MSc Computer Networks (incorporating PG Cert/PG Dip)
Fees |
Course length |
Entry requirements
 |
You can start this course in January or September |
Why choose this course?
- Our lecturers specialise in networks and have recent industry experience, so you'll benefit from their expertise.
- It includes up to date technologies with the inclusion of wireless networking.
- You can study full time or part time.
- You'll learn in our supportive, friendly and stimulating environment
- You'll gain theoretical and practical skills using our new Network Development Suite. Take the video tour of our facilities at www.derby.ac.uk/computing/tour
About the course
Communicating networks link the world of computing and telecommunications. This course provides you with a structured environment to encourage you to develop a critical understanding of relevant, modern theories associated with practical expertise in networking technologies and applications in a wide range of contexts.
Computer networking, the internet, and mobile communications are amongst the skills most highly sought-after by the computing industry today. Our course provides you with the theoretical rigour and evaluation of current research demanded of a Masters programme, together with detailed practical experience of network design, development, implementation and management.
To develop this course, we consulted employers and the industry to make sure the content is relevant and contemporary, and will help your career.
Find out more about what subjects and modules you'll be studying...
Advanced Network Programming
You'll be able to design and implement secure, reliable network-based software and demonstrate a critical awareness of the various technologies and approaches used to develop networked and distributed software.
Advanced Routing and Switching
You'll critically evaluate the use of advanced routing and switching in the context of a detailed case study and demonstrate a critical awareness of the technology and issues involved in the application of advanced routing and switching over a range of network designs.
Advanced Security Protocols
You'll critically evaluate and analyse current research into network security as applied to a given research exercise. You'll also identify and analyse the requirements of a given security problem, identified through a case study under various constraints.
Information Governance and IT Law
You'll critically evaluate issues of good governance in the context of the design, deployment, operation and management of Information and Information Systems.
Mobile and Wireless Networking
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.
Network Design
You'll evaluate the networking requirements for organisations, design appropriate solutions and demonstrate a critical and in-depth awareness of the theory, methods, and issues involved in the design, development and deployment of modern networks.
Network Management Concepts
You'll be able to comprehend, critically evaluate and analyse recently published information in the area of Network management, to include a reflective evaluation of the impact Network Management.
Studying at Masters Level and Research Methods
You'll get the knowledge and understanding to study at masters level and will learn how to develop and plan a substantial research project.
Independent Scholarship
You'll link the knowledge you've gained in other modules to formulate, research and resolve a real world, commercial IT problem. You'll present the findings and solution in the form of a dissertation.
Modules
Stage 1
Modules you have to take (core):
 Advancec concepts in secure systems What will I cover in this module?
Module description This module aims to equip you with the advanced knowledge and understanding required to analyse complex security protocols. The module focuses on protocols required to ensure security over remote networks. On successful completion of this module you'll be able to: 1. Critically analyse and evaluate the functionality of security protocols under given case study problems and be able to apply and evaluate them under various contraints
2. Critically evaluate and analyse current research into Computer Security and be able to formulate critical academic and professional responses to given research exercises You'll cover: - Advanced Authentication techniques
- Cryptographic algorithms
- Analysis of key exchange algorithms
- Remote Security Protocols
How will I be assessed?
100% Coursework How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Advanced Concepts in Secure Systems What will I cover in this module?
Module description 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: 1. Analyse and research the efficacy of computer systems through the use of penetration testing techniques
2. 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?
15 |
| Advanced Routing and Switching What will I cover in this module?
This module aims to enhance your ability to design and evaluate network configurations. Whilst the fundamentals of network design and management are covered elsewhere within the course, this module concentrates upon software optimisation techniques, alternative and complementary protocols and sets decision making within the context of developing and evidencing appropriate professional skills.
On successful completion of this module you'll be able to:
- Critically evaluate the use of advanced routing and switching in the context of a detailed case study.
- Demonstrate a critical awareness of the technology and issues involved in the application of advanced routing and switching over a range of network designs.
You'll cover:
- 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.
- Route Optimisation (With Spanning Tree Protocol, VLAN’s and VTP, Inter VLAN Routing and multi layer switching)
- Case Study Hands on element.
How will I be assessed?
60% Coursework, 40% Examination How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Independent Studies 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 stage 1 and stage 2 of the Programme. Through this module you will demonstrate your knowledge, understanding and skills at the Master’s 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 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 your ability to apply what you 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 artifact
- 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 How many credits is it worth?
60 |
| Information Governance and IT Law What will I cover in this module?
This module will start from the 1999 Turnbull report and the 2004 PWC IT Governance Global Status Report, as an introduction which leads to an analysis of the impact of BS7799 / ISO 17799 and the US COBIT frameworks on the design, deployment, operation and management of Information and Information Systems. During this journey, relevant areas of law from both UK and other jurisdictions will be introduced in the context of the governance frameworks. On successful completion of this module you'll be able to: - Critically evaluate issues of good governance in the context of the design, deployment, operation and management of Information and Information Systems.
- Critically evaluate and apply, in appropriate contexts, the relevant legal issues that impact on the design, deployment, operation and management of Information Systems.
You'll cover: - UK Data Protection Act 1998
- UK Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000
- Relevant Intellectual Property Law and its recent developments
- Electronic Data Interchange and issues of valid contracts over the internet
- Rights of Privacy
- Financial Regulations
- USA Sarbannes – Oxley Act 2002
- Application
- Data and Information management
- Communications protection, monitoring and management
- Monitoring and control of access to systems and information
- Digital rights management.
How will I be assessed?
100% Coursework How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| 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?
15 |
| Network Design What will I cover in this module?
This module aims to provides you with an in-depth understanding of Network Design and the technical issues associated with it. It will look at the practical issues that directly affect the design and the process of tendering and supplier selection.
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 networks.
- Evaluate the networking requirements for organisations and design appropriate solutions.
You'll cover:
- Network Design Concepts
- Networking Devices
- Network Design Models and the Hierarchical Design Approach e.g. Backbone, Distribution Layer, Local Access
- Backbone Services – Path Optimisation, Traffic Prioritisation, Load Balancing, Alternative Path Selection, Switched Access and Encapsulation
- Distribution Services – Backbone Bandwidth Management, Area and Service Filtering, Policy Based Distribution, Gateway Service
- Local Access – Value Added Network Addressing, Network Segmentation, Broadcast and Multicast Capabilities, Media Access Security, Router Discovery
- Logical - Designing an Active Directory Infrastructure
- Logical – Planning and Designing a Name Resolution Strategy
- Practical design considerations, Invitation to Tender (ITT) and supplier selection
- Site survey; Wiring and Building regulations; cabling; Installation; Acceptance; Maintenance
- Network Design Case Studies.
How will I be assessed?
100% Coursework How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| 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?
15 |
| Studying at Masters Level and Research Methods What will I cover in this module?
Module description
The module aims to develop the students' ability to study at Master's 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. Reading list
These are the books you must have your own copies of, as they provides the majority of the input for you across several of the sections:- - Cottrell S., Critical Thinking Skills; Developing Effective Analysis and Arguments, (2005), Palgrave Macmillan
- Lowes, R., Peters, H. and Turner, M., The International Student's Guide to Studying in English at University, (2004), Sage
- Oates, B., Researching Information Systems and Computing, (2006), Sage
- Walsham, G., Making a World of Difference; IT in a Global Context, (2001), Wiley. (Sections of this will be used for the exercises)
How many credits is it worth?
15 |
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 or in a research and development environment.
What our students say
"The expertise learnt on the course can be carried forward and will be with you for life in an ever-changing technical world. Once you have these skills, you'll be able to adapt them to a range of technical advancements in the future."
Richard Harris
How you'll learn
You'll learn through lectures, seminars, discussion groups, practical sessions, blended learning and e-learning.
Anything else?
"The University of Derby is committed to design network courses rooted in industry best practice. To help facilitate this we are delighted to support the integration of our Microsoft Official Curriculum into the University's new and innovative computer network programmes."
Stephen Uden, Head of Citizenship, Programmes Relationships - Public Sector, Microsoft Ltd.
Study part time
You can choose the days that suit you best:
- Tues 2 - 9pm,
- Thurs 2 - 9pm, or
- Tues and Thurs 6 - 9pm.
Tour our labs
Our computing labs are the envy of the industry. Take the video tour.
Fees*
UK/EU students
- £390 per single module (you usually take 12 of these modules in total)
International students
*These fees apply if you're starting this course between September 2010 and August 2011. 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: 1 year, part time: 3-6 years
Entry requirements
An appropriate Honours degree or equivalent qualifications/experience in a computing discipline. ...
- An appropriate Honours degree or equivalent qualifications/experience in a computing discipline.
- Proficiency in English (IELTS 6.0/TOEFL 550-575 [PC213-232]).
Standard entry requirements
More about staff, careers, the department...
