Network Management and Cloud Computing MSc

Program Overview

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Network Management and Cloud Computing MSc

Why choose Network Management and Cloud Computing MSc at Middlesex?

This full and part-time course includes placement experience when possible.

If you have previously studied computing at university or who are currently working in the sector, and looking to develop an advanced knowledge of the subject, this course is for you.

We teach modules which are a combination of computer networks theory, management and security. You'll also have the opportunity to work in a laboratory on security configuration for various systems.

What you will gain

You'll develop the knowledge and expertise to model, monitor and analyse networks in various situations, simulating performance and availability to configure them for optimum performance. In addition to this, you will also improve your mathematical, problem-solving, communication, and critical skills.

As well as in-depth knowledge and practical experience of computer communications and networking, our course will provide you with many transferable skills. It will improve your research, data collection and interpretation, mathematical, communication, problem-solving, presentation and critical skills, as well as your confidence and ability to work under your own initiative while managing your own time.

Other benefits you'll gain by joining us on this course include:

• The opportunity to gain practical experience in our industry-standard networking labs
• A chance to explore new concepts and developments — three of our previous students were crowned winners at the Young Professional Engineering Challenge.

Placements

Industrial placement is offered as an optional opportunity for full-time students studying at the London campus. Students can choose either a 3-month or 12-month placement duration.

3 great reasons to pick this course

• Excellent career opportunities
• Official Cisco Academy
• Cutting-edge facilities

About your course

This course gives you an in-depth understanding of computer network design, implementation and optimisation. You'll study cloud-based networks and explore modern data centres, virtualisation and distributed storage. Network design and construction, programming and operating systems as well as network troubleshooting in a business environment will also be covered. We'll study network systems and services, computer networks, wireless and mobile communication systems, network management, security and disaster recovery, and web-based information systems management. For your final dissertation you can work on a problem solving project of topical interest to you and of relevance to the industry. This module therefore fully equips students to immediately obtain significant roles in industry as well as being able to pursue further study.

Modules

• Computer Networks and Internetworking (15 Credits) - Compulsory
• Enterprise Network Troubleshooting (15 Credits) - Compulsory
• Network Management (30 Credits) - Compulsory
• Network Security and Mechanisms (15 Credits) - Compulsory
• Operating Systems for Networked Environments
• Virtualisation and Cloud Computing (30 Credits) - Compulsory
• Individual PG Project (changes for students in 2020) (60 Credits) - Compulsory
• Individual PG Project (typical course structure) (60 Credits) - Compulsory

More information about this course

See the course specification for more information:

MSc Network Management and Cloud Computing with placement-24-25.pdf

Teaching and learning

How we'll teach you

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.

Where will I study?

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

Timetable

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.

Teaching vs independent study

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

• Learning: 16 hours
  • On-campus: 10 hours
  • Online: 6 hours
• Independent study: 24 hours

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.

Academic support

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.

Coursework and assessments

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.

Feedback

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.

Facilities and support

Facilities

Our Sheppard Library has over 1000 study areas with and 600 computer spaces, with some areas open 24 hours a day

Student support

We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health, and disability support.

Additional needs

We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability and Dyslexia team.

Wellness

Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.

Work while you study

Our Middlesex Unitemps branch will help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above. Visit the Middlesex Unitemps page.

Entry requirements

Qualifications

We welcome your application regardless of your background or experience.

For this course, ideally, we are looking for these qualifications:

• A 2:2 honours degree or above in computer science, science or engineering, or an equivalent overseas qualification
• Those with other degrees but with a minimum of three years of work experience will also be considered.

If you have relevant qualifications or work experience, we may be able to count this towards your entry requirements.

English language

You will need to meet our English language requirements. And, don’t worry If you don't meet our minimum English language requirements, as we offer a Pre- sessional English course.

Visas

To study with us in the UK, you might need a Student visa. Please check to see if this applies to you.

Careers

How can the MSc Network Management and Cloud Computing support your

career?

Network management covers a wide area including performance reliability, security, fault, accounting and configuration management. This master's programme has been developed to meet the growing needs of a rapidly evolving sector of industry.

You'll leave this course perfectly placed for a role as a training specialist, systems dispenser, business analysis manager or university lecturer. Many of our graduates have gone straight into employment in the networking and communications industry and are working in programming, telecommunications engineering or network management.

There are also a wide range of other opportunities open to you in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors— everything from industry and consultancy to academia and further research. You could even start your own business.

Career paths

Our graduates have gone on to achieve many successes since leaving Middlesex many have gone on to work for companies such as:

• IBM
• L'Oréal
• Halcrow Group
• Cyberspace Network
• AK Electronics
• One Hundred Computers
• Pilat Media
• F5 Networks

MDXworks

Our employability service, MDXworks will launch you into the world of work from the beginning of your course, with placements, projects and networking opportunities through our 1000+ links with industry and big-name employers in London and globally.

Global alumni network

You’ll study with students from 122 countries who’ll hopefully become part of your global network. And after you graduate, we'll support you through our alumni network to help you progress in your chosen career.

Fees and funding

Fees

The fees below refer to the 2025/26 academic year.

UK students

• Full-time students: £11,300
• Part-time students: £75 per credit
• Part-time students: £37 per dissertation credit

International

• Full-time students: £18,000
• Part-time students: £120 per credit
• Part-time students: £60 per dissertation credit

Additional course costs

The following study tools are included in your fees:

• Free laptop loans for up to 24 hours
• Free access to everything on your reading list
• Free specialist software for your course
• Free printing for academic paperwork
• Free online training with LinkedIn Learning.

There are no additional costs.

Financial support

We offer lots of support to help you with fees and living costs. Check out our guide to student life on a budget and find out more about postgraduate funding.

Scholarships and bursaries

You may be eligible for one of our scholarships including:

• The Alumni Postgraduate Award – for all UK Middlesex alumni a 20% fee reduction
• The Commonwealth Scholarship – full course fees, airfares and a living allowance
• The Chevening Scholarship – full course fees
• The European Academic Awards – £1000 to £7000 for students showing academic excellence
• Regional or International Merit Award –up to £2,000 towards course fees

For international students, we also have a limited number of other awards specific to certain regions, and work in partnership with funding providers in your country to help support you financially with your study.

Help from your employer

Your employer can contribute towards the cost of your postgraduate study as part of their staff development programme.

Work while you study

If you are not currently working, we can help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

• This full-time and part-time course includes placement experience when possible.
• Ideal for individuals with previous computing studies or those working in the sector who want to advance their knowledge.
• Covers a combination of computer networks theory, management, and security.
• Offers the opportunity to work in a laboratory on security configuration for various systems.
• Develops the knowledge and expertise to model, monitor, and analyze networks in various situations, simulating performance and availability to configure them for optimum performance.
• Improves mathematical, problem-solving, communication, and critical skills.
• Offers transferable skills including research, data collection and interpretation, mathematical, communication, problem-solving, presentation, and critical skills.
• Benefits include:
• Gaining practical experience in industry-standard networking labs.
• Exploring new concepts and developments (three students won the Young Professional Engineering Challenge).
• Utilizing cutting-edge facilities like the university's WSN and Senso LAB, and engaging in notable research in MIMO, LTE, and LTE Advanced.

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Outline:

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About your course:

• Provides an in-depth understanding of computer network design, implementation, and optimization.
• Explores cloud-based networks and modern data centers, including virtualisation and distributed storage.
• Covers network design and construction, programming and operating systems, network troubleshooting in a business environment, network systems and services, computer networks, wireless and mobile communication systems, network management, security and disaster recovery, and web-based information systems management.
• Offers a final dissertation project allowing students to work on a topical problem of personal interest and industry relevance.
• Prepares graduates for significant industry roles and further study.

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Modules:

• Computer Networks and Internetworking (15 Credits) (Compulsory): Develops a systematic understanding of computer networks and internetworking concepts, protocols, and standards used in current and future communication infrastructures.
• Enterprise Network Troubleshooting (15 Credits) (Compulsory): Provides a solid grounding in the theory and practice of investment management, focusing on portfolio construction strategies, generating investment ideas, estimating investment risk returns, and using derivative instruments.
• Network Management (30 Credits) (Compulsory): Develops advanced problem-solving and practical skills, including at least 24 hours of lab work.
Provides a systematic understanding of network management concepts, protocols, and tools used in current and future communication infrastructures.
• Network Security and Mechanisms (15 Credits) (Compulsory): Covers the principles and foundations of network security, including security issues, technologies, algorithms, and protocols used in securing computer networks and associated systems.
Analyzes possible security breaches, security risk analysis, and mechanisms for protecting computer and network communication systems.
• Operating Systems for Networked Environments: Focuses on the design and implementation of modern networked Operating Systems.
Examines key operating concepts including processes and threads, memory management, file systems, inter-process communication (IPC), synchronisation, networking technologies, network interfaces, and socket programming. Provides practical experience using labs on Linux and Windows 10.
• Virtualisation and Cloud Computing (30 Credits) (Compulsory): Covers various issues relating to virtualisation and cloud computing, with at least 24 hours spent working in labs.
• Individual PG Project (changes for students in 2020) (60 Credits) (Compulsory): An independent piece of work shaped by student decisions and preferences.
Develops understanding of designing, planning, and conducting applied research. Encourages students to apply and test theory and contribute to applications by enhancing their ability to handle data for problem-solving and evaluation; to test theory using analysis and simulations, integrating the learning from other modules.
• Individual PG Project (typical course structure) (60 Credits) (Compulsory): An independent piece of work shaped by student decisions and preferences.
Develops understanding of designing, planning, and conducting applied research. Encourages students to apply and test theory and contribute to applications by enhancing their ability to handle data for problem-solving and evaluation; to test theory using analysis and simulations, integrating the learning from other modules.

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Assessment:

• Assessment methods include exams, tests, and an independent research project.
• Practical assignments, including laboratory work and coursework, such as essays, reports, presentations, and class discussions.
• Group work for some assessed work.

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Teaching:

• Lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials.
• Laboratory sessions for developing practical skills.
• Independent study and reading articles and books.
• Group and individual research.
• Preparation for assessments.
• Experienced teaching team with a wide range of expertise and professional experience.

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Careers:

• Network management covers a wide area including performance reliability, security, fault, accounting, and configuration management.
• This master's program prepares graduates for the evolving networking and communications industry.
• Potential roles include training specialist, systems dispenser, business analysis manager, or university lecturer.
• Many graduates work in programming, telecommunications engineering, or network management.
• 95% of postgraduate students find employment or further study.
• Graduate destinations include L'Oréal, Halcrow Group, Cyberspace Network, AK Electronics, One Hundred Computers, Pilat Media, F5 Networks, and BAE Systems.

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Other:

• Students can access industry-standard networking labs, free loans of laptops for up to 24 hours, free access to reading lists, free printing for academic paperwork, and free online training with LinkedIn Learning.
• The Middlesex University Postgraduate Alumni Award offers a 20% fee reduction.