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Why choose the School of Computer Science and Technology
Our computing courses rank 4th overall in their subject field in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2024, with top 3 rankings across five survey areas (teaching, engagement, learning community, assessment and organisation).
Our Computer Networking course is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS).
Gain workplace-ready skills with our practical, hands-on approach and progressive syllabus.
About the course
Computer networks and security systems underpin today’s digitally driven society, and there’s a high demand for talented individuals who can navigate them. Our Computer Networking MSc equips you with the skills and knowledge to thrive in such a role. Gain a deep understanding of the field’s fundamental principles then explore pioneering new advancements including wireless technologies, advanced security and parallel architectures. With our focus on employability-based skill development and real-world applications, you graduate fully prepared for a rewarding career in the field.
Course accreditation
This course is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS), the Chartered Institute for IT. You graduate with the technical skills and knowledge required for partial recognition as a registered Chartered IT Professional (CITP), demonstrating that you are a competent professional who meets the industry’s rigorous standards.
Facilities and specialist equipment
- Contemporary STEM building with purpose-built facilities, including a high-tech CCNA Academy computer networking suite and dedicated computing rooms
- Industry-standard software from Cisco and VMware to emulate the professional workplace
- Bespoke lecture theatres, presentation rooms and group study spaces
Student experience
Learn from our industry-experienced academics with expertise in areas such as big data management, digital health initiatives and enhanced AI applications.
Our faculty’s active involvement in real-world research and consultancy feeds directly into the course delivery, ensuring you are kept up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field.
Expand your horizons with industry visits and seminars from external speakers.
Prepare for the workplace through practical experience and hands-on training.
Boost your lifelong career trajectory with employment-focused skill development, such as effective communication; evaluation and assessment; project management; and understanding of ethical and legal dimensions.
Explore your interests with a specialist research project of your choosing.
Benefit from your own personal academic tutor.
Course Leader - Dr Sijing Zhang
Dr Sijing Zhang obtained his BSc and MSc degrees, both in Computer Science, from Jilin University (Changchun, China) in 1982 and 1988 respectively. He earned a PhD in Computer Science from the University of York (York, UK) in 1997.
Sijing joined the Network Technology Research Centre (NTRC) of Nanyang Technological University (Singapore) as a Post-Doctoral Fellow in 1996, and he then returned to the UK to work as a Research Fellow with the Centre for Communications Systems Research (CCSR) of the University of Cambridge (Cambridge, UK) in 1998.
Course Leader - Dr Sijing Zhang
Dr Sijing Zhang obtained his BSc and MSc degrees, both in Computer Science, from Jilin University (Changchun, China) in 1982 and 1988 respectively. He earned a PhD in Computer Science from the University of York (York, UK) in 1997.
Sijing joined the Network Technology Research Centre (NTRC) of Nanyang Technological University (Singapore) as a Post-Doctoral Fellow in 1996, and he then returned to the UK to work as a Research Fellow with the Centre for Communications Systems Research (CCSR) of the University of Cambridge (Cambridge, UK) in 1998.
Course Leader - Dr Sijing Zhang
Dr Sijing Zhang obtained his BSc and MSc degrees, both in Computer Science, from Jilin University (Changchun, China) in 1982 and 1988 respectively. He earned a PhD in Computer Science from the University of York (York, UK) in 1997.
Sijing joined the Network Technology Research Centre (NTRC) of Nanyang Technological University (Singapore) as a Post-Doctoral Fellow in 1996, and he then returned to the UK to work as a Research Fellow with the Centre for Communications Systems Research (CCSR) of the University of Cambridge (Cambridge, UK) in 1998.
Course Leader - Dr Sijing Zhang
Dr Sijing Zhang obtained his BSc and MSc degrees, both in Computer Science, from Jilin University (Changchun, China) in 1982 and 1988 respectively. He earned a PhD in Computer Science from the University of York (York, UK) in 1997.
Sijing joined the Network Technology Research Centre (NTRC) of Nanyang Technological University (Singapore) as a Post-Doctoral Fellow in 1996, and he then returned to the UK to work as a Research Fellow with the Centre for Communications Systems Research (CCSR) of the University of Cambridge (Cambridge, UK) in 1998.
Course Leader - Dr Sijing Zhang
Dr Sijing Zhang obtained his BSc and MSc degrees, both in Computer Science, from Jilin University (Changchun, China) in 1982 and 1988 respectively. He earned a PhD in Computer Science from the University of York (York, UK) in 1997.
Sijing joined the Network Technology Research Centre (NTRC) of Nanyang Technological University (Singapore) as a Post-Doctoral Fellow in 1996, and he then returned to the UK to work as a Research Fellow with the Centre for Communications Systems Research (CCSR) of the University of Cambridge (Cambridge, UK) in 1998.
Course Leader - Dr Sijing Zhang
Dr Sijing Zhang obtained his BSc and MSc degrees, both in Computer Science, from Jilin University (Changchun, China) in 1982 and 1988 respectively. He earned a PhD in Computer Science from the University of York (York, UK) in 1997.
Sijing joined the Network Technology Research Centre (NTRC) of Nanyang Technological University (Singapore) as a Post-Doctoral Fellow in 1996, and he then returned to the UK to work as a Research Fellow with the Centre for Communications Systems Research (CCSR) of the University of Cambridge (Cambridge, UK) in 1998.
What will you study?
Studying our Computer Networking BSc (Hons) course will equip you with in-depth knowledge and skills around network design, installation and configuration, systems administration, troubleshooting, maintenance and management. In core areas of study, you will be introduced to the basic concepts and applications of computer systems in our Databases and Computer Networks unit. You will then be taught to combine mathematical knowledge with computer science in our Mathematics and Concepts for Computational Thinking unit. You will apply mathematics to practical skills such as algorithms and pattern recognition while also using it to develop software applications by means of high-level programming language such as Python. As a student in the field of computer networking, it is also essential that you are familiarised with programming and data handling. This is where our Principles of Programming and Data Structures unit will develop your programming skills to explore the process of analysing, designing, testing and implementing computer systems and how to skilfully use this for software development.
Expanding on this, you will be provided with the foundations in data communication and Networking, including the appropriate protocols and how to implement them. This closely links to our Advanced Networking unit where you will reflect on complex principles of network modelling and performance analysis. You will also consider the principles of Wireless Communications and Networking by exploring the techniques for wireless networking and learning to use this to produce realistic solutions to complex networking problems. Another essential area of computer networking is security, and this is where our Principles of Information Security unit will introduce you to the fundamentals of information security, threats, mitigations, information security management and network security while also allowing you to practice using industry-standard operating systems. In addition, you will also study the principles of cryptography, ethics and business regulatory requirements.
You will explore networks security in more depth in our Information Security Management unit that will provide you with the theory and practical skills around compliance, threat mitigation and cybersecurity operations. You will also consider these elements from a business standpoint through risk identification or assessment. Furthermore, our unit in Switching and Routing will teach you to perform basic network configuration, troubleshooting, and to put network devices in real-life installations. Finally, you will complete an Undergraduate Project in an area of interest that is relevant to your field of study. You will decide on your proposal topic with your supervisor in our Research Methodologies and Emerging Technologies unit where you can choose from a range of ideas relevant to your career aspirations. Similarly, our Agile Project Management unit will equip you with the project management skills for such academic work and most importantly, your future employment.
How will you be assessed?
The assessment strategy used is a balance of written reports examinations (coursework) assignments in-class tests computer based assessment and oral viva. The method used will depend on the nature of the subject being taught in the unit and the most appropriate method has been chosen. Coursework assignments have incorporated formative feedback so that you can gain an insight into whether your work is meeting the necessary targets.
The feedback on your submitted assessments will be provided within 15 working days. The lecturers are expected to take every effort to provide you the feedback as early as possible before the next assessment if any. If you fail an assessment and need to retake or resit the assessment you can do so in the next available opportunity which is normally in the assessment week of the next block. If you fail a unit and need to retake this unit you can do so when the unit is run again.
Careers
As a graduate of this course you will have gained practical skills much sought after in the business world. Career opportunities include IT and help desk support; network technician or administrator; systems analyst; systems or network designer; systems administrator; network engineer or architect; computer networking instructor; university academic or ICT teacher or network infrastructure manager.
You may also wish to progress to further study with options including an MSc by Research MPhil or PhD.
Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements
Fees for this course
UK
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2025/26 is £10,000 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees and living costs. Visit www.gov.uk/postgraduate-loan
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
International 2024/25
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2025/26 is £16,900
If you have any questions around fees and funding, please email international@beds.ac.uk
Fees for this course
UK
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2025/26 is £10,000 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees and living costs. Visit www.gov.uk/postgraduate-loan
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
International 2024/25
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2025/26 is £16,900
If you have any questions around fees and funding, please email international@beds.ac.uk
Fees for this course
UK
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2025/26 is £10,000 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees and living costs. Visit www.gov.uk/postgraduate-loan
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
International 2024/25
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2025/26 is £16,900
If you have any questions around fees and funding, please email international@beds.ac.uk
Fees for this course
UK
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2025/26 is £10,000 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees and living costs. Visit www.gov.uk/postgraduate-loan
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
International 2024/25
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2025/26 is £16,900
If you have any questions around fees and funding, please email international@beds.ac.uk
Fees for this course
UK
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2025/26 is £10,000 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees and living costs. Visit www.gov.uk/postgraduate-loan
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
International 2024/25
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2025/26 is £16,900
If you have any questions around fees and funding, please email international@beds.ac.uk
Fees for this course
UK
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2025/26 is £10,000 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees and living costs. Visit www.gov.uk/postgraduate-loan
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
International 2024/25
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2025/26 is £16,900
If you have any questions around fees and funding, please email international@beds.ac.uk
