This programme is designed to provide IT professionals with a solid background in the theory and practice of information security.  The student will acquire in-depth understanding of state-of-the-art techniques in the design of secure information systems, encompassing issues in the protection of data during processing, storage and transmission, and the implementation of secure computer systems and networks. A set of elective courses provide additional exposure to such topics as information security management policies, privacy protection and cloud computing.

To be eligible for admission, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements and have:

• a recognised bachelor's degree in a computing discipline such as Computer Studies, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, Information Systems, or equivalent; or
• a recognised bachelor's degree in a related discipline such as Electronic Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Manufacturing Engineering, Quantitative Analysis, or equivalent, together with applicable working experience in information technology.

Applicants whose entrance qualification is obtained from an institution where the medium of instruction is NOT English should also fulfill the following minimum English proficiency requirement:

• TOEFL score 550 (paper-based test) or 79 (internet-based test); or
• overall band 6.5 in International English Language Testing System (IELTS); or
• score 450 in the new College English Test (CET-6) of Chinese mainland or pass in the old CET-6 test; or
• other equivalent qualifications.

Students are required to complete a total of 12 credit units in which 3 credit units come from the required course and 9 credit units from the elective courses, including at least 3 credit units of courses in Group I. Each course is worth 3 credit units.

The required course is:

• Information Security for eCommerce

Elective courses that may be offered are:

• Privacy-enhancing Technologies (Group I)
• Topics on Information Security (Group I)
• Guided Study (Group I)
• Cloud Computing: Theory and Practice (Group II)
• Computer Networks and Internets (Group II)
• Cryptography: Theory and Practice (Group II)
• Information Security Technology Management (Group II)

(1) Upon graduation, students may further their studies by applying for the Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) or Master of Science in Electronic Commerce (MSEC) programme, with credit transfer of a maximum of 9 credit units for MSCS and a maximum of 6 credit units of the core courses for MSEC. 
(2) Alternatively, during their study of the PGC programme, students may opt to further their studies by applying for programme transfer to the MSCS or MSEC programme.  If programme transfer is approved, up to a maximum of 4 completed courses would be recognized as fulfilling the requirements of the MSCS programme or a maximum of 2 completed core courses for MSEC.

Department of Computer Science
College of Science and Engineering