FAQ

What is the Network and Information Security Specialized Master?

It is a very specialized and highly technical one-year educational program in Network and Information Security taught in English. This intensive curriculum fuses academic study with a hands-on internship component.

Is there any accreditation for the N&IS program?

Sure. Our master is accredited by the French Ministry of Higher Education.

Where does it take place?

It takes place in Laval, a very nice town located in western part of France between Brittany, Anjou and Lower Normandy. Reaching Laval from Paris only takes 1h40 by fast train (TGV).

Since when this program has been offered?

Since 2004. First, it was located in Paris. Then it was moved to Laval simply because life was easier for foreign students in Laval and the cost of living was much cheaper than in Paris.

When does the program start and how long does it take to complete?

The program starts on October 4th, 2011 and ends on September 30th, 2012 (One session/year). It is a full time program. The first semester is dedicated to lectures, conferences, small projects, seminars and the second one to the internship to be done either in a company or in a lab. At the end of the second semester, students must defend their professional thesis.

What are the prerequisites for this master degree program?

It is open to international students with a bachelors Degree, an Applied, an Eng. Master or any equivalent degree in the following related fields: computer science, computer engineering, applied mathematics (with a solid background in CS). It is opened to experienced engineers in IT as well. Admission to the N&IS Specialized Master is highly competitive and applicants will be considered only if they have a high academic standing from an accredited educational institution. Eligible candidates should have skills in high level programming languages such as C or C++ (Java, Python if possible). Scores from Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing system (IELTS) are also required for applicants who do not have English as a native language and who did not graduate from an institution where English is the language of instruction. While the requirements above listed should be helpful to you in determining your eligibility, our team will make an admission decision only after reviewing your complete application packet. Concerning English language, what are the minimum test scores required? The minimum TOEFL score is 550 on the paper-based test, 240 on the computer-based test, or 94-95 on the Internet-based TOEFL. The minimum IELTS score is 6,5.

What concentrations are offered in the NIS program? At the end of the first 3-month common core program, students must specialize in one of the following two areas: o Either auditing/pentesting techniques and technical enforcement of information security. o Or cyber warfare techniques Where can I do my internship? You can carry out your 6-month internship: Either in a company, an organization located in your country (it will be a five or six-month internship); in this case, the defense of the master thesis will take place online via internet; in a company, an organization in France (to apply for an internship, students may benefit from an updated database containing internship offers suggested by our partners or French companies). It is therefore recommended to have very good technical skills to be selected) in the school (students may choose the subject you wish to work on and his/her work is tutored by a teacher). or in the Research lab of Operational Cryptology and Virology (C+V) O of ESIEA-Laval (depending on availability).

Am I supposed to write any professional thesis at the end of the internship?

Yes, you are. You will have to write, defend a professional thesis (viva) and gain the approval of your academic tutor.

What is the average monthly budget for my accommodation?

About 240 euros (once the student has been allocated a lodging grant). The rent includes all charges, that is to say, heating, water, and so on.

Can I get help paying my rent?

Yes. As a general rule, all the students staying in France can benefit from a housing subsidy provided by the CAF (Family Allowance Fund).

What is your application deadline?

Application deadline: before July 1, 2011 (highly recommended) Application final deadline: September 1, 2011 (students may be subject to an enrollment waiting list and are not guaranteed housing)

What is your tuition?

9 800 for both semesters. Students can pay the tuition fees either in full at the start of the academic year or according to a payment due date schedule (9 instalments). A Payment Due Date Schedule will be provided along with the admission letter.

Are there currently scholarships available at ESIEA institute?

At the time, there is not. However, every country generally offers scholarship programs in the form of master program scholarships for foreign students throughout the year in various educational disciplines. Foreign students can apply to French scholarships programs (French embassies abroad) or to other scholarships programs offered in their own countries.

How to apply to the NIS program?

As a first step, applicants must send a detailed resume to the following email address: masters@esiea.fr Then, our Admission Committee will decide quickly if they can apply. If so, applicants will be sent an application form. The duly complete application form along with all the requested documents must be sent by post or by email to masters@esiea.fr. Upon receipt of their application material, a final decision will be made about their admission to the program. If applicants are admitted, an official letter of admission will be sent to them. Where to send your application material ? Mailing Address: ESIEA - N&IS Specialized Master, Graduate Admissions Service, Laurence Filiol 38 rue des docteurs Calmette et Gurin Laval 53000 FRANCE Email: masters@esiea.fr

How and when to apply for a visa?

1. 2. Submit your application form and the requested documents to masters@esiea.fr Apply for your visa through the online CEF procedure*. To do so, please check first you live in one of the 30 countries where the online "CEF" procedure is required. If not, please submit your application material to masters@esiea.fr and visit the nearest French embassy or consulate in your country as soon as to enquire about the visa procedure

As soon as you plan to enroll to the NIS program, it is essential to take two different steps at the same time:

*The CEF mechanism offers prospective students the benefit of guidance and support at every step in the admission process, from application to enrollment. It even allows applicants to apply for their visa online and to track the progress of their electronic application.

Read more: http://www.campusfrance.org/en/page/a-country-using-cef-procedure All prospective students intending to study in France for more than 3 months and who are not nationals of one of the 30 countries of the European Economic Space, or of Andorra, Monaco, Switzerland, San Marino, or the Vatican, must obtain an extended-stay student visa.

How many hours are there during the first semester?

For the first semester, more than 450 hours (lectures, conferences, team projects) and they are all mandatory.

How about the size of the class?

The size of the class is limited (around 20 students) so that each of the students can effectively and efficiently used all of the facilities and interact with his/her tutor intensively. Projects are made by pair or small groups tutored by teachers or professional practitioners.

Can I get by in Laval if I only know English?

Yes of course. Moreover, the foreign students office will assist you with all the administrative procedures (health insurance, bank, and so on. And you will be offered French language course to help you to manage in your everyday life in France

How much money will I need per month?

Your actual living costs may vary according to how much you need to reserve for rent, food, and other such matters including your own spending habits. The minimum amount required is currently at least 600 per month. However during the first month, you will need more money to pay for mandatory expenses (health cover, housing insurance).For more information about an average budget estimate, please refer to the section student life in Laval.

What are the requirements for completion?

ESIEA Institute uses the European Credit Transfer System: ECTS 1. Courses. All courses, projects and conferences are mandatory. 2. Credits. A fully qualified candidate is required to successfully complete 90 credits (ECTS).

What is the NIS timetable like?

Usually classes start at 9.30 am and finish at 5.30 pm with an hours lunch break. Basically, three days/week are dedicated to lectures, and 2 days to practical and tutorial work, small projects)

What will I learn in the N&IS program?

Through both lectures and practical work, you will learn the techniques to secure all aspects of information systems, including networks, computer systems, databases and applications. Our program will provide you with an in-depth understanding of risks, threats, and attacks and you will be taught how to design and implement information systems that are truly secure and usable .

What are the main strengths of the NIS program?

- You learn by doing. During the program, you will carry out many micro-projects, practical works and a 6-month internship.

- You are taught network and information security as a continuous process in todays rapidly changing and fast-moving IT
environment. It enables you to become a critical thinker able to apply not only what you learned during the classes, but more importantly, to identify and analyse emerging security problems in order to propose solutions. - This program also offers you a different and new approach to information security by considering the attackers view point.

What can I do with my NIS master degree in Information Security?

You'll be qualified to work in many areas ranging in from computer network administrator, IT security expert or cyber warfare expert for the Department of Defense to security officer in charge of the IT security in an international firm. However, you can also choose to pursue a Ph.D.