(MSc) Master of Science
Computer Networks and Security
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Computer Science and Electronic Engineering (School of)
Colchester Campus
Masters
Part-time
None
MSC H60124
10/05/2023
Details
Professional accreditation
Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to comply with full CEng registration requirements.
Admission criteria
Applicants with a 2:2 degree in one of the following subjects (with no module requirements):
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Networks
- Computer Games
- Computing
- Software Engineering
We will consider applicants with any other 2:2 degree or above which include one or more modules from this list:
One computing module such as:
- Database
- Web Development
- Software Engineering
- Operating System
- Computer Architecture
- Computer Systems
AND One or more maths modules, such as:
- Mathematics
- Calculus
- Algebra
- Differential Equations
- Probability and Statistics
AND One or more signal and systems modules such as:
- Signal and systems
- Control theory
- Computer systems
- Embedded systems
- Microprocessors
- Automation and control engineering
- Control technology
- System hardware fundamentals
- Control engineering
- Another relevant signal and systems module
AND Two or more programming modules from the following list:
- C
- C#
- C++
- Java
- Python
- MATLAB
- Object oriented programming / OOP
- Advanced programming
- Introduction to programming
- Programming languages
- Software Engineering
- System Programming
- Algorithms
- Data Structures
- Programming Elements
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code
IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum component score of 5.5
If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.
Additional Notes
The University uses academic selection criteria to determine an applicant’s ability to successfully complete a course at the University of Essex. Where appropriate, we may ask for specific information relating to previous modules studied or work experience.
Course qualifiers
A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The
specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of
Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is
optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).
None
Rules of assessment
Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.
Additional notes
Module CE823 Network Security is a restricted compulsory module. If you have taken the equivalent module on the final year of a degree courese at the University of Essex you will be required to select an alternative module.
Please refer to the full time version of this course for information on Core and Compulsory modules.
External examiners
Dr Anthony Olufemi Tesimi Adeyemi-Ejeye
Dr Dimitrios Kanoulas
External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment.
External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course.
They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards.
External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.
Programme aims
- To provide postgraduate training in Computer Networks and Security and to produce engineers with an understanding of the principles and practice of computer networks and the services they support.
- To prepare students for careers in advanced research and/or industry by extending their knowledge and skills in a specialised area of computer networks and security.
- To enable students to contribute to future developments in their field by providing them with an understanding of recent advances and current research activity within the field of computer networks and security.
- To develop students' ability to make a critical evaluation of the theories, techniques and systems used in their chosen area of specialisation.
- To develop research and problem-solving techniques in their chosen area of specialisation.
- To develop students' ability to undertake research through practical project experience.
Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A1: Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study and informed by a critical awareness of new developments and the wider context of engineering.
A2: Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions. This will involve evaluating available data using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles, and using engineering judgment to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed.
A3: Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed.
A4: Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems.
Learning methods
Lectures are the principal method of delivery for the concepts and principles involved in the majority of the learning outcomes.
Students are also directed to reading from textbooks, academic papers and material available on-line.
Understanding is reinforced by means of exercise classes, discussion groups, laboratories, assignments and project work.
Specialist knowledge is further developed during supervision of the individual dissertation.
Assessment methods
Achievement of knowledge outcomes is assessed primarily through unseen examinations, and also through marked coursework.
An assessment of the understanding of underlying concepts and principles forms part of the overall assessment of the individual dissertation report and oral presentation.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: Design solutions for complex problems that evidence some originality and meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate. This will involve consideration of applicable health and safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards.
B2: Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of complex problems.
B3: Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to complex problems (to include the entire life-cycle of a product or process) and minimise adverse impacts.
B4: Identify and analyse ethical concerns and make reasoned ethical choices informed by professional codes of conduct.
B5: Use a risk management process to identify, evaluate and mitigate risks (the effects of uncertainty) associated with a particular project or activity.
Learning methods
The basis for intellectual skills is provided in lectures, and they are developed by means of recommended reading, guided and self directed study, assignments and project work.
Assessment methods
Achievement of intellectual skills is assessed primarily through unseen examinations, and also through marked assignments and project work.
C: Practical skills
C1: Adopt a holistic and proportionate approach to the mitigation of security risks.
C2: Adopt an inclusive approach to engineering practice and recognise the responsibilities, benefits and importance of supporting equality, diversity and inclusion.
C3: Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate complex problems.
C4: Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations.
Learning methods
Practical skills are developed in exercise classes, laboratory classes, assignments and project work.
Assessment methods
Achievement of practical skills is assessed through marked coursework, project reports, oral presentations and demonstrations of completed systems.
D: Key skills
D1: Discuss the role of quality management systems and continuous improvement in the context of complex problems.
D2: Apply knowledge of engineering management principles, commercial context, project and change management, and relevant legal matters including intellectual property rights.
D3: Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team. Evaluate effectiveness of own and team performance.
D4: Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences, evaluating the effectiveness of the methods used.
D5: Plan and record self-learning and development as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.
Learning methods
Students learn key skills in research, problem solving, communication and team project work in projects, the Professional Practice and Research Methodology module and the individual dissertation.
Assessment methods
Assessment of the key skills is intrinsic to subject based assessment.
The assessment of project work includes specific allocations of credit for project management and the quality of presentations.
An individual's contribution to team projects is determined by means of a submission containing reflective and self-assessment components.
The assessment of the dissertation report includes specific allocation of credit for the quality, extent and relevance of a bibliography, including internet sources.