Mobile Networks and Media Streaming MSc
Why choose this course?
The recent evolution of internet services, with video representing more than 80% of the data traffic, and the growth of on-demand video streaming (as offered by YouTube, Netflix, Amazon) and live streaming (as offered by Facebook, Twitch, etc.) requires new professional roles. The aim of this course is to provide practically-based education and training for students seeking employment in the areas of networking, media streaming, and wireless communications.
The course offers the opportunity to develop your skills in networking, media streaming and wireless communications and relevant security aspects, preparing you for a career in this fast-growing and exciting area, which spans virtually all areas of wireless, networking, and media communications.
The MSc course in Mobile Networks and Media Streaming will address both areas above and graduates will be able to apply for jobs in the wide market opened by such evolution.
| Mode | Duration | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Full time | 1 year | September 2024, January 2025, September 2025 |
| Full time | 2 years including professional placement | September 2024, January 2025, September 2025 |
| Main Location | Penrhyn Road |
Reasons to choose Kingston University
- You will have the opportunity to gain practical experience via a one-year professional placement (on request).
- The wireless multimedia and networking (WMN) research group at Kingston is at the forefront in this area, participating in national and international projects in collaboration with key industry stakeholders.
- Dedicated equipment and laboratories include test LAN/WLAN with a diverse range of platforms and equipment, including several types of wireless networks and enterprise scale networking technologies, equipment for testing Internet of Things communication, a 5G/mobile edge computing testbed, professional HDR and light field (plenoptic/holographic) cameras and displays, and VR/AR equipment.
What you will study
The full MSc course consists of an induction programme, four taught modules, and project dissertation.
Teaching on this course usually takes place in two separate specific week blocks (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm). For further details please contact ecepgstudentoffice@kingston.ac.uk.
For a student to go on placement they are required to pass every module first time with no reassessments. It is the responsibility of individual students to find a suitable paid placement. Students will be supported by our dedicated placement team in securing this opportunity.
Year 1
Core modules
Multimedia Communications
30 credits
The module addresses theory and practice of multimedia communication systems and networks, with a special focus on multimedia signals (audio, images and video) and relevant compression and transmission techniques.
The first part of the module focuses in particular on the representation of multimedia sources and on lossless and lossy compression methods for data, audio, image and video signals.
The second part of the module focuses in particular on the transmission of multimedia sources over communication systems and networks and on the strategies adopted to protect multimedia content from channel and network errors and losses.
Wireless Communications and Networks
30 credits
The module addresses theory and practice of wireless communication systems and networks, including the most recent wireless communications standards.
The first part will focus on the propagation characteristics of wireless channels and the main techniques for efficient communication, including modulation and channel coding. Characteristics and performance limits of wireless systems, techniques and tools to analyse them and methods for their design will also be covered.
The second part of the module will cover real-world wireless systems and networks, including wireless broadband systems and wireless sensor networks. It will provide practical and useful knowledge that can be readily applied in the wireless industry.
It covers the real-world, practical knowledge needed to understand, design, evaluate, deploy, test, validate and debug WLAN, WMAN and WPAN, as well as GPRS/ UMTS/ 3G and 4G and beyond networks and systems and Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN). Advanced technologies such as ultra-wideband communications and cognitive radio will also be addressed.
Emerging Communication and Network Technologies
30 credits
Project Dissertation
60 credits
This module constitutes the major individual piece of work of the masters programme where the student carries out a project involving independent critical research, design and implementation (where applicable).
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
- Select, justify and use effectively the research methods and techniques appropriate for particular cases in order to carry out a literature search and an independent work of research
- Critically identify the need to position their research in the wider academic or business context and structure the dissertation format to agreed conventions
- Plan, manage and critically evaluate the project using the techniques and tools needed in order to bring it in successfully on time and within resourcing limits
- Identify and critically analyse real-world problems or knowledge gaps to which academic concepts and methods can be realistically applied to improve or resolve the problem situation
- Apply skills to show an ability to engage in academic and professional communication with others in their field through report and presentation
- Present critical awareness in applying appropriate legal, social or ethical obligations and when required, respond to the financial and other constraints of a corresponding business environment.
Optional modules
Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
30 credits
The module introduces fundamental concepts and methods in Machine Learning and Pattern Recognition, and discusses their applications in disciplines such as image and video analysis, computer games, information security, data science and mechatronics. Students are firstly introduced to classical methods, before they are taught modern state-of-the-art approaches. Then, they are exposed to applications related to their course. The module is taught in a practical fashion and therefore some knowledge of a programming language is required.
Network and Information Security
30 credits
This module provides an overview of a wide range of security aspects and techniques of computer networks, both cabled and wireless. It will introduce basic aspects of Information Security, comprising Security and Risk Management as well as Policies and Standards. It also covers Ethical and legal aspects of security and hence addresses the employability of the students in their future career. The module then goes on to the topic of Network Security, both from a theoretical and practical aspect: network attacks, vulnerabilities and controls are introduced and examined in practical lab sessions. Finally, cutting-edge topics such as Web and Cloud security complete the picture.
Please note
Optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.
Work placement scheme
Many postgraduate courses at Kingston University enable students to take the option of a 12-month work placement as part of their course. Although the University supports students in finding a placement and organises events to meet potential employers, the responsibility for finding the work placement is with the student; we cannot guarantee the placement, just the opportunity to undertake it. You may find securing a professional placement difficult as they are highly competitive and challenging, but they are also incredibly rewarding. It is very important to prepare and apply yourself if this is the route you wish to take. Employers look for great written and oral communication skills and an excellent CV/portfolio. As the work placement is an assessed part of the course, it is covered by a student's Student Route visa.
Find out more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.
Entry requirements
Teaching and assessment
Who teaches this course?
The course is taught at the School of Computer Science and Mathematics.
The School of Computer Science and Mathematics is driven by the philosophy of 'learning through making'; we focus strongly on facilitating a hands-on experience, student led and owned product portfolios and producing industry-ready graduates.
We utilise a range of innovating teaching and learning approaches in our invigorated and modernised degree programmes; combining studio practices, project-based learning, and context driven lectures to facilitate an informed approach to problem solving.
Postgraduate students may run or assist in lab sessions and may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader
Fees for this course
Additional costs
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.
Facilities
Our modern teaching environment
There is a wide range of facilities at our Penrhyn Road campus, where this course is based. You will have access to a modern environment with the latest equipment, including:
- dedicated postgraduate computing laboratories, fully-equipped with fold-flat LCD screens, data-projection systems and high-spec processors;
- state-of-the-art hardware and the latest software, including:
- development software and tools - such as Linux, Microsoft.net, Dreamweaver MX, Flash 8, Eclipse, Java 2 Standard and Mobile Editions, tools for Motorola and Nokia phones, UML and CASE tools and NXP Processors Development Kits;
- digital signal processors (dsPIC Digital Signal Controllers);
- IP Set Top Box development environment (NXP's STB810);
- electronics laboratory;
- a mix of wireless LAN technologies
- subject libraries, online database subscriptions and resource materials;
- a postgraduate teaching suite; and
- the dedicated Graduate Centre on campus, providing seminar rooms and social spaces.
Our dedicated team of IT technicians support the labs and are always on hand to provide assistance.
CAVE (Centre for Augmented and Virtual reality Environments)
Students have full access to the University's CAVE (Centre for Augmented and Virtual reality Environments), a treasure trove of specialist equipment, including:
- virtual reality headsets and specialist equipment that tracks eye movements, brain activity
- state-of-the-art technology allowing students to monitor the user's levels of experience and enjoyment
- professional high-dynamic range (HDR), UHD, and light field (plenoptic/holographic) cameras and displays to capture and represent (also remotely) immersive environments
- event-driven (a.k.a. neuromorphic) visual sensors, capturing scenes mimicking the human eye.
This lab has also allowed computing students to work closely and collaborate with design students, promoting interdisciplinary work and allowing students to begin successful partnerships creating innovative products at the forefront of technology.
Due to this innovative technology and collaborative learning environment Kingston University has become one of only 12 universities to have obtained an educational partnership with Sony (2017).
Students will also have the possibility to experiment with several types of wireless networks and enterprise scale networking technologies, including Internet of Things communications and 5G with a mobile edge computing testbed.
Extensive computer resources for experimenting with deep learning and blockchain technology are also available, as well as a fully equipped "cyber-lab" for students who wish to focus on security aspects.
Resources in London
Kingston is just a 30-minute train journey from central London. Here you can access a wealth of additional libraries and archives, including the British Library and the Institute of Engineering and Technology.
After you graduate
Where this course will take you
Computer, network and information security are current 'hot topics'. They are here to stay, as we will never be able to design or build a system without having to take into account its security in an operational scenario.
Many companies are actively recruiting security specialists at the moment and the major software houses are training their coders in security. In fact, it can be hard to get a job with a large company, even as a software developer, without some appreciation of security.
Students progress to roles such as video streaming engineer/video streaming manager, wireless software engineer, communications lead and security consultant.
Have a look at ITJobsWatch.
Careers and recruitment advice
The Faculty has a specialist employability team. It provides friendly and high-quality careers and recruitment guidance, including advice and sessions on job-seeking skills such as CV preparation, application forms and interview techniques. Specific advice is also available for international students about the UK job market and employers' expectations and requirements.
The team runs employer events throughout the year, including job fairs, key speakers from industry and interviews on campus. These events give you the opportunity to hear from, and network with, employers in an informal setting.
Links with business and industry
Industrial Advisory Board
To ensure your studies are kept up to date and answer the needs of business, our courses are created and reviewed in consultation with an advisory board of key industry experts and senior academics. The Board also provides input and advice on our research portfolio.
With members from Google, Microsoft, easyJet, games developer Colossal and Chief Information Officers from local government – our Advisory Board represents the diverse spectrum of industries and public sector organisations that make up the jobs market for our graduates
Current research in this subject
Many of our staff in the Faculty are research active. This ensures they are in touch with the latest thinking and bring best practice to your studies.
Computing research activities are focused around the following main research centres:
- Digital Imaging Research Centre – offering expertise in computer vision, medical imaging, visual surveillance, ambient intelligence, machine learning and computer graphic.
- Wireless Multimedia and Networking Research Group – The research group carries out fundamental and applied research on wireless communications and networking, media streaming and closely related fields.
Extra activities for this course
The range of events and lectures in the Faculty enhances your studies and adds an extra perspective to your learning.
For example, the Digital Information Research Centre (DIRC) runs seminars which have recently covered:
- how social media affects police operations
- dimensionality issues in weighted differential entropy
- link quality based routing framework for wireless sensor networks
- data integration for smart urban transport
- HTTP video streaming adaptation
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
