Why choose the School of Computing, Engineering and Creative Industries
In the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2025, our computing courses rank 4th in their subject field overall; they rank 1st for support, student engagement and sense of community.
Our Computer Networking course is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS).
Gain workplace-ready skills with our practical, hands-on approach and progressive syllabus.
About the course
Computer networks and security systems underpin today’s digitally driven society, and there’s a high demand for talented individuals who can navigate them. Our Computer Networking MSc equips you with the skills and knowledge to thrive in such a role. Gain a deep understanding of the field’s fundamental principles then explore pioneering new advancements including wireless technologies, advanced security and parallel architectures. With our focus on employability-based skill development and real-world applications, you graduate fully prepared for a rewarding career in the field.
Course accreditation
This course is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS), the Chartered Institute for IT. You graduate with the technical skills and knowledge required for partial recognition as a registered Chartered IT Professional (CITP), demonstrating that you are a competent professional who meets the industry’s rigorous standards.
Facilities and specialist equipment
- Contemporary STEM building with purpose-built facilities, including a high-tech CCNA Academy computer networking suite and dedicated computing rooms
- Industry-standard software from Cisco and VMware to emulate the professional workplace
- Bespoke lecture theatres, presentation rooms and group study spaces
Student experience
Learn from our industry-experienced academics with expertise in areas such as big data management, digital health initiatives and enhanced AI applications.
Our faculty’s active involvement in real-world research and consultancy feeds directly into the course delivery, ensuring you are kept up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field.
Expand your horizons with industry visits and seminars from external speakers.
Prepare for the workplace through practical experience and hands-on training.
Boost your lifelong career trajectory with employment-focused skill development, such as effective communication; evaluation and assessment; project management; and understanding of ethical and legal dimensions.
Explore your interests with a specialist research project of your choosing.
Benefit from your own personal academic tutor.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Studying our Computer Networking MSc course will provide you with the technical and business skills for the field of networking and telecommunications. You will explore the roles of different wireless technologies in the context of broadband communications and pervasive computing in our Wireless Networking unit. In practical sessions, you will have the opportunity to experiment with network simulation tools and demos.
In areas of business, you will critically review the design and implementation of network systems in the context of real-world business requirements in our Network Systems and Administration unit. You will also examine network technologies, managing and troubleshooting of network systems and emerging trends in the field. Aside from this, you will be introduced to advanced computer and network security issues while deepening your knowledge of security principles, practices and techniques to deal with new emerging threats in our Systems and Network Security unit.
Finally, you will complete an MSc Project in Computer Networking that will allow you to bring your acquired skills and knowledge together in practice. You can take this opportunity to work on a topic of interest to you that is relevant to your field of study. To help you with this, you will be equipped with the skills and knowledge around Research Methodologies and Project Management that will prepare you to engage with scientific work, data analysis, establishing hypotheses and understanding research.
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.
Careers
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.
Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements
Fees for this course
UK
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2025/26 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
International
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2025/26 is £16,900
If you have any questions around fees and funding, please email international@beds.ac.uk
Fees for this course
UK
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2025/26 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
International
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2025/26 is £16,900
If you have any questions around fees and funding, please email international@beds.ac.uk
Fees for this course
UK
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2025/26 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
International
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2025/26 is £16,900
If you have any questions around fees and funding, please email international@beds.ac.uk
Fees for this course
UK
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2025/26 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
International
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2025/26 is £16,900
If you have any questions around fees and funding, please email international@beds.ac.uk
Fees for this course
UK
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2025/26 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
International
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2025/26 is £16,900
If you have any questions around fees and funding, please email international@beds.ac.uk
Fees for this course
UK
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2025/26 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
International
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2025/26 is £16,900
If you have any questions around fees and funding, please email international@beds.ac.uk
