Course descriptionCloud computing is a technical and social reality today, it represents a dramatic shift in the design of systems capable of providing vast amounts of computing services and storage space. It is also a business reality today as an increasing number of organisations are adopting this paradigm since it increases efficiency, helps improve cash flow and offers many more services and benefits. The rapid shift in IT towards cloud computing is creating a worldwide skills gap. Our MSc course in Cloud technologies and its applications will be taught with respect to their design, architecture and implementation, as well as the use of tools which are used to model the behaviour of cloud based systems.
The MSc in Computer Networks with Cloud Technologies aims to produce postgraduates with an advanced understanding of Cloud based systems and their planning, implementation and maintenance. The course aims to prepare a student with specialist knowledge and skillset in key areas such as cloud architecture, modelling tools, virtualisation, distributed systems, cloud services and management. Students will be able to develop technical solutions and strategies for cloud systems’ management and operations. They will also be able to develop the ability to critically evaluate and analyse the associated architectures, management protocols and associated policies for cloud based systems. The course aims to provide experience in the design and implementation of distributed systems and to build applications in the cloud using platforms and toolkits such as Google App Engine, VMware Cloud Foundry, Microsoft Windows Azure, CloudSim, CloudBees, GigaSpaces.
Course structure:
Each MSc course consists of three learning modules (40 credits each) plus an individual project (60 credits). Each learning module consists of a short course of lectures and initial hands-on experience. This is followed by a period of independent study supported by a series of tutorials. During this time you complete an Independent Learning Package (ILP). The ILP is matched to the learning outcomes of the module. It can be either a large project or a series of small tasks depending on the needs of each module. Credits for each module are awarded following the submission of a completed ILP and its successful defence in a viva voce examination. This form of assessment develops your communication and personal skills and is highly relevant to the workplace. Overall, each learning module comprises approximately 400 hours of study.
The project counts for one third of the course and involves undertaking a substantial research or product development project. For part-time students, this can be linked to their employment. It is undertaken in two phases. In the first part, the project subject area is researched and a workplan developed. The second part involves the main research and development activity. In all, the project requires approximately 600 hours of work.
Further flexibility is provided within the structure of the courses in that you can study related topic areas by taking modules from other courses as options (pre-requisite knowledge and skills permitting).
Prior to starting your course, you are sent a Course Information and Preparation Pack which provides information to give you a flying start.
MSc Computer Networks Suite of Courses
The MSc in Computer Networks has three distinct pathways:
Security
Communications
Cloud Technologies
The course structure is quite flexible, affording industry-based students an opportunity to attend and accumulate module credits over an extended period of time. It also simultaneously serves the full-time student cohort which generally progresses through the MSc pathway in a single calendar year.
The MSc programmes are short course based and feature assessment through sequentially submitted result portfolios for the work packages, ie the ILPs. These are assigned immediately upon each short course module where the students are able to concentrate their study efforts just on the most recently-taught subject material. This greatly promotes efficient focused learning. The individual oral examination administered for each ILP furnishes valuable experience in oral defence, and frees students from written examination burdens.
The technical tasks undertaken in ILPs, along with the required major project, thoroughly exercise the concepts covered in the course modules and give scope for originality and industry-relevant study. Team-working activities encouraged within modules, along with the all-oral individual examination regimen employed in this Networks MSc Suite, have proven solidly beneficial in refining the communication and employability-enhancing skills that are strongly valued by industry.