Masters in Networking and Internet Systems Professional (MSc)
This industry facing MSc offers a unique balance between a conversion course suitable for non-computer science graduates and an advanced MSc equipping technical and computer science graduates with the skills to succeed as a networking specialist. The key to this innovative course is the focus on the specific fields of networking and Internet systems that are crucial to today’s and tomorrow’s ICT industry.
The ‘professional’ route incorporates Cisco certification as part of the dissertation component, allowing you to combine both academic content and relevant professional certification.
Computer networking is an area of increasing complexity and importance in current work practice as well as all aspects of life. The demand for highly educated networking professionals, capable of maintaining an awareness of cutting edge emerging networking technologies and influencing future developments, will not relent. This course offers an education based on key concepts, fundamental and advanced principles and the specialist practical skills that will ensure an understanding and practical knowledge of any existing and emerging technologies. It should be noted that this is not a vendor-specific training course, but a course that offers
The Internet is undeniably playing a central and crucial role in our society. But its a
victim of its own success - its size and scope render the introduction and deployment of
new network technologies and services very difficult. Stronger security, better mobility
support, enhanced reliability are just a few examples of areas where innovation is needed
to meet the increasing demands.
Laurent Mathy, Prof. of Network and Internet Systems
The basic grounding in computer science is rapidly built upon to cover all aspects of networks and network systems design, from the very basics, all the way through to advanced topics, taught with a blend of theoretical and practical, hands-on, real-world approaches.
Students will study six compulsory modules, and an additional two from the list of optional modules.
There is also a dissertation project, which incorporates the Research Methods self-study module.
Note that a self study "Introduction to Programming" course, supported by "programming clinics" is also offered during the 1st term. This course is offered as an aid to the students and is not assessed.
Compulsory Modules
- Introduction to Networking
- Introduction to Computing Systems
- Network and Distributed Systems Programming
- Network Systems Architecture I
- Advanced Networking and the Internet
- Network Systems Architecture II
Optional Modules
- Mobile Computing
- Advanced Distributed Systems
- Multimedia Systems Engineering
- Network and System Security
- Advanced Topics in Networking
Dissertation
- Research Methods (self-study as part of dissertation)
- Dissertation Project
Timetable
Download the course timetable.
At least a second class honours degree, or its equivalent, in Computer Science or a closely related discipline. Applicants who do not meet this criterion but who have significant industrial experience will also be considered subject to individual circumstances.
Overseas Students
For students whose first language is not English, there may an additional requirement to demonstrate fluency in English. The department requires IELTS 6.5 min or TOEFL 580 (paper-based test), 238 (computer-based test), 93 (internet-based test).
You will require a visa to be able to study with us in the UK (you do not also need an ATAS certificate). From April, the UK Border agency will be scoring applications against a new points based system. There is more information on the Home Office website
To get a visa you will need to show that you have the money to pay the course fees (£) and to support yourself for 9 months (£5,400). You must have held the funds for 28 days when you apply for the visa.
Tuition fees
| For UK & EU students | £3,900 |
|---|---|
| For overseas students | £12,200 |
Fees are normally payable on Registration Day. Alternatively, you may opt to pay the fees in three instalments with the first instalment being due on Registration Day.
Course fees do not cover residential accommodation or living expenses. However, as a campus based University, Lancaster is a relatively inexpensive place to study. As a guide, a reasonable estimate of living expenses is about £8,500 for 12 months including rent.
Additional information is available on the University website.
Many students choose to work during their studies to help make their studies here more affordable. Normally the visa permits part-time work of up to 20 hours per week and full time over the vacations. More information about this can be found on the University website.
The Post-Study Work Visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to 2 years after your degree to work full time. Starting salaries of a Software Engineer in UK are approx. £20K (~1.5m INR, ~223K CNY). Our ICT centre of excellence (InfoLab21) can help you find full and part-time work using their ICT JobShop.
Now is an excellent time to be studying in the UK, the current downturn in exchange rates make this cheaper than ever for International students and you will find that both the fees and the cost of living significantly reduced. Being in the North West, you will also find that the cost of accommodation, food and entertainment are all cheaper than more major cities like London and Birmingham.