Networking & Data Communications / with Management Studies MSc
Subject and course type
- Computing and Information Systems
- Postgraduate
Gain the skills you need to kick-start your career with the Networking & Data Communications MSc. Pick from the accredited cyber pathway or the Management Studies option. Whichever route you choose, you will have the opportunity to use our state-of-the-art laboratories, with up-to-date computers and Local Area Networks (LAN).
You are reading:
Explore the data communication techniques used in computer networking
Arm yourself with specialist knowledge of digital and multimedia communications, wireless networks and security issues.
Our Network & Data Communications MSc will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to design, develop and operate secure IP-based networks. You'll graduate with practical skills in the specification, design, modelling and implementation of software and hardware, as well as study the technologies of LTE and 5G wireless networks and the Internet of Things.
At our Penrhyn Road campus, you will have access to a modern environment with the latest equipment, including:
- Our Centre for Augmented and Virtual Environments (CAVE) lab
- Dedicated postgraduate computing laboratories, fully-equipped with fold-flat LCD screens, data-projection systems and high-spec processors
- Development software and tools, such as Linux, Microsoft.net, Dreamweaver MX, Flash 8, Eclipse, Java 2 Standard and Mobile Editions. As well as 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)
- Professional ultra high definition, high-dynamic range (HDR) and light field (plenoptic/holographic) cameras and displays, and VR/AR equipment
- Electronics Laboratory
- A mix of wireless LAN technologies
The Networking and Data Communications MSc has played a vital role in developing my career. I was given numerous opportunities to attend course-related workshops and conferences. I also published papers and participated in research activities of the Wireless Multimedia and Networking research group.
Why choose this course
The Network & Data Communications MSc course provides you with the practical knowledge and a critical appreciation of the principles of data communications. You'll learn how to analyse a system and design an appropriate, custom solution. There is also the opportunity to combine the course with Management Studies to allow you to develop key business and management skills.
A project/dissertation will enable you to study an area of interest in depth and gain valuable research skills. Your project is usually relevant to your career, so it provides an excellent selling point when you are looking for a job or promotion. If you are an overseas student, we will help you to carry out a project either based in your home country or that will be of specific relevance when you return home.
Plus, our industry contacts provide demonstrations of current technology for you to explore. We also organise vendor seminars to expose you to current and emerging technologies.
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 graphics.
- 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.
Accreditation
This degree has been accredited by British Computer Society (BCS), The Chartered Institute for IT. Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by BCS. An accredited degree entitles you to professional membership of BCS, which is an important part of the criteria for achieving Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status through the Institute.
Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords. This degree is accredited by BCS for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
This degree has been accredited by BCS, on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for a Chartered Engineer (CEng). Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). An accredited degree will provide you with some or all of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).
For full details of exemption and accreditation levels, please check the BCS course search.
The Faculty is a long-time member of BCS. For many years we have hosted meetings of the local BCS Kingston and Croydon Branch, contributing to members' continuing professional development programmes.
Please note: The programme delivered at our partner institution overseas is not currently accredited by the BCS.
Course content
The full MSc course consists of an induction programme, four taught modules and a project dissertation. Please note this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list.
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.
Networking & Data Communications MSc
Core modules
30 credits
This core module provides a working knowledge of data communications covering TCP/IP networks and digital communications. Topics covered include transport layer services, multiplexing, TCP congestion control, network layer – network service models, IP addressing and IP network design, routing principles, dynamic routing, digital transmission, modulation, multiplexing and channel coding.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Compare computer network architectures.
- Evaluate the performance of TCP under varying flow control and congestion conditions.
- Design an IP addressing scheme for a network.
- Define and calculate transmission performance over a communication link.
- Study and analyse characteristics of modulation methods.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Networking & Data Communications with Management Studies MSc
Core modules
30 credits
This core module provides a working knowledge of data communications covering TCP/IP networks and digital communications. Topics covered include transport layer services, multiplexing, TCP congestion control, network layer – network service models, IP addressing and IP network design, routing principles, dynamic routing, digital transmission, modulation, multiplexing and channel coding.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Compare computer network architectures.
- Evaluate the performance of TCP under varying flow control and congestion conditions.
- Design an IP addressing scheme for a network.
- Define and calculate transmission performance over a communication link.
- Study and analyse characteristics of modulation methods.
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.
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.
30 credits
This postgraduate module covers the theory and practice of the business and management needs of students from different academic contexts including Science, Engineering, Computing and Health Services who are aspiring team leaders, managers, and entrepreneurs in business within the context of the commercial, public, voluntary, or academic sector. This module explains and puts business concepts into context within a variety of sectors.
You will investigate business topics ranging from finance, accounting, budgeting, and marketing, to organisational management by developing the leadership skills to meet business challenges and to cope with their complexity.
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.
Professional placement
Professional placement
120 credits
The Professional Placement module is a core module if you're following a masters programme that incorporates an extended professional placement. It provides you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in an appropriate working environment, and develops and enhances key employability and subject specific skills in your chosen discipline. You may wish to use the placement experience as a platform for a major project or your future career.
It is your responsibility to find and secure a suitable placement opportunity; this should not normally involve more than two placements which must be completed over a minimum period of 10 months and within a maximum of 12 months. The placement must be approved by your Course Leader prior to commencement to ensure its suitability. You will have access to the standard placement preparation activities offered by the Student Engagement and Enhancement (SEE) group.
Read more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.
Completing the Master of Science degree in Networking and Data Communication at Kingston University was a pivotal step in my professional journey. The program was not just a gateway to a doctoral program, but it also laid the foundation for the academic career I had envisioned.
Career opportunities
Boost your employability
Graduates from this course go on to work in management, engineering and computing roles, as IT managers or consultants, and have become academics. Our alumni have worked for companies such as British Telecom (BT), IBM, Spotify, Meta, Inify Labs, and public organisations such as the NHS, Digital Catapult, and Rail delivery group.
Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Education
Kingston University is committed to promoting excellent cyber security education. As such the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment has established the Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Education and Culture.
Careers and recruitment advice
The Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing has a specialist employability team. It provides friendly and high-quality careers and recruitment guidance. This includes 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
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.
Members of the board are from organisations, such as Google, Microsoft, easyJet, games developer Colossal. The board also includes Chief Information Officers from local government. Our Advisory Board therefore represents the diverse spectrum of industries and public sector organisations that make up the jobs market for our graduates.
This course also has links with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), and Association for Computing Machinery (ACM).
Academics and industry researchers are often invited to deliver talks to MSc students via the IEEE distinguished lecturer scheme. Invited speakers in the course are also often selected IET members. Students are encouraged to get involved in ACM activities.
Teaching and assessment
When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.
As a student at Kingston University, we will make sure you have access to appropriate advice regarding your academic development. You will also be able to use the University's support services.
A course is made up of modules, and each module is worth a number of credits. You must pass a given number of credits in order to achieve the award you registered on, for example 360 credits for a typical undergraduate course or 180 credits for a typical postgraduate course. The number of credits you need for your award is detailed in the programme specification which you can access from the link at the bottom of this page.
One credit equates to 10 hours of study. Therefore 180 credits across a year (typical for a postgraduate course) would equate to 1,800 notional hours. These hours are split into scheduled and guided. On this course, the percentage of that time that will be scheduled learning and teaching activities is shown below. The remainder is made up of guided independent study.
- 16% scheduled learning and teaching
The exact balance between scheduled learning and teaching and guided independent study will be informed by the modules you take.
Your course will primarily be delivered in person. It may include delivery of some activities online, either in real time or recorded.
Assessment typically comprises exams (e.g. test or exam), practical (e.g. presentations, performance) and coursework (e.g. essays, reports, self-assessment, portfolios, dissertation). The approximate percentage for how you will be assessed on this course is as follows, though depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose:
Core pathway:
- Year 1: Coursework 59%; exams 40%; practical 1%
Management pathway:
- Year 1: Coursework 65%; exams 30%; practical 5%
Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. If your course includes optional modules, this breakdown may change to reflect the modules chosen.
We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.
You will be part of an intimate cohort of 20-40 students which provides dedicated academic guidance and advice as well as the opportunity to build a life-long network of colleagues. Some modules are common across other postgraduate programmes; you may therefore be taught alongside postgraduates from other courses.
Fees and funding
| Fee category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | |
| Full Time | £11,400 |
| Part Time | £6,270 |
| International | |
| Full Time | £19,300 |
| Part Time | £10,615 |
| Fee category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | |
| Full Time | £10,900 |
| Part Time | £5,995 |
| International | |
| Full Time | £18,500 |
| Part Time | £10,175 |
Funding support for postgraduate students
If you are a UK student living in England and under 60, you can apply for a loan to study for a postgraduate degree on the government's website.
Scholarships and bursaries
For students interested in studying Networking & Data Communications / with Management Studies MSc at Kingston, there are several opportunities to seek funding support:
The Inspire the Future Scholarship offers a 40% reduction in fees for taught masters or postgraduate diploma courses with September start dates. 20 scholarships are available for progressing Kingston University graduates.
For more information on how to apply for this scholarship, visit the Inspire the Future Scholarship page.
International postgraduate students could receive up to £5,000 towards tuition in their first year of study.
For more information on how to apply for these scholarships, visit the International Scholarship page.
If you are a Kingston University 2024/25 undergraduate progressing to a 2025/26 postgraduate degree (taught or research), you could get a 15% reduction in tuition fees.
For more information on how to apply for this scholarship, visit the Postgraduate Progression Scholarship page.
Kingston University offers a 10% discount on full and part-time postgraduate degree course tuition fees to our alumni.
For more information on how to apply for this discount, visit our alumni discount page.
The Kevin Walsh Scholarship is a one-year scholarship for a taught masters course in the School of Computer Science & Mathematics. It covers the cost of home fees for a masters degree as well as providing a maintenance grant.
For more information, visit the Kevin Walsh Scholarship page.
Additional course costs
Some courses may require additional costs beyond tuition fees. When planning your studies, you’ll want to consider tuition fees, living costs, and any extra costs that might relate to your area of study.
Your tuition fees include costs for teaching, assessment and university facilities. So your access to libraries, shared IT resources and various student support services are all covered. Accommodation and general living expenses are not covered by these fees.
Where applicable, additional expenses for your course may include:
Our libraries have an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as open-access computers and laptops available to rent. However, you may want to buy your own computer or personal copies of key textbooks. Textbooks may range from £50 to £250 per year. And a personal computer can range from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.
While most coursework is submitted online, some modules may require printed copies. You may want to allocate up to £100 per year for hard-copies of your coursework. It’s worth noting that 3D printing is never compulsory. So if you choose to use our 3D printers, you’ll need to pay for the material. This ranges from 3p per gram to 40p per gram.
Kingston University will pay for all compulsory field trips. Fees for optional trips can range from £30 to £350 per trip.
Your tuition fees don’t cover travel costs. To save on travel costs, you can use our free intersite bus service. This route links the campuses and halls of residence with local train stations - Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, and Norbiton.
If you choose to do a placement year, travel costs will vary depending on your location. These costs could be up to £2,000.
CAVE (Centre for Augmented and Virtual reality Environments)
Students have full access to the University's CAVE, a treasure trove of specialist equipment, including:
- virtual reality headsets and specialist equipment that tracks eye movements and brain activity
- state-of-the-art technology allowing students to monitor a 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 (even remotely) immersive environments
- event-driven (a.k.a. neuromorphic) visual sensors, which capture scenes mimicking the human eye
This lab has also allowed computing students to work closely and collaborate with design students. These collaborations promote interdisciplinary work and allow students to establish successful partnerships based on creating innovative products at the forefront of technology.
Due to this collaborative learning environment, Kingston University has become one of only 12 universities to have obtained an educational partnership with Sony (2017).
As a result, students have the possibility to experiment with several types of wireless networks and enterprise scale networking technologies. These include 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.
How to apply
Before you apply
Please read the entry criteria carefully to make sure you meet all requirements before applying.
How to apply online
Use the course selector drop down at the top of this page to choose your preferred course, start date and mode, then click 'Apply now'. You will be taken to our Online Student Information System (OSIS) where you will complete your application.
If you’re starting a new application, you’ll need to select ‘new user’ and set up a username and password. This will allow you to save and return to your application.
Application deadlines
We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Applications will close when the course is full.
Information required to confirm your place
If English is not your first language, we will require proof of your proficiency to allow us to confirm your place on the course. This will generally be either an IELTS or TOEFL test certificate, which can be forwarded to us after you have submitted your application. If you do not hold a formal English language qualification, please indicate how you have acquired your proficiency in written and spoken English.
After you have applied
If the postgraduate admissions tutor requires further information or wishes to invite you to further assessment by interview they will contact you directly. You will then hear whether your application has been successful.
If you do not clearly meet the standard entry requirements and the admission tutor wishes to see a portfolio from you, you will be sent an email asking you to upload your portfolio to your Kingston University OSIS account. Further details on how to do this will be provided at the time.
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. Find out more about course changes
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
