Postgraduate - CourseMaster of Networks and Security

The Master of Networks and Security provides IT professionals with advanced studies in networks and security including 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://monash.edu/pubs/handbooks/alignmentofoutcomes.html).

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

(1.) understand the central theories, techniques, and tools in the fields of information security and computer networks

(2.) adapt their knowledge to new and emerging technologies and application areas based on a solid understanding of the underpinning principles

(3.) investigate, analyse and document the core issues and requirements in building secure and effective networks and systems

(4.) be competent designers of architectures for secure systems and effective networks

(5.) understand how different theories and concepts in network security interact and complement each other in addressing specific problems

(6.) through either a significant research thesis component or research-grounded industrial project, review, synthesise, apply and evaluate contemporary information technology theories

(7.) produce comprehensive reports that describe and analyse problems, propose solutions, evaluate them for strengths and weaknesses, and logically interpret results

(8.) investigate principles, issues and solutions in security and networks as they affect general and particular communities

(9.) 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.) two core units (12 points):

• FIT5057 Project management
• FIT5163 Information and computer security

(b.) four units (24 points) as follows:

(i) two units (12 points) from the network stream:

• FIT5010 Network protocol standards
• FIT5011 Network design and performance
• FIT5034 Quality of service and network management
• FIT5083 Network infrastructure

(ii) two units (12 points) from the security stream:

• FIT5003 Software security
• FIT5037 Network security
• FIT5124 Advanced topics in security
• FIT5129 Enterprise IT security - planning, operations and management

(c.) two units (12 points) from:

(i.) the networks or security streams listed in (b.)

or

(ii.) one unit from the networks or security streams listed in (b.) and one unit from the following:

• FIT5043 Distributed and big data processing
• FIT5046 Mobile and distributed systems
• FIT5140 Advanced mobile systems

(d.) 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 studio project (12 points)
• FIT5122 Professional practice
• one level five unit offered by the Faculty of Information TechnologyFaculty of Information Technology (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/units/index-byfaculty-it.html)

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

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:

• FIT5057 and FIT5163
• one unit from each of the networks and security streams described in (b.) under 'Requirements'

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

(a.) FIT5057 and FIT5163

(b.) 36 points from the networks and security units described in (b.) under 'Requirements' and level 5 FIT electives as follows:

• a minimum of two units from each of the networks and security streams described in (b.) under 'Requirements'
• a maximum of one unit from level five units offered by the Faculty of Information TechnologyFaculty of Information Technology (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/units/index-byfaculty-it.html)

Master of Networks and Security