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Cryptography Theory & Practice - COM00183M

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  • Department: Computer Science
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
    • See module specification for other years: 2024-25

Module summary

The module aims to provide a broad overview of modern cryptography. The module will cover the fundamental security goals achieved through cryptographic algorithms and protocols, how they are formalised, designs that enable achieving those goals, and how formal security arguments can be made for the design achieving the security goals.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2023-24

Module aims

The module aims to provide a broad overview of modern cryptography. The module will cover the fundamental security goals achieved through cryptographic algorithms and protocols, how they are formalised, designs that enable achieving those goals, and how formal security arguments can be made for the design achieving the security goals.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module the students will be able to:

  1. describe and apply the fundamental security properties provided by cryptographic algorithms and protocols;

  2. describe how these security properties are formalised;

  3. describe the implications of cryptographic security arguments;

  4. identify security requirements for a given practical scenario and identify the appropriate cryptographic tools to achieve the security requirements;

  5. assess whether given cryptographic algorithms and protocols meet identified security requirements; and

  6. analyse the security and efficiency of cryptographic protocols from both theoretical and practical points of view.

  7. compare and contrast the specifications of cryptographic algorithms in the literature and the level of security they provide.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 50
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) 50

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 50
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) 50

Module feedback

Feedback is provided through work in practical sessions, and after the final assessment as per normal University guidelines.

Indicative reading

[1] J. Katz, Introduction to modern cryptography, Third edition :: Chapman & Hall/CRC, 2020
[2] J.-P. Aumasson, Serious cryptography : a practical introduction to modern encryption :: No Starch Press, 2018
[3] C. Paar, Understanding cryptography : a textbook for students and practitioners :: Springer, 2009
[4] A. McAndrew, Introduction to cryptography with open-source software :: CRC Press, 2011
[5] W. Stallings, Cryptography and network security : principles and practice, Seventh edition :: Pearson, 2017
[6] A. J. Menezes, Handbook of applied cryptography :: CRC Press, 1997


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.