Network Management and Cloud Computing MSc
Join our well-supported computer science course and gain the skills needed for a challenging and exciting career in the networking and telecommunications industry
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Viewing course details for 2025 year of entry
- Code
- PGG42G
- Attendance
- Full-time, Part-time
- Start
- September 2025
- Fees
- £11,300 (UK) £18,000 (INT)
- Duration
- 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time, 3 months placement, 12 months placement
- Course Leader
- Glenford Mapp
- Study mode
- On campus, Online
- Location
- Hendon campus
- Placement year
- Yes
- School / Department
- Faculty of Science and Technology
Why choose Network Management and Cloud Computing MSc at Middlesex?
This full and part-time course includes placement experience when possible.
If you have previously studied computing at university or who are currently working in the sector, and looking to develop an advanced knowledge of the subject, this course is for you.
We teach modules which are a combination of computer networks theory, management and security. You'll also have the opportunity to work in a laboratory on security configuration for various systems.
What you will gain
You'll develop the knowledge and expertise to model, monitor and analyse networks in various situations, simulating performance and availability to configure them for optimum performance. In addition to this, you will also improve your mathematical, problem-solving, communication, and critical skills.
As well as in-depth knowledge and practical experience of computer communications and networking, our course will provide you with many transferable skills. It will improve your research, data collection and interpretation, mathematical, communication, problem-solving, presentation and critical skills, as well as your confidence and ability to work under your own initiative while managing your own time.
Other benefits you'll gain by joining us on this course include:
- The opportunity to gain practical experience in our industry-standard networking labs
- A chance to explore new concepts and developments — three of our previous students were crowned winners at the Young Professional Engineering Challenge.
Placements
Industrial placement is offered as an optional opportunity for full-time students studying at the London campus. Students can choose either a 3-month or 12-month placement duration.
3 great reasons to pick this course
About your course
This course gives you an in-depth understanding of computer network design, implementation and optimisation. You'll study cloud-based networks and explore modern data centres, virtualisation and distributed storage. Network design and construction, programming and operating systems as well as network troubleshooting in a business environment will also be covered. We'll study network systems and services, computer networks, wireless and mobile communication systems, network management, security and disaster recovery, and web-based information systems management. For your final dissertation you can work on a problem solving project of topical interest to you and of relevance to the industry. This module therefore fully equips students to immediately obtain significant roles in industry as well as being able to pursue further study.
During this module you will develop a systematic understanding of the concepts, protocols and standards for computer networks and internetworking, used in current and future communication infrastructures. It is vital in today's networking market that network managers, administrators and engineers have a critical insight and practical experience of the essential tools used for monitoring, managing and evaluating computer networks. This module is designed to equip you with these problem solving and practical skills.
This in-depth module provides a theoretical and practical overview of troubleshooting complex enterprise networks. It will enable you to communicate advanced network concepts to both networking experts and non-experts and apply the techniques you have learned to carry out projects. With at least 36 hours spent developing your skills in our industry-standard labs, the module focuses on turning you in to a qualified network manager, administrator and engineer with both problem solving and practical skills, such as selecting and configuring appropriate protocols.
This module is designed to help you develop into a network manager or engineer with advanced problem solving and practical skills, and includes at least 24 hours of lab work. It will provide you with a systematic understanding of the concepts and standards for network management, network management protocols and network management tools which are used in current and future communication infrastructures. You will complete the module with critical insight and practical experience of the essential computer network management tools, as well as their development, operation, monitoring and assessment.
This is module covers the principles and foundations of network security. It aims at providing students with security issues, technologies, algorithms and protocols used in securing computer networks and associated systems. It will also provide an understanding of possible security breaches, security risk analysis and mechanisms to protect computer and network communication systems. It also studies an in-depth review of commonly-used security mechanisms and techniques, security threats and network-based attacks.
This module focuses on the design and implementation of modern networked Operating Systems The module examines key operating concepts including: processes and threads, memory management, file systems, inter-process communication (IPC), synchronisation, networking technologies, network interfaces and socket programming. Practical experience of modern Operating Systems will be provided using labs on Linux and Windows 10.
This module covers various issues relating to virtualisation and could computing, with at least 24 hours spent working in labs over the duration of the module. You will focus on exploring and understanding modern data centres, virtualisation, distributed storage, MapReduce, NoSQL, platform services, web services and caching. At the end of the module you will be able to critically assess a variety of cloud platforms, use quantitative and qualitative techniques to professionally design and implement scalable applications and services that execute in a distrusted computing environment, and evaluate the trade-offs and challenges when developing a cloud.
This module involves an independent piece of work shaped largely by one’s own decisions and preferences to accomplish and to deliver via prescribed stages. The module aims to facilitate your understanding of designing, planning and conducting applied research. You'll be encouraged to apply and test theory and to contribute to applications, through enhancing your ability to handle data for problem solving and evaluation; to test theory using analysis and simulations, integrating the learning from other modules. You must demonstrate an understanding of the legal, social, ethical and professional issues in the context of computer and communications engineering and networking, and comply with appropriate professional code of conduct, recognising your obligation to society and your profession.
This module is an independent piece of work shaped largely by one’s own decisions and preferences to accomplish and deliver a task via prescribed stages. The module aims to facilitate students’ understanding of designing, planning and conducting applied research. The module encourages students to apply and test theory and to contribute to applications, through enhancing students’ ability to handle data for problem solving and evaluation; to test theory using analysis and simulations, integrating the learning from other modules.
More information about this course
See the course specification for more information:
MSc Network Management and Cloud Computing with placement-24-25.pdf
- Optional modules are usually available at levels 5 and 6, although optional modules are not offered on every course. Where optional modules are available, you will be asked to make your choice during the previous academic year. If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, or there are staffing changes which affect the teaching, it may not be offered. If an optional module will not run, we will advise you after the module selection period when numbers are confirmed, or at the earliest time that the programme team make the decision not to run the module, and help you choose an alternative module.
Register your interest
Sign up now to receive more information about studying at Middlesex University London.
Teaching
As well as developing your practical skills in laboratory sessions, you’ll attend lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials, where you’ll deepen your theoretical knowledge, work on activities and case studies, and develop your analytical and problem-solving skills.
You'll carry out research, produce written reports, give presentations and take part in group discussions and group work, supplementing all this with your own independent study.
You'll be taught by an experienced teaching team with a wide range of expertise and professional experience.
You will be based at our north London campus in Hendon.
Whether you are studying full or part-time – your course timetable will balance your study commitments on campus with time for work, life commitments and independent study.
We aim to make timetables available to students at least 2 weeks before the start of term. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on-campus sessions.
In a typical year, you’ll spend about 1200 hours on your course.
Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework and presentations.
Typical weekly breakdown
A typical week looks like this:
|
Learning |
Hours per week |
|
On-campus |
10 |
|
Online |
6 |
|
Independent study |
24 |
For placement, there may be additional hours.
Learning terms
On-campus: This includes tutor-led sessions such as seminars, lab sessions and demonstrations as well as student-led sessions for work in small groups.
Online learning: This is teaching that is delivered online using tools like Skype or Zoom, as well as work that you do yourself using online teaching resources.
Independent study: This is the work you do in your own time including reading and research.
Part-time study
You can also study this course part-time.
We have a strong support network online and on campus to help you develop your academic skills. We offer one-to-one and group sessions to develop your learning skills together with academic support from our library, IT teams and learning experts.
Assessment methods will include exams, test and your independent research project. You'll also be assessed through practical assignments, including laboratory work, and coursework including essays, reports, presentations and class discussions. Some assessed work will also be group work.
For your independent project, you'll plan, conduct and produce an original piece of research relevant to the industry, either using existing or emerging technology to solve a practical problem. You may also approach it by extending the theoretical understanding of new technology. You'll be assessed on your research proposal and written report and take part in an oral examination.
You'll evaluate your work, skills and knowledge and identify areas for improvement. Sometimes you'll work in groups and assess each other's progress.
Each term, you'll get regular feedback on your learning.
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North London campus
Our north London campus is 23 minutes away by underground train, travelling from London Kings Cross.
Learn moreFacilities and support
Our Sheppard Library provides a wide range of resources and support to help you to succeed in your studies.
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Over 1,000 study spaces including rooms for group study and over 500 computers available.
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We have one of London's biggest and best university campuses with everything you need in one place.
Our facilitiesStudent support
We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health, and disability support.
Additional needs
We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability and Dyslexia team.
Wellness
Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.
Work while you study
Our Middlesex Unitemps branch will help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above. Visit the Middlesex Unitemps page.
Entry requirements
Qualifications
We welcome your application regardless of your background or experience.
For this course, ideally, we are looking for these qualifications:
- A 2:2 honours degree or above in computer science, science or engineering, or an equivalent overseas qualification
- Those with other degrees but with a minimum of three years of work experience will also be considered.
If you have relevant qualifications or work experience, we may be able to count this towards your entry requirements.
We welcome students from the UK and all over the world. Join students from over 122 countries and discover why so many international students call our campus home:
- Quality teaching with top facilities plus flexible online learning
- Welcoming north London campus that's only 30 minutes from central London
- Work placements and networking with top London employers
- Award-winning career support to get you where you want to go after university.
Qualifications
We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the accepted qualifications on your country's support page. If you are unsure of the suitability of your qualifications or would like help with your application, please contact your nearest international office.
English language
You will need to meet our English language requirements. And, don’t worry If you don't meet our minimum English language requirements, as we offer a Pre-sessional English course.
Visas
To study with us in the UK, you might need a Student visa. Please check to see if this applies to you.
Apply as early as possible to make sure you get a place. You can submit your application before you receive your final qualification.
Personal statements
Make sure that you highlight your best qualities in your personal statement that are relevant to this course. Such as your ability to be forward-thinking, creative and collaborative.
Interviews
You won’t be required to attend an interview.
Find out how to apply for postgraduate taught courses and watch our step-by-step video.
Careers
How can the MSc Network Management and Cloud Computing support your career?
Network management covers a wide area including performance reliability, security, fault, accounting and configuration management. This master's programme has been developed to meet the growing needs of a rapidly evolving sector of industry.
You'll leave this course perfectly placed for a role as a training specialist, systems dispenser, business analysis manager or university lecturer. Many of our graduates have gone straight into employment in the networking and communications industry and are working in programming, telecommunications engineering or network management.
There are also a wide range of other opportunities open to you in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors— everything from industry and consultancy to academia and further research. You could even start your own business.
Our university's postgraduate courses have been recognised for their ability to support your career. We are a top 10 UK University for employability (UniCompare Rankings 2025), and a top 10 UK university for industry connections and funding in Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2024.
Career paths
Our graduates have gone on to achieve many successes since leaving Middlesex many have gone on to work for companies such as:
- IBM
- L'Oréal
- Halcrow Group
- Cyberspace Network
- AK Electronics
- One Hundred Computers
- Pilat Media
- F5 Networks
MDXworks
Our employability service, MDXworks will launch you into the world of work from the beginning of your course, with placements, projects and networking opportunities through our 1000+ links with industry and big-name employers in London and globally.
Our dedicated lifetime career support, like our business start-up support programme and funding for entrepreneurs, has been recognized with the following awards:
- The top 20 UK universities for business leaders and entrepreneurs – Business Money, 2023
- A top 10 university for producing CEOs – Novuana, 2023
MDXcelerator: student start-up support
Want to be your own boss? You'll have the chance to pitch your business to gain mentoring and grants of up to £15,000.
Global alumni network
You’ll study with students from 122 countries who’ll hopefully become part of your global network. And after you graduate, we'll support you through our alumni network to help you progress in your chosen career.
Fees and funding
The fees below refer to the 2025/26 academic year.
UK students1
Full-time students: £11,300
Part-time students: £75 per credit
Part-time students: £37 per dissertation credit
1Course fees are subject to annual inflation so the total costs for part-time study are shown here as a guide
For more information and to answer your frequently asked questions, please visit our postgraduate funding page.
The fees below refer to the 2025/26 academic year.
International2
Full-time students: £18,000
Part-time students: £120 per credit
Part-time students: £60 per dissertation credit
2Course fees are subject to annual inflation so the total costs for part-time study are shown here as a guide
For more information and to answer your frequently asked questions, please visit our postgraduate funding page.
Additional course costs
The following study tools are included in your fees:
- Free laptop loans for up to 24 hours
- Free access to everything on your reading list
- Free specialist software for your course
- Free printing for academic paperwork
- Free online training with LinkedIn Learning.
There are no additional costs.
Financial support
We offer lots of support to help you with fees and living costs. Check out our guide to student life on a budget and find out more about postgraduate funding.
Scholarships and bursaries
You may be eligible for one of our scholarships including:
- The Alumni Postgraduate Award – for all UK Middlesex alumni a 20% fee reduction
- The Commonwealth Scholarship – full course fees, airfares and a living allowance
- The Chevening Scholarship – full course fees
- The European Academic Awards – £1000 to £7000 for students showing academic excellence
- Regional or International Merit Award –up to £2,000 towards course fees
For international students, we also have a limited number of other awards specific to certain regions, and work in partnership with funding providers in your country to help support you financially with your study.
Find out more about our postgraduate scholarships.
Help from your employer
Your employer can contribute towards the cost of your postgraduate study as part of their staff development programme.
Work while you study
If you are not currently working, we can help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above.
Fees disclaimers
1. UK fees: The university reserves the right to increase postgraduate tuition fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. The tuition fees for part-time UK study are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.
2. International fees: Tuition fees are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.
Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.
Get answers from our Unibuddy student ambassadors
We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.
Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.
Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.
At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.