Computer Network Administration and Management MSc
MSc Computer Network Administration and Management
Overview
Businesses, big and small, are only as secure and efficient as their systems. If you're ready to take your existing technical and problem-solving skills to postgraduate level, then our MSc Computer Network Administration and Management degree course will help you reach your goals.
On this course, you'll learn the principles and practice of systems administration and management – including system and network design, analysis, specification, efficiency and security.
You'll plan and produce an individual project, and we'll provide the expertise and support so you can develop your professional practice. So once you graduate, you'll have all the tools you need for a career in computer network administration.
What you'll experience
On this course you'll:
- Get to use our multi-platform suites and computer labs
- Have access to over 250 servers in our £1 million network laboratory, featuring the latest computer networks and communication systems
- Get hands-on experience of configuring and optimising secure networks, and build client, server and middleware aspects of internet applications
- Study the key themes in the field, like Data Communications and Networking, Cloud Computing and Client Server Network Architecture
- Complete a personal project, applying what you've learned to a significant communications system or network planning problem
- Learn from academic staff with relevant experience in the field, including research and consultancy
Work experience and career planning
We'll help you to identify internships, voluntary roles and opportunities that will complement your studies.
When you finish the course, our Careers and Employability service can help you find a job that puts your skills to work in computer network administration.
After you leave the University, you can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years from our Careers and Employability service as you advance in your career.
Careers and opportunities
You'll graduate from this course with the skills you need for a career as a senior IT practitioner. Because there's a need for qualified, skilled practitioners in the field, you can apply your knowledge to an in-house accounting and finance system, or in an SME or a corporate-wide data system in an international organisation. You can also choose an academic career and study for a PhD.
Career opportunities include:
- Systems administrator
- Systems manager
- Network designer
- IT manager
- System consultant
- University lecturer or researcher
We'll provide you with as much support as possible in finding employment through close industrial contacts, careers events, recruitment fairs and individual advice.
Professional accreditations
This course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and meets the UK Engineering Council's Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). So it's a step towards registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).
Entry requirements
- A second-class honours degree in a relevant subject, or equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
Course costs
Tuition fees
UK/EU/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students
- Full-time: £7,700
- Part-time: £2,570 per year (3 years) (subject to annual increase)
International students
- Full-time: £15,100
- Part-time: £5,030 per year (3 years) (subject to annual increase)
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Our accommodation section shows your accommodation options and highlights how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
You’ll study up to 6 units a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each unit.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
What you'll study
Each unit on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
In each year, you need to study units worth a total of 180 credits. For example, 4 units worth 30 credits and 1 unit worth 60 credits.
Core units include:
- ICT Configuration and Administration
- Client Server Network Architecture
- Cloud Computing
- Data Communications and Networking
- Network Design and Management
- Communications Security
- Individual Project
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry and some optional units may not run every year. If a unit doesn’t run, we’ll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative unit.
Learning support
As well as support by faculty teaching staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University’s Academic Skills Unit (ASK). ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:
- academic writing
- note taking
- time management
- critical thinking
- presentation skills
- referencing
- working in groups
- revision, memory and exam techniques
Teaching
Teaching on this course includes:
- lectures
- tutorials
- laboratory sessions
How you'll spend your time
Each academic year is divided into 2 teaching blocks and an assessment period:
- Autumn teaching block – September to December
- Spring teaching block – January to Easter
- Assessment period – Easter to June
Most teaching takes place during the day, on Thursdays, Fridays and very occasionally on Saturdays. You may occasionally need to go to University and course events in the evenings and at weekends.
How you're assessed
You'll be assessed through:
- examinations
- coursework assignments
- a laboratory report
- a dissertation
You'll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study with us, you also agree to our terms and conditions as well as the University’s policies, rules and regulations. You should read and consider these before you apply.Apply
Apply for this course using our online application form.
International students
If you're from outside of the UK, you can apply directly to us or you can get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.