Network Management and Cloud Computing MSc

Program Overview

Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, graduates develop the skills to design, implement, and manage complex network infrastructures in various industries. The program includes a final dissertation project, preparing students for significant roles in the evolving networking and communications sector.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• This full-time and part-time course includes placement experience when possible.
• Ideal for individuals with previous computing studies or those working in the sector who want to advance their knowledge.
• Covers a combination of computer networks theory, management, and security.
• Offers the opportunity to work in a laboratory on security configuration for various systems.
• Develops the knowledge and expertise to model, monitor, and analyze networks in various situations, simulating performance and availability to configure them for optimum performance.
• Improves mathematical, problem-solving, communication, and critical skills.
• Offers transferable skills including research, data collection and interpretation, mathematical, communication, problem-solving, presentation, and critical skills.
• Benefits include:
• Gaining practical experience in industry-standard networking labs.
• Exploring new concepts and developments (three students won the Young Professional Engineering Challenge).
• Utilizing cutting-edge facilities like the university's WSN and Senso LAB, and engaging in notable research in MIMO, LTE, and LTE Advanced.

Outline:

About your course:

• Provides an in-depth understanding of computer network design, implementation, and optimization.
• Explores cloud-based networks and modern data centers, including virtualisation and distributed storage.
• Covers network design and construction, programming and operating systems, network troubleshooting in a business environment, network systems and services, computer networks, wireless and mobile communication systems, network management, security and disaster recovery, and web-based information systems management.
• Offers a final dissertation project allowing students to work on a topical problem of personal interest and industry relevance.
• Prepares graduates for significant industry roles and further study.

Modules:

• Computer Networks and Internetworking (15 Credits) (Compulsory): Develops a systematic understanding of computer networks and internetworking concepts, protocols, and standards used in current and future communication infrastructures.
• Enterprise Network Troubleshooting (15 Credits) (Compulsory): Provides a solid grounding in the theory and practice of investment management, focusing on portfolio construction strategies, generating investment ideas, estimating investment risk returns, and using derivative instruments.
• Network Management (30 Credits) (Compulsory): Develops advanced problem-solving and practical skills, including at least 24 hours of lab work.
Provides a systematic understanding of network management concepts, protocols, and tools used in current and future communication infrastructures.
• Network Security and Mechanisms (15 Credits) (Compulsory): Covers the principles and foundations of network security, including security issues, technologies, algorithms, and protocols used in securing computer networks and associated systems.
Analyzes possible security breaches, security risk analysis, and mechanisms for protecting computer and network communication systems.
• Operating Systems for Networked Environments: Focuses on the design and implementation of modern networked Operating Systems.
Examines key operating concepts including processes and threads, memory management, file systems, inter-process communication (IPC), synchronisation, networking technologies, network interfaces, and socket programming. Provides practical experience using labs on Linux and Windows 10.
• Virtualisation and Cloud Computing (30 Credits) (Compulsory): Covers various issues relating to virtualisation and cloud computing, with at least 24 hours spent working in labs.
• Individual PG Project (changes for students in 2020) (60 Credits) (Compulsory): An independent piece of work shaped by student decisions and preferences.
Develops understanding of designing, planning, and conducting applied research. Encourages students to apply and test theory and contribute to applications by enhancing their ability to handle data for problem-solving and evaluation; to test theory using analysis and simulations, integrating the learning from other modules.
• Individual PG Project (typical course structure) (60 Credits) (Compulsory): An independent piece of work shaped by student decisions and preferences.
Develops understanding of designing, planning, and conducting applied research. Encourages students to apply and test theory and contribute to applications by enhancing their ability to handle data for problem-solving and evaluation; to test theory using analysis and simulations, integrating the learning from other modules.

Assessment:

• Assessment methods include exams, tests, and an independent research project.
• Practical assignments, including laboratory work and coursework, such as essays, reports, presentations, and class discussions.
• Group work for some assessed work.

Teaching:

• Lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials.
• Laboratory sessions for developing practical skills.
• Independent study and reading articles and books.
• Group and individual research.
• Preparation for assessments.
• Experienced teaching team with a wide range of expertise and professional experience.

Careers:

• Network management covers a wide area including performance reliability, security, fault, accounting, and configuration management.
• This master's program prepares graduates for the evolving networking and communications industry.
• Potential roles include training specialist, systems dispenser, business analysis manager, or university lecturer.
• Many graduates work in programming, telecommunications engineering, or network management.
• 95% of postgraduate students find employment or further study.
• Graduate destinations include L'Oréal, Halcrow Group, Cyberspace Network, AK Electronics, One Hundred Computers, Pilat Media, F5 Networks, and BAE Systems.

Other:

• Students can access industry-standard networking labs, free loans of laptops for up to 24 hours, free access to reading lists, free printing for academic paperwork, and free online training with LinkedIn Learning.
• The Middlesex University Postgraduate Alumni Award offers a 20% fee reduction.