Postgraduate Diploma in Network and Information Security

This module serves to significantly deepen the learners’ research skills, both in relation to their module-related assignments and later in the completion of their major dissertation / dissertation by practice. Specifically, it extends their abilities as self-directed learners by equipping them with the appropriate vocabulary for reflecting on, critiquing and evaluating their own work and that of others. Throughout the module, they are required to engage in a number of research methodologies and current research issues and trends in computing science. The module also addresses the need for critical project management skills and techniques for the successful delivery of any project.

This module aims to give the learner an understanding of the issues relating to the management of information security in modern industry. It explores the roles, policies and procedures applied in information security. The module further explores the specific role that software systems play in the threat against information security.

This module aims to provide the learner with an understanding of the issues involved in the design and analysis of telecommunication networks, as well as a knowledge of such systems in terms of physical implementation, protocols, routing algorithms, management, software interfaces, and applications. The course also focuses on high speed telecommunication networks.

This module aims to provide the learner with an understanding of Digital Forensics and the tools and techniques used in investigations that involve digital evidence. The learner gains an in-depth knowledge of all aspects of digital forensics including methodologies on how to conduct a forensics investigation, the best practice to employ throughout (the course of) an investigation and the tools required to conduct such an investigation.

Learners are also exposed to recent high-profile cases involving digital evidence and future trends through the review of current academic papers and/or professional industry reports.

This module aims to provide the learner with the knowledge and understanding of the legal and ethical issues surrounding information and information security, privacy and data protection. The module gives the learner an understanding of Irish and international information relating laws. The learner also focuses on the legal and ethical aspects of computer crimes and their investigations, and the issues relating to intellectual property. The module does not aim at having the learner becoming an expert in legal matters but will make the learner aware of legal responsibilities and the ability to recognise when a lawyer is required.

This module aims to furnish the learner with a mastery of the core aspects of computer communication security. This module gives the learner mastery of security models, policies and mechanisms, encryption and decryption, confidentiality, integrity, authentication, cryptography and secure communication, digital signatures, certificates and coding. The learner will gain in-depth knowledge of the classical techniques as well as state of the art approaches to cryptography.

This course aims to provide the learner with the knowledge of the technologies that are used to protect computer networks as well as those used to infiltrate and attack them. This course of study gives the learner mastery of a variety of how such technologies can be used in attacking or protecting networks.

This module aims to provide the learner with an understanding of what IT infrastructure is, how to protect it and the role Ethical Hacking plays in this regard.

Learners develop an understanding of the key mechanisms (ACLs, firewalls, IDS/IPS etc.) that can be employed to protect an IT infrastructure and how to use them in tandem to maximise protection. They will also obtain an in-depth knowledge of the primary methodologies (top-down, bottom-up etc.) that are used to protect IT infrastructure and knowledge of the different forms of Ethical Hacking and exposure to the tools and techniques that are used to perform same.