Master of Networks and Security

The Master of Networks and Security is a postgraduate degree that provides students with the skills to manage and administer computer networks and security and prepares students for careers in network administration, network management, or as systems analysts, systems designers, data communications specialists or network security engineers or administrators.

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://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/alignmentofoutcomes.html).

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

1. critically assess existing systems using the theories, techniques, and software tools that are available in the field of information security and computer networks.
2. adapt new and emerging technologies in application development based on an understanding of the underpinning principles.
3. analyse critically the design and document the core issues and requirements in building secure and effective networks systems.
4. be competent designers of architectures for secure systems and effective networks.
5. through either a significant research thesis component or research-grounded industrial project, review, synthesise, apply and evaluate existing systems and extend them with new technologies.
6. produce comprehensive reports and documentation that describe problems, proposed solutions, their evaluation both in terms of their strengths and weaknesses, and logical interpretation of the results for organisations.
7. analyse issues and solutions in security and network design as they affect general and particular communities.
8. evaluate the implication of ethical issues and norms in privacy, security, and network use, including the wider Internet.

Graduates may be eligible for membership of the Australian Computer Society (ACS).

The course is structured in three parts, A, B and C. All students complete Part B (core studies). Depending upon prior qualifications, you may receive credit for Part A Foundations for advanced networks and security studies or Part C Advanced practice or a combination of the two.

Note that if you are eligible for credit for prior studies you may elect not to receive the credit.

Part A. Foundations for advanced networks and security studies

These studies will provide an orientation to the field of networks and security at graduate level. They are intended for students whose previous qualification is not in a cognate field.

Part B. Core master's study

These studies draw on best practices within the broad realm of IT networks and security theory and practice. You will gain an understanding of information and computer security and IT project management principles. Your study will focus on your choice of units within Networks and Security.

Part C. Advanced practice

The focus of these studies is professional or scholarly work that can contribute to a portfolio of professional development. You have two options.

The first option is a research pathway including a thesis. Students wishing to use this Masters course as a pathway to a higher degree by research should take this first option.

The second option is a program of coursework involving advanced study and an Industry experience studio project.

Students admitted to the course, who have a recognised honours degree in a discipline cognate to networks and security, will receive credit for Part C, however, should they wish to complete a 24 point research project as part of the course they should consult with the course coordinator.

The course comprises 96 points structured into three parts: Part A. Foundations for Advanced networks and security studies (24 points), Part B. Core master's study (48 points) and Part C. Advanced application (24 points).

• Students admitted at Entry level 1 complete 96 points, comprising Part A, Part B and Part C.
• Students admitted at Entry level 2 complete 72 points, comprising Part B and Part C, or Part A and Part B.
• Students admitted at Entry level 3 complete 48 points, comprising Part B.

Note: Students eligible for credit for prior studies may elect not to receive the credit and complete one of the higher credit-point options.

Units are 6 credit points unless otherwise stated.

Part A. Foundations for advanced networks and security studies (24 points)

Students complete:

a. four units (24 points):

• FIT9131 Programming foundations
• FIT9132 Introduction to databases
• FIT9134 Computer architecture and operating systems
• FIT9135 Data communications

Part B. Core master's study (48 points)

Students complete a., b. and c.:

a. two units (12 points):

• FIT5057 Project management
• FIT5163 Information and computer security

b. two units from the networks stream and two units from the security stream (24 points):

Networks

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

Security

• 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 either:

• Part B (b.) or
• one unit (6 points) from Part B (b.) and one additional FIT Level 5 unit (6 points)

Part C. Advanced practice (24 points)

Students complete a. or b. below:

a. Minor thesis research:*

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

* To enrol in the research units, students must have successfully completed 24 points of level five FIT units and have achieved an overall average of at least 75 per cent across all these units.

b. Industry experience:

• FIT5120 Industry experience studio project (12 points)
• FIT5122 Professional practice
• FIT5136 Software engineering

Students entering at Entry levels 1 and 2 can choose to complete a research pathway (24 points) that will provide a pathway to a higher degree by research. Students entering at entry level 3 will normally already have an honours degree, however, students in this group who wish to complete a research thesis in networks and security should discuss the options with the course coordinator.

Students may exit this course early and apply to graduate with one of the following awards, provided they have satisfied the requirements indicated for that award during their enrolment in this Masters course:

a. Graduate Certificate in Networks and Security after successful completion of 24 credit points of study, comprising FIT5163, FIT5057 plus one unit from the networks stream (Part B, section b.) and one unit from the security stream (Part B, section b.)

b. Graduate Diploma in Networks and Security after successful completion of 48 credit points of study, comprising:

• FIT5163 and FIT5057
• two units from the networks stream (Part B, Section b.)
• two units from the security stream (Part B, Section b.) and
• two additional units from either the networks or security streams, or one unit from either the networks or security streams and one FIT level 5 elective.