MSc Advanced Computer Networks

Course code: MG5AN

Start date: September and January

Course length: full time: one year, part time: three years

Campus: Kedleston Road site, Derby Campus

This course is available to international students

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.

• 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.

This is a resource intensive course.

UK/EU students

• £755 per module (you usually take 9 of these modules in total)

International students

• Full time: £10,500 (in total)

*These fees apply if you're starting this course between September 2012 and August 2013. We recommend you check fee details with us though, as they can change. Costs can increase each year.

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.

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

"The wide ranging, challenging and well-taught course at Derby provided me with an excellent grounding for a career in computer networks."

Alex Gould

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