Network Management and Cloud Computing MSc

During this module you will develop a systematic understanding of the concepts, protocols and standards for computer networks and internetworking, used in current and future communication infrastructures. It is vital in today's networking market that network managers, administrators and engineers have a critical insight and practical experience of the essential tools used for monitoring, managing and evaluating computer networks. This module is designed to equip you with these problem solving and practical skills.

The purpose of this module is to provide you with a systematic understanding of the principles and practice of network security. The aim is to address security issues, tools, technologies, algorithms and protocols, and best practices as demanded by the rapidly changing technology. New developments in network security and systems have created new dimensions and platforms that demand looking into emerging computing technologies, especially security issues in the area of cloud computing, mobile and wireless technology. The module intends to address current development in AI and Block Chain technology related to security applications.

This module is designed to equip students with the theory and practical knowledge in these three interconnected domains. Through the exploration of Linux-based operating systems, hands-on network configuration, and proficiency in Python programming, you will develop the technical skills and problem-solving capabilities necessary to analyse, design, and implement effective system-level and networked solutions in real-world contexts.

This module is designed to develop your expertise in diagnosing and resolving network issues, enhancing performance, and investigating security incidents. It covers systematic troubleshooting methodologies, core networking principles, and practical use of tools like Wireshark and Snort for network analysis and forensic investigations. The module provides a comprehensive theoretical and hands-on exploration of troubleshooting complex enterprise networks while introducing advanced network concepts accessible to both networking specialists and non-specialists. Emphasizing ethical practices, legal frameworks, and experiential learning, it prepares you for careers in network administration, cybersecurity, and digital forensics.

This is module covers the principles and foundations of network security. It aims at providing students with security issues, technologies, algorithms and protocols used in securing computer networks and associated systems. It will also provide an understanding of possible security breaches, security risk analysis and mechanisms to protect computer and network communication systems. It also studies an in-depth review of commonly-used security mechanisms and techniques, security threats and network-based attacks.

This module is designed to equip you with a systematic understanding of the concepts and standards of network management, as well as the protocols and tools used in current and future communication infrastructures. Additionally, the module delves into the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in the field of Network Management. It emphasizes leveraging these advanced technologies to optimize, automate, and enhance the efficiency, reliability, and security of network operations.

This module is designed to help you develop into a network manager or engineer with advanced problem solving and practical skills, and includes at least 24 hours of lab work. It will provide you with a systematic understanding of the concepts and standards for network management, network management protocols and network management tools which are used in current and future communication infrastructures. You will complete the module with critical insight and practical experience of the essential computer network management tools, as well as their development, operation, monitoring and assessment.

This module will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the design, development and implementation of Operating Systems for Secure Environments, including embedded and IoT systems, and Mobile Communication systems and server-based systems. This module will give you a comprehensive understanding of the design, development, and implementation of operating systems for secure environments. This will include key mechanisms of Operating Systems and Security using both hardware and software components.

The module covers cloud fundamentals, including deployment models (public, private, hybrid) and service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), while contrasting cloud computing with traditional IT infrastructures. You will gain practical exposure to leading cloud platforms like Amazon AWS and Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and explore current trends such as hybrid cloud solutions and multi-cloud management tools. Additionally, the module delves into virtualisation concepts, including server, storage, and network virtualisation, with a focus on hypervisors, containerisation technologies like Docker and Kubernetes, and the role of infrastructure automation with Terraform. Key topics also include Big Data management with Hadoop and HDFS, and cloud security practices for securing cloud environments, ensuring you are equipped with the skills to manage and optimise complex cloud infrastructures efficiently and securely.

This module involves an independent piece of work shaped largely by one’s own decisions and preferences to accomplish and to deliver via prescribed stages. The module aims to facilitate your understanding of designing, planning and conducting applied research. You'll be encouraged to apply and test theory and to contribute to applications, through enhancing your ability to handle data for problem solving and evaluation; to test theory using analysis and simulations, integrating the learning from other modules. You must demonstrate an understanding of the legal, social, ethical and professional issues in the context of computer and communications engineering and networking, and comply with appropriate professional code of conduct, recognising your obligation to society and your profession.

This module is an independent piece of work shaped largely by one’s own decisions and preferences to accomplish and deliver a task via prescribed stages. The module aims to facilitate students’ understanding of designing, planning and conducting applied research. The module encourages students to apply and test theory and to contribute to applications, through enhancing students’ ability to handle data for problem solving and evaluation; to test theory using analysis and simulations, integrating the learning from other modules.

This module will equip you with the tools and techniques necessary to design and implement effective and efficient experiments in the context of computer science projects. It will also provide you with the skills required for statistical analysis, hypothesis testing, and presenting results within the scope of computational research and data-driven studies.

The primary aim of this module is to develop your employability skills and support their search for a placement. The module will include communication, team working, negotiation and problem-solving skills development as well as practical workshops on selection methods, CV's, cover letters, interview preparation and techniques. The module will also introduce you to other methods that will include aptitude test and assessment centres. 

The objective of this module is to offer you a three-month (12-week) work placement that is directly applicable to your studies, encouraging you to engage in critical reflection on your learning through hands-on experience. Additionally, it seeks to develop your intellectual and interpersonal abilities, thereby deepening your critical comprehension of real-world applications.

The objective of this module is to offer you an extended (minimum 36 weeks) work placement that is directly applicable to your studies, encouraging you to engage in critical reflection on your learning through hands-on experience. Additionally, it seeks to develop your intellectual and interpersonal abilities, thereby deepening your critical comprehension of real-world applications. 

As well as developing your practical skills in laboratory sessions, you’ll attend lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials, where you’ll deepen your theoretical knowledge, work on activities and case studies, and develop your analytical and problem-solving skills.

You'll carry out research, produce written reports, give presentations and take part in group discussions and group work, supplementing all this with your own independent study.

You'll be taught by an experienced teaching team with a wide range of expertise and professional experience.

You will be based at our north London campus in Hendon.

Whether you are studying full or part-time – your course timetable will balance your study commitments on campus with time for work, life commitments and independent study.

We aim to make timetables available to students at least 2 weeks before the start of term. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on-campus sessions.

In a typical year, you’ll spend about 1200 hours on your course.

Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework and presentations.

Typical weekly breakdown

A typical week looks like this:

For placement, it is FT 3 months (15 months programme) or minimum of 36 weeks (24 months programme).

Learning terms

On-campus: This includes tutor-led sessions such as seminars, lab sessions and demonstrations as well as student-led sessions for work in small groups.

Online learning: This is teaching that is delivered online using tools like Skype or Zoom, as well as work that you do yourself using online teaching resources.

Independent study: This is the work you do in your own time including reading and research.

Part-time study

You can also study this course part-time.

We have a strong support network online and on campus to help you develop your academic skills. We offer one-to-one and group sessions to develop your learning skills together with academic support from our library, IT teams and learning experts.

Assessment methods will include exams, test and your independent research project. You'll also be assessed through practical assignments, including laboratory work, and coursework including essays, reports, presentations and class discussions. Some assessed work will also be group work.

For your independent project, you'll plan, conduct and produce an original piece of research relevant to the industry, either using existing or emerging technology to solve a practical problem. You may also approach it by extending the theoretical understanding of new technology. You'll be assessed on your research proposal and written report and take part in an oral examination.

You'll evaluate your work, skills and knowledge and identify areas for improvement. Sometimes you'll work in groups and assess each other's progress.

Each term, you'll get regular feedback on your learning.