[88naik]

Hey guys..
I have offers in Information/Cyber/Computer Security from UCL, RHUL, Lancaster, Bristol & Manchester.

But I've decided to go with UCL.

[88naik]

(Original post by euph0ria)
Hi guys,
I am currently doing this MSc programme. I finish my exams on this week. I would be happy to answer any questions you have related to any of the aspects of the course (except details about the project of course since I will be working on that until September).

At the moment there seems to be some confusion about the pathways and modules you can choose because they are changing them this year (2012/2013). So far it has been two pathways. Business pathway: Sec.Management, Crypto, Sec.Technologies, Legal Aspects. Technical pathway: Sec.Management, Crypto, Computer Security, Network Security. And both pathways can choose 2 or 3 optional modules whichever ones they want (if you take 3 optionals only the two top exam grades of the three will count).

Now they have sent out an email that they are replacing pathways with "tracks" and that the pathway/track will no longer be visible on your transcripts. The tracks will still have the structure of 4 core and 2-3 optional modules but the difference will be that there are more "pathways" thus called "tracks". The suggestion is that for the 4 core modules the options will still be the same (management+crypto for all and comp.sec+network.sec for pathway 1 and sec.technologies+a new module replacing legal). The main difference is that you will no longer be able to choose any 2 optional modules, you will have to choose a "track" which includes a combo of two modules. For example a new track that will be included is "Cybercrime track" and you have to do: the 4 technical pathway core modules plus two optional modules which are Cybercrime and Digital Forensics.

I hope all this makes sense. I don't know when you will be required to select a track but 2011/2012 in the first semester when we were doing the core modules we were allowed to attend all 6 of them and decide until the end of the semester which pathway we have decided on. Essentially what happened was that we were allowed to attend all modules and online material for them until the end of November when we had to decide which 4 core modules (pathway selection) we're going to take for the May exams. At the end of January we were asked to select our optional modules to complete all our 6 (or 7) courses.

@UnixGuy: you have to take all 4 core modules. they are compulsory. The modules you mention for distance learning are correct they represent the current technical pathway.
@slavenash: there is no Digital Signatures module (or I am not aware of any such module). But there is a whole chapter in Crypto on them and in other optional modules.

Visas: I cannot answer any questions about visas as I did not need one (EU).
Accommodation: I am not living on campus but my friends are. The general picture they gave me was: disorganised and late replies, some of them came to UK and booked a hotel room still waiting for accommodation (were on waiting list and told that there could get something). However the ones that applied early for accommodation were secured a room and could choose roommate and other options in some cases. Accommodation in Founders I believe is mainly occupied by undergrads. The newest halls like Tuke and Gowar (also Highfield) is where most of the MSc people in my year stayed. Rooms clean, well kept, cleaning staff comes regularly, relatively good size. Mostly arranged like: 6 rooms in one apartment with common kitchen and each room en-suite shower/toilet. Periodical inspections by the housing staff were made to all rooms. Requests to fix broken things like pipes showers windows kitchen appliances lighting etc are usually dealt with in a very relaxed manner so you could face a one week wait before someone bothers to come, they even tell you this when you submit your request (that its going to take 2-3 days or more). Campus and surroundings are beautiful its considered a posh area its also next to Windsor which is THE "poshest" area. Lots of green, very good sports facilities and gym on campus, many sports societies. Two clubs on campus: Medicine and the SU (student union) good fun especially on friday and saturday.

Food (for catered accommodation people): it's is ok nothing amazing just standard under-seasoned basic food like burgers pizza plus 2 choices other things one is meat one is vegetarian usually, things like stuffed eggplant,fries,rice,steamed veggies,spaghetti bolognese,chicken kiev,etc etc and a salad bar. There are 2 places for catered people: the Hub and the Founders diner hall. The Hub also has "cook-to-order" chinese dishes which are very popular much better than anything else. Then there are the bars/coffee places that also offer some light food like sandwiches pizza wedges jacket potatoes they are: Crosslands in Founders, Student Union top floor (dont remember name), Cafe Jules in international building, Coffee & Cake in the Hub. There is also The Store which is a mini-market on campus it has frozen food, pastries, sandwiches,and things to cook with but usually too expensive compared to Tesco which is 10 min walk. If you are not catered, I recommend eating at the SCR in founders, it is a small diner for staff and postgraduates they have better food than the Hub usually.

I know that last year this time the thread for Infosec 2011/2012 did not offer much help to answer Infosec specific questions I had so I hope that I can help the new batch of MSc students or at least help clarify any confusion. So, please ask any questions you want but try to make it specific for MSc Information Security (or at least MSc related) as there are other threads available for general questions.

Hello Euphoria,
I happen to have offes from UCL as well as RHUL for the MSc in Information Security. Which one would you suggest?

[slavenash]

(Original post by queraxle)
Hi, guys
Need to sharpen my skills in English, nowadays they are perfect but close to be =)

For a winwin barter I can share my knowledge and experience on general IT security, network security and SIEMs

Some information about myself:
- currently employed as a presales engineer in Microsoft
- six years experience in security industry (implementing, designing, team leading)
- BSc technical degree in computer security
- Cisco CCNA/CCDA/CCSP, Juniper JNCIA-JUNOS, JNCIS-SEC, JNCIA-IDP, few more

Native speakers are preffered
skype:queraxle

hi queraxle ,

Good to know ur into network security , cause im into network security as well ,
i have done my ccsp and ccnp r&s

now i want to do CCDA ... i dont know wer to find the latest dumps for CCDA ... can u help me with tat ?

thanx,
Avinash

[abhinav.nautiyal]

Hi, I am enrolled for Msc in Information Security at Royal Holloway for September 2012 intake.
I was wondering how many Indians are coming.

[mastoris]

Can't wait to start!! Currently waiting the housing application results.

[euph0ria]

(Original post by 88naik)
Hello Euphoria,
I happen to have offer from UCL as well as RHUL for the MSc in Information Security. Which one would you suggest?

I was in the same situation and I chose RHUL because of the employability potential and the prestige of the ISG at RHUL.

In terms of course content, in theory if you were to take the Information Security Mangement optional module at UCL then you would cover more or less the same material as the RHUL core modules. The difference is that at RHUL there are much more optional modules available to choose from such as pentesting, forensics, standards and compliance, database security, legal aspects (really good) etc which you don't have at UCL.

However both are very good universities and certainly UCL is ranked higher overall so it is more "prestigious". Both are part of the University of London. After talking to other students they usually conclude that UCL is more "academic and research focused" in the specific degree whereas RHUL is a BIT more "hands-on" and more focused on the fact that they want you to get a job after finishing the degree or at least that's how they market their degree. So I guess it depends what you're after; my personal opinion is that if you're interested in research or a PhD and possibly teaching go to UCL. To be honest I don't think that an individual with a solid background and interest in Infosec will have a hard time finding a job no matter what uni he attends, RHUL merely gives you a head-start in that you might be taken to the interview stage easier but you're on your own from there.

I know that this was not the answer you were looking for but I don't want to say one or the other as its a personal choice, both are good universities. I hope my answer helps a bit though

[88naik]

(Original post by euph0ria)
I was in the same situation and I chose RHUL because of the employability potential and the prestige of the ISG at RHUL.

In terms of course content, in theory if you were to take the Information Security Mangement optional module at UCL then you would cover more or less the same material as the RHUL core modules. The difference is that at RHUL there are much more optional modules available to choose from such as pentesting, forensics, standards and compliance, database security, legal aspects (really good) etc which you don't have at UCL.

However both are very good universities and certainly UCL is ranked higher overall so it is more "prestigious". Both are part of the University of London. After talking to other students they usually conclude that UCL is more "academic and research focused" in the specific degree whereas RHUL is a BIT more "hands-on" and more focused on the fact that they want you to get a job after finishing the degree or at least that's how they market their degree. So I guess it depends what you're after; my personal opinion is that if you're interested in research or a PhD and possibly teaching go to UCL. To be honest I don't think that an individual with a solid background and interest in Infosec will have a hard time finding a job no matter what uni he attends, RHUL merely gives you a head-start in that you might be taken to the interview stage easier but you're on your own from there.

I know that this was not the answer you were looking for but I don't want to say one or the other as its a personal choice, both are good universities. I hope my answer helps a bit though

Thank you for your reply. I am well aware that RHUL is famous for its ISG. But being an International student, I am doubtful of its global recognition. Could you throw some light here?
Also, what I felt is infosec at RHUL has too many students studying every year & they do not have entry standards that are as high as UCL. Moreover, the two universities are very widely placed on the league tables.

This is just a personal observation. Do reply with your views.

[slavenash]

I Noticed that by Now all the other universities have their Facebook page & Group Up and Running ! tat way it makes it much easier for u to make friends
find your fellow course mates !


Well here' s the one for royal holloway, university of london for the year 2012 !


https://www.facebook.com/RoyalHollowayFreshers2012


Good luck !
make the most outta it !!!

[SpringHibernate]

Hi euph0ria

Which textbook (ISBN Number/URL please) is mandatory reading for Cryptography? I am thinking to get started before the course commences.

... and how did the examinations go? Still working on dissertation?

Thanks

[SpringHibernate]

Hi euph0ria

A silly question. Does Uni of London let us keep ....@student.london.ac.uk email ID (or a variant of it) once we graduate?

Thanks

[lee4]

Checked my accomodation application, saw that Highfield has been allocated to me, but no contract yet until contacted.
Anyone else noticed theirs?

[slavenash]

(Original post by euph0ria)
if my friends from other universities are coming to stay for a week ? can they stay in my room ?
I think you will be fine. People have friends over all the time even though they say it's not allowed because of safety etc. My friends have their girlfriends/boyfriends stay for a week at a time and nobody notices. There are swipe cards to get in the buildings and no reception so nobody notices. There are some inspections however but they let you know a week or more before about it.

is the final project done in groups?
No, all projects are individual. You have to select an supervisor for your project in November. You then have to select your thesis subject and complete a "project description" form in March. You can then decide with your supervisor how you space out your project tasks and how often you meet with him to review progress. Delivery is strict beginning of September.

How diverse is the mix of ppl in infosec?
Very diverse. Biggest or ethnic groups are British, Greeks, Chinese, Muslim (forgive my ignorance but it's hard to tell which country everyone is from whether they are from saudi, iraq, uae etc), lots of people from Nigeria, India. Then other Mixed European countries, a couple of people from Australia, some from South America. I would say 40% british and locals the rest are foreign students. Also diversity in terms of age it's maybe 30% people straight from their undergrad studies into this, the rest is mature students (25-45) with 10% being in highly ranked positions some will be close to retirement and want to do this MSc to pursue consulting careers etc. Diversity in terms of gender not very good mostly male students about 10-20% female students but it's never a problem because everyone is friendly and this is to be expected in a technical degree such as this, it's no different than in computer science undergraduate studies. So overall, quite diverse.

Euphoria ....


can we write the CISSP exam after completion of this course ... ????

[euph0ria]

(Original post by SpringHibernate)
Hi euph0ria
Which textbook (ISBN Number/URL please) is mandatory reading for Cryptography? I am thinking to get started before the course commences.
... and how did the examinations go? Still working on dissertation?

Thanks

The main book for the crypto course is the book by the lecturer that was just published this year, thankfully before the exams so we got the chance to get it and study from it. It is extremely helpful as it covers the course material exactly and in the order we do it in class, it also explains every single course slide with great detail so I would say you only need that one:
Everyday Cryptography by Keith Martin ISBN-10: 0199695598

Other recommended books for background knowledge (although quite outdated) are:
F. Piper and S. Murphy, A very short Introduction to Cryptography, OUP, 2002.
S. Levy, Crypto, Penguin Books 2000.
S. Singh, The Code Book, Fourth Estate 1999.

The exams went quite well but could have been better. Core modules (i was doing the business path): Security Technologies IY5522 went very good content was solid and understandable, The law course was hard and time was limited but the questions were in theory easy if you had enough time, Security Management was vague and stressful but questions were not that unexpected the only problem is that you can never know whether your essays were what the marker is looking for, Cryptography was both good and bad I found the first mandatory questions really easy and the rest was a mixture of ok and hard/abstract type of questions where anything goes but you never know. Dissertation is still going on so I can't comment on it yet just hope to have it finished the soonest I can since time is running out.

[euph0ria]

(Original post by SpringHibernate)
Hi euph0ria
A silly question. Does Uni of London let us keep ....@student.london.ac.uk email ID (or a variant of it) once we graduate?
Thanks

You get an email such as studentnumber@rhul.ac.uk and not @student.london.ac.uk. I believe (from what I've heard) that you do not get to keep your email but you will have another email registered such as your personal email with the uni once you finish because you then join the rest of the alumni and they send out emails regularly from the ISG to all previous MSc graduates of infosec with news and also there is an anual alumni conference at the uni in July that you are invited to this year they had lots of speakers including Whitfield Diffie and it was quite good since you get to socialize and do some networking as well.

[euph0ria]

(Original post by slavenash)
Euphoria ....
can we write the CISSP exam after completion of this course ... ????

Yes you can since most of the CISSP modules are covered by this MSc. Also there is a two day preparation course for students of this MSc usually end of June where everyone can register to attend. I have seen at least 3 students so far who successfully got theirs already so it's quite possible with a limited amount of preparation and what you already know from the MSc.

[euph0ria]

(Original post by 88naik)
Thank you for your reply. I am well aware that RHUL is famous for its ISG. But being an International student, I am doubtful of its global recognition. Could you throw some light here?
Also, what I felt is infosec at RHUL has too many students studying every year & they do not have entry standards that are as high as UCL. Moreover, the two universities are very widely placed on the league tables.

This is just a personal observation. Do reply with your views.

You are correct on most of your points.

Global recognition should be good since the ISG is known in Europe so it must be known globally (of course one must be involved in infosec to know it and not just typical HR staff I assume). Also instructors such as John Austen regularly hold seminars and events in collaboration with the uni in other european countries and even teach modules of the MSc abroad. I can't help you any further as far as recognition outside the EU goes but I guess you could always ask infosec professionals in big organisations (such as big 4 outside the EU?) of your country if they know of the uni and in their experience are graduates they have interviewed from RHUL well prepared and knowledgeable ?

It's also true that they have A LOT more students than other unis that offer this degree but this can be both good and bad. In my experience it was good. I feel that by accepting applicants from a wide range of background and experience you enhance the overall vibe of the course and everyone gets the most of it. Usually there are around 80 full time students and 80 more that are part-time, block mode or distance. I really only see the full time ones regularly and I felt that I learned a lot from everyone else. Don't forget that people with 30 years of experience in the field who do not have a relevant undergraduate degree are also accepted and their knowledge is very valuable to the younger students in the MSc so if you do choose rhul make sure to include them in your study groups and social activities. Similarly younger students who came straight from their undergrad studies have new and fresh ideas to offer so overall it's good to have many different people you can mix with. Also students that are already in the industry can help you find a job in the future if they like you. On the other hand, at UCL there are fewer students but you don't necessarily get any extra attention because of this or any extras. For example, at rhul the ISG is quite independent and is very active they organise weekly seminars and external speakers such as the thursday industrial seminars, free CISSP preparation, the KPMG bootcamp, the Foundstone hacker bootcamp, the yearly alumni event and so on.

As for rankings, they come and go. For example in computer science related fields UCL has dropped to position 6 this year (from 4) and rhul has gone up to 18 (previously at 21). These rankings also do not represent any specific degree such as this MSc and take many things into consideration for example graduate prospects are higher for Rhul graduates than UCL. I personally thought long and hard about the league table placements and then talked to previous graduates from Rhul who said definitely Rhul. Also on arrival and meeting students from the UK they all said that this specific MSc at Rhul was recommended to them by their place of employment and/or agents. So I was happy with my choice. I am still happy with my choice.

Of course, this is all my personal experience. I will never know what I would have been thinking of it had I gone for UCL instead. If you are still in doubts you can always ask UCL students as well in order to get a better understanding. I wanted to do this last year but at the time I didn't know anyone at UCL studying for the specific MSc. Maybe you can find some people in the UCL forums to help?

[mastoris]

@euph0ria: Thanx for the information provided. We really appreciate them!! You have mentioned study groups. How are they formed and is it mandatory for success? As for the CISSP, you have only to pay for the exams? Thanx in advance.

[euph0ria]

(Original post by mastoris)
@euph0ria: Thanx for the information provided. We really appreciate them!! You have mentioned study groups. How are they formed and is it mandatory for success? As for the CISSP, you have only to pay for the exams? Thanx in advance.

Study groups are formed by the students themselves for each course or in the first semester anyone from your path will do the same courses as you. Most of us did study groups for "some" of our modules only, the ones we needed to discuss things such as law and management and I believe it was really helpful. I would say that for these two courses alone it is extremely helpful but not mandatory; however people who did form study groups for management for example got the big picture much faster than the rest. Also, many of us would meet on a specific day each week where everyone was invited and discuss anything related to the course (or sometimes not). But in reality the "serious" study groups began after the end of the first semester. Around January/February many people formed study groups in order to keep refreshing the material from the first semester once a week or every two weeks. Also there are weekly tutorials in small groups where you go and talk to the instructor and ask any questions so some people used that same small group as a study group. So just ask around who has a study group or form your own and others will join. You will be advised by instructors not to form an all-french/all-greek/all-chinese (or what have you) study group because it won't help you as much as a mixed group but I think what is even more important is to have good chemistry with the group. Also 4 people forms a nice group, 6 people would be a max for courses such as management otherwise it will take too long for everyone to express an opinion for each subject and expect some shouting and disagreement to take place :P . And also, in case you're looking for a place to hang out with the group (not the library - somewhere you can shout) try Imagine first (under the Hub) its a cool place to study and not everyone knows it exists.

As for the CISSP, yes you only need to pay for the exams which you can do whenever you want on your own at specific training centers in london and other cities - around 400 pounds I believe but you can check on the ISC² website. I think that this year there was a small registration fee for the 2-day intensive preparation course that took place at RHUL but it was quite small something like 20 pounds because they needed to know in advance how many of the MSc people will attend.

[slavenash]

(Original post by euph0ria)
Yes you can since most of the CISSP modules are covered by this MSc. Also there is a two day preparation course for students of this MSc usually end of June where everyone can register to attend. I have seen at least 3 students so far who successfully got theirs already so it's quite possible with a limited amount of preparation and what you already know from the MSc.

thanks Euphoria,

i just went through the ISC website https://www.isc2.org/cissp-professional-experience.aspx , it says u need 5 yrs work exp bfor attempting CISSP .... but because of the Msc can we write it immediately ? pls find out ... thnx

[88naik]

(Original post by euph0ria)
You are correct on most of your points.

Global recognition should be good since the ISG is known in Europe so it must be known globally (of course one must be involved in infosec to know it and not just typical HR staff I assume). Also instructors such as John Austen regularly hold seminars and events in collaboration with the uni in other european countries and even teach modules of the MSc abroad. I can't help you any further as far as recognition outside the EU goes but I guess you could always ask infosec professionals in big organisations (such as big 4 outside the EU?) of your country if they know of the uni and in their experience are graduates they have interviewed from RHUL well prepared and knowledgeable ?

It's also true that they have A LOT more students than other unis that offer this degree but this can be both good and bad. In my experience it was good. I feel that by accepting applicants from a wide range of background and experience you enhance the overall vibe of the course and everyone gets the most of it. Usually there are around 80 full time students and 80 more that are part-time, block mode or distance. I really only see the full time ones regularly and I felt that I learned a lot from everyone else. Don't forget that people with 30 years of experience in the field who do not have a relevant undergraduate degree are also accepted and their knowledge is very valuable to the younger students in the MSc so if you do choose rhul make sure to include them in your study groups and social activities. Similarly younger students who came straight from their undergrad studies have new and fresh ideas to offer so overall it's good to have many different people you can mix with. Also students that are already in the industry can help you find a job in the future if they like you. On the other hand, at UCL there are fewer students but you don't necessarily get any extra attention because of this or any extras. For example, at rhul the ISG is quite independent and is very active they organise weekly seminars and external speakers such as the thursday industrial seminars, free CISSP preparation, the KPMG bootcamp, the Foundstone hacker bootcamp, the yearly alumni event and so on.

As for rankings, they come and go. For example in computer science related fields UCL has dropped to position 6 this year (from 4) and rhul has gone up to 18 (previously at 21). These rankings also do not represent any specific degree such as this MSc and take many things into consideration for example graduate prospects are higher for Rhul graduates than UCL. I personally thought long and hard about the league table placements and then talked to previous graduates from Rhul who said definitely Rhul. Also on arrival and meeting students from the UK they all said that this specific MSc at Rhul was recommended to them by their place of employment and/or agents. So I was happy with my choice. I am still happy with my choice.

Of course, this is all my personal experience. I will never know what I would have been thinking of it had I gone for UCL instead. If you are still in doubts you can always ask UCL students as well in order to get a better understanding. I wanted to do this last year but at the time I didn't know anyone at UCL studying for the specific MSc. Maybe you can find some people in the UCL forums to help?

Thank you for your views euphoria I wish you the best of luck for your exams & thesis