MSc Cloud and Network Security

• You should have a UK honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject.
• If you have non-traditional entry qualifications and relevant experience, or a suitable portfolio of work that we consider a reasonable substitute for the qualifications we typically accept for this course, then we'll be happy to consider your application.
• You'll required to attend an online interview and may be asked to provide a digital portfolio of work.
• As this is an online course, you’ll need access to a computer or tablet capable of running the necessary software and an internet connection. (We recommend a laptop with a minimum specification of Intel Core i5, or equivalent, with at least 8GB RAM, along with an internet connection offering at least 1.5 MBps up and down). We recommend that you have at least two devices set-up so that you can attend lectures and undertake coursework more easily. You’ll also need appropriate IT skills. In particular, you’ll need to be able to access and use the University of Bolton’s virtual learning environment, Moodle and the Zoom video communication platform. Please contact the programme leader for details if you are uncertain that you’ll be able to meet these requirements.
• We'll consider applications where appropriate work experience can be demonstrated in lieu of, or in addition to, the published academic qualifications in line with the University’s Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) procedures.
• If English isn’t your first language you’ll also need IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band (or equivalent). We also accept a range of other English language qualifications – please visit our English Language Requirements web page for more details.

Want some reassurance or advice? Speak to one of our advisors. Email us at admissions@bolton.ac.uk or call us on +44 (0)1204 903 394.

Where changes are made to material information contained in this course description or a decision is taken to suspend a course between the offer of admissions and enrolment, we will inform applicants at the earliest possible opportunity and will outline the various options available to the applicant.

Computer networks underpin almost every aspect of modern business. Their successful management and oversight is crucial to a company's success and those who can fulfil this role are highly sought-after by industry. This course is ideal if you wish to pursue a career in the network or cyber security industries, or take on a leading technical or managerial role in a data-dependent organisation.

This course covers some of the security issues that affect fixed and wireless networks, as well as some of the solutions used to address them. Some of the key employability skills that you can acquire include adaptability, teamwork, time management, analysing and solving problems, retrieval of information and communication skills.

It’s important to remember that the field of cloud computing and network security changes very rapidly. New developments, languages and devices will be adopted throughout your career. Learning how to learn is the most important skill you can acquire and this course focuses on your development in this essential area.

What can I do with this qualification?

Graduates can pursue the more traditional routes of network and internet security, network development, and technical support. Other possible routes include network engineering, management, telecommunications engineering, and crime and computer forensics.

As a result of the skills developed through this course, you’ll be able to seek higher-level managerial roles in the IT sector. You’ll also be able to explore a wide range of other opportunities offered by the public, private and not-for-profit sectors.

As a graduate, you may also choose to pursue further study in a specialist field or through doctorate-level research. If studying towards a doctorate is of interest to you, please discuss this with our tutors as we may be able to support your aspirations by supervising you at PhD level.

Alternative career options

Graduates can use the qualification as a stepping-stone into a range of other careers. For some of these roles, relevant experience and/or postgraduate study may be required. Potential areas of work include:

• Information management
• Digital communications
• Mobile communications
• Cybersecurity
• Teaching and education
• Consultancy
• Research and development
• Software project management
• Commerce
• Electrical engineering
• Quality management
• Public services and local government
• Self-employment

Important note regarding tuition fees for the 2021/2022 academic year: EU nationals who meet residency requirements (have settled or pre-settled status) may be eligible for ‘Home’ fee status. If you do not meet these residency requirements, overseas fees will apply. Irish citizens living in the UK or Ireland will be eligible for ‘Home’ fee status under the Common Travel Area arrangement. Please read the student finance eligibility 2021/2022 policy on www.gov.uk for information.

The fees for a student’s course of study will be set for the normal duration of that course subject only to inflationary increases – measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) recorded in March each year to take effect for subsequent start dates.

Additional costs

There may be some additional or optional costs associated with this course. These will be published after approval of the programme.

We use a blend of learning and teaching methods. During your studies, you’ll be expected to take part in online lectures, seminars, tutorials and critiques. You’ll also experience remote laboratory and workshop sessions, as well as undertake self-directed learning.

You’ll have the chance to acquire and enhance your practical skills through technical introductions and support, online workshop sessions, demonstrations, and activity-based assignments.

We’ll provide regular written feedback on your work and assessments are normally completed by the end of each module. Assessment is varied and can include methods such as assignments, projects, exams and presentations. Most of your overall grade will be based on coursework.

Disclaimer

The university will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver your course as described in its published material and the programme specification for the academic year in which you begin your course. The university considers changes to courses very carefully and the university will minimise any changes. Please be aware that our courses are subject to review on an ongoing basis and changes may be necessary due to legitimate staffing, financial, regulatory and academic reasons. The content of course modules and mode of associated assessments may be updated on an annual basis. This is to ensure that all modules are up-to-date and responsive to employment and sector needs. The published course material and the programme specification contain indicative ‘optional modules’ that may be subject to change due to circumstances outside of our control. For this reason, we cannot guarantee to run any specific optional module.