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MSc Computer Networks and Security

UK

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What will I learn?

Increasingly, computer networks cannot be considered without the important issue of security; without secure networks, businesses, commerce, and communications would all fail. This course addresses the need for modern computer network professionals.

You cover topics such as current and future internet protocols, programming networked services and securing these systems. We offer a strong practical element through laboratory programmes in software engineering and in computer networking; laboratory work in security includes unique environments where the techniques of the attackers can be observed and stopped using specialist security tools.

Our School is a community of scholars leading the way in technological research and development. Today’s computer scientists are creative people who are focused and committed, yet restless and experimental. We are home to many of the world’s top scientists, and our work is driven by creativity and imagination as well as technical excellence.

Professional accreditation

Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to comply with full CEng registration requirements.

Your future

Graduates of our degree in this area have found work in a variety of networking roles and companies including, network management for companies, Internet service providers and developers for security products both in the UK and overseas.

Our recent graduates have progressed to a variety of senior positions in industry and academia. Some of the companies and organisations where our former graduates are now employed include:

  • Electronic Data Systems
  • Pfizer Pharmaceuticals
  • Bank of Mexico
  • Visa International
  • Hyper knowledge (Cambridge)
  • Hellenic Air Force
  • ICSS (Beijing)
  • United Microelectronic Corporation (Taiwan)

We also work with the university’s Employability and Careers Centre to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.

Which department am I in?

Computer Science and Electronic Engineering

Study options

Full Time (1 year)

Tuition fees
£22,400.00 (US$ 28,928) per year
Fees will increase for each academic year of study.

This is a fixed fee

*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution

Start date

September 2025

Venue

Colchester Campus

University of Essex,

Wivenhoe Park,

Colchester,

Essex,

CO4 3SQ, CENTRAL ENGLAND, England

Entry requirements

For international students

A 2:2 degree in one of the following subjects (with no module requirements): Computing, Computer Engineering, Computer Games, Computer Networks, Computer Science, Software Engineering. We will also consider applicants with any other 2:2 degree or above which includes: At least one Computing module, such as: Computer Architecture, Computer Systems, Database, Software Engineering. IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum component score of 5.5, TOEFL IBT 76 overall with minimum component scores: listening 17, reading 18, writing 17, and speaking 20.

*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.

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About University of Essex

At Essex, students learn to think differently, find new ways of doing things and adopt new techniques for solving problems.

  • World-leading academics in a research-intensive environment
  • Foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees
  • Flexible course structure, students study what matters to them
  • Internationally diverse university

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