Program Overview

---

MSc in Software and Systems Security

The MSc in Software and Systems Security is a part-time taught course covering software and systems security, including malware, forensics, cloud platforms, and governance, with intensive modules and a final project and dissertation.

Course Structure

The MSc in Software and Systems Security offers professional study in around 15 different subjects in the area of systems security. 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.
• An assignment is typically distributed on the last day of the teaching week.
• You will also complete a short project and associated dissertation in the area of software and systems security.

Attendance

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 held on Monday to Friday, usually with a half day on the Friday. You have a flexible choice of modules, subject to availability of places.

Resources to Support Your Study

As a graduate student, you will have access to the University's wide range of resources, including libraries, museums, galleries, digital resources, and IT services.

• The Bodleian Libraries is the largest library system in the UK.
• The University's IT Services is available to all students to support with core university IT systems and tools, as well as many other services and facilities.
• The Department of Computer Science has dedicated teaching facilities for the Professional Master's Programme, including lecture and lab space, tea and coffee making facilities, and a student break area.

Supervision

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Department of Computer Science, and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff.

• You will be assigned a supervisor at the beginning of your period of study.
• Supervisors can provide advice on all academic matters, including course selection, the choice of a suitable project, and the preparation of a dissertation.

Assessment

The mode of assessment for the course is written assignments that are distributed on the last day of the teaching week. Assignments are to be submitted within a six-week time frame.

• You will need to complete a short project and associated dissertation in the area of software and systems security.
• The results of the project work are presented in a dissertation format.

Graduate Destinations

Students are usually in full-time employment and return to the same jobs after completing their degree.

Changes to This Course

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration.

Course Components

Compulsory Study

You must complete courses in ten different subjects, the majority of which must be in the area of systems security. Subject areas within systems security include:

• Design
• Governance
• Malware
• Wireless networks
• Cloud platforms

Options

The options that are offered may vary from year to year as the course develops, and according to the interests of teaching staff. Examples of topics that have been offered recently include:

• Secure Programming
• Network Security
• Security Risk Analysis and Management
• Cloud Security
• Forensics
• Cyber Threat Intelligence
• Mobile Security Systems

Entry Requirements

Proven and Potential Academic Excellence

The requirements described below are specific to this course and apply only in the year of entry that is shown.

• As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:
  • A first-class or upper second-class undergraduate degree in a related subject, such as computer science, informatics, or engineering; and/or
  • At least two years' professional experience in software, security, or data engineering.
• A typical applicant will have at least two years' experience in a professional environment, and normally holds an undergraduate degree in a related subject.

English Language Proficiency

This course requires proficiency in English at the University's higher level. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement.

• The minimum scores required to meet the University's higher level requirement are detailed in the table below.
  • IELTS Academic: 7.5
  • TOEFL iBT: 110
  • C1 Advanced: 191
  • C2 Proficiency: 191
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced: 165

Funding

For entry in the academic year, the collegiate University expects to offer over 1,100 full or partial graduate scholarships across a wide range of graduate courses.

• If you apply by the January deadline shown on this page and receive a course offer, your application will then be considered for Oxford scholarships.
• Most scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and/or potential.

Costs

Modular Course Fees

The fees for this course are charged on a modular basis. You will pay one programme or registration fee and an additional fee for each module studied.

• The registration fee is split into four instalments, which are due at or before the beginning of each year of study.
• This MSc can be undertaken in a minimum of two and a maximum of four years, and all instalments will be due regardless of duration of study.

Additional Costs

Please note that this course requires that you attend in Oxford for teaching, and you may incur additional travel and accommodation expenses for this. Further, as part of your course requirements, you may need to choose a dissertation, a project, or a thesis topic. Depending on your choice of topic and the research required to complete it, you may incur additional expenses, such as travel expenses, research expenses, and field trips.

Living Costs

In addition to your course fees and any additional course-specific costs, you will need to ensure that you have adequate funds to support your living costs for the duration of your course.

• Your living costs may vary depending on your personal circumstances, but you will still need to cover your cost of living on a full-time basis for the duration of your course, even if you will not be based in Oxford throughout your studies.

College Preference

Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. The following colleges accept students on the MSc in Software and Systems Security:

• Jesus College
• Kellogg College
• New College
• Pembroke College
• Reuben College
• St Catherine's College
• Wycliffe Hall

How to Apply

Our guide to getting started provides general advice on how to prepare for and start your application, including advice to help you evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive.

• You should refer to the information below when completing the application form, paying attention to the specific requirements for the supporting documents.
• If any document does not meet the specification, including the stipulated word count, your application may be considered incomplete and not assessed by the academic department.

Referees

You must register three referees who can give an informed view of your academic ability and suitability for the course.

• Your references will be assessed for your readiness for a programme of advanced, part-time study, relevant professional experience, and relevant previous education.

Official Transcript(s)

Your transcripts should give detailed information of the individual grades received in your university-level qualifications to date.

• You should only upload official documents issued by your institution, and any transcript not in English should be accompanied by a certified translation.

CV/Résumé

A CV/résumé is compulsory for this course. Most applicants choose to submit a document of one to two pages highlighting their academic achievements and any relevant professional experience.

Statement of Purpose

Your statement should be written in English and explain your reasons for applying, and any previous experience and education that you feel to be particularly relevant.

• This will be assessed for evidence of understanding of the nature and requirements of the course.