Introduction
The Internet forms a paradigm shift in the way the world operates and communicates. This is important for the future. A solid understanding of Internet Technology is almost a guarantee of a successful career. This programme aims to give students a broad, comprehensive and detailed knowledge about all aspects of computer networks. The program focuses on all aspects of what is relevant to future network experts. The programme provides a view on network architecture, protocols, security and programming, as well as wireless networks.
The student brings much of what is required here from first-degree studies, but some areas, specific to the networks and Internet, are discussed in this newly revised programme. The extended individual project allows students to consolidate their knowledge by practical application and allows them to research and develop new knowledge and skills. In the light of the above, considerations of structure, reliability and usability are formally taken into account when assessing these projects. Students entering the programme will already have a high degree of knowledge of computer systems and their operation, usually being graduates of Computer Science or allied programmes, and will be able to make use of such facilities. This is a specialist programme and students will need to develop their research abilities and will, as a result, be able to organise their time and work patterns to accommodate such tasks. Where coursework is of a group participation nature, students will learn how to maximise the effectiveness of group relationships. Opportunities exist for students to practise their communications skills, both written and verbal, as they present the results of subject-specific investigations to their peers. The project is a further opportunity for students to develop their written and other communication skills.
Programme Aims
Students admitted to this degree programme will possess a first degree, which will normally include a substantial element of Computing. The degree is designed to advance students' understanding of the following specialist areas:
- Advanced principles of computer networks and distributed computing;
- Detailed aspects of secure network systems;
- An appreciation of the security issues and vulnerabilities for computing and networked systems, both fixed and wireless;
- The principles of encryption their application to security problems.
To enable students graduating at Masters level to:
- Choose a specific topic related to the degree programme and study it in some depth with a view to producing a project report;
- Achieve the necessary qualifications to work straight away in industry and gain a solid basis from which to obtain industry professional certificates such as CCNA, CCIP, CCIE and Juniper Certification;
- Move on immediately, if they wish, into postgraduate research.
Cognitive Skills
Students graduating from this programme will be able to analyse the manner in which complex, distributed computer systems are constructed and will, as a result, be able to make judgements on how a given application should be tackled. The knowledge gained from their studies will allow students to create systems that are well structured, reliable and useable. Certain modules will allow students to obtain experience in reading, summarising and evaluating some primary research literature relevant to the degree programme, and communicating their summaries and evaluations to their peers.
Subject Specific Practical and Professional Skills
The knowledge gained from exposure to the modules in this programme will enable students to make a contribution to the provision of high quality networks and distributed systems.
Outline Structure
When studied full-time this programme is deliverd over a single year with the first six months dedicated to a taught core of technical modules. The remaining six months are used for a dissertation project; this period starts with a preparatory module. The project provides a sound research grounding for subsequent work and study. Taught modules are delivered in intensive three-week blocks. Such a structure may appeal to local students who do not wish to stay on campus or those in employment who wish to study on a part-time basis. When studying part-time, students undertake one or more modules each year finishing with the dissertation project work, usually completed within a maximum period of one calendar year after completion of the taught modules. Part-time students are recommended to complete the programme in as short a time as possible to maintain the relevance of previous study (although up to seven years is permitted). Modules listed are correct at the time of publication. We are constantly reviewing content and so modules may change.
| Module | Weight | Semester | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Network Modelling and Performance | 15 | 1 | |
| Internet Systems | 15 | 1 | |
| Internet Protocol Design | 15 | 1 | |
| Building Secure Networks | 15 | 1 | |
| Cryptography and Secure Systems | 15 | 2 | |
| Wireless Networks | 15 | 2 | |
| Project Preparation and Research Methods | 30 | 2 | |
| Individual Project | 60 | ||
Contact the Admissions Tutor
Dr Lin Guan
Department of Computer Science
Loughborough University
Loughborough, LE11 3TU
Tel: +44 (0) 1509 635661
Email: l.guan@lboro.ac.uk
