Course Level:Postgraduate

Next Start Date: April 2024

Duration: 1 Year

Campus Location: University Square Campus, Luton

Attendance: Full-time | Block delivery

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About the course

Increasing expectations of 'anytime, anywhere' access to network facilities (whether from desktop, laptop, smart phone or tablet) mean there is a constant demand for new protocols and technologies to meet the needs of our technologically reliant society. This course gives you the knowledge and skills to thrive in this fast-paced industry.

Our Computer Networking MSc is designed to give you an in-depth understanding of wired, wireless and mobile technologies. You develop the knowledge and technical skills required to design, implement, manage and secure different types of networks.

Through the course, you explore areas such as network systems; computer security; networking administration and management; wireless networking; distributed parallel architectures; advanced security counter-measures; and emerging technologies. You also gain skills in network management and administration including essential security aspects, grid-computing and fault tolerance.

Intermediate qualifications available:

Postgraduate certificate – 60 credits at Master’s level
Postgraduate diploma – 120 credits at Master’s level

Why choose this course?

The course is offered via block delivery, with six entry points through the academic year so you can start when it most suits you
Study in our modern STEM building with staff active in networking and security research
Benefit from using the latest specialised computing equipment including virtualised environments
Develop your expertise including components of professional qualifications such as CompTIA Linux+ and EC-Council CEH
This course is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS), the Chartered Institute for IT

Find out more about financial support available

Accreditations

British Computer Society

Course Leader - Dr Sijing Zhang

Dr Sijing Zhang obtained his BSc and MSc degrees, both in Computer Science, from Jilin University (Changchun, China) in 1982 and 1988 respectively. He earned a PhD in Computer Science from the University of York (York, UK) in 1997.

Sijing joined the Network Technology Research Centre (NTRC) of Nanyang Technological University (Singapore) as a Post-Doctoral Fellow in 1996, and he then returned to the UK to work as a Research Fellow with the Centre for Communications Systems Research (CCSR) of the University of Cambridge (Cambridge, UK) in 1998.

Find out more about Dr Sijing Zhang

Units

Msc Project - Computer Networking (CIS092-6) Compulsory
Network Systems And Administration (CIS114-6) Compulsory
Research Methodologies And Project Management (CIS120-6) Compulsory
Systems And Network Security (CIS119-6) Compulsory
Wireless Networking (CIS112-6) Compulsory

The assessment strategy used is a balance of written reports, examinations, (coursework) assignments, in-class tests, computer based assessment, and oral viva. The method used will depend on the nature of the subject being taught in the unit, and the most appropriate method has been chosen. Coursework assignments have incorporated formative feedback so that you can gain an insight into whether your work is meeting the necessary targets. The feedback on your submitted assessments will be provided within 15 working days. The lecturers are expected to take every effort to provide you the feedback as early as possible before the next assessment if any. If you fail an assessment and need to retake or resit the assessment, you can do so in the next available opportunity, which is normally in the assessment week of the next block. If you fail a unit and need to retake this unit, you can do so when the unit is run again.

Reasons to study in the School of Computer Science and Technology

Specialist computing suites in our £40m STEM building
Our computing courses are BCS and IET accredited
Dedicated engineering environments & equipment in our new STEM building
Our Engineering courses are IET accredited

Entry Requirements

Applicants should have an undergraduate degree at 2:2 or above.

The University of Bedfordshire warmly welcomes students from all over the world.

Individual courses may vary, but we generally require an undergraduate degree at 2:2 or above.

To ensure a smooth application process, we have dedicated pages with detailed information about country-specific requirements. You can find information on our generic entry requirements too, if your county is not listed.

English Language

The English Language requirement for this course is 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in any subtest) in IELTS, or an equivalent SELT. Have a look at our webpage for a list of English language qualifications we accept. If you do not have the required level of English for your chosen degree, we offer pre-sessional courses to enhance your language skills before commencing your studies.

We are committed to supporting you every step of the way, so please do not hesitate to reach out to our international admissions team for further assistance. We look forward to welcoming you to our vibrant academic community.

Find out more about specific entry requirements for your country

Entry Requirements

Applicants should have an undergraduate degree at 2:2 or above.

The University of Bedfordshire warmly welcomes students from all over the world.

Individual courses may vary, but we generally require an undergraduate degree at 2:2 or above.

English Language

A good UK honours degree or equivalent in Computer Science, Networking, Security, or Engineering.
For those without a first degree, you may be granted entry on the basis of your industrial work experience. Such work experience should total five or more years in a related subject area.

How will this course improve my career prospects?

As a graduate of this course, you will have gained practical skills much sought after in the business world. Career opportunities include IT and help desk support; network technician or administrator; systems analyst; systems or network designer; systems administrator; network engineer or architect; computer networking instructor; university academic or ICT teacher, or network infrastructure manager.

You may also wish to progress to further study with options including an MSc by Research, MPhil or PhD.

Fees and funding

The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2024/25 is £10,000 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees and living costs. Visit www.gov.uk/postgraduate-loan

Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk

The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2024/25 is £15,600

If you have any questions around fees and funding, please email international@beds.ac.uk

Fees and funding

Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk

The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2024/25 is £15,600

If you have any questions around fees and funding, please email international@beds.ac.uk

Extra Costs

Find out more about additional costs while studying at Bedfordshire. Click here.

Luton Campus Centre

The Campus Centre brings together all our student services under one roof including the Students’ Union and spaces to eat, drink, relax and learn.

There's a large central lecture theatre as well as a range of study rooms & breakout spaces on the upper floors.

Luton Campus Library

The library is a modern 9-storey building dedicated to study and learning.

As well as traditional library provisions it offers individual and group study spaces, a cafeteria on the ground floor and a ‘Study Hub’ offering guidance and workshops on academic writing and research skills to ensure all Bedfordshire students get the help they need to succeed in their studies.

Beds SU

When you join the University of Bedfordshire, you don't just join the university - you also become a member of Bedfordshire Students' Union (Beds SU)!

Beds SU is led by four Student Officers - a President and three Vice Presidents - who are elected annually by University of Bedfordshire students to lead the Students' Union.

We are here to help every student at the University of Bedfordshire get the most out of their university experience. We campaign on issues that you care about, as well as provide lots of opportunities for you to meet new people, develop your skills, campaign for change and try something new.

Aspire Gym

The Aspire Gym has state of the art cardiovascular equipment with smart phone compatibility. There is also an extensive range of fixed resistance machines and a small free weights area.

Changing rooms with showers and lockers are available for members to use.

Luton Campus Accommodation

The University guarantees accommodation to all new students. Fitzroy Court and Wenlock Court, the two main halls of residence, are located on campus so getting to lectures, shopping in town and participating in events and activities is easy.

STEM building

The STEM building is home to courses in the subject areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Opened in Autumn 2019, its cutting edge facilities provides four computer laboratories; workshops for subjects such as automotive engineering, cyber-security and robotics, along with three large teaching labs, and four specialist containment labs.