Computer Communication Networks MSc

About the Course

Data communications is a rapidly expanding sector with exciting career prospects. The purpose of the course is to provide exposure to the wide variety of technical, managerial and organisational issues essential to the provision of information technology for commercial application of data communication systems.

See what the students have said about this course.

Aims

This course is aimed at widening and deepening the experience of academically capable graduates and practising engineers.

This course is aimed at:

• Recent graduates in Electrical or Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, Physics and Mathematics who wish to deepen their knowledge of the technological, commercial and managerial issues associated with Data Communication Systems;
• Practising engineers who wish to update their knowledge in this area. In this fast moving environment postgraduate qualifications provide a competitive edge in career progression;
• European and other overseas engineers who wish to broaden their education in the United Kingdom.

Enquiries

Marketing and Recruitment Officer
School of Engineering and Design
Email sed-pg-admissions@brunel.ac.uk
Tel +44 (0)1895 265814/266633

Course Director: Dr Maozhen Li

Accreditation

This course is fully accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

Course Content

Industrial input to the MSc is continuously updated through lecturers' contacts within the industry and through a guest speaker programme. In particular, the entire Planning, Procurement, Regulation and Services module is delivered by a computer networking consultant with international experience.

Practical skills are developed through the workshop module, both to reinforce the theory presented in lectures and to gain hands-on experience. In addition to in-depth technical knowledge, the Data Communications industry also considers project management, team working and presentation skills to be key attributes. These are all developed in the Course.

Modules

Advanced Digital Communications
The aim of this module is to introduce students to more advanced topics in digital communication systems and to provide students with up-to-date knowledge of the techniques used in digital communication systems including more advanced topics in digital wireless communication systems. This module covers channel modelling, coding, digital transmission through wireless channels, advanced error control techniques, spread spectrum, multi-carrier digital transmission (OFDM and MIMO), and their applications in wireless and cellular mobile communication systems.

Computer Networks
Introduces the terminology and concepts of system networks, using the OSI network model as the reference framework. Aims to produce an understanding of network structures and techniques, covering layered network architectures, protocols, process interconnection, system network modelling, routing and software implementation at various network layers. The reference framework is compared with common networks such as TCP/IP, IPX and NETBIOS and the technologies for bearer transmission services and related issues, including ISDN, SDH, ATM, frame relay, email, X400 and X500 are considered.

Network Security and Encryption
This module introduces the fundamental theory that enables what is achievable through the use of Security Engineering to be determined, and presents the practical techniques and algorithms that are currently important for the efficient and secure use of distributed /Grid computing systems. Topics to be covered in this module include Introduction to Security Engineering, Classical Cryptography (Monoalphabetic and Polyalphabetic Ciphers, Transposition, Substitution, Linear Transformation), Computational Fundamentals of Cryptosystems (Computational Complexity and Intractability, Modular Arithmetic and Elementary Number Theory), Modern Symmetric Key Cryptography (Feistel Ciphers, DES, Triple-DES and AES), Public Key Cryptography (The Diffie-Hellman Key Exchange Algorithm, Public Key Infrastructures, X.509 Certificates, PK Systems such as RSA and Elliptic Curves), Multilevel Security (the Bell-LaPadula Security Policy Model, the Biba Model, the NRL Pump), Multilateral Security (Compartmentation and the Lattice Model, the Chinese Wall, the BMA Model), Protecting eCommerce Systems.

Network Design and Management
Introduces different network design methodologies and principles. Covers the needs to identify and resolve design issues with regards to networks and protocols. Provides network strategies and regulation policies. Considers how to design and manage networks of different types with respect to performance and requirements.

Network Computing
Introduces the use of Java object-oriented programming language for distributing peer to peer program design. Includes the use of databases (JDBC, SQL, XML/XQL), client/server systems, servlets and RMI.

Optical and Wireless Communication Systems
Covers modern data transmission technologies starting from the component level and building up to complete system design, operation and management. Considers current and planned optical, satellite and mobile networks and services, as well as their integration into global systems.

Project Management
Introduces a range of formal methods and skills necessary to equip the student to function effectively at the higher levels of project management. Covers the need for the development of project management skills in achieving practical business objectives.

Workshop
Practical work is an important component of the course and gives students experience with relevant techniques and tools. Assignments are of practical nature and involve laboratory work with relevant equipment, hardware and software systems, conducted in a hands-on workshop environment. Typical assignments are:

• Setting up a Local Area Network
• Network Modelling and Simulation
• Designing an Error Control Codec
• Network Communications
• Pulses on Transmission Lines
• Concurrent Programming
• Data Compression and Cryptanalysis
• Object Orientation

Dissertation
The dissertation is a stimulating and challenging part of the MSc programme. It provides the opportunity to apply the knowledge learnt in the taught part of the course and to specialise in one aspect, developing the student's deep understanding and expertise in a Data Communications related area of their choice. Students may carry out their project wholly within the University, but industrial based projects are encouraged.

For company-sponsored students, projects should be related to the company's present and future enterprise. Industrial projects often lead to recruitment of the student by the collaborative company, recent examples of which include BT, Siemens, 3Com, Worldcom, Nortel and Orange.

Assessment

Each of the eight course modules is assessed either by formal examination, written assignments or a combination of the two. Hand-in dates for the assignments are specified at the beginning of the academic year.

Examinations are normally taken in January and June. Successful completion of the first part of the programme allows the student to proceed to the dissertation stage. To qualify for the award of the MSc degree the student must submit a satisfactory dissertation. Students who fail to proceed to the dissertation stage or fail to submit a satisfactory dissertation may be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma.

Careers

The employment record for graduates of the course remains highly impressive. Graduates have been recruited by a wide range of communications equipment manufacturers, vendors, service providers and end users. A number of leading Data Communications companies have recognised the unique blend of skills our MSc provides and identified our graduates for inclusion their UK, European and global recruitment programmes.

Fees for 2013/14 entry

UK/EU students: £5,800 full-time

International students: £15,000 full-time

Read about funding opportunities available to postgraduate students

Fees quoted are per annum and are subject to an annual increase.

Entry Requirements

A UK first or second class Honours degree or equivalent internationally recognised qualification usually in Electrical or Electronic Engineering or Computer Science or Mathematics or Physics. Other qualifications and relevant experience will be assessed on an individual basis.

English Language Requirements

Brunel also offers our own BrunELT English Test and accept a range of other language courses. We also have a range of Pre-sessional English language courses, for students who do not meet these requirements, or who wish to improve their English.