Networking and Data Communications MSc: Course features

What this course offers you

The Networking and Data Communications course gives you the knowledge and skills needed to design, develop and operate secure IP-based networks.
By choosing particular option modules, you can specialise in:
- network design – Network Security; and Network Design and Management options;
- network security – Network Security; and Secure and Dependable Computing options;
- enterprise networking – Enterprise Networking; and E-Commerce Technologies options; or
- broadband wireless networking – Internet Wireless Networks; and Wireless Communications options.
The project/dissertation gives you the chance to study an area of interest in greater depth and gain valuable research skills. It is usually relevant to your career so provides an excellent selling point when you are looking for a job or promotion.
If you are an overseas student, we will help you to carry out a project either based in your home country or that will be of specific relevance when you return home.
Our close links with industry mean you may be able to undertake the project in a real working environment or alongside the Faculty's networking and communication research group.
Teaching staff are research active, which keeps your learning cutting-edge (read more in our Research areas section).
The taught modules aim to prepare you for the job market. Alongside your academic studies, you gain skills in:
- problem solving and organisation;
- data collation, review and synopsis;
- communication (oral, written and electronic);
- time management; and
- co-operation and teamwork.
Each module offers a stimulating balance of study, which may include lectures, practical lab work, group working, case studies and presentations. Industry experts often teach on the courses, enhancing your studies.
You also have the chance to network with other professionals in the same situation as yourself. Our postgraduate students often set up study groups to support and encourage to each other.
We offer part-time options to help you fit your studies around other commitments. This course is modular, with each module taught in a week-long block, allowing you to attend as you would for a short course.
We also offer a course in Networking and Data Communications with Management Studies, which allows you to develop key business and management skills.