Computer Networks And Security MSc

In your first study stage, the PgC, you will study five modules - a mix of award cores and networking or networking and security options. In the second stage the PgD you will study a further four modules. (Upon successful completion of 4 modules you will be eligible for a PgC in Computer Science) On finishing the PgC and before starting the dissertation you have the opportunity to undertake a work placement of 12 months. You will finish your award by completing a dissertation on a network related topic.
Core modules
COCS70637 Networking Concepts (Two weeks pre-enrolment)
COIS71040 Research Methods
COCS70638 Professional Switched Networks
COCS70666 Network Security
COCS70520 Computer Security: Low-Level
COCS70665 Virtualisation
COCS70706 Advanced Quality of Service Techniques over a Converged Network
COCS70705 Professional Routed Networks
COCS70707 Maintaining a Converged IP Based Network

COIS71052 Dissertation (60 credits)

This award is designed to give the student the knowledge and confidence to understand the operation of computer networks and security. Not only though do we want our students to have detailed knowledge in the academic domain but also to be able to practically demonstrate their capabilities. Our strategy is to give students the knowledge, but then to take this forward and work on the live equipment which we have in our dedicated laboratories. We use two laboratories for network communications and a separate room for security. This gives our students a solid knowledge base to work with and the practical experience which is required for work within the industry. The culture within the award is designed to push the students to get the best out of them and to give a variety of ways to learn. We have never wanted an active subject like this to simply be a series of one hour lectures where the students simply listen. Within the lectures the material we work through is not all based on just memorising a series of facts. We focus the students through lectures and sessions towards real world scenarios. This again allows them to get a good understanding, basing all of the teaching and learning on scenarios which would be real world rather than just an academic discussion. They will also gain a lot of knowledge outside of network communications ensuring they have the skills set to become a valuable member of an organisation.

We want throughout the award for the students to be successful and confident and as such for a lot of our modules they will have access to formative assessments. These do not contribute to their university grades but they do allow them to check their understating as the module continues. This gives the students earlier in the module to recognise how well they understand the subject area and request feedback. The teaching is mostly carried out by a specialist group of lecturers with many years of experience who are able to assist and help the students in all areas of network communications. In summary we will use a large number of different teaching and learning techniques to produce a confident rounded individual at the end of the award.