Network & Information Security MSc

Why choose this course?

Cyber security, the umbrella term for computer, network and information security, is of increasing importance. New legislation, technologies, vulnerabilities and threats necessitate frequent system updates.

This course offers a critical awareness of current developments and future trends in cryptography, network security and mobile/wireless security. You will explore techniques and technologies to combat threats such as malware, social engineering, data leakage or zero-day attacks, based on understanding secure authentication mechanisms, access control, intrusion detection, information security policies and user education. A project/dissertation will enable you to study an area of interest in depth – this can be an excellent selling point.

Mode Duration Attendance Start date
Full time 1 year Network & Information Security MSc September 2023, January 2024 and September 2024
Full time 2 years including professional placement Network & Information Security MSc September 2023, January 2024 and September 2024
Part time 2–3 years Network & Information Security MSc September 2023 and January 2024
Full time 1 year Network & Information Security with Management Studies MSc September 2023, January 2024 and September 2024
Full time 2 years including professional placement Network & Information Security with Management Studies MSc September 2023, January 2024 and September 2024
Part time 2–3 years Network & Information Security with Management Studies MSc September 2023 and January 2024
Location Penrhyn Road

Reasons to choose Kingston University

  • The cyber pathway of this course is fully accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT and is a fully-certified NCSC Certified Masters, which is a sign of national excellence. You may also combine this course with management studies, setting your knowledge in a management context.
  • You can use a state-of-the-art cyber lab, with specialist cyber security tools, resources and equipment. This enables you to work in a safe sandbox environment for practical experiments with malware, penetration testing, port scanning and other ethical hacking activities.
  • You may combine this course with management studies, setting your knowledge in a management context.

Accreditation

British Computer Society

British Computer Society

British Computer Society

This degree has been accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS), The Chartered Institute for IT. Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by BCS. An accredited degree entitles you to professional membership of BCS, which is an important part of the criteria for achieving Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status through the Institute.

Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords. This degree is accredited by BCS for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.

This degree has been accredited by BCS, on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for a Chartered Engineer (CEng). Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). An accredited degree will provide you with some or all of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).

For full details of exemption and accreditation levels, please check the BCS course search.

The Faculty is a long-time member of BCS. For many years we have hosted meetings of the local BCS Kingston and Croydon Branch, contributing to members' continuing professional development programmes.

Please note: The programme delivered at our partner institution overseas is not currently accredited by the BCS.

What you will study

You will gain a critical awareness of the current developments and future trends in cryptography, network security and wireless security, starting from the mathematical principles behind cryptographic algorithms and moving on to secure network protocols.

As security and dependability are inextricably linked, the course also covers dependable and highly available architectures. Techniques and technologies to combat threats will be explored, from secure authentication mechanisms, through firewalls, to information policies and user education to combat social engineering and data leakage.

The Management Studies route will set your technical knowledge in a management context.

The full MSc course consists of an induction programme, four taught modules, and a project dissertation. Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list.

For a student to go on placement they are required to pass every module first time with no reassessments. It is the responsibility of individual students to find a suitable paid placement. Students will be supported by our dedicated placement team in securing this opportunity.

Network and Information Security MSc modules

Network and Information Security MSc with Management Studies

Core modules

Cryptography and Applications

30 credits

This core module provides an overview of cryptography and various applications in information security, communication and computer science. This module deals with mathematical principles on which cryptography is based to include cryptographic algorithms, including practical examples of breaking codes. Additional techniques such as information hiding and secret sharing are progressively introduced. An introduction to advanced and emerging cryptographic techniques such as elliptic curve cryptography and quantum techniques.

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

  • review concepts in computational number theory and their relevance for the design of secure and efficient techniques in cryptography;
  • describe and deploy common symmetric and asymmetric encryption algorithms used as standards in modern cryptosystems;
  • compare and contrast the properties of hash functions and attacks on them, and be familiar with their use in digital signature algorithms and their role in security protocols;
  • explain techniques for information hiding and secret sharing, and analyse their applications in security;
  • analyse cryptographic protocols for implementing a wide range of security requirements; and
  • critically discuss applications of cryptography including the latest and future trends.
Network and Information Security

30 credits

This module provides an overview of a wide range of security aspects and techniques of computer networks, both cabled and wireless. It will introduce basic aspects of Information Security, comprising Security and Risk Management as well as Policies and Standards. It also covers Ethical and legal aspects of security and hence addresses the employability of the students in their future career. The module then goes on to the topic of Network Security, both from a theoretical and practical aspect: network attacks, vulnerabilities and controls are introduced and examined in practical lab sessions. Finally, cutting-edge topics such as Web and Cloud security complete the picture.

Data Communications

30 credits

This core module provides a working knowledge of data communications covering TCP/IP networks and digital communications. Topics covered include transport layer services, multiplexing, TCP congestion control, network layer – network service models, IP addressing and IP network design, routing principles, dynamic routing, digital transmission, modulation, multiplexing and channel coding.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

  • Compare computer network architectures.
  • Evaluate the performance of TCP under varying flow control and congestion conditions.
  • Design an IP addressing scheme for a network.
  • Define and calculate transmission performance over a communication link.
  • Study and analyse characteristics of modulation methods.
Project Dissertation

60 credits

This module constitutes the major individual piece of work of the Masters Programme where the student carries out a project involving independent critical research, design and implementation (where applicable).

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

  • Select, justify and use effectively the research methods and techniques appropriate for particular cases in order to carry out a literature search and an independent work of research
  • Critically identify the need to position their research in the wider academic or business context and structure the dissertation format to agreed conventions
  • Plan, manage and critically evaluate the project using the techniques and tools needed in order to bring it in successfully on time and within resourcing limits
  • Identify and critically analyse real-world problems or knowledge gaps to which academic concepts and methods can be realistically applied to improve or resolve the problem situation
  • Apply skills to show an ability to engage in academic and professional communication with others in their field through report and presentation
  • Present critical awareness in applying appropriate legal, social or ethical obligations and when required, respond to the financial and other constraints of a corresponding business environment.

Optional modules

Wireless Communications and Networks

30 credits

The module addresses theory and practice of wireless communication systems and networks, including the most recent wireless communications standards.

The first part will focus on the propagation characteristics of wireless channels and the main techniques for efficient communication, including modulation and channel coding. Characteristics and performance limits of wireless systems, techniques and tools to analyse them and methods for their design will also be covered.

The second part of the module will cover real-world wireless systems and networks, including wireless broadband systems and wireless sensor networks. It will provide practical and useful knowledge that can be readily applied in the wireless industry.

It covers the real-world, practical knowledge needed to understand, design, evaluate, deploy, test, validate and debug WLAN, WMAN and WPAN, as well as GPRS/ UMTS/ 3G and 4G and beyond networks and systems and Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN). Advanced technologies such as ultra-wideband communications and cognitive radio will also be addressed.

Mobile Security

30 credits

(For NCSC Certified Pathway)

This module will provide you with a comprehensive knowledge into the main areas of mobile computing and its security aspects. Mobile communication modalities will be covered, including 3G/4G communication networks, Wi-Fi and personal area networks, mobile privacy and ethical issues. The gained knowledge will be applied in different mobile computing business environments such as mobile healthcare (m-health), mobile commerce (m-commerce), mobile learning (m-learning) and mobile web services (m-WS). Mobile security assessment will be introduced in order to formulate appropriate security requirements. Key management protocols in typically ad hoc, wireless and location-dynamic environments will be presented and analysed. Emerging topics such as the Internet of Things (IoT), mobile clouds and distributed social network security will also be discussed. The module also provides hands-on practical exposure to apps development in location and context aware environments.

Multimedia Communications

30 credits

The module addresses theory and practice of multimedia communication systems and networks, with a special focus on multimedia signals (audio, images and video) and relevant compression and transmission techniques.

The first part of the module focuses in particular on the representation of multimedia sources and on lossless and lossy compression methods for data, audio, image and video signals.

The second part of the module focuses in particular on the transmission of multimedia sources over communication systems and networks and on the strategies adopted to protect multimedia content from channel and network errors and losses.

Core modules

Cryptography and Applications

30 credits

This core module provides an overview of cryptography and various applications in information security, communication and computer science. This module deals with mathematical principles on which cryptography is based to include cryptographic algorithms, including practical examples of breaking codes. Additional techniques such as information hiding and secret sharing are progressively introduced. An introduction to advanced and emerging cryptographic techniques such as elliptic curve cryptography and quantum techniques.

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

  • review concepts in computational number theory and their relevance for the design of secure and efficient techniques in cryptography;
  • describe and deploy common symmetric and asymmetric encryption algorithms used as standards in modern cryptosystems;
  • compare and contrast the properties of hash functions and attacks on them, and be familiar with their use in digital signature algorithms and their role in security protocols;
  • explain techniques for information hiding and secret sharing, and analyse their applications in security;
  • analyse cryptographic protocols for implementing a wide range of security requirements; and
  • critically discuss applications of cryptography including the latest and future trends.
Network and Information Security

30 credits

This module provides an overview of a wide range of security aspects and techniques of computer networks, both cabled and wireless. It will introduce basic aspects of Information Security, comprising Security and Risk Management as well as Policies and Standards. It also covers Ethical and legal aspects of security and hence addresses the employability of the students in their future career. The module then goes on to the topic of Network Security, both from a theoretical and practical aspect: network attacks, vulnerabilities and controls are introduced and examined in practical lab sessions. Finally, cutting-edge topics such as Web and Cloud security complete the picture.

Data Communications

30 credits

This core module provides a working knowledge of data communications covering TCP/IP networks and digital communications. Topics covered include transport layer services, multiplexing, TCP congestion control, network layer – network service models, IP addressing and IP network design, routing principles, dynamic routing, digital transmission, modulation, multiplexing and channel coding.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

  • Compare computer network architectures.
  • Evaluate the performance of TCP under varying flow control and congestion conditions.
  • Design an IP addressing scheme for a network.
  • Define and calculate transmission performance over a communication link.
  • Study and analyse characteristics of modulation methods.
Business in Practice

30 credits

This postgraduate module covers the theory and practice of the business and management needs of students from different academic contexts such as, but not limited to Science, Engineering, Computing and Health Services who are aspiring team leaders, managers, and entrepreneurs in business within the context of the commercial, public, voluntary, or academic sector.

Students will investigate business topics ranging from finance, accounting, budgeting, and marketing, to organisational management by developing the leadership skills to meet business challenges and to cope with their complexity.

The module will explain and put into context business concepts to graduates from a variety of sectors including those encompassed by Science, Engineering, Computing and Health Services.

Project Dissertation

60 credits

This module constitutes the major individual piece of work of the Masters Programme where the student carries out a project involving independent critical research, design and implementation (where applicable).

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

  • Select, justify and use effectively the research methods and techniques appropriate for particular cases in order to carry out a literature search and an independent work of research
  • Critically identify the need to position their research in the wider academic or business context and structure the dissertation format to agreed conventions
  • Plan, manage and critically evaluate the project using the techniques and tools needed in order to bring it in successfully on time and within resourcing limits
  • Identify and critically analyse real-world problems or knowledge gaps to which academic concepts and methods can be realistically applied to improve or resolve the problem situation
  • Apply skills to show an ability to engage in academic and professional communication with others in their field through report and presentation
  • Present critical awareness in applying appropriate legal, social or ethical obligations and when required, respond to the financial and other constraints of a corresponding business environment.

Please note

Optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.

Work placement scheme

Many postgraduate courses at Kingston University allow students to take the option of a 12-month work placement as part of their course. The responsibility for finding the work placement is with the student; we cannot guarantee the placement, just the opportunity to undertake it. You may find securing a professional placement difficult as they are highly competitive and challenging, but they are also incredibly rewarding. It is very important to prepare and apply yourself if this is the route you wish to take. Employers look for great written and oral communication skills and an excellent CV/portfolio. As the work placement is an assessed part of the course, it is covered by a student's Student Route visa.

Find out more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.

Entry requirements

Typical offer

  • A 2:2 or above honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject, or substantial work experience.

Please note: each application is assessed on an individual basis and may be subject to additional requirements, such as undertaking short course(s), work experience and/or English language qualification(s). Meeting particular minimum entry requirements does not automatically guarantee a place.

International

In order to complete your programme successfully, it is important to have a good command of English and be able to apply this in an academic environment. Therefore, if you are a non-UK applicant* you will usually be required to provide certificated proof of English language competence before commencing your studies.

For this course you must pass IELTS academic test in English with an overall score of 6.5, with no element below 6.0, or meet the scores listed on the alternative online tests. Please note that we do not accept Standard XII as proof of Academic English.

Applicants who do not meet the English language requirements may be eligible to join our pre-sessional English language course.

Please make sure you read our full guidance about English language requirements, which includes details of other qualifications we'll consider.

* Applicants from one of the recognised majority English speaking countries (MESCs) do not need to meet these requirements.

Country-specific information

You will find more information on country specific entry requirements in the International section of our website.

Find your country:

Teaching and assessment

Guided independent study (self-managed time)

When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.

Support for postgraduate students

As a student at Kingston University, we will make sure you have access to appropriate advice regarding your academic development. You will also be able to use the University's support services

Your workload

Type of learning and teaching

Year 1 Core pathway:

Year 1 Management pathway

Year 1 Core pathway:
  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 222 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 1278 hours
Year 1 Management pathway
  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 282 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 1518 hours

Year 1 Core pathway: 15% of your time is spent in timetabled learning and teaching activity.

Year 1 Management pathway: 16% of your time is spent in timetabled learning and teaching activity.

Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. Depending on optional modules chosen, this breakdown may change.

How you will be assessed

Type of assessment

Core pathway

Management pathway

Core pathway
  • Coursework: 61%
  • Exams: 38%
  • Practical: 1%
Management pathway
  • Coursework: 65%
  • Exams: 30%
  • Practical: 5%

Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. Depending on optional modules chosen, this breakdown may change.

Feedback summary

We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.

Class sizes

­You will be part of an intimate cohort of students which provides dedicated academic guidance and advice as well as the opportunity to build a life-long network of colleagues. Some modules are common across other postgraduate programmes; you may therefore be taught alongside postgraduates from other courses.

Who teaches this course?

The course is taught at the School of Computer Science and Mathematics.

The School of Computer Science and Mathematics is driven by the philosophy of 'learning through making'; we focus strongly on facilitating a hands-on experience, student led and owned product portfolios and producing industry-ready graduates.

We utilise a range of innovating teaching and learning approaches in our invigorated and modernised degree programmes; combining studio practices, project-based learning, and context driven lectures to facilitate an informed approach to problem solving.

Postgraduate students may run or assist in lab sessions and may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader

Facilities

Our modern teaching environment

There is a wide range of facilities at our Penrhyn Road campus, where this course is based. You will have access to a modern environment with the latest equipment, including:

  • dedicated postgraduate computing laboratories, fully-equipped with fold-flat LCD screens, data-projection systems and high-spec processors;
  • state-of-the-art hardware and the latest software, including:
    • development software and tools - such as Linux, Microsoft.net, Dreamweaver MX, Flash 8, Eclipse, Java 2 Standard and Mobile Editions, tools for Motorola and Nokia phones, UML and CASE tools and NXP Processors Development Kits;
    • digital signal processors (dsPIC Digital Signal Controllers);
    • IP Set Top Box development environment (NXP's STB810);
    • electronics laboratory; 
    • a mix of wireless LAN technologies
  • subject libraries, online database subscriptions and resource materials;
  • a postgraduate teaching suite; and
  • the dedicated Graduate Centre on campus, providing seminar rooms and social spaces.

Our dedicated team of IT technicians support the labs and are always on hand to provide assistance.

Resources in London

Kingston is just a 30-minute train journey from central London. Here you can access a wealth of additional libraries and archives, including the British Library and the Institute of Engineering and Technology. 

CAVE (Centre for Augmented and Virtual reality Environments)

Students have full access to the University's CAVE (Centre for Augmented and Virtual reality Environments), a treasure trove of specialist equipment, including:

  • virtual reality headsets and specialist equipment that tracks eye movements, brain activity
  • state-of-the-art technology allowing students to monitor the user's levels of experience and enjoyment
  • professional high-dynamic range (HDR), UHD, and light field (plenoptic/holographic) cameras and displays to capture and represent (also remotely) immersive environments
  • event-driven (a.k.a. neuromorphic) visual sensors, capturing scenes mimicking the human eye.

This lab has also allowed computing students to work closely and collaborate with design students, promoting interdisciplinary work and allowing students to begin successful partnerships creating innovative products at the forefront of technology.

Due to this innovative technology and collaborative learning environment Kingston University has become one of only 12 universities to have obtained an educational partnership with Sony (2017).

Students will also have the possibility to experiment with several types of wireless networks and enterprise scale networking technologies, including Internet of Things communications and 5G with a mobile edge computing testbed.

Extensive computer resources for experimenting with deep learning and blockchain technology are also available, as well as a fully equipped "cyber-lab" for students who wish to focus on security aspects.

Fees for this course

2024/25 fees for this course

Home 2024/25

  • MSc full time £10,900
  • MSc part time £5,995

International 2024/25

  • MSc full time £18,500
  • MSc part time £10,175

2023/24 fees for this course

Home 2023/24

  • MSc full time £9,860
  • MSc part time £5,423

International 2023/24

  • MSc full time £16,200
  • MSc part time £8,910

Fees for the optional placement year

If you choose to take a placement as part of this course, you will be invoiced for the placement fee in Year 2. Find out more about the postgraduate work placement scheme and the costs for the placement year.

Postgraduate loans

If you are a UK student, resident in England and are aged under the age of 60, you will be able to apply for a loan to study for a postgraduate degree. For more information, read the postgraduate loan information on the government's website.

Scholarships and bursaries

Kingston University offers a range of postgraduate scholarships, including:

If you are an international student, find out more about scholarships and bursaries.

We also offer the following discounts for Kingston University alumni:

Kevin Walsh scholarship

The Kevin Walsh Scholarship is a one-year scholarship for a taught masters course in the School of Computer Science & Mathematics. It covers the cost of the home fees for a masters degree as well as providing a maintenance grant.

For more information, visit the Kevin Walsh Scholarship page.

Additional costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.

Textbooks

Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. You may prefer to buy your own copy of key textbooks, this can cost between £50 and £250 per year.

Computer equipment

There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan. You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residences. Free WiFi is available on each of the campuses. You may wish to purchase your own computer, which can cost between £100 and £3,000 depending on your course requirements.

Photocopying and printing

In the majority of cases written coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing, binding and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees, this may cost up to £100 per year.

Field trips

All field trips that are compulsory to attend to complete your course are paid for by the University. There may be small fees incurred for optional field trips such as travel costs and refreshments.

Travel

Travel costs are not included in your tuition fees but we do have a free intersite bus service which links the campuses, Surbiton train station, Kingston upon Thames train station, Norbiton train station and halls of residence.

Placements

If the placement year option is chosen, during this year travel costs will vary according to the location of the placement, and could be from £0 to £2,000.

Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Education

Kingston University's commitment to promoting excellent cyber security education has been recognised with a prestigious silver award from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which is part of GCHQ.

The recognition means the University has been named an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Education (ACE-CSE) by the UK's lead technical authority on cyber security – a feat achieved by only 11 other higher education institutions across the United Kingdom. The ACE-CSE programme aims to help close the UK's cyber skills gap by supporting the next generation of cyber experts.

Find out more about the University's Cyber Centre.

After you graduate

Where this course will take you

Computer, network and information security are current 'hot topics'. They are here to stay, as we will never be able to design or build a system without having to take into account its security in an operational scenario. 

Many companies are actively recruiting security specialists at the moment and the major software houses are training their coders in security. In fact, it can be hard to get a job with a large company, even as a software developer, without some appreciation of security.

Graduates have progressed to work at Google, ECS and Lloyds, in roles such as ethical hacker, cyber security engineer and security consultant.

Have a look at ITJobsWatch.

Careers and recruitment advice

The Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing has a specialist employability team. It provides friendly and high-quality careers and recruitment guidance, including advice and sessions on job-seeking skills such as CV preparation, application forms and interview techniques. Specific advice is also available for international students about the UK job market and employers' expectations and requirements.

The team runs employer events throughout the year, including job fairs, key speakers from industry and interviews on campus. These events give you the opportunity to hear from, and network with, employers in an informal setting.

What our students say

I chose to study at Kingston University because of its high ranking for teaching quality. I've found this reputation to be justified – all the lecturers I've come across have been very friendly, helpful and encouraging.

I received a teaching assistant scholarship from the faculty which teaches my course. This not only provided me with financial support, but also an opportunity to interact with undergraduate students. There are people from all different countries studying at the University, which provides a great opportunity to understand different cultures and lifestyles.

After I complete my MSc, I'd like to gain some experience working in the UK and then go back and work in my home country. Kingston University has a number of job fairs for students throughout the year for part-time, summer internship and full-time jobs. They also advise on CV writing and other attributes needed to get a job. I would recommend studying at Kingston University to anyone who wants to enjoy a good studying environment, meet people from different cultural backgrounds, and experience the colourful life in Kingston town.

Reema Patel - Network and Information Security with Management Studies MSc

Working in industry after my degree gave me relevant experience and a working knowledge of IT systems which was helpful while studying towards my masters degree. Since starting the MSc I have changed job and I recently started work as technical consultant for the global industry leader organisation in mobile device management, AirWatch.

I believe even studying towards my MSc qualification helped me to get my current role and I hope after my graduation I will be able to move to a senior position. As my MSc course is covering some business and management modules, longer term I'm hoping to achieve a team lead role in the company.

I think in the current economic climate obtaining extra qualifications is a benefit and it makes a difference when applying for new job.

Simon Kudzma - Computer Science (Network Communications) BSc(Hons) and Networking and Information Security with Management Studies MSc

What this course offers you

  • The Network and Information Security course gives you the knowledge and skills needed to equip you with a technical knowledge of current and emerging technologies.
  • The project/dissertation gives you the chance to study an area of interest in greater depth and gain valuable research skills. It is usually relevant to your career so provides an excellent selling point when you are looking for a job or promotion.
  • If you are an overseas student, we will help you to carry out a project either based in your home country or that will be of specific relevance when you return home.
  • We teach the course in a specialist laboratory, with access to state-of-the-art networking and security equipment. Industry contacts provide demonstrations of current technology for you to explore.
  • We also organise vendor seminars to expose you to current and emerging technologies.
  • Teaching staff are research active, which keeps your learning cutting-edge (read more in our Research areas section)

The taught modules aim to prepare you for the job market. Alongside your academic studies, you will gain skills in: 

  • problem solving and organisation
  • data collation, review and synopsis
  • communication (oral, written and electronic)
  • time management
  • co-operation and teamwork
  • data collation, review and synopsis

Each module offers a stimulating balance of study, which may include lectures, practical lab work, group working, case studies and presentations. Industry experts often teach on the courses, enhancing your studies.

You also have the chance to network with other professionals in the same situation as yourself. Our postgraduate students often set up study groups to support and encourage to each other.

Kingston offers a part-time option to help you fit your studies around other commitments. We also offer a course in Network and Information Security with Management Studies, which allows you to develop key business and management skills.

Links with business and industry

Industrial Advisory Board

To ensure your studies are kept up to date and answer the needs of business, our courses are created and reviewed in consultation with an advisory board of key industry experts and senior academics. The Board also provides input and advice on our research portfolio.

With members from Google, Microsoft, easyJet, games developer Colossal and Chief Information Officers from local government – our Advisory Board represents the diverse spectrum of industries and public sector organisations that make up the jobs market for our graduates

Current research in this subject

Many of our staff in the Faculty are research active. This ensures they are in touch with the latest thinking and bring best practice to your studies.

Computing research activities are focused around the following main research centres:

Extra activities for this course

The range of events and lectures in the Faculty enhances your studies and adds an extra perspective to your learning.

For example, the Digital Information Research Centre (DIRC) runs seminars which have recently covered:

  • how social media affects police operations
  • dimensionality issues in weighted differential entropy
  • link quality based routing framework for wireless sensor networks
  • data integration for smart urban transport
  • HTTP video streaming adaptation

Course changes and regulations

The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.

Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.

Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.