Masters Degrees (System Administration)

See the department website - http://nsa.rit.edu/

Trends in network communications–unifying wired and wireless infrastructures, Cloud computing, scalability, collaboration tools, and security–can only be coalesced into reliable communication services if there are highly educated and technically proficient networking and system administration professionals who understand both traditional and emerging communication technologies as well as how to apply these technologies to organizational needs and opportunities.

The explosion in ubiquitous computing today means an increased need for greater efficiency and for better management oversight in the provision of IT services. Network environments are not only becoming increasingly complex, there is a greater recognition of the power of information technology to be a strategic enabler of corporate growth and adaptation.

The master of science program in networking and system administration is designed to provide both the knowledge and the technical skills needed to successfully compete in this environment. It is uniquely focused to address current issues in networking and systems administration through investigation of both the theoretical and the practical aspects of this continually evolving field. Course work examines the organizational and technological issues involved in enterprise scale networking, including emerging network technologies, network processing, high performance computing, network programming, and security.

The program is intended to prepare graduates to assume leadership positions in for-profit and not-for-profit organizations dealing with evolving networking solutions or to continue their education through advanced degrees. It is available for full- and part-time study in both an online format as well as a traditional on-campus setting.

Plan of study

The program consists of two required core courses, a three-course knowledge domain sequence, up to four technical electives (depending upon the capstone option chosen), and a capstone thesis or project.

- Knowledge domains

Students are required to complete a three-course sequence in one of the following knowledge domains.

- Electives

Students are required to choose up to four electives from the following choices.

Additional information

- Bridge courses

Students must have solid backgrounds in computer programming (C++ required); networking and systems administration theory and practice; and statistics. Students whose undergraduate preparation or industrial experience does not satisfy these prerequisites can make up deficiencies through additional study. The graduate program director will make recommendations on prerequisite course work. Formal acceptance into the program may be possible even though the applicant must complete bridge courses.

Bridge courses are not part of the required curriculum for the master’s degree. Grades for these courses are only included in the student's GPA if courses are completed after matriculation. Bridge course work can be designed in a variety of ways. Other courses can be substituted, or courses at other colleges can be applied. Contact the graduate program director for more information.

- Study options

This program may be completed on a full- or part-time basis, through on-campus instruction or via online learning. Full-time students may be able to complete the program in two years; part-time students may take approximately four years.

- Maximum time limit

University policy requires that graduate programs be completed within seven years of the student's initial registration for courses in the program. Bridge courses are excluded.

Read less

This programme is suitable for both newcomers to computer security and computer forensics and practitioners who wish to further their skills. It covers relevant skills, software and hardware technologies, and the more theoretical studies that underpin everyday practice. It ensures that students have a basic understanding of the legal and regulatory requirements and the international standards pertaining to computer security in different nations.

Students gain knowledge of computer crime, police and forensic methods, and the legal requirements for collecting evidence.

At the end of the programme, students are able to administer and configure business-critical distributed applications. They also gain an understanding of the threats to business networks and servers.

The programme includes hands-on training in current forensic tools as used by the police. Students can therefore contribute quickly to the well-being of corporate IT and informational assets.

Through our short course centre opportunity may also be provided to study for the following professional qualifications: Certified Ethical Hacker (EC-Council); EnCase Computer Forensics, Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Assessment.

The availability of some courses is subject to satisfying constraints that may come into effect in the year of entry. In addition, some options are negotiable, indicating that a course selection will need to be approved prior to the student undertaking the requested option.

Full time

Year 1

Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.

• PG Project (CIS) (60 credits)
• Cyber Security (15 credits)
• Audit and Security (15 credits)
• System Administration and Security (15 credits)
• Computer Crime and Forensics (15 credits)
• Managing IT Security and Risk (15 credits)
• Network and Internet Technology and Design (15 credits)
• Essential Professional and Academic Skills for Masters Students
• English Language Support Course (for Postgraduate Students in the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences)

Students are required to choose 15 credits from this list of options.

• Requirements Analysis & Methods (15 credits)
• Database Architectures and Administration (15 credits)
• Software Tools and Techniques (15 credits)

Students are required to choose 15 credits from this list of options.

• Project Management (15 credits)
• Network Architectures and Services (15 credits)
• Penetration Testing (15 credits)
• Mobile and Network Technologies (15 credits)

Part time

Year 1

Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.

• Essential Professional and Academic Skills for Masters Students
• English Language Support Course (for Postgraduate Students in the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences)

Students are required to choose 30 credits from this list of options.

• Cyber Security (15 credits)
• Managing IT Security and Risk (15 credits)
• Network and Internet Technology and Design (15 credits)

Students are required to choose 30 credits from this list of options.

• Audit and Security (15 credits)
• System Administration and Security (15 credits)
• Computer Crime and Forensics (15 credits)

Year 2

Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.

• PG Project (CIS) (60 credits)

Students are required to choose 15 credits from this list of options.

• Cyber Security (15 credits)
• Managing IT Security and Risk (15 credits)
• Network and Internet Technology and Design (15 credits)

Students are required to choose 15 credits from this list of options.

• Audit and Security (15 credits)
• System Administration and Security (15 credits)
• Computer Crime and Forensics (15 credits)

Students are required to choose 15 credits from this list of options.

• Requirements Analysis & Methods (15 credits)
• Database Architectures and Administration (15 credits)
• Software Tools and Techniques (15 credits)

Students are required to choose 15 credits from this list of options.

• Project Management (15 credits)
• Network Architectures and Services (15 credits)
• Penetration Testing (15 credits)
• Mobile and Network Technologies (15 credits)

Assessment

Students are assessed through examinations, coursework and a project.

Professional recognition

This programme is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS). On successful graduation from this degree, the student will have fulfilled the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional (CITP) and partially fulfilled the education requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Chartered Scientist (CSci). For a full Chartered status there are additional requirements, including work experience. The programme also has accreditation from the European Quality Assurance Network for Informatics Education (EQANIE).

Careers

Upon successful completion of this programme, students will be proficient in computer security and systems security and are in a position to follow careers in system development and administration where knowledge of security and forensics will be an asset or work in a range of specialist roles including: forensics investigators, security consultants or network management specialists.

Read less

This is a programme of study that involves networking, software development technologies and architectures for the design and management of modern distributed computer systems and networks. The emphasis is on a software engineering approach based on sound modern software engineering project management methods, tools and techniques, which enable an integrated lifecycle systems development view.

The programme aims to provide students with the knowledge, skills and understanding required to allow them to contribute to the planning, design and management of modern network based computer systems. Students will gain the understanding of critical evaluation of existing technology options, future developments, protocols, architecture and tools needed to support the development and delivery of advanced network services. Upon successful completion of this Master's programme graduates are expected to be proficient in the development of new enterprise distributed and/or web-enabled systems, the integration of legacy systems into intranets or extranets, and advanced data and telecommunication technologies.

Through our short course centre opportunity may also be provided to study for the following professional qualifications: CISCO Certified Network Associate; Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Assessment.

The availability of some courses is subject to satisfying constraints that may come into effect in the year of entry. In addition, some options are negotiable, indicating that a course selection will need to be approved prior to the student undertaking the requested option.

Full time

Year 1

Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.

• PG Project (CIS) (60 credits)
• System Administration and Security (15 credits)
• Network and Internet Technology and Design (15 credits)
• Network Architectures and Services (15 credits)
• Software Tools and Techniques (15 credits)
• Clouds, Grids and Virtualisation (15 credits)
• Mobile and Network Technologies (15 credits)
• Essential Professional and Academic Skills for Masters Students
• English Language Support Course (for Postgraduate Students in the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences)

Students are required to choose 15 credits from this list of options.

• Mobile Application Development (15 credits)
• Cyber Security (15 credits)
• Enterprise Software Engineering Development (15 credits)

Students are required to choose 15 credits from this list of options.

• Audit and Security (15 credits)
• Enterprise Web Programming (15 credits)
• Systems Development Management and Governance (15 credits)
• Penetration Testing (15 credits)

Part time

Year 1

Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.

• Essential Professional and Academic Skills for Masters Students
• English Language Support Course (for Postgraduate Students in the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences)

Students are required to choose 30 credits from this list of options.

• Network and Internet Technology and Design (15 credits)
• Software Tools and Techniques (15 credits)
• Clouds, Grids and Virtualisation (15 credits)

Students are required to choose 30 credits from this list of options.

• System Administration and Security (15 credits)
• Network Architectures and Services (15 credits)
• Mobile and Network Technologies (15 credits)

Year 2

Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.

• PG Project (CIS) (60 credits)

Students are required to choose 15 credits from this list of options.

• Network and Internet Technology and Design (15 credits)
• Software Tools and Techniques (15 credits)
• Clouds, Grids and Virtualisation (15 credits)

Students are required to choose 15 credits from this list of options.

• System Administration and Security (15 credits)
• Network Architectures and Services (15 credits)
• Mobile and Network Technologies (15 credits)

Students are required to choose 15 credits from this list of options.

• Mobile Application Development (15 credits)
• Cyber Security (15 credits)
• Enterprise Software Engineering Development (15 credits)

Students are required to choose 15 credits from this list of options.

• Audit and Security (15 credits)
• Enterprise Web Programming (15 credits)
• Systems Development Management and Governance (15 credits)
• Penetration Testing (15 credits)

Assessment

Students are assessed through examinations, coursework and a project.

Professional recognition

This programme is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS). On successful graduation from this degree, the student will have fulfilled the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional (CITP) and partially fulfilled the education requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Chartered Scientist (CSci). Please contact the BCS for further information. The programme also has accreditation from the European Quality Assurance Network for Informatics Education (EQANIE).

Careers

Graduates from this programme are equipped for employment in industry commerce or education to work as independent consultants or within teams in diverse areas such as networking, business data communication and telecommunication, Internet and e-commerce applications, IT support, advanced research, teaching and training.

Read less

Advance your career and make a meaningful impact on the healthcare delivery systems in your organization with our online Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) degree.

The U.S. healthcare system is experiencing a rapid transformation. With the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, an aging population, and emerging new technologies, employment of medical and health services administrators and managers is projected to grow 17% from 2014 to 2024 .*

Today’s healthcare industry employers require effective, visionary leaders who can help them respond to the needs of their communities while optimizing organizational performance and outcomes. Our fully online Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) degree program can put you at the forefront of the field and help you improve the experience of healthcare providers as well as patients.

Walden now offers two ways to earn your degree. With Tempo Learning® by Walden, you have the option to choose your learning experience depending on your learning style and preferences. Whether you want to study alongside classmates in a traditional course-based program or earn your degree at your pace, there’s an option for you to achieve your dreams.

As a leader in healthcare education, Walden is dedicated to meeting the needs of our students, the healthcare industry, and employers. The coursework in this online MHA degree program explores the latest trends and allows you to develop the professional competencies expected by top healthcare organizations:

• Critical and creative thinking and problem-solving
• Business and interpersonal communication
• Strategic planning
• Adaptability and collaboration
• Change management

Taught by doctoral-level faculty, our online MHA degree program features curriculum with multimedia that lends a real-world perspective to your online learning experience.

With an online Master of Healthcare Administration degree from Walden, you can gain the skills and credentials needed to pursue healthcare leadership roles and make a difference in your organization and community.

Find detailed information for the general specialization of this program, or all other specializations of this program, including possible occupations, completion rate, program costs, and median student loan debt.

MHA Degree Specializations

Our Master of Healthcare Administration program offers a General Program as well as three specializations to help you meet your personal and professional goals.

• General Program 
• Leadership and Organizational Development 
• Population Health
• Systems and Policy Social
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Career options

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (PPACA) is expected to expand health insurance to an estimated 30–34 million people by 2018. In the wake of this and other sweeping reform initiatives, the industry needs healthcare management leaders who can bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the varied, complex challenges affecting both organizations and patients.

Walden’s Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program focuses on the business skills desired by today’s industry employers while preparing you to be an effective practitioner in the post-PPACA environment. Earning your MHA from Walden can position you to pursue a variety of leadership roles in hospitals and other healthcare organizations, including:

• Ambulatory surgery center director
• Compliance or business operations director
• Group practice administrator
• Academic program or departmental administrator
• Hospital or health services administrator
• Assistant administrator
• Nursing home administrator
• Materials management director

Read less

Why take this course?

In today's IT-centric business environments, the need for correctly specified, configured and managed computer systems is at the heart of business efficiency and security.

This course aims to teach you the principles and practice of systems administration and management, including system and network design, analysis, specification, efficiency and security in an ‘Open Systems’ environment.

What will I experience?

On this course you can:

Use our fully equipped multi-platform suites and computer labs to enhance your learning experience
Gain hands-on experience of configuring and optimising secure networks and develop skills in building client, server and middleware aspects of internet applications
Carry out your final project in a workplace environment or relate your topic to a current issue in industry

What opportunities might ti lead to?

This course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). It will provide you with some of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Module Details

This course provides a broad understanding of client-facing management techniques within the context of computer network administration. You will study six core topics on this course, followed by an individual project.

Here are the units you will study:

ICT Configuration and Administration: This unit aims to conceptualize and evaluate the theory, methods, and issues involved in installing, configuring and effectively managing a Unix based operating system for networking, as well as a complete virtualized environment.

Client Server Network Architecture: This unit covers client and server network architecture with strong emphasis on internet/web architecture.

Unified Communications: This unit will provide you with an extensive knowledge of the area of Unified Communications (UC) technologies. The emphasis will be on the importance of UC in the business, the selection and deployment of UC and the problems which UC can bring if a correct strategy is not developed for UC.

Data Communications and Networking: The unit provides you with the required foundation and depth of knowledge to comprehensively understand the core principles of data communications and computer network.

Network Design and Management: This unit aims to introduce you to the issues, processes and tools of top-down network design and provide you with awareness of the issues and techniques involved in the management of large scale computer networks.

Communications Security: This unit attempts to follow a systematic and rational engineering approach to help you master challenging topics such as cryptography.

Individual Project: The course ends with a four-month individual project in which you apply your knowledge to a significant communications system or network planning problem. Projects are tailored to your individual interests and may take place in our own laboratories or, by agreement, in industry.

Programme Assessment

You will be taught through a mixture of lectures, tutorials and laboratory sessions in conjunction with implementing your individual project, which can often be linked with industry. In addition, you will need to spend significant time in our electronic, communications and computer laboratories as well as in private study directed by lecturers.

Assessment is geared towards the subject matter in a way that encourages a deeper understanding and allows you to develop your skills. Here’s how we assess your work:

Examinations
Coursework assignments
A laboratory report
A dissertation

Student Destinations

Whether it is an in-house accounting and finance system in an SME or a corporate-wide data system in an international organisation, the role of systems administration is one that ensures integrity of the vital data upon which major business decisions are made.

The management aspect of the administrator's role includes securing suitable investment and commitment from staff so that the systems implemented are used correctly and to their full extent by all in the organisation. Overall, this course is about professional practice in IT at a senior level, where there is a growing need for practitioners who can take strategic IT plans and implement the associated computer and network infrastructures, as well as create appropriate administrative and maintenance structures that are responsive to company needs. Upon graduating you can expect to find roles as system administrators and managers, network designers, IT managers and system consultants.

Read less

Why take this course?

Forensic information technology (FIT) is the scientific use or application of information technology (IT) in the generation and presentation of digital evidence to be used in courts, legal or other formal proceedings.

This course will enable you to develop your understanding and application of security issues and cybercrime for the purpose of forensic computing and investigation.

What will I experience?

On this course you can:

Learn how to investigate hacking, fraud and deception using a range of digital forensic tools
Practise identifying intruders' trails and suspected inappropriate use of internet applications in order to compile scientific evidence to prosecute
Manage a real-life computer engineering project using appropriate techniques for writing and reasoning about security policies

What opportunities might it lead to?

Many police investigations or civil disputes involve investigation of computer systems, mobile phones or other information devices, and there are an increasing number of UK companies that undertake investigations as consultants. You can expect to find career opportunities in such companies as well as in law enforcement and other services.

Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the further learning academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional (CITP). This course also partially meets the academic requirement for registration, either as a Chartered Scientist (CSci) or (on behalf of the Engineering Council) as a Chartered Engineer (CEng)*.

*On condition that the Master's Engineering Project is successfully completed.

Module Details

You will study four key topics which will collaboratively develop your knowledge and ability to carry out forensic IT investigations as well as an introduction on how to build protected specification software for data and other web applications. You will also get to build your own test system as part of your final project.

Here are the units you will study:

Computer Forensic Investigation and Cryptography: This unit covers the practical aspects of conducting a forensic investigation of digital evidence. In order for the students to develop a critical understanding of computer forensics, a holistic approach of the forensics investigation process is adopted, with a full investigation ‘life cycle’ from seizure of evidence through to giving evidence in court as an expert witness. We look at a range of tools, operating systems and devices.

Computer Security: The unit provides an introduction to computer security concepts and their practical application, in both closed and interconnected networks. Students are expected to both understand and be able to critically evaluate different approaches to securing complex computer systems.

Cybercrime Security and Risk Management: This unit provides opportunities for participants to develop skills and knowledge in the understanding of corporate cyber threats. Drawing upon a range of practical examples, students will examine how rapid technological development and expansion in access to the internet has impacted upon crime (e.g. how anonymity and unfounded trust encourage deception), mapping out the terrain of information technology, and identifying the emerging areas of cyber crime. Areas explored will include the crossing of established boundaries into spaces over which control has already been established such as cyber-intrusion and cyber-theft, but also 'new cyber crimes' in the form of virtual trespass, Denial of Service attacks, and the development of opportunities for offending in the context of social networking websites.

Master's Project: You will undertake either an engineering unit or a study project, during the summer period. The project offers students the opportunity to apply the taught material in the solution of a real-world problem directly related to their course. The engineering project usually involves building a piece of software to solve a problem. An example of the sort of thing you might do would be building a tool to address a specific forensics requirement. The study project usually involves undertaking a study of an IT domain relevant to forensics. To prepare for this the project includes a number of preparatory sessions, which contribute to part of your final mark.

Specialist optional units include:

Systems, Security and Data Analysis: The first part of the unit provides an overview of computer organisation, operating systems and network design, with a strong focus on security considerations and aspects relevant to computer and digital forensics. The early part of the unit will provide an introduction to relevant issues in system architecture and file system organisation. Threats to computer systems will be considered. The first half of the unit is concluded with studying in some depth current technologies for securing real computer networks. The second part of the unit deals with the important topic of data analytics.

Advanced Programming Skills for the Web: This unit draws together a number of system development skills, focusing on how they can be applied to the development specifically of web applications. Topics covered include web programming, connecting databases to web applications, software tools, testing and security.

Programme Assessment

You will be taught through a combination of practical exercises, simulations, lectures, guest lectures and formative assessments, and will be expected to use a wide range of on and offline learning tools.

You will encounter a range of assessment styles depending on the content and nature of the unit topic. This can include written assignments, presentations as well as group and individual lab-based assessments. However, the most significant assessment element is the final dissertation, which reports and reflects on your final project.

Student Destinations

On completing this course, you will be equipped to seek employment in the following areas: IT auditing, information security, independent investigation, Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERT) and law enforcement agencies. Some of our previous graduates have been successful in finding employment within high-tech crime units, commercial investigation and national security bodies, while others go on to further research study at PhD level.

This course will also appeal to already practising professionals in related areas such as law enforcement, system administration, corporate security, IS auditing or security analysis and management for the commercial sector.

Read less

One of a range of degrees from the taught Master's Programme at the School of Computer Science.

About the course

This course considers current research and practice in computer networking, distributed systems and security. You will develop technical expertise and practical skills in the design, management and evaluation of networks, and in the use of tools and techniques for system security.

This MSc can lead to a career such as a network system designer or administrator, or as a security consultant.

Why choose this course?

-This MSc is available with an optional one year industry placement. The 'with placement' programmes give you additional industrial experience by applying the skills you have learned throughout your studies
-One of a range of advanced courses within our postgraduate Master's programme in Computer Science, this particular course provides you with a specialism combining theoretical knowledge and practical skills in computer networking
-You will develop technical expertise and practical skills in the design,management and evaluation of networks, and in the use of tools and techniques for system security
-Taught by a highly-regarded and long-established computer science department with strong links to business
-Half the research outputs in Computer Science at the University of Hertfordshire have been rated at world-leading or internationally excellent in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014

Careers

Our masters programme is designed to give Computer Science graduates the specialist, up-to-date skills and knowledge sought after by employers, whether in business, industry, government or research. This particular course will prepare you for a career such as a software engineer, developer or project manager.

Teaching methods

Classes consist of lectures, small group seminars, and practical work in our well-equipped laboratories. We use modern, industry-standard software wherever possible. There are specialist facilities for networking and multimedia and a project laboratory especially for masters students. In addition to scheduled classes, you will be expected a significant amount of time in self-study, taking advantage of the extensive and up-to-date facilities. These include the Learning Resource Centres, open 24x7, with 1,500 computer workstations and wifi access, Studynet our versatile online study environment usable on and off campus, and open access to our labs.

Work Placement

This MSc is available with an optional one year industry placement. The 'with placement' programmes give you additional industrial experience by applying the skills you have learned throughout your studies.

This offers you the opportunity to work for one year in a highly professional and stimulating environment. You will be a full time employee in a company earning a salary and will learn new skills that can't be taught at University. During the placement, you will be able to gain further insight into industrial practice that you can take forward into your individual project.

We will provide excellent academic and personal support during both your academic and placement periods together with comprehensive careers guidance from our very experienced dedicated Careers and Placements Service.

Although the responsibility for finding a placement is with you, our Careers and Placements Service maintains a wide variety of employers who offer placement opportunities and organise special training sessions to help you secure a placement, from job application to the interview. Optional one-to-one consultations are also available.

In order to qualify for the placement period you must maintain an overall average pass mark of not less than 60% across all modules studied in semester ‘A’.

Structure

Year 1
Core Modules
-Professional Issues
-Investigative Methods for Computer Science
-Distributed Systems Security
-Secure Systems Programming
-Network System Administration
-Multicast and Multimedia Networking
-Wireless, Mobile and Ad-hoc Networking
-Preparation for Placement
-Professional Work Placement for MSc Computer Science

Optional
-Professional Issues
-Investigative Methods for Computer Science
-Data Mining
-Mobile Standards, Interfaces and Applications
-Human Computer Interaction: Principles and Practice
-Advanced Databases
-Programming Paradigms
-Measures and Models for Software Engineering
-Programming for Software Engineers
-Software Engineering Practice and Experience
-Artificial Life with Robotics
-Neural Networks and Machine Learning
-Theory and Practice of Artificial Intelligence
-Information Security, Management and Compliance
-Digital Forensics
-Penetration Testing

Year 2
Core Modules
-Computer Networking Principles and Practice Masters Project

Read less

This course is ideal for computing graduates who want to prepare for a general career in IT without the need to specialise at this stage.

Subjects range from data modelling, embedded systems and systems architecture to intelligent agents, equipping you to fully understand the application of computing technology in real-world situations whilst gaining the practical business skills that employers seek.

Intermediate qualifications available:

• Postgraduate certificate – 60 credits at Masters level
• Postgraduate diploma – 120 credits at Masters level

There are six entry points through the year. This allows you to start when it is most suitable. The entry points are:

• September
• November
• January
• March
• June
• July

Visit the website: https://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/courses/postgraduate/next-year/computer-science2

Course detail

• Study a broad range of IT disciplines including online database applications, intelligent agents, programming embedded systems, professional project management systems architecture, network systems, distributed and parallel architectures and cryptography and cryptanalysis
• Explore and analyse current trends in the continually expanding area of internet technologies including wireless internet and network configurations and enjoy opportunities to work with innovative distributed environments and architectures
• Develop practical and business skills necessary for a wide range of careers in IT from management to high-level web application development or system administration
• Gain in-depth skills in network management and administration (allowing you to work as a Network Manager) including essential security aspects, grid-computing and fault tolerance
• Benefit from developing expertise equipping you for a career as an IT Consultant, Programmer, Systems/Business Analyst, in web development/web services or in further study on an MSc by Research, MPhil or PhD.

Modules

• Research Methodologies and Project Management
• Network Systems and Administration
• Intelligent Systems and Data Mining
• Distributed and Parallel Computing Technologies
• MSc Project – Computer Science

Assessment

You will be assesses using a combination of written reports, exams, practical (coursework) assignments and computer-based assessment. Coursework assignments typically incorporate formative feedback so that you can gain an insight into whether your work is meeting the necessary targets.

Careers

You will gain valuable skills for a career within Computer Science as well as those relevant for the wider world of IT and business.

The unit ‘Professional Project Management’ requires you to work in a team to apply current project management methodology that embraces all of these knowledge areas in an integrated way while going through the stages of planning, execution and project control.

You will work as part of a team, take responsibility and make autonomous decisions that impact on the project team performance.

Funding

For information on available funding, please follow the link: https://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/money/scholarships/pg

How to apply

For information on how to apply, please follow the link: https://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/course/applicationform

Read less

This course is ideal for computing graduates who want to prepare for a general career in IT without the need to specialise at this stage.
Subjects range from data modelling, embedded systems and systems architecture to intelligent agents, equipping you to fully understand the application of computing technology in real-world situations whilst gaining the practical business skills that employers seek.

Intermediate qualifications available:

• Postgraduate certificate – 60 credits at Masters level
• Postgraduate diploma – 120 credits at Masters level

There are six entry points through the year. This allows you to start when it is most suitable. The entry points are:

• September
• November
• January
• March
• June
• July

Visit the website: https://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/courses/postgraduate/next-year/computer-science

Course detail

• Study a broad range of IT disciplines including online database applications, intelligent agents, programming embedded systems, professional project management systems architecture, network systems, distributed and parallel architectures and cryptography and cryptanalysis
• Explore and analyse current trends in the continually expanding area of internet technologies including wireless internet and network configurations and enjoy opportunities to work with innovative distributed environments and architectures
• Develop practical and business skills necessary for a wide range of careers in IT from management to high-level web application development or system administration
• Gain in-depth skills in network management and administration (allowing you to work as a Network Manager) including essential security aspects, grid-computing and fault tolerance
• Benefit from developing expertise equipping you for a career as an IT Consultant, Programmer, Systems/Business Analyst, in web development/web services or in further study on an MSc by Research, MPhil or PhD.

Modules

• Research Methodologies and Project Management
• Network Systems and Administration
• Intelligent Systems and Data Mining
• Distributed and Parallel Computing Technologies
• MSc Project – Computer Science

Assessment

You will be assesses using a combination of written reports, exams, practical (coursework) assignments and computer-based assessment. Coursework assignments typically incorporate formative feedback so that you can gain an insight into whether your work is meeting the necessary targets.

Careers

You will gain valuable skills for a career within Computer Science as well as those relevant for the wider world of IT and business.

The unit ‘Professional Project Management’ requires you to work in a team to apply current project management methodology that embraces all of these knowledge areas in an integrated way while going through the stages of planning, execution and project control. You will work as part of a team, take responsibility and make autonomous decisions that impact on the project team performance.

Funding

For information on available funding, please follow the link: https://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/money/scholarships/pg

How to apply

For information on how to apply, please follow the link: https://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/course/applicationform

Read less

This course considers current research and practice in cyber security. You will develop technical expertise and practical skills in the design, management and evaluation of secure systems, and in the use of tools and techniques for penetration testing and cyber defence. This MSc can lead to a career such as a network system administrator, security analyst, ethical hacker or a security consultant.

Why choose this course?

The MSc Cyber Security consists of two major parts: taught modules and an MSc project. Each taught module has an assigned number of credits (either 15 or 30). In order to obtain an MSc degree you must study and pass 120 credits of compulsory taught modules plus the project i.e. 180 credits in total.

[[Careers
Our masters programme is designed to give Computer Science graduates the specialist, up-to-date skills and knowledge sought after by employers, whether in business, industry, government or research. This particular course will prepare you for a career such as a software engineer, developer or project manager.

Teaching methods

Classes consist of lectures, small group seminars, and practical work in our well-equipped laboratories. We use modern, industry-standard software wherever possible. There are specialist facilities for networking and multimedia and a project laboratory especially for masters students. In addition to scheduled classes, you will be expected a significant amount of time in self-study, taking advantage of the extensive and up-to-date facilities. These include the Learning Resource Centres, open 24x7, with 1,500 computer workstations and wifi access, Studynet our versatile online study environment usable on and off campus, and open access to our labs.

Work Placement

This MSc is available with an optional one year industry placement. The 'with placement' programmes give you additional industrial experience by applying the skills you have learned throughout your studies.

This offers you the opportunity to work for one year in a highly professional and stimulating environment. You will be a full time employee in a company earning a salary and will learn new skills that can't be taught at University. During the placement, you will be able to gain further insight into industrial practice that you can take forward into your individual project.

We will provide excellent academic and personal support during both your academic and placement periods together with comprehensive careers guidance from our very experienced dedicated Careers and Placements Service.

Although the responsibility for finding a placement is with you, our Careers and Placements Service maintains a wide variety of employers who offer placement opportunities and organise special training sessions to help you secure a placement, from job application to the interview. Optional one-to-one consultations are also available.

In order to qualify for the placement period you must maintain an overall average pass mark of not less than 60% across all modules studied in semester ‘A’.

Structure

Core Modules
-Advanced Computer Science Masters Project
-Programming Paradigms

Optional
-Advanced Databases
-Artificial Life with Robotics
-Data Mining
-Digital Forensics
-Distributed Systems Security
-Human Computer Interaction: Principles and Practice
-Information Security, Management and Compliance
-Investigative Methods for Computer Science
-Measures and Models for Software Engineering
-Mobile Standards, Interfaces and Applications
-Multicast and Multimedia Networking
-Network System Administration
-Neural Networks and Machine Learning
-Penetration Testing
-Professional Issues
-Programming for Software Engineers
-Secure Systems Programming
-Software Engineering Practice and Experience
-Theory and Practice of Artificial Intelligence
-Wireless, Mobile and Ad-hoc Networking

Read less

The Master of Science is intended for those who have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field, or have sufficient preparation.

The purpose of the programs is to provide the intellectual and practical tools that professionals will need either to pursue or further careers as computer scientists in industry or to pursue a doctorate degree in computer science.

Curriculum

The Master's curriculum is designed with these goals in mind:

• The core modules provide a solid foundation in the fundamental principles of computer science.
• The 500-level electives give exposure to a variety of Computer Science subject areas.
• The 600-level advanced courses give exposure to research topics of current interest and provide in-depth knowledge.

Core: All four modules (12 credits – 3 credits each)

CSC520 — Foundations of Computer Science
CSC530 — Data Structures
CSC540 — Programming Languages
CSC560 — Analysis of Algorithms

Electives: At least four 500-level electives (at least 12 credits – 3 credits each)

CSC525 — Operating Systems
CSC535 — Networks and Data Communications
CSC545 — Database System Concepts
CSC555 — Software Engineering
CSC565 — Compiler Design
CSC570 — Computer Architecture
CSC573 — Graphics and User Interfaces
CSC575 — Artificial Intelligence
CSC581 — Topics in Computer Science
CSC582 — Topics in Information Systems
CSC583 — Topics in Computer Security
CSC584 — Topics in Web Technology
CSC585 — User Interfaces in Java
CSC586 — System Administration and Security
CSC587 — Web Services
CSC588 — Wireless Programming and Security
CSC589 — UML and Pattern Design

Advanced: At least two 600-level (at least 6 credits – 3 credits each)

CSC600 — Advanced Seminar
CSC603 — Advanced Seminar in Computer Security
CSC604 — Advanced Seminar in Web Technology
CSC605 — Internship
CSC610 — Independent Research
CSC620 — Master's Thesis

To find out more information about the curriculum please visit the website:

http://www.cs.wcupa.edu/grad/masters.html

Internships

West Chester University students may register for a Computer Science Internship and work part time or full time in Summer II or during regular semesters. Students who are not Computer Science majors should use CSC300 (3 credits). Computer Science majors should use CSC400 (6 credits); of the 6 credits, 3 credits can be used to satisfy the major requirements, and the other 3 credits satisfy general electives. Computer Science graduate students should use the course number CSC605 (3 credits).

For more information please visit the website:

https://www.wcupa.edu/internships/

Read less

This course allows you to study two or more areas of computing that relate to your interests along with key core areas of computer science. Depending on the modules chosen, it can lead to a career in areas such as software development, systems design, user interface design, or database design and administration.

About the course

The MSc Advanced Computer Science course consists of two major parts: taught modules and an MSc project. Each taught module has an assigned number of credits (either 15 or 30). Some modules are compulsory and some are optional. The project is compulsory and has a modular value of 60. In order to obtain an MSc degree you must study and pass 120 credits of taught modules plus the project i.e. 180 credits in total.

Why choose this course?

-This MSc is available with an optional one year industry placement. The 'with placement' programmes give you additional industrial experience by applying the skills you have learned throughout your studies
-This MSc is one of a range of advanced courses within our postgraduate masters programme in Computer Science
-You will develop knowledge and skills in the models, methodologies, measures and tools that can be employed in your future career
-You will be taught by a highly-regarded and long-established computer science department with strong links to business
-Half the research outputs in Computer Science at the University of Hertfordshire have been rated at world-leading or internationally excellent in the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014)

Careers

Our masters programme is designed to give Computer Science graduates the specialist, up-to-date skills and knowledge sought after by employers, whether in business, industry, government or research. This particular course will prepare you for a career such as a software engineer, developer or project manager.

Teaching methods

Classes consist of lectures, small group seminars, and practical work in our well-equipped laboratories. We use modern, industry-standard software wherever possible. There are specialist facilities for networking and multimedia and a project laboratory especially for masters students. In addition to scheduled classes, you will be expected a significant amount of time in self-study, taking advantage of the extensive and up-to-date facilities. These include the Learning Resource Centres, open 24x7, with 1,500 computer workstations and wifi access, Studynet our versatile online study environment usable on and off campus, and open access to our labs.

Work Placement

This MSc is available with an optional one year industry placement. The 'with placement' programmes give you additional industrial experience by applying the skills you have learned throughout your studies.

This offers you the opportunity to work for one year in a highly professional and stimulating environment. You will be a full time employee in a company earning a salary and will learn new skills that can't be taught at University. During the placement, you will be able to gain further insight into industrial practice that you can take forward into your individual project.

We will provide excellent academic and personal support during both your academic and placement periods together with comprehensive careers guidance from our very experienced dedicated Careers and Placements Service.

Although the responsibility for finding a placement is with you, our Careers and Placements Service maintains a wide variety of employers who offer placement opportunities and organise special training sessions to help you secure a placement, from job application to the interview. Optional one-to-one consultations are also available.

In order to qualify for the placement period you must maintain an overall average pass mark of not less than 60% across all modules studied in semester ‘A’.

Structure

Year 1
Core Modules
-Programming Paradigms
-Preparation for Placement
-Professional Work Placement for MSc Computer Science

Optional
-Professional Issues
-Investigative Methods for Computer Science
-Data Mining
-Mobile Standards, Interfaces and Applications
-Human Computer Interaction: Principles and Practice
-Advanced Databases
-Measures and Models for Software Engineering
-Programming for Software Engineers
-Software Engineering Practice and Experience
-Distributed Systems Security
-Secure Systems Programming
-Network System Administration
-Multicast and Multimedia Networking
-Wireless, Mobile and Ad-hoc Networking
-Artificial Life with Robotics
-Neural Networks and Machine Learning
-Theory and Practice of Artificial Intelligence
-Information Security, Management and Compliance
-Digital Forensics
-Penetration Testing

Year 2
Core Modules
-Advanced Computer Science Masters Project

Read less

Why take this course?

If you want to enter or enhance a career in central, regional or local government, or in organisations in partnerships with governments, this course has been designed to meet your needs. It brings together people from a wide range of organisations to create an inter-cultural, inter-professional and inter-organisational educational environment.

While we prefer applicants to have experience of a public sector managerial role, exceptions may be made for a good relevant degree.

What will I experience?

On this course you can:

Examine the ways in which public policies are made and implemented and acquire specialist subject knowledge in fields relevant to your career choices
Compare policy processes and outputs within specific policy fields including health, education, welfare, economic development, defence, policing and European integration
Obtain a wider international perspective of public policies, management systems and administrative systems

What opportunities might ti lead to?

The course delivers transferable lifelong skills that you will be able to apply to complex issues, both systematically and creatively. This will improve your capabilities and enable you to work with self-direction and originality, as well as help you contribute to public administration and society at large.

Module Details

We will introduce you to different ways of delivering public services and how to access their efficiency and effectiveness. As a result, you will gain knowledge and develop an understanding of the following areas:

The impact of contextual forces on public organisations including:

The legal system
Ethical, economic, environmental, social and technological change issues
International developments
Corporate governance
The role of public sector organisations in economic development and regeneration
The marketisation of service delivery
Citizenship issues in public organisations
The concepts, processes and institutions in the management of resources and operations
Financing the public sector (sources, financial management, accountability and financial reporting)
Management and development of people within organisations, human resource management, human resource development and change management
The uses and limitations of quantitative and qualitative research methods for providing information and evaluating options in an uncertain organisational environment
The development, management and exploitation of information systems and their impact on organisations
The use of relevant communication and information technologies and applications in public sector management within a global knowledge-based economy

You will study:

Dissertation/Major Project
Comparative Public Policy and Administration
Public Management
Public Sector Strategic Management and Leading Effective Change

One option from:

Practice Based Knowledge in British Public Administration
Work Related Learning/Independent Learning
Europe and the World
Contemporary Security In International Relations: Providers and Challenges
Policies and Networks; the Governance Of The EU
Nation and Identity in Europe
Management of Resources, Finance And Information Systems

Please note that units may be subject to change.

For part-time students a number of distance learning management units are available in addition to a work-based learning unit, which allows you to achieve credit for study or a project undertaken in the workplace.

Credit for prior learning may be awarded, provided that the course studied relates to the Portsmouth MPA curriculum.

Programme Assessment

You will be taught using a variety of lectures, seminars, tutorials, student presentations, visiting speakers and structured visits to public sector organisations. International students will have a full portfolio of activities that will include English language classes, visits to public organisations and structured advice on how to develop their academic performance.

All students receive an induction to our library and how to use our electronic sources of information. Each student will have a personal tutor, as well as the support of an extensive system of student services.

These include work-related assignments, extended essays, examinations, assessed presentations, reports, completion of logs and a dissertation or extended piece of work-related research culminating in a management report.

Student Destinations

The course delivers transferable lifelong skills that you will be able to apply to complex issues, both systematically and creatively. This will improve your capabilities and enable you to work with self-direction and originality, as well as help you contribute to public administration and society at large.

Read less

Why take this course?

If you want to enter or enhance a career in central, regional or local government, or in organisations in partnerships with governments, this course has been designed to meet your needs. It brings together people from a wide range of organisations to create an inter-cultural, inter-professional and inter-organisational educational environment.

While we prefer applicants to have experience of a public sector managerial role, exceptions may be made for a good relevant degree.

What will I experience?

On this course you can:

Examine the ways in which public policies are made and implemented and acquire specialist subject knowledge in fields relevant to your career choices
Compare policy processes and outputs within specific policy fields including health, education, welfare, economic development, defence, policing and European integration
Obtain a wider international perspective of public policies, management systems and administrative systems

What opportunities might ti lead to?

The course delivers transferable lifelong skills that you will be able to apply to complex issues, both systematically and creatively. This will improve your capabilities and enable you to work with self-direction and originality, as well as help you contribute to public administration and society at large.

Module Details

We will introduce you to different ways of delivering public services and how to access their efficiency and effectiveness. As a result, you will gain knowledge and develop an understanding of the following areas:

The impact of contextual forces on public organisations including:

The legal system
Ethical, economic, environmental, social and technological change issues
International developments
Corporate governance
The role of public sector organisations in economic development and regeneration
The marketisation of service delivery
Citizenship issues in public organisations
The concepts, processes and institutions in the management of resources and operations
Financing the public sector (sources, financial management, accountability and financial reporting)
Management and development of people within organisations, human resource management, human resource development and change management
The uses and limitations of quantitative and qualitative research methods for providing information and evaluating options in an uncertain organisational environment
The development, management and exploitation of information systems and their impact on organisations
The use of relevant communication and information technologies and applications in public sector management within a global knowledge-based economy

You will study:

Dissertation/Major Project
Comparative Public Policy and Administration
Public Management
Public Sector Strategic Management and Leading Effective Change

One option from:

Practice Based Knowledge in British Public Administration
Work Related Learning/Independent Learning
Europe and the World
Contemporary Security In International Relations: Providers and Challenges
Policies and Networks; the Governance Of The EU
Nation and Identity in Europe
Management of Resources, Finance And Information Systems

Please note that units may be subject to change.

For part-time students a number of distance learning management units are available in addition to a work-based learning unit, which allows you to achieve credit for study or a project undertaken in the workplace.

Credit for prior learning may be awarded, provided that the course studied relates to the Portsmouth MPA curriculum.

Programme Assessment

You will be taught using a variety of lectures, seminars, tutorials, student presentations, visiting speakers and structured visits to public sector organisations. International students will have a full portfolio of activities that will include English language classes, visits to public organisations and structured advice on how to develop their academic performance.

All students receive an induction to our library and how to use our electronic sources of information. Each student will have a personal tutor, as well as the support of an extensive system of student services.

These include work-related assignments, extended essays, examinations, assessed presentations, reports, completion of logs and a dissertation or extended piece of work-related research culminating in a management report.

Student Destinations

The course delivers transferable lifelong skills that you will be able to apply to complex issues, both systematically and creatively. This will improve your capabilities and enable you to work with self-direction and originality, as well as help you contribute to public administration and society at large.

Read less

The MPA is an international masters programme, aimed at those who aspire to a career in public management or policy-making in government, public agencies or non-governmental organizations working with government, whether at local, regional, national or international levels, worldwide. Since the programme was founded in 2009 it has attracted students from Azerbaijan, Brunei, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Croatia, France, Georgia, Guyana, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Mexico, Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, South Africa, South Sudan, St Kitts, St Lucia, Tajikistan, Thailand, United Kingdom, Vietnam.

The aim of the MPA programme is to provide public managers, and those involved in public sector policies and services, to acquire a clear foundation of knowledge about the nature, role and development of the public sector and current trends in its evolution, and the skills and understanding required for further career progression with the public sector.

Course details

The MPA is an international masters programme, aimed at those who aspire to a career in public management or policy-making in government, public agencies or non-governmental organizations working with government, whether at local, regional, national or international levels, worldwide. Since the programme was founded in 2009 it has attracted students from Azerbaijan, Brunei, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Croatia, France, Georgia, Guyana, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Mexico, Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, South Africa, South Sudan, St Kitts, St Lucia, Tajikistan, Thailand, United Kingdom, Vietnam.

The programme intended to provide students with:

• A rigorous and culturally-sensitive understanding of the key concepts and issues underpinning the practice of public administration internationally.
• The ability to critically analyse structures and processes in public administration and service management.
• A thorough understanding of the processes of public policy and management and the factors that may influence the success or failure of public policies.
• An understanding of the relationship between leadership and management in government.
• A critical understanding of public finance at international, national and sub-national levels.

The programme consists of three compulsory modules, three optional modules and a dissertation. The dissertation is on a topic of your choosing, within the overall subject area of Public Administration.

There is a one-week field trip at the end of the second term, which aims to study, through a series of meetings with public officials and country experts, the system of public administration in the country visited and the degree to which it meets the strategic challenges faced by that country. 

Who is the programme for?

The programme is for those who seeking to embark on or advance a career in management or policymaking in the state/public sector.

The normal admission requirement for our taught postgraduate programmes is a good first degree or an equivalent professional qualification. Work experience in the public sector is desirable, but not essential, for admission to the MPA programme. Candidates without a first degree who have substantial work experience in public administration may be considered for admission (subject to interview and/or written statement).

Learning and teaching

An interactive approach is used, with an emphasis on group work discussion and presentations, reinforced by lectures and seminars. Problem-based case studies from practice are used extensively. The programme's six modules are assessed by a combination of written assignments and examinations (or time-limited assignments), plus a dissertation in which the student prepares a longer piece of research-based work, with guidance and support from an academic supervisor.

Employability

The MPA is ideal for candidates wishing to pursue careers in public policy, the strategic management in government organisations or public agencies, at local, regional, national or international levels. It may also enable public managers to broaden their careers either through moving to a different area of the public or voluntary sectors or through moving into consultancy.

Read less