MSc
Computer Network Administration and Management
Preparation for professional practice in IT at a senior level
Course Overview
Why take this course?
In today's IT-centric business environments, the need for correctly specified, configured and managed computer systems is at the heart of business efficiency and security.
This course aims to teach you the principles and practice of systems administration and management, including system and network design, analysis, specification, efficiency and security in an ‘Open Systems’ environment.
What will I experience?
On this course you can:
- Use our fully equipped multi-platform suites and computer labs to enhance your learning experience
- Gain hands-on experience of configuring and optimising secure networks and develop skills in building client, server and middleware aspects of internet applications
- Carry out your final project in a workplace environment or relate your topic to a current issue in industry
What opportunities might it lead to?
This course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). It will provide you with some of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).
The MSc at Portsmouth focused on professional practice in IT at a senior level. There is a lot of lab work and practical coursework.
Ahmed Al-Khazzar, MSc Computer Network and Administration Management student 2012
Key Facts
- Duration
- 1 year full time or 3 years part time (September intake), 16 months full time (January intake)
- Entry
A second-class honours degree, or equivalent, in relevant subject. Applicants who do not meet the minimum entry requirements but have extensive relative work experience may also be considered.
English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5- Fees
UK/EU/Channel Islands and Isle of Man full-time students: £6,000, part-time students: £2,000 p/a* (3 years)
International full-time students: £11,900, part-time students: £3,970 p/a* (3 years)
*Please note that all fees are subject to annual increase.- Contact
- technology.admissions@port.ac.uk
+44 (0)23 9284 2555 - Department
- School of Engineering
Structure & Teaching
This course provides a broad understanding of client-facing management techniques within the context of computer network administration. You will study six core topics on this course, followed by an individual project.
Here are the units you will study:
- ICT Configuration and Administration
- Client Server Network Architecture
- Unified Communications
- Data Communications and Networking
- Network Design and Management
- Communications Security
- Individual Project: The course ends with a four-month individual project in which you apply your knowledge to a significant communications system or network planning problem. Projects are tailored to your individual interests and may take place in our own laboratories or, by agreement, in industry.
Teaching and Assessment
You will be taught through a mixture of lectures, tutorials and laboratory sessions in conjunction with implementing your individual project, which can often be linked with industry. In addition, you will need to spend significant time in our electronic, communications and computer laboratories as well as in private study directed by lecturers.
How are you assessed?
Assessment is geared towards the subject matter in a way that encourages a deeper understanding and allows you to develop your skills. Here’s how we assess your work:
- examinations
- coursework assignments
- a laboratory report
- a dissertation
Facilities & Features
The Network Lab
Our new £1 million network laboratory rivals anything available at other British universities
Specialist Software and Equipment
You’ll have a range of excellent resources at your fingertips
Tutor Centre
A one-stop academic help and support resource
University Library
Our library offers a wealth of information
The Network Lab
Our new £1 million network laboratory rivals anything available at other British universities. It will give you access to over 250 servers with full remote access. You’ll get the chance to configure, experiment with and manage different networking technologies. Plus, learn programming languages such as Java, HTML and C, and use a wide range of application packages such as OPNET and Wireshark. Our lab accommodates learning in all areas of computer networks and communication systems.
Specialist Software and Equipment
A full range of industry software will be available for you to use in the computer labs, supported by multi-platform network suites offering a variety of operating systems. You’ll have a range of excellent resources at your fingertips including:
- Cisco equipment
- network analysers
- ECAD and software development suites
- analogue and digital electronics
- microprocessors
- telecommunications and control systems
- Linux, Windows and Unix systems
Tutor Centre
A one-stop academic help and support resource for all School of Computing students. Need help understanding your assessments? Want to talk to someone about your project or about that programming problem? This is the place to go.
University Library
Modern, comfortable and a great learning environment, our library offers a wealth of information including 400,000 books, DVDs, maps and thousands of online ejournals and newspapers. Many electronic resources are available anywhere, 24/7 and our friendly staff are always on hand to help.
Careers & Opportunities
Career prospects
Whether it is an in-house accounting and finance system in an SME or a corporate-wide data system in an international organisation, the role of systems administration is one that ensures integrity of the vital data upon which major business decisions are made.
The management aspect of the administrator's role includes securing suitable investment and commitment from staff so that the systems implemented are used correctly and to their full extent by all in the organisation. Overall, this course is about professional practice in IT at a senior level, where there is a growing need for practitioners who can take strategic IT plans and implement the associated computer and network infrastructures, as well as create appropriate administrative and maintenance structures that are responsive to company needs. Upon graduating you can expect to find roles as system administrators and managers, network designers, IT managers and system consultants.
Career planning
One of the benefits of studying at Portsmouth is the support that we provide to our Master's and Research Degrees students in career planning. Our careers and recruitment service – Purple Door – can assist you in career research and finding employment opportunities. Help is also available if you wish to find a part-time job while studying your degree. We offer our postgraduate students and alumni one-to-one appointments with a careers adviser, or an online service for those not able to travel back to the University. Our alumni can call on our career services for five years after graduation.
In addition, regular employability events offer you the chance to meet employers, find out about different career sectors and improve your applications or CV. The Graduate Summer Programme provides a range of guidance and employability seminars and workshops.