a degree equivalent to UK second class honours (normally 2.2 or above) with 50% or more computing content.

This programme is an advanced MSc, which assumes understanding of computing that would normally be gained in a BSc which consists of at least 50% of a computing-related discipline. Equivalent knowledge gained in alternative ways, for example through professional experience, is also acceptable.

For overseas applicants IELTS 6.5 or equivalent is required.

Summary 2013/14

• Gain in-depth skills and knowledge of information security and IT management based on professional standards and certifications;
• Study a programme designed specifically for system managers, system administrators and other IT professionals with a responsibility or aspiration for strategic IT and security management;
• Enhance your employability and put the skills you have developed into practice with an optional short work placement.

Information Technology is a strategic resource within any business and is critical to the survival and success of an organisation and should therefore be carefully managed. A key issue in IT strategy is Information Security, which is becoming more critical with the interconnection of systems through the Internet and the sharing of resources with business partners, clients and customers.

This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge to take on security and IT management responsibilities. A key aspect of the programme is the systemic perspective that is taken; security is not simply a technical issue, but a component of the wider context of IT management.

2013 Entry Requirements

You will need to have a degree equivalent to UK second class honours (normally 2.2 or above) with 50% or more computing content.

This programme is an advanced MSc, which assumes understanding of computing that would normally be gained in a BSc which consists of at least 50% of a computing-related discipline. Equivalent knowledge gained in alternative ways, for example through professional experience, is also acceptable.

For overseas applicants IELTS 6.5 or equivalent is required.

Details

Who is this course for?

The programme is aimed at system managers, system administrators and other IT professionals with a responsibility or aspiration for strategic IT and security management.

What will I gain from this programme?

You will gain an understanding of current issues in information security and IT management, together with an in-depth knowledge of a variety of techniques for strategically managing IT, both as a resource as well as for analysing and controlling security risks.

An optional short work placement will enhance your employability and give you the chance to put the skills you have developed into practice.

Your dissertation / project will provide the opportunity to research an aspect of IT management or security in significant depth and to advance your capability for critical thought and provides an opportunity to specialise in an area of interest.

How we will support you

The MSc Information Security and IT Management is designed around small groups so you can be sure that you will have plenty of individual discussion with your tutors. You will be allocated a personal tutor to ensure you receive a high level of individual guidance. In-module support is available from each module leader. At the start of the programme, you will also benefit from a full week of Business School induction activities.

For students from overseas, the Centre of International Education exists to help you deal with any problems you may have and provides support to ensure that you get the most benefit possible from your stay.

What will I study?

You will study security from two perspectives: technical aspects of network security, together with a systemic approach to information security management. The programme of study is informed by ISO27000 legal compliance requirements and professional body knowledge requirements of ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association), ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) and the Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2. An option to study computer forensics enables further specialisation.

IT Management is approached from a strategic and risk-based perspective, and includes business continuity and project management. A recent technology development that could have radical impact in both security and IT management is cloud computing, and the course provides an option to enable you to develop a sound understanding of the related issues and technology. Professional, ethical and contemporary issues in computing and research methods are also integrated into the programme.

How will I study?

The course is delivered primarily as taught modules. Each module typically involves a 3-hour face-to-face seminar every week for 12 weeks. You will study three modules each semester on the full-time programme, requiring attendance two days per week. For part-time students, modules are scheduled to enable evening study over two years.

Learning and teaching involves a variety of techniques, including lectures, case studies, problem-based learning, guest lectures from industry experts, student-led seminars and technology-enhanced learning (e.g. Virtual Learning Environment, wiki). Classes are highly interactive, with practical application of concepts a key factor, as well as cases drawn from real-life.

Placement

The course provides a placement opportunity after the second semester. This is an unpaid period of time spent with an employer, either singly or in a group, where you will undertake a project of strategic value to that organisation. On completion of the project you will then write-up the work as the final piece of assessment undertaken on the programme. It allows you to demonstrate what you have gained from your study and allows you to show some work experience on your CV when applying for jobs.

Who will be teaching me?

You will be taught by highly qualified, experienced and enthusiastic academics who are research-active and regularly engage within the wider business and academic environment. Staff specialise in particular subjects so you will benefit from a wide range of knowledge and experience.

How will I be assessed?

Throughout the programme we will assess your vocational capability, academic critical thinking and intellectual development. Coursework, case studies, problem-solving exercises and exams may be used. You may be assessed individually or in a group.

What are my career prospects?

The MSc in Information Security and IT Management will provide you with the skills and knowledge to develop your interests as an IT security professional and IT manager. As organisations become ever more dependent on IT, there are increasing opportunities for specialist positions related to security.

Professional Accreditation

BCS (The Chartered Institute for IT) accreditation will be sought.

The course provides knowledge and skills which underpin Information Systems Security Certification Consortium or (ISC)2 and ISACA certifications.

Related Programmes

• MSc Computing (Information Systems)
• MSc Computing (Web Development)

A Great Study Environment

Edge Hill University’s stunning £8m Business and Law building provides state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities for students in the Business School and Department of Law and Criminology. The three-storey building offers modern seminar and meeting rooms and social learning areas which encourage a more informal and interactive style of learning. A roof garden and atrium are other attractive features along with a 100-seater lecture theatre. The School’s computer laboratories are located nearby and include specialist software and hardware. A rolling upgrade of computers every three years ensures that the facilities are always first class.

As a student with the Edge Hill Business School, you will study in an outstanding, dynamic learning environment with some of the most contemporary and cutting-edge facilities in higher education. You will be encouraged to take an active part in the success of the Business School within the business community, throughout your programme of study and beyond.

Based in 160 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the Ormskirk Campus is a unique and inspirational place to study. Industry standard resources and cutting edge technology combine to make an interactive and highly advanced teaching and learning environment. Everything you could want is on one site with fantastic modern spaces in which you can study and socialise and 25 acres of sport and leisure facilities.

The University library gives you access to thousands of books, journals, online resources and extensive PC and media provision. You'll get all the support you need to succeed, reflected in Edge Hill University being ranked in the top two in England for students' personal development, and the top three in the country for assessment and feedback, in the 2011 National Student Survey. The University is also featured in the top four in England for graduate employment.

How do I apply?

Apply online at www.ukpass.ac.uk.

Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/applyukpass for more information on the application process.

Fees and Finance

Tuition fees are £4,320pa for full-time study on this programme in academic year 2012/13. Part-time postgraduate students in academic year 2012/13 will pay £250 per 10 credit module, £500 per 20 credit module and £1,500 per 60 credit module. 180 credits are required to complete the MSc. Information for UK and EU students only. Full-time fees for international postgraduate students are £11,500pa for academic year 2012/13.

Edge Hill graduates joining an eligible postgraduate programme at the University in academic year 2012/13 could benefit from a 20% reduction in tuition fees. If you're a UK or EU student and will be paying the fees yourself, you might be eligible to receive this discount. See www.edgehill.ac.uk/reducedfees for more information.

Where can I find out more?

If you would like to receive a copy of our prospectus or be kept updated about forthcoming events, contact the Course Information, Advice and Guidance Team by emailing study@edgehill.ac.uk or calling 01695 657000.

If you want to attend one of our open events held throughout the year, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/postgradopendays to book your place.

You will also find Edge Hill University staff at many postgraduate study fairs taking place across the UK and Ireland.

Still want more?

If you have any questions you would like to ask the programme leader about this course, please contact:

• Gill Rawlings, Edge Hill Business School, Edge Hill University, St Helens Rd, Ormskirk, L39 4QP
• Tel: 01695 575171
• Email: rawlingg@edgehill.ac.uk

Overseas students should contact the Centre of International Education by calling +44 1695 584489 or emailing international@edgehill.ac.uk with any queries.

Modules

Network Security gives you an in-depth understanding of the technical aspects of computer and network security, including the key vulnerabilities of a networked computer system together with the methods of controlling risk, based around CISSP knowledge requirements.

Information Security Management is a process by which information assets are assessed in order to determine the threats and corresponding risks to those assets. It also encompasses the methods for controlling those risks. This module provides a systemic view of the process, and encompasses the legal compliance issues which complement the technical security and is based on ISO27000.

IT Strategy and Management will develop your understanding and knowledge to underpin the acquisition and ongoing management of systems and services within an organisation. Additionally the module seeks to provide an awareness of the need for a tactical and operational view of IT systems and services of internal and external stakeholders. This view would encompass the selection, implementation, third party relationships, and the legal and security necessities.

Project Management enables you to understand and apply advanced project management methodologies such as PRINCE2 to identify alternate approaches to project management through critical analysis. This module will use case studies to enable you to get a real life perspective on project management and the accompanying methodologies and issues. You will gain an in-depth knowledge of at least two methodologies, learn how to apply them in a project management environment, and develop an appreciation of relevant issues such as managing people and managing risks.

Professional, Ethical and Contemporary issues in Computing will develop your understanding of the professional and ethical constraints within which computing specialists operate. Case studies and discussion will confront you with social, professional and ethical issues of using technology in place of, or supporting, human abilities. The content of the module will be informed by BCS (The Chartered Institute of IT) codes of conduct and good practice, together with relevant information from CPSR (Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility), ACM (Association for Computing Machinery) and IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology).

Research Methods provides you with the knowledge and skills to develop a proposal for, and undertake, a research-based dissertation at Masters level. The process will involve engaging with the essential considerations in research design, including philosophical basis; developing research questions; literature review; a range of research methods for data collection and analysis and project planning. On successful completion, you will have a well-formed research proposal suitable for a Masters dissertation.

Cloud Computing and Application Management / Security. Cloud Computing is a rapidly evolving area with an aim of addressing a number of issues in computing. This module aims to provide an in-depth understanding of cloud computing principles and options, together with the benefits and issues surrounding implementation of this leading-edge technology. Examples of this can be found in the office suites now, or soon to be, available over the Internet such as Zoho and the forthcoming version of Microsoft Office.

Computer Forensics provides a firm foundation for those interested in forensic computing by teaching the methods, tools and techniques for data recovery and analysis, together with the legal requirements for presenting such data. The module aims to provide the skills and knowledge necessary for a computing student to undertake a forensic computing investigation in a systematic manner.

Research Project or Dissertation requires you to undertake a piece of research or project based on or linked to IT Management or security. The module will enable you to identify and critically analyse a system, issue or problem of current interest within a relevant context. You will then provide a focused and rigorous analysis of this chosen area of research in which the relationship between existing literature and your own findings are critically analysed and evaluated.

Work Placement. You will have the opportunity to undertake a placement in semester 3. The placement provides you with the chance to gain experience of the world of work and allows you to undertake a piece of research based on or linked to this placement (which is arranged by the Business School). The pairing of work based learning (WBL) with the dissertation enables you to make links between theory and practice. Please note, if you do not undertake the work placement, you must complete the alternative module, Reflective Practitioner.

Reflective Practitioner. If you elect not to complete a work placement, it's important to still consider issues relating to employability. This module will require you to focus on yourself and work, professional practice and professional issues in the workplace, taking a reflective stance.