Masters Degrees (Networks)

This is a challenging one-year taught Master’s degree programme that provides students with a range of advanced topics drawn from communication networks (fixed and wireless) and related signal-processing, including associated enabling technologies. It provides an excellent opportunity to develop the skills needed for careers in some of the most dynamic fields in communication networks.

This programme builds on the internationally recognised research strengths of the Communications Systems and Networks, High Performance Networks and Photonics research groups within the Smart Internet Lab. The groups conduct pioneering research in a number of key areas, including network architectures, cross-layer interaction, high-speed optical communications and advanced wireless access.

There are two taught units related to optical communications: Optical Networks and Data Centre Networks. Optical Networks will focus on Wavelength Division Multiplexed (WDM) networks, Time Division Multiplexed (TDM) networks including SDH/SONET and OTN, optical frequency division multiplexed networks, and optical sub-wavelength switched networks. Data Centre Networks will focus on networks for cloud computing, cloud-based networking, grid-computing and e-science. There is a further networking unit: Networked Systems and Applications, which provides a top-down study of networking system support for distributed applications, from classical web and email to telemetry for the Internet of Things.

The programme is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology until 2018, one of only a handful of accredited programmes in this field in the UK.

Programme structure

Your course will cover the following core subjects:

Semester One (40 credits)
-Communication systems
-Digital filters and spectral analysis
-Mobile communications
-Networking protocol principles

Semester Two (80 credits)
-Data centre networking
-Advanced networks
-Broadband wireless communications
-Networked systems and applications
-Engineering research skills
-Optical communications systems and data networks
-Optical networks

Project (60 credits)
You will carry out a substantial research project, starting during Semester Two and completed during the summer. This may be based at the University or with industrial partners.

Careers

This one-year MSc programme gives you a world-class education in all aspects of current and future communication networks and signal processing. It will prepare you for a diverse range of exciting careers - not only in the communications field, but also in other areas such as management consultancy, project management, finance and government agencies.

Our graduates have gone on to have rewarding careers in some of the leading multinational communications companies, such as Huawei, China Telecom, Toshiba, China Mobile and Intel. Some graduates follow a more research-oriented career path, with a number of students going on to study for PhDs at leading universities.

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With the proliferation of mobile and pervasive devices with network capability, along with widespread popularity of the Internet, more and more users and application providers expect services to be available anytime and anywhere.

The Master of Networks and Security (MNS) gives you the skills to manage and administer computer networks and security, and prepares you for a career in network administration or network management, or as a systems analyst, systems designer, data communications specialist, or network security engineer or administrator.

As a network and security professional, your specialised skills will always be in high demand, as well as highly rewarded.

The MNS expands your knowledge of how to design, deploy and maintain networks and application services, by combining theory with practice. You explore issues faced both by users and application providers, and devise possible solutions.

The MNS caters to students from a variety of backgrounds by including preparatory IT units. However, if you already have a degree in IT or engineering, you may accelerate your study with an exemption from these preparatory units, or perhaps choose to take further networks and security electives.

The advanced studies of an MNS include a range of topics, from network structure, design, quality of service and protocols, to information, software and network security.

The course emphasises the principles and management of computer networks and the security technologies upon which organisations rely. You will learn how to evaluate the security needs of an organisation's infrastructure and create plans to protect it against potential attacks and security breaches.

In your final semester, you may take part in an Industry Experience program, working in a small team with industry mentors to develop entrepreneurial IT solutions. Or you may undertake a minor-thesis research project, investigating cutting-edge problems in networks and security under the supervision of internationally recognised researchers.

High-achieving students who complete the research component may progress to further research study.Graduates may be eligible for Australian Computer Society (ACS) professional membership.

Visit the website http://www.study.monash/courses/find-a-course/2016/networks-and-security-c6002?domestic=true

Overview

With the proliferation of mobile and pervasive devices with network capability and the popularity and the availability of Internet, more and more users and application providers are seeking and providing services with the access and delivery paradigm of anytime and anywhere. In order to harness such rapidly changing technology, one needs to have clear understanding, knowledge and experience that transcends these technologies in order to able to design, deploy and maintain networks and application services. This course not only provides an in-depth knowledge on the principles of these technologies, but also explores issues that are faced both by the users and the application providers, and provides possible solutions. The theory is interrelated with the practice which makes this course unique.

Course Structure

The course is structured in three parts, A, B and C. All students complete Part B (core studies). Depending upon prior qualifications, you may receive credit for Part A Foundations for advanced networks and security studies or Part C Advanced practice or a combination of the two.

Note that if you are eligible for credit for prior studies you may elect not to receive the credit.

PART A. Foundations for advanced networks and security studies
These studies will provide an orientation to the field of networks and security at graduate level. They are intended for students whose previous qualification is not in a cognate field.

PART B. Core Master's study
These studies draw on best practices within the broad realm of IT networks and security theory and practice. You will gain an understanding of information and computer security and IT project management principles. Your study will focus on your choice of units within Networks and Security.

PART C. Advanced practice
The focus of these studies is professional or scholarly work that can contribute to a portfolio of professional development. You have two options.

The first option is a research pathway including a thesis. Students wishing to use this Masters course as a pathway to a higher degree by research should take this first option.

The second option is a program of coursework involving advanced study and an Industry experience studio project.

Students admitted to the course, who have a recognised honours degree in a discipline cognate to networks and security, will receive credit for Part C, however, should they wish to complete a 24 point research project as part of the course they should consult with the course coordinator.

For more information visit the faculty website - http://www.study.monash/media/links/faculty-websites/information-technology

Find out how to apply here - http://www.study.monash/courses/find-a-course/2016/networks-and-security-c6002?domestic=true#making-the-application

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This programme involves studying the interaction between and within groups of neurons in the brain, and how they affect our interactions with the outside world.

The brain is no longer considered a passive response device but rather as a network in which we consider ongoing activity before, during, and after a stimulus. The specialisation Brain Networks and Neuronal Communication deals with brain networks; ranging from the smallest scale, the communication between individual neurons, to the largest scale, communication between different brain areas. Using advanced mathematical tools, this specialisation prepares students for cutting-edge neuroscience research.

Students interested in this specialisation are expected to already have a high level of mathematical skills and/or training in physics, engineering or computer science in their Bachelor’s studies.

A large majority of our graduates gain a PhD position, while other graduates find jobs in the commercial sector or at research institutes. Graduates of this specialisation may more readily find a position within a government institution or specialised companies (e.g. in the pharmaceutical industry).

See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/cns/brain

Why study Brain Networks and Neuronal Communication at Radboud University?

- Researchers in Nijmegen combine new techniques for electrophysiological and anatomical measurements of connectivity and activation with data analysis and the experimental application of these techniques. This is done in studies of cognition in not just humans but also non-human primates and rodents.

- Exceptional students who choose this specialisation have the opportunity to do a double degree programme with either Neuroscience or Artificial Intelligence. This will take three instead of two years.

- This competitive programme provides a sound balance of theory and practice. Our selective approach guarantees excellence, especially during the research training period.

Career prospects

If you have successfully completed the Master’s programme in Brain networks and neuronal communication, you will be able to conduct independent neuroimaging and neurobiological research. You will have ample knowledge of the anatomical and neurophysiological aspects of networks in the human brain and the techniques for the computational analysis and modeling of brain networks. This will enable you to conduct independent research into the neurofunctional architecture of key cognitive functions, such as perception, attention, memory, language, planning and targeted actions and develop technologies to measure, characterise and model networks at the whole brain and/or the local cortical circuit level. With this educational background you should be able to find a position with one of the research institutes in the Netherlands or abroad, government institutions or specialised companies (e.g. in the pharmaceutical industry).

Our approach to this field

Research in the field of cognitive neuroscience is one of the spearheads in the research policy of Radboud University. Here, in Nijmegen, hundreds of scientists from various faculties and top institutes have joined forces to unravel the workings of the human brain, step by step . They work together closely, exchange expertise and share state-of-the-art research equipment.

Nijmegen is one of the foremost centres of cognitive neuroscience in the world. We have a high admission threshold to ensure that all of our students are highly motivated and have the ability to work at an advanced level. Top scientists screen all applications to make sure the new students meet our stringent entry criteria and can maintain the current standards of excellence. Once admitted to the programme, you can expect to be trained as a multidisciplinary scientist in the following two years. The research you will undertake addresses crossdisciplinary challenges. The teachers and supervisors you will meet are all experts in their own disciplines. We hope that with this programme, you will outperform your teachers by being able to combine knowledge from different domains. Alongside language processing and perceptuomotor systems, you may also help improve brain/computer interfaces, a hot topic with applications in medicine and information technology. Apart from being very exciting, it is also logical that various disciplines are merging. After all, everything that happens in the brain is interconnected. In Nijmegen we develop sophisticated cognitive models which we test by means of state-of-the-art imaging techniques, thanks to which you can participate in cutting-edge research that will hopefully lead to new insights into the way the human brain and mind work. Finally, we offer our best CNS students excellent career opportunities in challenging PhD projects.

- Unique multi-disciplinary Master’s programme

Are you also interested in the human brain? Would you like to conduct research into the workings of the brain and join an enthusiastic, international group of top researchers? The Radboud University offers a multi-faculty Master’s programme in Cognitive Neuroscience. The programme takes two years and is of a scientific orientation. There is a strong emphasis on experimental research. This Master’s programme is unique in Europe.

The Master’s programme in Cognitive Neuroscience is primarily focused on training you as a researcher because research institutes and businesses around the world desperately need highly qualified and motivated young researchers. Moreover, since cognitive neuroscience is a rather young discipline, much in this field has not yet been explored. There are many challenging questions that need to be answered. So there is plenty of room for new discoveries!

This competitive programme provides a sound balance of theory and practice. We enroll about 50 students per year. Our selective approach guarantees excellence, especially during the research training period.

See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/cns/brain

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Companies are becoming ever more dependent on their information networks for mission-critical operations. They want highly trained networking professionals to keep them operational, available, resilient and efficient.

The myriad of threats towards these networks are changing constantly. Security polices and mitigation techniques have to keep pace with these threats in order to allow genuine traffic out of and into our corporate networks whilst controlling the malicious users.

This course will give you the knowledge, lifelong learning skills and enthusiasm needed to support and manage both corporate networks and security systems. As part of the award you will participate in the CISCO Networking Academy Programme and you'll prepare for the widely accepted industry CCNA Security and Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certifications.

We encourage you to complete a one-year industrial placement as part of this course. You could work with small enterprises or large companies like Cisco, Amazon and Thomson Reuters. We even send our students on placements to Cisco's European HQ in Brussels, we are the only UK University that currently does so.
We encourage International students on the Tier 4 visa , once enrolled, to apply for a placement. Students who are successful with finding a placement will be provided with help and advice with their visa extension application (subject to the University deadlines and Immigration requirements).

Course content

In your first study stage, the PgC, you will study five modules - a mix of award cores and networking or networking and security options. In the second stage the PgD you will study a further four modules. (Upon successful completion of 4 modules you will be eligible for a PgC in Computer Science) On finishing the PgC and before starting the dissertation you have the opportunity to undertake a work placement of 12 months. You will finish your award by completing a dissertation on a network related topic.

Core modules
-Networking Concepts (Two weeks pre-enrolment)
-Research Methods
-Professional Switched Networks
-Network Security
-Computer Security: Low-Level
-Virtualisation
-Advanced Quality of Service Techniques over a Converged Network
-Professional Routed Networks
-Maintaining a Converged IP Based Network
-Dissertation

Graduate destinations

Graduates from our Computer Networks and Security award join large and small organisations within graduate programs and as direct employees. Our graduates are in high demand by the networking industry. Companies include Cisco, Meraki, GCHQ, BT, Amazon and Layer3.

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Our MSc in Communications, Networks and Software covers the key aspects of the changing Internet environment, in particular the convergence of computing and communications underpinned by software-based solutions.

Some of our students undertaking their project are able to work on one of our wide range of testbeds, such as internet technologies, wireless networking, network management and control, and internet-of-things (IoT) applications.

We also have specialist software tools for assignments and project work, including OPNET, NS2/3, and various system simulators.

Read about the experience of a previous student on this course, Efthymios Bliatis.

Programme structure

This programme is studied full-time over 12 months or part-time from 24 to 60 months. It consists of eight taught modules and a project.

Example module listing

The following modules are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that not all modules described are compulsory and may be subject to teaching availability and/or student demand.

• Object Oriented Design and C++ (+Lab)
• Fundamentals of Mobile Communications
• Principles of Telecommunications and Packet Networks
• Speech and Audio Processing and Recognition
• Internet of Things
• Applied Mathematics for Communication Systems
• Data and Internet Networking Compulsory
• Advanced Signal Processing
• Advanced Mobile Communication Systems
• Network and Service Management and Control
• Operating Systems for Mobile Systems Programming
• Advanced 5G Wireless Technologies
• Standard Project

Educational aims of the programme 

The taught postgraduate degree programmes of the Department are intended both to assist with professional career development within the relevant industry and, for a small number of students, to serve as a precursor to academic research.

Our philosophy is to integrate the acquisition of core engineering and scientific knowledge with the development of key practical skills (where relevant).

To fulfil these objectives, the programme aims to:

• Attract well-qualified entrants, with a background in Electronic Engineering, Physical Sciences, Mathematics, Computing and Communications, from the UK, Europe and overseas
• Provide participants with advanced knowledge, practical skills and understanding applicable to the MSc degree
• Develop participants' understanding of the underlying science, engineering, and technology, and enhance their ability to relate this to industrial practice
• Develop participants' critical and analytical powers so that they can effectively plan and execute individual research/design/development projects
• Provide a high level of flexibility in programme pattern and exit point
• Provide students with an extensive choice of taught modules, in subjects for which the Department has an international and UK research reputation

A graduate from this MSc Programme should:

• Know, understand and be able to apply the fundamental mathematical, scientific and engineering facts and principles that underpin communications, networks and software
• Be able to analyse problems within the field of communications, networks and software and more broadly in electronic engineering and find solutions
• Be able to use relevant workshop and laboratory tools and equipment, and have experience of using relevant task-specific software packages to perform engineering tasks
• Know, understand and be able to use the basic mathematical, scientific and engineering facts and principles associated with the topics within communications, networks and software
• Be aware of the societal and environmental context of his/her engineering activities
• Be aware of commercial, industrial and employment-related practices and issues likely to affect his/her engineering activities
• Be able to carry out research-and-development investigations
• Be able to design electronic circuits and electronic/software products and systems

Facilities, equipment and support

We have a full range of software support for assignments and project work, including:

• Matlab/Simulink, C, C++ and up-to-date toolboxes, systemsview, OPNET and NS2/3 (you will be able to access system simulators already built in-house, including 3GPP, BGAN, DVB-S2-RCS, GSM, UMTS, DVB-SH, WCDMA, GPRS, WiMAX, LTE, HSPA and HSDPA)
• Our Rohde and Schwartz Satellite Networking Laboratory includes DVBS2-RCS generation and measurement equipment and roof-mounted antennas to pick up satellites (a security test-bed also exists for satellite security evaluation)
• A fully equipped RF lab with network analyser, signal and satellite link simulations
• A small anechoic chamber for antenna measurements (a wideband MIMO channel sounder is available for propagation measurements)
• SatNEX is a European Network of Excellence in satellite communications, and a satellite platform exists to link the 22 partners around Europe (this is used for virtual meetings and to participate in lectures and seminars delivered by our partners)
• A fully equipped UHF/VHF satellite ground-station facility is located on campus, which is being expanded to S-band and is supported by the ESA GENSO project (at present, the station tracks amateur satellites and CubeSats)
• Our wide coverage experimental wireless network test-bed is based on IPv4, and IPv6 for testing new networking protocols for mobility, handover, security, cognitive radio and networking can be carried out (most networking protocol projects use this test-bed, with the help of PhD students and staff)
• We are the only university in the UK that has an IP-Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) test-bed for developing and experimenting with advanced mobile/wireless services/applications – you can use this to carry out your services and application-based projects for mobile multimedia, such as multi-mode user interface, service mobility, service discovery and social networking services
• Our wireless sensor test-bed is unique; advanced routing protocols, middleware architectures, air interface and networking protocols for wireless sensor networks can be developed and tested

Global opportunities

We often give our students the opportunity to acquire international experience during their degrees by taking advantage of our exchange agreements with overseas universities.

In addition to the hugely enjoyable and satisfying experience, time spent abroad adds a distinctive element to your CV.

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Increasingly, computer networks cannot be considered without the important issue of security; without secure networks, businesses, commerce and communications would all fail. This course addresses the need for modern computer network professionals.

You cover topics such as current and future internet protocols, programming networked services and securing these systems. We offer a strong practical element through laboratory programmes in software engineering and in computer networking; laboratory work in security includes unique environments where the techniques of the attackers can be observed and stopped using specialist security tools.

Our School is a community of scholars leading the way in technological research and development. Today’s computer scientists are creative people who are focused and committed, yet restless and experimental. We are home to many of the world’s top scientists, and our work is driven by creativity and imagination as well as technical excellence.

We are ranked Top 10 in the UK in the 2015 Academic Ranking of World Universities, with more than two-thirds of our research rated ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent (REF 2014).

This course is also available on a part-time basis.

Professional accreditation

This degree is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).This accreditation is increasingly sought by employers, and provides the first stage towards eventual professional registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Our expert staff

Specialist staff researching computer networks include Professor Mohammed Ghanbari, Dr Nigel Newton, Professor Stuart Walker, and Professor Klaus McDonald-Maier.

More broadly, our research covers a range of topics, from materials science and semiconductor device physics, to the theory of computation and the philosophy of computer science, with most of our research groups based around laboratories offering world-class facilities.

In recent years we have attracted many highly active research staff and we are conducting world-leading research in areas such as evolutionary computation, brain-computer interfacing, intelligent inhabited environments and financial forecasting.

Our impressive external research funding stands at over £4 million and we participate in a number of EU initiatives and undertake projects under contract to many outside bodies, including government and industrial organisations.

Specialist facilities

We are one of the largest and best resourced computer science and electronic engineering schools in the UK. Our work is supported by extensive networked computer facilities and software aids, together with a wide range of test and instrumentation equipment.
-We have six laboratories that are exclusively for computer science and electronic engineering students. Three are open 24/7, and you have free access to the labs except when there is a scheduled practical class in progress
-All computers run either Windows 7 or are dual boot with Linux
-Software includes Java, Prolog, C++, Perl, Mysql, Matlab, DB2, Microsoft Office, Visual Studio, and Project
-Students have access to CAD tools and simulators for chip design (Xilinx) and computer networks (OPNET)
-We also have specialist facilities for research into areas including non-invasive brain-computer interfaces, intelligent environments, robotics, optoelectronics, video, RF and MW, printed circuit milling, and semiconductors

Your future

Graduates of our degree in this area have found work in a variety of networking roles and companies including, network management for companies, Internet service providers and developers for security products both in the UK and overseas.

Our recent graduates have progressed to a variety of senior positions in industry and academia. Some of the companies and organisations where our former graduates are now employed include:
-Electronic Data Systems
-Pfizer Pharmaceuticals
-Bank of Mexico
-Visa International
-Hyperknowledge (Cambridge)
-Hellenic Air Force
-ICSS (Beijing)
-United Microelectronic Corporation (Taiwan)

We also work with the university’s Employability and Careers Centre to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.

Example structure

-MSc Project and Dissertation
-Computer Security
-IP Networking and Applications
-Networking Principles
-Networks Laboratory
-Professional Practice and Research Methodology
-Programming in Python
-Cloud Technologies and Systems (optional)
-Data Science and Decision Making (optional)
-Converged Networks and Services (optional)
-Creating and Growing a New Business Venture (optional)
-Mobile Communications (optional)
-Advanced Transport Networks (optional)
-Network Security and Cryptographic Principles (optional)

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This programme provides students with a challenging range of advanced topics drawn from optical communications systems and devices, and optics-related signal processing, including associated enabling technologies. It provides an excellent opportunity to acquire the skills needed for a career in the most dynamic fields in optical communications.

This programme builds on the internationally-recognised research strengths of the Photonics and High Performance Networks research groups within the Smart Internet Lab. Optical fibre communications form the backbone of all land-based communications and is the only viable means to support today's global information systems. Research at Bristol is contributing to the ever-increasing requirement for bandwidth and flexibility through research into optical switching technology, wavelength conversion, high-speed modulation, data regeneration and novel semiconductor lasers.

There are two taught units related to optical communications: Optical Networks and Data Centre Networks. Optical Networks focuses on Wavelength Division Multiplexed (WDM) networks, Time Division Multiplexed (TDM) networks including SDH/SONET and OTN, optical frequency division multiplexed networks, and optical sub-wavelength switched networks. Data Centre Networks focuses on networks for cloud computing, cloud-based networking, grid computing and e-science.

The group at Bristol is a world leader in the new field of quantum photonics, with key successes in developing photonic crystal fibre light sources, quantum secured optical communications and novel quantum gate technologies.

The programme is accredited by Institute of Engineering and Technology until 2018, one of only a handful of accredited programmes in the UK.

Programme structure

Your programme will cover the following core subjects:

Semester one (50 credits)
-Communication systems
-Digital filters and spectral analysis
-Mobile communications
-Networking protocol principles
-Optoelectronic devices and systems

Semester two (70 credits)
-Advanced optoelectronic devices
-Data centre networking
-Advanced networks
-Engineering research skills
-Optical communications systems and data networks
-Optical networks

Research project (60 credits)
A substantial research project is initiated during the second teaching block and completed during the summer. This may be based at the University or with industrial partners.

Careers

This one-year MSc programme gives you a world-class education in all aspects of current and future optical communication systems, along with associated signal processing technologies. It will prepare you for a diverse range of exciting careers - not only in the communications field, but also in other areas such as management consultancy, project management, finance and government agencies.

Our graduates have gone on to have rewarding careers in some of the leading multinational communications companies, such as Huawei, China Telecom, Toshiba, China Mobile and Intel. Some graduates follow a more research-oriented career path with a number of students going on to study for PhDs at leading universities.

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IN BRIEF:

• Great employment prospects in a large and growing industry for  good graduates
• Your will be based at MediaCityUK
• The teaching and topics of this course are closely aligned to a top research centre at the University
• Part-time study option
• International students can apply

COURSE SUMMARY

This course is for students who want to become professionals in computer networks and modern telecommunications fields.

You will gain a comprehensive understanding of techniques used to transmit digital information, modern computer network design and operation, communication protocols and the importance of standards and regulatory issues

These subjects are supplemented by modules in technical and administration management techniques and by an industry-sponsored seminar course.

MSc students also undertake an individual project.

COURSE DETAILS

This course covers a comprehensive range of topics split in to four large modules worth 30 credits each plus the MSc Project.

External speakers from blue-chip and local companies will give seminars to complement your learning, that will be real-world case studies related to the subjects you are studying in your modules.  These are designed to improve the breadth of your learning and often lead to ideas that you can develop for your MSc Project.

DURATION

September intake

MSc (one year full-time or two years part-time)

PgDip (nine months full-time or one year and six months part-time)

January intake

MSc (one year and four months full-time)

PgDip (one year full-time)

TEACHING

Teaching will be in the form of lectures, individual and group class work, plus topical and relevant participative class discussions and critical evaluation using case studies

Laboratories will be used to provide you with hand-on experience of using and setting up network systems. Tutorials will be used to give you practice in solving theoretical and design problems associated with network technologies and network systems.

ASSESSMENT

Over the programme, the assessment of the taught modules is as follows:

• Examinations - 50%
• Coursework and Assignments - 50%

CAREER PROSPECTS

Graduates with experience of computer network systems and digital communications are in demand in all industrial and commercial sectors. 

The employment record for the MSc is good, with students obtaining jobs in traditional telecommunication companies, software development companies and companies in the service and commercial sectors.

Typical jobs range from network design engineers, network maintenance, software development, systems design and integration, marketing, after-sales support and technical support.

LINKS WITH INDUSTRY

We have links with companies such as large companies such as BT, Talk Talk, Motorolla, BBC, CICSO and local companies like i-wimax.

These companies engage with the University by giving guest seminars and often our students will work with them on their MSc Project.

FURTHER STUDY

Many of our graduates will go on to further study in our Computer Networks and Telecommunications Research Centre (CNTR)

The CNTR undertakes both pure and applied research in the general field of telecommunications and computer networking including computer networking technologies, wireless systems, networked multimedia applications, quality of service, mobile networking, intelligent buildings, context driven information systems, smart environments and communication protocols. Much of this work is funded through research grants and supported by industry. In addition, members of the group are actively involved in a range of public engagement programmes which aim to raise the awareness of these subjects for the general public and in schools.

Research themes in this Centre include:

• Wireless technologies and sensor networks
• Context and location based information systems
• Intelligent buildings and energy monitoring
• Communication protocols, traffic routing and quality of service
• Network planning, traffic modelling and optimisation
• Ubiquitous and ambient technology
• Information security and computer forensics
• Distributed Systems
• Green ICT Public Awareness

FACILITIES

You will have access to a dedicated computer networks lab which is equipped with industry standard equipment. In addition to PC equipment, the lab contains a set of switches, routers, servers, wireless equipment, testing tools and analysers which help you in building various data networks.  

Various software tools and simulation packages are also available in the school's labs for you to use in your assignment and final projects. Such tools enable you to design and test data networks in simulated environments allowing you to experiment with your design before implementing the real network. The course is also supported by other facilities including PC suites, library, programming and office packages and a virtual learning environment.

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This programme provides a broad coverage of computer networks, computer security and mobile device technologies. It looks in depth at some of the security issues that fixed and wireless networks are subject to, and the current solutions employed to address these problems.

* This programme will be taught at the Canterbury campus*

Key benefits

- Work placement available

- In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014, research by the School of Computing was ranked 12th in the UK for research intensity.

Visit the website: https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/259/networks-security

Course detail

The Internet carries huge volumes of personal, business and financial data, much of which is accessed wirelessly through mobile devices. Security measures are increasingly essential to protect systems and data from attack (e.g. interception) and abuse (e.g. junk email). This course provides a broad coverage of computer networks, computer security and mobile device technologies. It looks in depth at some of the security issues that fixed and wireless networks are subject to and the current solutions employed to address these problems.

Purpose

This course will appeal to computing graduates seeking careers in the network or network security industries, or those who wish to carry on with this topic as an area of research. All taught Master's programmes at Canterbury are available with an optional industrial placement.

Format and assessment

Core modules for all students:

- Computer Security
- Networks and Network Security
- Advanced Network Security
- Mobile and Ubiquitous Computing
- Project Research
- Project and Dissertation

Assessment is through a mixture of written examinations and coursework, the relative weights of which vary according to the nature of the module. The final project is assessed by a dissertation, except for the MSc in IT Consultancy for which the practical consultancy work is assessed through a series of reports covering each of the projects undertaken.

How to apply: https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/apply/

Why study at The University of Kent?

- Shortlisted for University of the Year 2015
- Kent has been ranked fifth out of 120 UK universities in a mock Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) exercise modelled by Times Higher Education (THE).
- In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014, Kent was ranked 17th* for research output and research intensity, in the Times Higher Education, outperforming 11 of the 24 Russell Group universities
- Over 96% of our postgraduate students who graduated in 2014 found a job or further study opportunity within six months.
Find out more: https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/why/

Postgraduate scholarships and funding

We have a scholarship fund of over £9 million to support our taught and research students with their tuition fees and living costs. Find out more: https://www.kent.ac.uk/scholarships/postgraduate/

English language learning

If you need to improve your English before and during your postgraduate studies, Kent offers a range of modules and programmes in English for Academic Purposes (EAP). Find out more here: https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/international/english.html

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What do Facebook, the financial system, Internet or the brain have in common?

"Everything is connected, all is network"
From the underlying skeleton of social relations, the interdependent evolution of our financial system, to the emergent collective computation in the brain, most of the complex systems that appear in society, technology, and nature are ultimately characterised by a nontrivial pattern of inter-relations. This underlying architecture is in turn shaping how information diffuses and spreads, how resilient the system is against attacks or perturbations, or how complex patterns emerge at the systemic level from the aggregation of seemingly simple individuals.

Our MSc Network Science will provide a thorough grounding in the core principles of modelling and analysis of complex and networked systems, along with the principal analytical and numerical methodologies. This will open to students a host of career opportunities in systems and networks modelling industries, spanning the IT, financial, and biomedical sectors, that are now requiring such specialist knowledge and skills.

Network Science is a very active and rapidly evolving research field with high societal impact, which stands at the crossroads of graph theory, complexity and data analysis. Addressing the description and modelling of the architecture and dynamics of complex systems -systems composed by many interacting units that show collective behaviour- it stands as a new kind of science to cope with some of the most challenging endeavours we face today, in an ever increasingly more connected society.
Its impact and applications outside academia pervades technological sectors such as communications and infrastructures (Internet, transportation networks, energy networks, urban mobility), finance (financial risk and systemic instability, financial networks, interbank cross-correlations), marketing and IT (social media, data analytics), public health (epidemic spreading models), or biostatistics and network biology (brain modelling, protein interaction networks, postgenomic era), to cite a few. This specialist masters programme aims at providing graduate students and professionals with a rigorous training in the underlying mathematical concepts, the analysis and modelling of complex networks and networked systems, complemented with training in computing, numerical simulations and massive data analysis. It is aimed towards students with a mathematical background who wish to enter a career involving analysis and optimisation of diverse kinds of networks, networked dynamics and models.

Why study your MSc Network Science at Queen Mary?
This is a pioneering MSc in the UK, a joint programme, taught by our Schools of Mathematical Sciences, and Electronic Engineering and Computer Science, drawing on their strengths in research and teaching in the area of complex networks, mathematical modelling of complex systems, and data mining.

We teach what we know and what we do best. Within the School of Mathematics, the Complex Systems & Networks group is one of the biggest hubs in Network Science within the UK, where we address both fundamental and applied challenges in the mathematical modelling of complex systems with clear societal impact, in collaboration with several industrial stakeholders. Within the School of Electronic Engineering, the Networks group was founded in 1987, and has hugely expanded ever since, bringing their expertise in online social networks, data mining and cloud computing. The coalescence of both groups expertises has fostered the creation of this unique MSc.

More about our two schools

Queen Mary is a member of the prestigious Russell Group of leading UK universities, combining world-class research, teaching excellence and unrivalled links with business and the public sector. The School of Mathematical Sciences has a distinguished history on itself. We have been conducting pioneering mathematical research since the 1950s, and as one of the largest mathematical departments in the UK, with over 50 members of staff, the school can offer diverse postgraduate study opportunities across the field, from pure and applied mathematics, to finance and statistics. Along with the MSc in Network Science, our cohort of postgraduate students specialise in Mathematics and Statistics, Mathematical Finance and Financial Computing. We are one of the UK’s leading universities in the most recent national assessment of research quality, we were placed ninth in the UK (REF 2014) amongst multi-faculty universities. This means that the teaching on our postgraduate programmes is directly inspired by the world-leading research of our academics. Our staff includes international leaders in many areas of mathematical research, and the School is a hive of activity, providing a vibrant intellectual space for postgraduate study.

The School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science is internationally recognised for their pioneering and ground-breaking research in several areas including machine learning and applied network analysis. This expertise uniquely complements the more theoretical knowledge offered by the School of Mathematical Sciences, providing a well balanced mix of theory and applications and offering a deep and robust programme that combines the foundations of the mathematics of networks with the latest cutting edge applications in real world problems.

Additionally, Queen Mary holds a university-level Bronze Award for the Athena SWAN Charter, which recognises and celebrates good employment practice for women working in mathematics, science, engineering and technology in higher education and research.

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This master’s course is great if you want to become an expert in computer security and networks. Whether you want to continue in your computer science studies or turn your industry experience into qualifications, this is the ideal course for you.

Course details

Computer security and networks experts are in high demand around the world. You study a combination of modules, from Systems Administration and Security through to Mobile Systems and Communications, making sure you have the right skills for business. You gain a good understanding of planning and managing large development projects when studying our E-Commerce Management and Master’s Project modules – both will enhance your employability and career prospects even further.

There are three routes you can choose from to gain an MSc Computer Security and Networks:

• full-time - 2 years with advanced practice (September start)
• full-time - 1 year (September start) or 16 months (January start)
• part-time - 2 years.

What you study

You study the concepts, principles and theories of computer networks and security, informed by current research and professional practice. For example, building and managing a secure and effective commercial web presence requires much more than coding expertise – it requires a sound combination of commercial acumen, technical understanding and effective operations management. Our lecturers have significant research and industry experience and are well placed to develop your skills and knowledge in this field. 

Course structure

Core modules

• Computer and Network Security
• e-Commerce Management
• Master’s Project: Computer Security and Networks
• Mobile Systems and Communications
• Network Service Management
• Research Methods for Computing
• Systems Administration and Security

Modules offered may vary.

Teaching

How you learn

You learn about concepts and methods primarily through keynote lectures and tutorials using case studies and examples. Lectures include presentations from guest speakers from industry. Critical reflection is key to successful problem solving and essential to the creative process. You develop your own reflective practice at an advanced level, then test and assess your solutions against criteria that you develop in the light of your research. For example, in Mobile Systems and Communications and Network Service Management you research an agreed area, based on the topics introduced during lectures, and prepare a report on this.

How you are assessed

Assessment takes a variety of forms including:

• designing and developing business solutions
• presentations
• peer reviews
• reports.

We typically give on-going feedback during lectures and tutorials and assessment feedback using online methods.

Employability

Career opportunities

From the beginning of your programme, we prepare you for a career in industry. In addition to your taught classes, we create opportunities for you to meet and network with our industry partners through events such as our ExpoSeries, which showcases student work to industry. ExpoTees is the pinnacle of the ExpoSeries with over 100 businesses from across the UK coming to the campus to meet our exceptional students, with a view to recruitment.

Advanced practice

There are a number of internship options, including:

• Vocational internship – spend one semester working full-time in industry or on placement in the University. We have close links with a range of national and international companies who will offer you the chance to develop your knowledge and professional skills in the workplace through an internship. Although we cannot guarantee internships, we will provide you with practical support and advice on how to find and secure your own internship position. A vocational internship is a great way to gain work experience and give your CV a competitive edge.
• Research internship – develop your research and academic skills by undertaking a research internship within the University. Experience working as part of a research team in an academic setting. Ideal for those who are interested in a career in research or academia.

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About the course

This course provides exposure to the wide variety of technical, managerial and organisational issues essential to effective commercial deployment of data communication systems.

You will develop practical skills through the workshop module, both to reinforce the theory presented in lectures and to gain hands-on experience. In addition to in-depth technical knowledge, the data communications industry also considers project management, team working and presentation skills to be key attributes, which are all developed on the course.

Aims

Data communications is a rapidly expanding sector with exciting career prospects. In this fast moving environment postgraduate qualifications provide a competitive edge in career progression.

This course is aimed at widening and deepening the experience of academically capable graduates and practising engineers, specifically:

Recent graduates in electrical or electronic engineering, computer science, physics and mathematics who wish to deepen their knowledge of the technological, commercial and managerial issues associated with data communication systems
Practicing engineers who wish to update their knowledge.
European and other overseas engineers who wish to broaden their education in the UK.

Course Content

Compulsory Modules:

Advanced Digital Communications
Computer Networks
Communication Networks Security
Network Design and Management
Network Computing
Radio and Optical Communication Systems
Project Management
Research Methods
Project and Dissertation

Special Features

The Electronic and Computer Engineering discipline is one of the largest in the University, with a strong portfolio of research contracts, and has strong links with industry.We have a wide range of research groups, each with a complement of academics and research staff and students. The groups are:

Media Communications
Wireless Networks and Communications
Power Systems
Electronic Systems
Sensors and Instrumentation

The laboratories are well equipped with an excellent range of facilities to support the research work and courses. We have comprehensive computing resources in addition to those offered centrally by the University. The discipline is particularly fortunate in having extensive gifts of software and hardware to enable it to undertake far-reaching design projects.

Women in Engineering and Computing Programme

Brunel’s Women in Engineering and Computing mentoring scheme provides our female students with invaluable help and support from their industry mentors.

Accreditation

The course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). This will provide a route to Chartered Engineer status in the UK, if you have a qualifying first degree.

Assessment

Each of the eight course modules is assessed either by formal examination, written assignments or a combination of the two. Hand-in dates for the assignments are specified at the beginning of the academic year.
Examinations are normally taken in January and May. Successful completion of the first part of the programme allows the student to proceed to the dissertation stage. To qualify for the award of the MSc degree the student must submit a satisfactory dissertation.

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What do Facebook, the financial system, Internet or the brain have in common?

All are connected in a network. From the underlying skeleton of social relations, the interdependent evolution of our financial system, to the emergent collective computation in the brain, most of the complex systems that appear in society, technology, and nature are ultimately characterised by a nontrivial pattern of inter-relations. This underlying architecture is in turn shaping how information diffuses and spreads, how resilient the system is against attacks or perturbations, or how complex patterns emerge at the systemic level from the aggregation of seemingly simple individuals.

Our MSc in Network Science will provide a thorough grounding in the core principles of modelling and analysis of complex and networked systems, along with the principal analytical and numerical methodologies. This will open to students a host of career opportunities in systems and networks modelling industries, spanning the IT, financial, and biomedical sectors, that are now requiring such specialist knowledge and skills.

Network Science is a very active and rapidly evolving research field with high societal impact, which stands at the crossroads of graph theory, complexity and data analysis. Addressing the description and modelling of the architecture and dynamics of complex systems -systems composed by many interacting units that show collective behaviour- it stands as a new kind of science to cope with some of the most challenging endeavours we face today, in an ever increasingly more connected society.
Its impact and applications outside academia pervades technological sectors such as communications and infrastructures (Internet, transportation networks, energy networks, urban mobility), biostatistics and network biology (brain modelling, protein interaction networks, postgenomic era), public health (epidemic spreading models), marketing and IT (social media, data analytics) to cite a few. This specialist masters programme aims at providing graduate students and professionals with a rigorous training in the underlying mathematical concepts, the analysis and modelling of complex networks and networked systems, complemented with training in computing, numerical simulations and massive data analysis. It is aimed towards students whose undergraduate degree is in mathematics or a cognate discipline who wish to enter a career involving analysis and optimisation of diverse kinds of networks, networked dynamics and models.

Why study your MSc Network Science at Queen Mary?
This is a pioneering MSc in the UK, a joint programme, taught by our Schools of Mathematical Sciences, and Electronic Engineering and Computer Science, drawing on their strengths in research and teaching in the area of complex networks, mathematical modelling of complex systems, and data mining.

We teach what we know and what we do best. Within the School of Mathematics, the Complex Systems & Networks group is one of the biggest hubs in Network Science within the UK, where we address both fundamental and applied challenges in the mathematical modelling of complex systems with clear societal impact, in collaboration with several industrial stakeholders. Within the School of Electronic Engineering, the Networks group was founded in 1987, and has hugely expanded ever since, bringing their expertise in online social networks, data mining and cloud computing. The coalescence of both groups expertises has fostered the creation of this unique MSc.

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Our MSc Data Networks and Security course will provide opportunities for you to engage in the design and implementation of secured and optimized communication network solutions, including SDN (Software Defined Networks and wireless technologies.

This will be achieved by industry-led, research-informed, practice-based teaching and learning. Using industry-standard resources, you will apply the skills and knowledge gained to real-life project scenarios across industry, commerce and public sector.

The programme of study will include areas such as requirements capture, network design, evaluation, securing and optimisation, ranging from hardware configuration to protocol analysis and software definition. The programme will include research and scholarly activity in order to incorporate the latest thinking into the proposed solution.

What's covered in the course?

On this course, you will learn to:
-Critically evaluate and apply knowledge of advanced routing principles.
-Evaluate and apply advanced routing protocols for specific networking solutions.
-Evaluate a variety of routing techniques for a given network environment.
-Critically evaluate routing policy requirements for a network.
-Design and implement ethernet-based LANs. Ensuring security within the given environment.
-Apply mathematical analysis to use VLSM efficiently.
-Apply security considerations to the design and management of networks.
-Design/plan and implement LAN/WAN solutions which require switched hybrid.
-Critically assess SDN solutions in both the industry and research domains.
-Design an SDN-based network for a given system, identifying appropriate components and network structure.
-Implement an appropriate SDN controller to manage device configuration, and any other relevant network policies within an SDN network.
-Select, plan and implement an appropriate testing strategy to validate security requirements against a threat model.
-Critically evaluate the requirements for penetration testing, ethical hacking and effectively communicate security audit results to a variety of audiences.
-Design and conduct security assessment experiments to expose security vulnerabilities and to interpret, analyse and critically evaluate the resulting data to recommend remedial actions.
-Critically appraise the role of security testing within the wider context of continuous security improvements to the information assurance processes within the organisation.

Why choose us?

-The Centre for Cloud Computing houses the Cisco Networking Academy, which has an international reputation for delivering high-quality teaching, training and support acrossEurope, the Middle East and Africa.
-In six purpose-built rooms, the Centre also houses £500,000 of computer networking and communications equipment, together with more than £200,000 of web-based equipment and bookable resources.
-The course provides opportunities for you to engage in advanced studies using problem-based learning and flipped curricula strategies. You will work in groups and on your own to deliver solutions to industry-related problems and scenarios.
-The unique combination of employer-led, research-informed technical knowledge and practical experience on industry-standard resources makes our graduates more employable and sought after.
-The course encourages critical thinking and problem solving, giving you the opportunities for research.

Course in depth

All the modules are practice-based and learning is carried out in the labs. Each 20-credit module will have two hours contact, and you are expected to undertake approximately six additional hours of learning, research and assessment preparation for each module.

Assessment is carried out through presentations (both group and individual), timed tests and exams, written reports, research activity and publication of findings, and practical-based time assessments.

At the start of the course, there will be a three-week, full-time induction tool kit, comprising of a review of CCNA and associated technologies.

The course also provides the base knowledge for students to undertake the CCNA certification, and with an additional boot camp to undertake the individual CCNP certification exams.

Modules
-Information Security 20 credits
-Software Defined Network Engineering 20 credits
-Advanced Networking Systems 20 credits
-Network Management 20 credits
-Advanced Ethical Hacking 20 credits
-Research Methods 20 credits
-Project and placement 60 credits

Enhancing your employability skills

The University is eager to recognise students have made the effort to gain industry experience and stand out from the typical graduate. Thus, we offer a range of options for you to get extra awards and recognition for your work in industry.

We also have our Graduate+ programme, an extracurricular awards framework that is designed to augment the subject-based skills that you’ve developed throughout the programme with broader employability attributes, which will enhance your employability options upon graduating.

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The programme is to educate our students in the design, implementation and troubleshooting of Computer Networks and high performance cluster computing scenarios. The programme includes material required for the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) qualification, and students can work towards this internationally recognised qualification alongside their MSc degree.

Course Overview

This programme aims to provide in-depth knowledge and skills in the specialist area of networking. It has been developed in response to the need for personnel equipped with the skills needed to design, implement and troubleshoot an enterprise computer network infrastructure

The course is designed primarily for science and technology graduates who have some prior knowledge of computing and/or networking and who wish to specialise in computer networking.

The School is a Cisco Academy, an Academy Support Centre and an Instructor Training Centre. The School has been delivering Cisco Networking Academy programme since 1999. The Master’s programme is blended with Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) curriculum. Cisco is the world’s leading network device manufacturer and the CCNP is a prominent professional qualification in the networking industry.

Modules

Part 1:
-Emerging Network Technologies(20 credits)
-Implementing IP Routing (20 credits)
-IP Switched Networks (20 credits)
-Leadership and Management (20 credits)
-Network Security (20 credits)
-Research Methods and Data Analysis (20 credits)

Part 2:
-Major Project (60 credits)

Key Features

The Internet has now become part of our day-to-day life and is growing rapidly even during recessions. An expanding mobile communications backbone (as evinced by the number of smartphones being projected to rise from 500 million in 2011 to 2 billion by 2015) has led to greatly increased mobile internet traffic.

To take advantage of this opportunity, companies will require staff who are skilled in network design, implementation, administration, management and analysis. Students on this programme will also be given an opportunity to study towards industrial qualifications such as Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and Cisco Certified Network Professionals (CCNP).

Assessment

Student works are assessed through combination of coursework, lab-based practical exams and written examinations. The final mark for some modules may include one or more pieces of course work set and completed during the module. Project work is assessed by a written report and oral presentation. Part 2 requires the student to research and prepare an individual project/dissertation of a substantial nature.

University students who are unable to successfully complete all aspects of the Part 1 may be eligible for a Postgraduate Diploman (120 credits) or Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits).

Career Opportunities

The programme emphasises four key themes within Computer Networking: routing and switching, emerging network technologies, network design, and security. Graduates will undertake a range of tasks associated with networking in organisations, and will be capable developing sophisticated solutions to networking problems. It is anticipated that graduates in the field of computer networks would be able to find employment in a number of different areas, including routing and switching, network design, VoIP, and security.

It is expected that graduates would seek positions such as:
-Network Administrators
-Network Associates
-Network Engineers
-Senior Network Engineers
-Network Support Engineers
-Security Engineers
-Systems Engineers
-Network Specialists
-Network Analysts

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