Network Systems
| From | To | UK Fee * | International Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08 Oct 2012 | 31 Dec 2013 | £4050 | £9400 |
| 28 Jan 2013 | 31 Mar 2014 | £4050 | £9400 |
* Exceptions may apply. Please see Fees and Finance for further information.
Introduction
Twin Entry for February and October - this is a 45 week programme taught over a 60 week period. Note that there is an 8 week summer vacation period.
This programme has been design to enhance the skills and career opportunities of those with existing qualifications in a science or engineering discipline.
The programme provides a wide range of theoretical and practical skills of relevance to networking and ICT requirements of modern organisations.
The course aims to produce graduates who will work in computer networking and telecom areas in a variety of roles such as:
Networks Managers
The course will develop the necessary skills and knowledge to enable the graduate to design, specify, build and manage a large computer network.
Network Programmers
The course will develop the necessary skills and knowledge to enable the graduate to design and implement a software system to operate in a networked environment.
The Department of Computing, Engineering and Technology has established close working links with some of the major players in the telecom and networking fields this has led to research collaborations in many state-of-the-art technologies.
A number of these organisations are also providing support in the ongoing development of the MSc Network Systems programme.
Examples of outside links are:
Computer Associates are providing software support via their Academic Partnership Programme (APP).
BT Labs, BT Exact Technology and Evolved Networks are providing developmental support, access to network software and in addition, project placement support.
Strong links have been established between the Department and Cisco Systems. A brand new network systems laboratory is currently in operation.
Strong links have been established between the Department and Microsoft. Microsoft software will be used extensively to support teaching and learning.
Course Content
Successful completion of eight taught modules and an individual project will qualify the student for the MSc degree. However, a Postgraduate Certificate can be awarded after the completion of four taught modules and a Postgraduate Diploma after the completion of all eight taught modules at the discretion of the University. The following gives an example of the combination of modules required for the qualifications of the different awards.
Stage 1 - Postgraduate Certificate (PgC)
- Network Simulation
The use of standard simulation packages to predict network performance prior to installation. Network algorithms: routing and shortest path, network performance, packing, statistical models, bandwidth allocation.
- Research Skills and Academic Literacy
The purpose of this topic is to link research and academic work. Research methods, search tools, library and web, referencing. Research into telecommunications technology. How to write a research paper.
- Wireless Communications
Cellular concept and operation, radio channel properties and fading. Analogue systems, Digital systems: GSM, standards. GSM network infrastructure, GSM channels, Cellular Network management, Third generation mobile system: UMTS, WAP
- Engineering Dynamic Web Based Systems
Engineering web-based systems, dynamic database systems development (e.g. Oracle, MySQL), Dynamic web development technologies (e.g. PHP, ASP.NET, Java)
Stage 2 - Postgraduate Diploma (PgD)
- Network Management
Network Management standards: SNMP standards and MIB-2 Standards. Remote Monitoring (RMON) techniques. Managing Switched LAN technologies, Common Routing Protocols and WAN connections. LAN management tools and trouble shooting techniques.
- Local and Wide Area Networks (Double Unit)
WAN facilities, Circuit switched and packet switched data networks. IP VPNs, MPLS IPsec, IPv6
- Java Network Programming or Broadcast Systems
The features of Java: code portability, object oriented programs, applets and applications, compiled and interpreted, event driven (listeners). The Java language, threads, sockets. Development environments: IDE, visual code development.
Stage 3 - Masters (MSc) (15 weeks)
- Projects
Students complete an individual project that is normally sponsored by industry or commerce.
Entry Requirements
The normal entry requirement for the course is a good first honours degree (2:2) or above or equivalent in Science, Computer Science, Information Technology and Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
International students must demonstrate a good command of the English Language and normally would have to undertake an IELTS examination.
Students who do not possess the necessary English Language grade will be required to gain further English Language tuition prior to starting the programme.
Fees and Finance
The fees for this course are as specified in the table at the top of the page.
Please note that different fees apply to students studying for "Equivalent or Lower Qualifications" (ELQs). For more information about ELQs, please see the page Information for applicants who already have an HE Qualification.
For information about University scholarships and bursaries please see the page Fees and Finance.
Teaching and Assessment
Various methods of teaching and learning are employed in the course, for example, lectures, group work, directed reading, research, tutorials and practical laboratory sessions.
Work Experience
During the project phase of the programme students have an opportunity to undertake a project which solves a real world problem.
Many external clients sponsor such projects and students are actively encouraged and supported to find their own client and sponsor.
Career Opportunities
A number of recent surveys have established that there is a strong demand for individuals with the types of knowledge and skills that the course is design to provide.
Facilities
World Class Web/Design Tools
The University of Sunderland has made a significant investment in providing students with access to the latest releases of Adobe products.
Selected PCs within the St Peter's and Murray Libraries have been pre-loaded with the Creative Suite 4 (CS4) Adobe Design Premium Suite for your exclusive use.
CS4 Creative includes key products such as Indesign, Illustrator, Dreamweaver as well as Photoshop and a range of many others.
Further information is available from:
http://www.adobe.com/uk/products/creativesuite/design/
For information regarding locations of PC or Macs within your own faculty that have access to Adobe products please contact your Faculty IT Support.
If you are interested in purchasing Adobe products for your own PC/Mac Adobe offer significant savings for student purchases via any of its approved re-sellers.
Please visit: