MSc Information Theory Coding and Cryptography (ITCC)

DURATION:
2 Years
CREDIT:
N/A

Address

Main Campus, Mzuzu   View map
The MSc in Information Theory, Coding and Cryptography was launched in 2004 and it is hosted by the Department. The programme is partly taught and partly by research. Students spend one academic year doing relevant courses covering three broad areas: Information theory, coding theory and cryptography. Courses offered currently are information theory, error correcting codes i and ii, cryptography i and ii, data compression, graph theoretic codes, and designs and graphs.

Briefly, information theory is a mathematical study of the coding of information in the form of sequences and how rapidly such information can be transmitted; Error correcting codes is concerned with the efficient transmission of information while cryptography uses mathematical techniques to store or transmit data in a particular form so that it is read and processed by only those for whom it is intended.

Duration of the programme

This is a full-time programme and will run for a period of four semesters (2 academic years).

Coursework

The programme includes the following taught courses which will be done in the first two semesters: Information Theory, Error Correcting Codes, Cryptography, Practical Cryptography, Graphs and Designs, Data Compression, Graph Theoretical Codes and Goppa Codes.

Research project

The second year of the Programme is devoted towards a research project.

Entry requirements

An honour’s degree in mathematics or a closely related field with significant mathematical content from an accredited institution. Those with an ordinary bachelor’s degree in mathematics or a closely related field with significant mathematical content from an accredited institution are also considered. Those with Upper Second Class or First Class of their equivalent will have an added advantage.