COMP47800 Leadership in Security

Academic Year 2022/2023

Leadership in Security is a module about taking charge of security in an organisation and driving change to improve security. This module is aimed at current or emerging security leaders, those with responsibility for directing and leading security efforts. It covers key aspects of managing people within a security team but will have value whether or not you currently lead a team. The ultimate goal is to produce professionals who can assess the current state of an organisation’s security, identify ways to improve, and deliver on those improvements.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

A student successfully completing this module will gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to improve security. For those already working in security, they will be better prepared to lead parts of a security programme, or to take on more responsibility. For those moving towards security, this module will help link their prior experience with current security challenges, and assist in positioning for a lateral move into security.

Indicative Module Content:

Setting Direction
It is impossible to drive improvement without having a clear starting point, so this module begins with taking stock and setting direction. Topics will include:
- Measuring security and identifying critical gaps
- Assessing risk and weighing priorities
- Tracking strategic threats and maintaining situational awareness
- Information security governance frameworks

Managing Upwards and Outwards
Modern security is a team sport, it is impossible to “win” as one person working alone in a corner. We will look at how to be an effective advocate for security inside an organisation, including:
- Influencing leadership and organisational culture
- Communicating security to executives
- Gaining and increasing security investment
- Security versus compliance (and other key alliances)

Managing Security Talent
Building and retaining a strong team is central to success as a security leader, yet this is an area where many struggle and few have thought deeply. We will dig deep in this area, with topics such as:
- Attracting and assessing security talent
- Maximising retention in security roles
- Leading security professionals
- Executing on a Security Programme

Lastly for this module we will look at practical aspects of delivering improved security, with insights from established security leaders on how they operate and what they have learned. As a few examples, we will look at:
- Managing yourself and achieving a sustainable career
- Benefiting from external perspectives
- Working with security vendors

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

16

Practical

9

Specified Learning Activities

36

Autonomous Student Learning

64

Total

125

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures;
Reflective learning;
Group presentations
Debates;
Task-based learning.
 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Continuous Assessment: Continuous assessment through a series of assignments and exercises, spread throughout the term. All assignments will be mandatory.
Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded Yes

100


Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Not yet recorded
Name Role
Mr Brian Honan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer