Postgraduate Courses in Computing and Electronic Systems, Computer Science, Computer Systems Engineering and Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering, MSc Computer and Information Networks Computer Science, Computer Systems Engineering, Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering, Modules, Courses, MSc, degree scheme, course, computing, computer science, electronics, electronic systems, postgraduate, graduate, industry-based project, dissertation, MSc Computer and Information Networks

MSc Computer and Information Networks

General Description

Introduction

Computer networks form the underlying infrastructure for the information society of the twenty-first century, and there is a continual need for well-qualified engineers with the appropriate background and expertise to work in this area. The MSc in Computer and Information Networks provides a well-rounded and in-depth education on computer networks and the applications that use them. It provides a thorough understanding of computer networking technologies and infrastructure, both existing and emerging; it examines services and applications that operate over computer networks; and it provides experience of the practicalities of setting up and operating these networks.

Structure of the Scheme

This MSc in Computer and Information Networks is designed for people with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electronic Engineering or a related discipline who wish to follow a career in computer networking. The degree encompasses lectures, where you learn the principles of different types of networking technology and you explore their operation and configuration; supervised laboratory sessions, where you put the principles learnt in lectures into practice on laboratory networking equipment; and a significant individual project, where you explore a networking topic in depth.

The course consists of eight taught modules plus an individual project and associated dissertation. It is taught over 12 months (full-time) or 24 months (part-time).

Further Course Details

including offer levels, module structure, syllabus content details

 

 

MSc INDUSTRY-BASED PROJECT AND DISSERTATION

With the School's approval, a student may take the MSc Industry-based Project and Dissertation (CE911-7-SU ) as an alternative to CE901-7-SU. This is designed to cater for students who are either taking the MSc whilst in employment, or who have secured industrial sponsorship in connection with their studies.

Preparation

A basic knowledge of computer networking will greatly facilitate your study on this MSc course.  A good introductory book on the subject is:

Andrew S. Tanenbaum, Computer Networks, 4th Edition, Pearson Education

Also, for the labs, it is assumed that you are proficient in the use of Windows applications, especially Microsoft Excel.

Networking research at Essex

When you come to study at the University of Essex, you will be taught by internationally respected experts, who are carrying out high-quality research related to the topics they are teaching. The Future Networks Research Group in the School is known worldwide for its leading-edge research in the subject area of this MSc.

Master Student Profiles

Student profile - Mohammed Alenezi

 

Mohammed wrote this profile during summer 2008 while working on is MSc project: I obtained my Bachelor's Degree from Kuwait University, then worked for the Kuwait Oil Company before starting an MSc in Computer and Information Networks here in October 2007. The course was recommended to me by a friend who had already graduated here with an MSc, and I was attracted by the reputation of the School and the high quality of student supervision.

When I finish my MSc, I intend to go back to Kuwait to teach, but I hope to return to Essex after that to do a PHD.

In my project, supervised by Dr David Hunter, I am studying resilience mechanisms in packet switched networks through computer simulation and mathematical analysis. My project has provided me with a strong background in MPLS ( Multiprotocol Label Switching) and Carrier Class Ethernet. The picture shows me working with the OPNET simulator, which is widely used in the School.

Student profile - Mittal Patel

Mittal wrote this profile during summer 2008 while carrying out research in the School: "I obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Electronics and Communication before coming here to study for an MSc in Telecommunication and Information Systems, the sister MSc course to Computer and Information Networks.

I chose Essex because I wanted to study in a School with a strong research profile.

My MSc project was supervised by Dr Ken Guild and comprised an investigation of Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) when used to carry large files over long-distance, high-capacity networks. I compared several version of TCP by using a network emulator to mimic the operation of such a network.

I obtained my MSc with Distinction in 2007, and since then have been employed on a project in the School. My work involves planning and deploying a WiMax radio network, studying long distance network emulation and evaluating TCP performance over long distance high-speed networks. The picture shows me working with a with a prototyping Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA), with an Ethernet switch I am configuring in the background."

Student Profile - Wilson Egbeobawaye

Wilson wrote this profile in summer 2008 while he was working on his MSc project: "I graduated with a Bachelor's degree from Enugu State University of Science and Technology in Nigeria. I worked in Nigeria for three years before starting an MSc in Computer and Information Networks here in October 2007. Although I received offers from elsewhere in the UK, I decided to come to Essex because the course exactly fitted my requirements. I was aware of the reputation that Essex has in electronics and computer studies, an impression which has now been confirmed by the lecturing staff and lab facilities. Also, I was attracted to Colchester rather than a busy city such as London, where the cost of living is much higher.

When I finish my MSc, I would like to study for a PhD, although I am considering working for a few years beforehand.

My MSc project is supervised by Dr Ken Guild and is an investigation of how flexibility, maximum throughput and quality of service can be achieved with heterogeneous networks consisting of Wifi, WiMax, GPON and Ethernet. My work involves modelling via the OPNET simulator, and implementation of a video conference through the Essex heterogeneous network via a dark fibre link to Cambridge University. The picture shows me setting up some of the networking equipment that I am using in my implementation."