Software and Systems Security MSc

University of Oxford

The MSc in Software and Systems Security teaches the principles of systems security, with a particular emphasis upon the security properties and implications of software and information technologies. It offers working professionals the opportunity to learn more about the application of these principles, current best practice and the latest advances in the field, through a course of part-time study at one of the world's leading universities.

The Department of Computer Science offers professional courses in around 15 different subjects in the area of systems security: from design to forensics; from governance to malware; and from wireless networks to cloud platforms. It also offers courses in around 30 subjects within computer science or software engineering. To earn an MSc in Software and Systems Security, you must complete courses in ten different subjects, the majority of which must be in the area of systems security.

Each course is delivered by an expert in the subject, and is based around a single, intensive teaching week of classes, practical sessions, and group work; class sizes are kept small to facilitate interaction and to promote effective learning. Each subject is taught at least once a year, some are taught two or three times, and most can be studied in any order. Most students will spend three or four years completing the 10 courses required for the MSc. Each course involves an expectation of about 150 hours' work - typically 35 intensive contact hours during the teaching week, 10 hours before the teaching week for pre-study and 25 hours afterwards on the assignment, and the remainder of time spent on self-directed reading and related exercises. As a rule of thumb, the project and dissertation represent the same effort as two more courses.

An assignment is typically distributed on the last day of the teaching week. This builds upon the learning of the week, allowing you to test and extend your understanding through application outside the classroom.

To earn the MSc, you must complete also a short project and associated dissertation in the area of software and systems security. The project needs to be an original demonstration of ability and understanding, but there is no requirement to advance the state of the art in the field. You need only choose and apply an appropriate selection of existing ideas and techniques provided that their choice, the process of application, and any outcomes are properly explained.

The project assessment involves compulsory attendance at a one-week project course, at which you will present and refine your proposal, and attend teaching sessions on research skills, engineering in context, and social, legal and ethical issues

The Department of Computer Science offers another master’s degree, the MSc in Software Engineering, available to those who take the majority of their courses, and their project and dissertation, in that area.

As a part-time student you will be required to attend ten modules, mostly held in-person in Oxford (though some may be online). Each module consists of an intensive week of lectures and practicals, 9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 12.30pm on Friday. You have a flexible choice of modules, subject to availability of places.