Postgraduate - Course4312 - Master of Networks and Security

The Master of Networks and Security will provide IT professionals with advanced studies in networks and security. The MNS will have foundation and core studies in: network structures, network protocols, information security, software security, network security, quality of service and network design.

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 9, the Bologna Cycle 2 and Monash Graduate AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework level 9, the Bologna Cycle 2 and Monash Graduate Attributes (http://opvclt.monash.edu.au/curriculum-by-design/aligning-course-outcomes-with-aqf-bologna.html).

Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that graduates will be able to:

• understand the central theories, techniques, and tools in the fields of information security and computer networks
• adapt their knowledge to new and emerging technologies and application areas based on a solid understanding of the underpinning principles
• investigate, analyse and document the core issues and requirements in building secure and effective networks and systems
• be competent designers of architectures for secure systems and effective networks
• understand how different theories and concepts in network security interact and complement each other in addressing specific problems
• through either a significant research thesis component or research-grounded industrial project, review, synthesise, apply and evaluate contemporary information technology theories
• produce comprehensive reports that describe and analyse problems, propose solutions, evaluate them for strengths and weaknesses, and logically interpret results
• investigate principles, issues and solutions in security and networks as they affect general and particular communities
• understand ethical issues and norms in privacy, security, and network use, including the wider Internet

The course comprises approved master's-level units, including 30 points of core units, 24 points of either research or industry units and 18 points of approved elective units.

Students must complete:

(a.) five core units (30 points):

• FIT5003 Software security
• FIT5010 Network protocol standards
• FIT5037 Network security
• FIT5083 Network infrastructure
• FIT5163 Information and computer security

(b.) 24 points of research* or industry units as follows:

• FIT5125 IT research methods
• FIT5126 Masters thesis part 1
• FIT5127 Masters thesis part 2
• FIT5128 Masters thesis final

or

• FIT5120 Industry experience project 1
• FIT5121 Industry experience project 2
• FIT5122 Professional practice
• FIT5199 IT minor research project

* To enrol in the research units, students must have successfully completed 24 points of level five non-foundation units and have achieved an overall average of at least 70% across all non-foundation units.

(c.) three elective units (18 points) as follows:

(i.) one of the following advanced networking or security units (6 points):

• FIT5011 Network design and performance
• FIT5034 Quality of service and network management

(ii.) two units (12 points) from the following:

• FIT5124 Advanced topics in security
• FIT5129 Enterprise IT security - planning, operations and management
• the advanced networking or security unit unit from (i.) above not already completed

Graduates of this course who achieve an overall distinction average for all units and a distinction grade or higher for FIT5125 IT research methods and the research thesis are eligible to apply for entry into a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program.

Students wishing to exit this course early may apply to graduate with one of the following provided they have satisfied the requirements for the award.

Graduate Certificate in Networks and Security after 24 points of study comprising the following core units described at (a.) under 'Requirements':

• FIT5010, FIT5037, FIT5083, FIT5163

Graduate Diploma Networks and Security after 48 points of study comprising:

(a.) the following core units described at (a.) under 'Requirements':

• FIT5010, FIT5037, FIT5083, FIT5163

(b.) one of the following options:

(i.) 24 points from either the research or industry options as detailed at (b.) under 'Requirements'

(ii.) 24 points of electives as follows:

• FIT5003, and three of: FIT5011, FIT5034, FIT5124, FIT5129

Master of Networks and Security