MSc Advanced Computer Networks
When can you start this course? |
Course code |
Fees |
Course length |
Entry requirements
 |
You can also start this course in January |
Why choose this course?
- Learn theoretical and practical skills using our dedicated networking laboratory
- You'll follow the CISCO CCNP syllabus (CCNA material available) which means your practical skills will be developed even further.
- You'll learn up to date technologies, as well as distributed computing
- It's flexible to fit around you - study full time or part time, start in September or January.
- You'll be equipped for a successful career in network support or programming. Alternatively you could pursue further research leading to a PhD.
About the course
Communicating networks link the world of computing and telecommunications, and computer networking, the internet, and mobile communications are amongst the most highly sought after skills in the computing industry today.
The MSc Advanced Computer Networks provides a structured environment to develop your critical understanding of relevant, modern theories associated with practical expertise in networking technologies and applications in a wide range of contexts, preparing you for employment in the network industry.
It follows the syllabus of the CISCO CCNP for those who have already obtained the CCNA. If you're not already qualified to CCNA you will have the opportunity to study the CCNA syllabus if required.
In developing the programme we have been in consultation with leading employers and industry to ensure the content is relevant and contemporary. You will look at the latest trends and issues in distributed computer architecture and implementation, as well network management and maintenance and the methodologies and approaches used to plan, configure, and verify the implementation of complex enterprise LAN and WAN routing solutions.
You will study the methods and tactics used to plan, configure and verify the implementation of complex enterprise switching solutions and develop a critical and in-depth awareness of the theory, methods, and issues involved in the design, development and deployment of modern wireless networks. You will focus on secure systems and look at advanced concepts in ethical systems penetration, attack signature detection and mainstream host based and network based protection methods. And with the increasing importance of information governance and law you will critically evaluate issues of good governance in the context of the design, deployment, operation and management of Information and information systems.
The whole programme is brought together by an in-depth project through the Independent Scholarship module in an area of your choice, which may be focused on your current role if you are studying part time, or which could be in an area where you see your career developing.
Find out more about what subjects and modules you'll be studying...
This course is made up of three stages - Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma and MSc.
On completion of three modules you will achieve the Postgraduate Certificate. On completion of six modules you will achieve the Postgraduate Diploma. On completion of the final Independent Scholarship you will be awarded your MSc.
- Advanced Concepts in Secure Systems
- Advanced Network Routing
- Advanced Network Switching
- Independent Scholarship (triple module)
- Mobile and Wireless Networking
- Network Management Concepts
- Studying at Masters Level and Research Methods
For full module descriptions and assessment information, click on the links below. Modules not listed will be added shortly.
Modules
Stage 1
 Advanced Concepts in Secure Systems What will I cover in this module?
Using a blend of practical and theoretical approaches this module will empower you with the analytical tools to perform pragmatic and ethical system penetration testing. Using popular open source tools you will be given a framework to research and develop innovative methods which can be used to uncover security vulnerabilities in modern networked environments. Research will be performed in how to circumvent real world attacks using novel detection and prevention techniques. Through investigation, analysis and creative design, you will become adept in how to protect systems against internal and external threats.
Learning outcomes
On completion of this module you will be able to:
- Analyse and research the efficacy of computer systems through the use of penetration testing techniques
- Research and design custom protection techniques for identified attack types and justify their use
Areas of study
- Investigating social engineering and host reconnaissance
- Researching effective ways of utilising and deploying Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)
- Explore techniques for circumventing IPS/firewalls and how to guard against these
- Analysis and synthesis of research into new techniques for indentifying Windows and Linux server vulnerabilities
- Analysing popular exploits such as buffer overflows and investigating methods of mitigating them
- Critical analysis and evaluation of models of system test plans
- Investigate the most effective ways of creating pragmatic testing plans
How will I be assessed?
100% coursework - Coursework 1 - 50% - Produce a well researched report which is based on proven and theoretical principles on identifying testing strategies for detecting common and obscure system security issues within a given case study scenario.
- Coursework 2 - 50% - Production of a case study focused report which identifies through experimental research the necessary actions which must be taken to harden a network system and protect it against previously identified attacks
How many credits is it worth?
20 |
| Advanced Network Routing What will I cover in this module?
This module aims to enhance the student's abilities to design and evaluate network configurations in an enterprise network. It concentrates upon software optimisation techniques, alternative and complementary protocols and sets decision making within the context of developing and evidencing appropriate professional skills. LEARNING OUTCOMES On successful completion of this module, the student should be able to: - Critically evaluate the use of advanced switching in the context of detailed case studies.
- Demonstrate a critical awareness of the technology and issues involved in the application of advanced switching over a range of network designs.
INDICATIVE CONTENT / AREAS OF STUDY - Overview of Scalable Networks and IP Address Management.
- Overview of the different categories of Routing Protocols e.g. Distance
- Vector Hybrid and Link State etc... RIP, IGRP, EIGRP, OSPG,
- BGP...
- Distance Vector Routing Protocols Advantages, Disadvantages, when to use etc configuration.
- Link State Routing Protocols Advantages, Disadvantages, when to use etc configuration.
- Hybrid Routing Protocols Advantages, Disadvantages, when to use etc configuration.
- Implement various mechanisms for controlling routing updates and traffic
- Implementing IPv6 in an enterprise Network
- Case Study Hands on element.
How will I be assessed?
The assessment will consist of a number of items, such as case studies, research and more practical exercises. Assessment Weighting: 100% coursework Portfolio of assignments that will allow the you to demonstrate that you have achieved the learning outcomes. Students will be given opportunities, through both formative and summative assessments, to reflect on their learning to support professional and personal development.
How many credits is it worth?
20 |
| Advanced Network Switching What will I cover in this module?
This module aims to enhance the student's abilities to design and evaluate switching in complex enterprise networks. The module also covers the secure integration of VLANs, WLANs, voice, and video into enterprise networks. This module sets the decision making within the context of developing and evidencing appropriate professional skills. LEARNING OUTCOMES On successful completion of this module, the student should be able to: - Critically evaluate the use of advanced switching in the context of detailed case studies.
- Demonstrate a critical awareness of the technology and issues involved in the application of advanced switching over a range of network designs.
INDICATIVE CONTENT / AREAS OF STUDY - Hierarchic Network Model for Enterprise Networks
- Implementing VLAN Concepts and Trunk Protocols
- Implementation and Optimization of Redundant Layer 2 Structures
- The use of Spanning Tree and EtherChannel
- Optimization of the Spanning Tree through RSTP and MSTP
- Inter-VLAN Routing and High-Performance Routing through Multilayer Switching
- High Availability in the Enterprise
- Redundancy with HSRP, VRRP, and GLBP
- Implementing Security in the LAN
- Use and Configuration of QoS in Multilayered Switched Networks
- Configuration for VoIP Support
- Access Protection and Traffic Management in Multilayered Switched Networks
- Case Study Hands on element.
How will I be assessed?
The assessment consists of a number of items, such as case studies, research and more practical exercises. Assessment Weighting: 100%CW Portfolio of assignments that will allow the students to demonstrate that they have archived the learning outcomes. Students will be given opportunities, through both formative and summative assessments, to reflect on their learning to support professional and personal development
How many credits is it worth?
20 |
| Independent Scholarship (PG Computing) What will I cover in this module?
This module provides the opportunity for you to consolidate upon and extend your understanding, skills and knowledge of computing as developed through the programme. Through this module you will demonstrate your knowledge, understanding and skills at masters level. The aim is to ensure that you are able to formulate and tackle real world, commercial problems competently, efficiently, independently, and with relevance to a particular problem and/or application which should draw upon knowledge and experience from the your first degree or equivalent experience.
A dissertation of between 12,000 and 18,000 words will provide the main means of assessment, together with a deliverable quality 'product'. A product may be a piece of software, a detailed design for a system or a feasibility study. Other deliverables, as agreed with the supervisor, will be considered. You must demonstrate their ability to apply what they have learnt on the course in an independent and rigorous fashion.
On successful completion of this module you'll be able to:
- Critically assess contributions in the literature of a range of academic concepts/paradigms and analyse their relevance to the field of Computing and Informatics in a range of academic and business contexts, leading to the creation and justification of a methodologically sound research programme.
- Undertake methodologically sound research into a significant computing issue, demonstrating their ability to devise, recommend and/ or implement innovative solutions to the area under investigation, and to be able to present these solutions coherently
- Adopt a self critical approach and reflect on the processes of planning and undertaking a significant piece of independent research.
You'll cover:
- Choosing a topic and narrowing it down to a concise set of research objectives
- Continual reading for research: about the chosen topic and about research methods
- Thinking about and selecting an appropriate research design/methodology
- Writing a critical literature review
- Collecting both secondary and primary data
- Creating an appropriate artefact
- Analysing data
- Drawing conclusions and assessing their significance in relation to existing work
- Writing up the final dissertation.
How will I be assessed?
100% Coursework
The assessment of the Independent Scholarship module is by a final report in the form of a dissertation and is intended to address all learning outcomes. How many credits is it worth?
60 |
| Mobile and Wireless Networking What will I cover in this module?
This module aims to equip you with the required knowledge and understanding about the processes involved in the design and implementation of Wireless Networks. It looks in-depth at the theory behind Wireless Networks and shows how this affects their design. It also looks at the site survey and discusses how building design factors affect the design. On successful completion of this module you'll be able to: - Demonstrate a critical and in-depth awareness of the theory, methods, and issues involved in the design, development and deployment of modern wireless networks.
- Evaluate the wireless networking requirements for an organisation by providing an appropriate solution to a given case study.
You'll cover: - Transmission fundamentals - modulation, RF spectrum
- Antennas & propagation - radiation patterns, line-of-site, fading
- Signal encoding - sampling theorem, PCM, ASK FSK PSK
- Spread spectrum approaches
- Wireless LAN technology
- IEEE 802.11 Wireless LAN standard
- Site survey, deployment
- Mobile IP, WAP
- Satellite communications - satellite configurations, capacity allocation
- Cellular networks - principles, 1G/2G/3G
- Bluetooth.
How will I be assessed?
50% Coursework, 50% Examination How many credits is it worth?
20 |
| Network Management Concepts What will I cover in this module?
This module looks in detail at the underlying concepts of network management and the associated models. It then looks at how these concepts are implemented and how it improves not only the day today running of a network but also how it can prevent some network failures. Also in the event of a failure how network management can assist in fault finding and getting the network working again. The module aims to provides students with an in-depth awareness of the issues involved in the management of large scale computer networks. On successful completion of this module you'll be able to: - Demonstrate critical awareness of the need for network management; consider the main network management functions and be able to discuss the benefits and limitation of each.
- Comprehend, critically evaluate and analyse recently published information in the area of Network management. To include a reflective evaluation of the impact Network Management.
You'll cover: - Network Management models
- Network Management overview; Justification; Methods; Facilities Management
- Configuration Management
- Event Management
- Performance Management
- Network Management tools & Troubleshooting
- Account Management
- Capacity Planning; Networks for Competitive advantage
- Active Directory Wide area network infrastructure
- Monitoring & Optimisation
- Backup & Disaster Recovery
- Applications: Telnet, FTP; E-mail: Structure and formats.
How will I be assessed?
50% Coursework, 50% Examination How many credits is it worth?
20 |
| Studying at Masters Level and Research Methods What will I cover in this module?
The module aims to develop your ability to study at masters level and to develop, plan, execute a research project. On successful completion of this module you'll be able to: - Research, review and critically evaluate current academic literature within a specific context in order to identify the key issues and gaps within current knowledge
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of research design and methodological enquiry and to propose an appropriate research plan. Reflective evaluation of the impact of ethical values on academic research will be demonstrated
- Systematically analyse and synthesise researched data and theories.
You'll cover: - Studying at Masters Level (Literature Review, Critical evaluation concepts and practices, Sources, Search Strategies, Communication of ideas and results)
- Research Project Development (Principles of planning projects and project lifecycles, Identifying tasks and estimating timescales, Risk analysis. Ethical, social and professional issues)
- Analysis and Synthesis of Data and Information (Experiment design, Methodologies for quantitative and qualitative investigations, System modelling concepts and constraints)
How will I be assessed?
100% Coursework Assessment will be by means of a portfolio of written work demonstrating the achievement of all learning outcomes totalling between 4000 and 5000 words. There will be a strong component of rapid, formative assessment during the delivery of that part of the module relating to learning outcome 1 which will be linked to summative assessment. How many credits is it worth?
20 |
Your career
You will have excellent employment and earnings potential as prospects include working for network consultancy companies, providing in-house network support and administering networks. There is also a growing demand for specialists in network security and in network programming.
Alternatively, you could undertake further research leading to a PhD
What our students say
"The wide ranging, challenging and well-taught course at Derby provided me with an excellent grounding for a career in computer networks."
Alex Gould
How you'll learn
You'll learn through lectures, seminars, discussion groups, practical sessions, presentations and blended learning.
How you're assessed
You'll be assessed by a mixture of coursework and examinations There will be a range of coursework techniques including analytical essays, reports on lab based problems, assignments using case studies, multi-task portfolios and presentations.
Anything else?
Scholarships and funding
You can apply for a scholarship or bursary of £1000 if you're an international student, or if you've just completed your undergraduate degree at Derby.
Study part time
Combine work and study - study part time.
Tour our labs
Our computing labs are the envy of the industry. Take the video tour.
Start dates
If you're from the UK or EU you can apply to study this course in:
- January 2012
- September 2012
If you're from a country outside the EU you can apply to study this course full time in:
- January 2012
- September 2012
Course code
MG5AN
Fees*
UK/EU students
- £540 per single module (you usually take 9 of these modules in total)
International students
*These fees apply if you're starting this course between September 2011 and August 2012. We recommend you check fee details with us though, as they can change. Costs can increase each year and there may be extra costs eg for exams, trips or special modules.
Course length
- Full time: one year
- Part time: three years
Entry requirements
An appropriate Honours degree (at least 2.2) or equivalent qualifications/experience in a ...
- An appropriate Honours degree (at least 2.2) or equivalent qualifications/experience in a computing discipline.
- If English is not your first language you will need to demonstrate proficiency in English (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent).
- If you do not meet the above requirements please contact our Admissions Department as we have a flexible policy and you may be able to use extensive experience in computing as an alternative to the formal qualifications.
Standard entry requirements
