Welcome to the MSc in Computer Networking!

Computer networks constitute the backbone of modern digital society, enabling global communication, cloud computing, data-driven services, the Internet of Things, and emerging intelligent and autonomous systems. As networks evolve towards higher scalability, programmability, automation, and intelligence, professionals with strong technical foundations and multidisciplinary skills are increasingly in demand.

This MSc programme is designed to address the challenges of next-generation networking environments, including high-performance data networks, fixed and mobile communication systems, secure and resilient infrastructures, and software-defined and programmable networks. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding network protocols, architectures, and management mechanisms, as well as on emerging paradigms such as network virtualization, edge and cloud networking, and IoT systems.

Graduates of the MSc in Computer Networking will be equipped to work in a rapidly evolving job market that demands expertise in network design, operation, security, and innovation, both in industrial and research-oriented contexts. The programme combines solid theoretical foundations with applied and project-based learning, preparing students to contribute effectively to the design, deployment, and evolution of modern communication networks.

Objectives

The MSc in Computer Networking aims to:

  • Provide students with a deep understanding of computer networking principles, protocols, and architectures, covering multiple layers of the network stack.

  • Develop advanced technical skills in network design, configuration, management, and optimisation for fixed, mobile, and heterogeneous network environments.

  • Provide the students with the ability to analyse, design, and secure scalable and resilient networks, taking into account performance, quality of service, and security requirements.

  • Introduce emerging networking paradigms and technologies, including software-defined networking, network virtualisation, IoT systems, and data-driven networking.

  • Foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills, enabling students to address networking challenges in both industrial and academic settings.

  • Prepare students for professional practice, lifelong learning, and advanced research, including doctoral studies in networking and related areas.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the MSc in Computer Networking, graduates will be able to:

  • Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of computer network architectures, protocols, and services, including multimedia communications, quality of service mechanisms, and fixed and mobile networks.

  • Analyse and design secure networks, applying cryptographic mechanisms and network security principles to protect data, services, and infrastructures.

  • Design, implement, and manage software-defined and programmable networks, leveraging SDN, network management frameworks, and emerging network paradigms.

  • Apply data analytics and machine learning techniques to networking problems, such as traffic analysis, performance optimisation, anomaly detection, and intelligent network management.

  • Design and evaluate Internet of Things (IoT) systems, considering communication protocols, scalability, security, and interoperability.

  • Assess network performance and quality of service, and propose appropriate traffic control strategies for diverse application requirements.

  • Develop effectively in team work, particularly in the context of the Computer Networking multidisciplinary project, addressing real-world networking challenges.

  • Conduct independent technical and scientific work, including problem formulation, literature review, system design, experimentation, and evaluation, culminating in a master’s dissertation.

  • Communicate technical concepts and results clearly and effectively to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.