Advanced Computer Networks - MSc

This module prepares you for the research project that you will undertake towards the end of your master’s course. It equips you with knowledge and transferable skills that will also help you in your subsequent career, for example, when you are asked to write a report or to carry out an IT project. You will become familiar with the research literature in your discipline, research methodology and research ethics, as well as project management tools, methods and techniques.

The module provides you with an opportunity to gain experience and critically reflect on the skills of network automation and orchestration within a global context. This module builds on the knowledge and underpinning theory from the networking modules and reviews the requirements for good network management.  

The module provides you with an opportunity to learn and critically reflect on the skills of Advanced Ethical Hacking and information security within a global context. This module builds on the knowledge and underpinning theory from the networking modules and reviews the requirements for a secure network communication system. 

The objective of this module is to provide solid understanding of the operation, implementation, and management of different types of wireless communication technologies, such as personal area networks (PANs), ad hoc networks, mesh networks, with a focus on wireless local area networks (WLANs). The module will cover various essential wireless communications concepts, such as wireless channels, RF propagation, RF system components, signal interference, mobility, etc. The module will also cover the architecture of various wireless networks, datalink layer protocol for wireless networks, wireless site survey considerations, network deployment and troubleshooting considerations, and wireless security will also be discussed. There will also be a brief discussion of advanced wireless communications, exploring the latest research advances in wireless communication. This module will have a strong practical focus, bridging the gap between theory and real-world practice.   

This module covers the concepts and techniques of applied artificial intelligence (AI), focusing on the machine learning applications in practice. It provides the underpinning principles on the design and development of AI to address emerging challenges in the cyber world. A range of machine-learning schemes are examined, including identification of anomalous situations that alter data reliability and integrity. In addition, the students will develop related analytical and practical skills that can be applied in designing AI for data processing applications.  

The module gives you an opportunity to learn and critically reflect on the skills of advanced enterprise network planning, design, configuration and security. This module builds on the knowledge and underpinning theory from the networking modules and reviews the requirements for a secure and robust international network communication system. 

The purpose of the module is to enable you to undertake a sustained, in-depth and research-informed Level 7 project exploring an area that is of personal interest to you. In agreement with your supervisor, you will decide upon your topic which will take the form of a practical outcome (artefact) with accompanying contextual material. The main consideration when choosing your topic is that it must be aligned to the programme you are studying and informed by the research strategy of your school, and you should consider the relevance of this topic to your future academic or professional development.