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An Open Letter for Applicants

Prof. Keith Martin Professor Keith Martin
Director of the Information Security Group
Royal Holloway, University of London

An open letter to all who are thinking of study an MSc in Information Security

Royal Holloway’s MSc in Information Security was the first of its kind in the world. It was introduced in 1992 and the pioneering efforts of our Information Security Group (ISG) were recognised in 1998 when the College was awarded a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for the ISG’s work. The citation read:

“This pioneering Group provides a unique national resource for the training of information security specialists and the development of highly secure communications and computer systems. It offers world-leading independent expertise in a field of crucial importance where trust and integrity are paramount.”

More than 2500 people have graduated through the Royal Holloway programme and “studied at Royal Holloway” has become a recognised and highly respected badge for Information Security Professionals worldwide. The ISG is very proud of its alumni and their achievements. In July 2008 we hosted our first reunion conference. Apart from the two key note speakers, Whit Diffie who is an ISG Visiting Professor and Robert Carolina who is an ISG Senior Research Fellow, all the speakers and attendees were either ISG alumni or members of the ISG. This has evolved into a regular biennial alumni conference.

The main purpose of the MSc programme is to cultivate information security specialists with a broad and deep knowledge base and a clear understanding of information security and how it relates to the real problems faced by government and industry. We focus on the fundamental principles of information security, set within the context of current issues and events. The ISG also has a flourishing PhD programme which attracts some MSc graduates to later undertake research in information security.

Ever since the ISG was founded in the late 1980’s the informal theme for its activities has been “Academia and Industry in harmony”. The MSc syllabus is informed by regular consultation with a wide cross-sector range of industrial and governmental organisations. Many of these organisations also contribute to the programme through guest speakers and support for project work. Their input ensures that our students are constantly exposed to the current issues of importance facing information security practitioners.

We are also very sensitive to the importance of securing good careers for our MSc graduates. Students on our programme have the opportunity to come into contact with a wide range of potential employers throughout their study. We also run a dedicated careers seminar series, support a number of project internships with external organisations, hold networking events, and run short courses on particular areas of information security practice. This includes a special arrangement with (ISC)² whereby our students attend an intensive two-day CISSP revision course at Royal Holloway and can then sit the associated exam on campus.

Royal Holloway was the first university to provide a dedicated masters programme in the area of information security and we constantly strive to remain the best place to get this type of specialist education. We look forward to providing you with a broad and deep education in this fascinating field and to welcoming you into our extensive international community of Royal Holloway graduates.

Keith Martin's Signature (Small)