MSc WORK BASED LEARNING - PROFESSIONAL NETWORK ENGINEERING DEGREE

Overview & facilities

The Work Based Learning - Professional Network Engineering Masters enables you to gain in-depth knowledge and skills in a range of advanced topics in network engineering through work-based learning. You will have the opportunity to use a combination of general and specialist computer communications and management knowledge and understanding to apply an existing or emerging technology to the solution of a practical problem.

This work-based coursee enables professionals in the network engineering field to gain credit for their accumulated knowledge and skills to assist with career development. Work Based Learning is an innovative way of providing high quality university-level learning in the workplace. Learning is based at, and centred in, the working environment, so you can use academic concepts and theories to inform your work and professional practice, providing direct benefits to you and the employer.

Download the School of Engineering and Information Sciences brochure.

Content & modules

There are four taught modules, which are followed by an independent project.

Modules

Recognition and Accreditation of Learning (RAL)

The aim of this module is for you to review and reflect on past and current learningexperiences and develop a portfolio in which this learning is evidenced. This module will assistyou to identify critique and use of a wide range of evidence often in an innovative way, to underpin learning. Input is provided on identifying and evaluating prior and work based learning; learning and reflection; portfolio planning, construction and presentation.

Programme Planning

Through the responsibility for planning and negotiating a programme of study, you will develop a critical understanding of your position and identity as work based learners. You will explore what it means to be a work based learner; the main principles of work based learning; experiential learning; designing a study programme; evaluation and reflection upon work based learning goals.

Research Methods

To develop critical awareness of research and development issues in the work place; to reflect upon the position of the worker researcher and the ethical issues involved; to develop a work based research project proposal supported by a critical commentary and other output demonstrating engagement and developing understanding of work based research.

Internetworking, Distributed Systems and Services

This module looks at the design, implementation, performance, and security of distributed systems and services. It examines concepts such as a network operating system and explores networking paradigms including socket and thread-based programming, Remote Procedure Calls (RPC), CORBA, .NET and Java RMI. It also explores the design and implementation of global services such as web servers and Grid Computing. It then looks at service platforms and security mechanisms to protect distributed environments.

Postgraduate Project in Computer Communications

This project gives you the opportunity to use a combination of general and specialist computer communications knowledge and understanding to apply an existing or emerging technology to the solution of a practical problem. Oryou can contribute to and extend the theoretical understanding of new and advancing technology and its application. The project also givesyou the opportunity to demonstrate a personal commitment to professional standards, recognising obligations to society, the profession and the environment.

You will be assessed through a combination of coursework, presentations, a project and unseen examinations.

Download the course specifications.

Entry & applying

Applicants should be in employment including self-employment in a related field a A minimum of 2.2 lower second class honours degree UK , or an equivalent overseas equivalent, in computer science, science or engineering in addition to a minimum three years professional experience relevant to the programme. Candidates with other degrees but with relevant work experience would also be considered. b Non-degree candidates with a minimum of five years experience at relevant middle to senior level, and with a proven ability to study at postgraduate level, will also be considered.

Qualifications accepted

For a comprehensive list of qualifications accepted by Middlesex, see further information under entry requirements

English language requirements

You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.5 (with minimum 6.0 in all four components) or TOEFL paper based 575 (no less than 4.5 in test of written English) or TOEFL internet based 90 (with no less than 19 in each component) Middlesex also offers an Intensive Academic English course (Pre-Sessional) that ranges from 5-17 weeks, depending on your level of English. Successful completion of this course would meet English language entry requirements. For more information on applying for the pre-sessional please email english@mdx.ac.uk. For details of other equivalent English language requirements that Middlesex accepts see international entry requirements.

Applying

Applications for postgraduate study should be made directly to the university. You will need to fill in an application form and return it to the appropriate admissions office. UK and EU students should apply directly to the London office. Non-EU international students can apply to our international admissions office in London, or use our network of regional offices across the world to assist you with your application. Apply now

Fees & funding

September 2011 start
UK-EU £5,500
International £10,600

The fee for MSc Professional Practice Professional Network Engineering for the academic year 2012/13 is as follows:

UK/EU Students

£50 per taught credit

Find out about our flexible payment plans for UK/EU students, and how they can help you spread the cost of your course.

Careers & placements

Where do our graduates go?
As MSc Work Based Learning - Profesional Network Engineering is designed to cater for professionals with a minimum of five years' experience, the programme will enable you to further develop your career. progression and career opportunities are quite significant for graduates with computer network expertise. Those graduating from this programme will be in demand in both large corporate companies and small and medium firms.

Where do our graduates go?
Based on data from the respondents of the 2007 Destination of Leavers in Higher Education survey, six months after graduating

• 66% of Middlesex computer networks graduates were in employment
• 2% went on to do further study
• 25% were assumed unemployed
• 7% were doing something else, such as travelling

Middlesex graduates from this group have been successful at gaining employment in the following roles

Engineer, Siemens
Network Analyst, Microsoft
Engineer, Hays
ICT Officer, Hounslow Council
IT Manager, Bank of Cyprus

Graduate Roles
Below are just a few career opportunities that would be open to you as a graduate

Network Administrator-Network (Systems) Engineer
A network engineer is responsible for installing, maintaining and supporting computer communication networks within an organisation or between organisations. Their goal is to ensure the smooth operation of communication networks in order to provide maximum performance and availability for their users (staff, clients, customers, suppliers, etc).

Starting salaries for network engineers are between £15,000 and £22,000 a year. With experience, earnings can rise to between £23,000 and £35,000. Senior network engineers can earn over £40,000 a year.

Applications Engineer
An applications engineer coordinates the planning, design, and installation of machinery and equipment in an industrial environment, using knowledge of engineering and programming as well as sophisticated instruments and computers.

Technical Communications Engineer
A Technical communications engineer can work in a range of positions. Roles are available within a variety of sectors, including internet and computing technologies, networking and telecommunications, and radio. A Technical communications engineer uses their specialist knowledge to design and deliver solutions, as well as provide technical guidance to others within their organisation.

Other roles you may consider include Network Analyst and Network Technician.