Cloud and Network Computing MSc

Duration

17 Months

13 Months

2 Years

Location

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Cloud computing is revolutionising the way we store data, operate virtual networks and protect businesses from cyber-attacks.

As day-to-day IT operations become ever more integrated with cloud technologies, it’s also opening up a vast array of career opportunities. Here’s your chance to learn the cutting-edge knowledge and hands-on skills to succeed in this rapidly evolving, competitive market.

Our MSc in Cloud and Network Computing is a highly practical course which responds to industry needs. You will be designing, implementing and managing scalable and secure network and cloud environments.

We collaborate with key industry players and our academics include certified AWS and Cisco instructors with extensive teaching experience. This ensures you benefit from the latest technologies, materials and professional practice so you graduate job-ready.

The modules will prepare you for industry-recognised certificates from the likes of Amazon Web Services and Cisco. We also work with Microsoft, Juniper and WMware, opening doors to invaluable networking opportunities.

And with guest lectures from leading professionals, you’ll gain a real insight into careers.

The course covers a spectrum of key topics, from cloud computing and virtualisation techniques to network security and automation. We will also delve into artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, which are transforming the way networks operate and identify malicious threats.

In our laboratories, you’ll be working with actual hardware and software used by industry. We will get you to design, build and test systems using a closed network environment. Tasks could include implementing cloud-based infrastructure for a given scenario and creating a firewall and intrusion detection system.

To help you experiment within a cloud environment, you’ll have your own AWS account.

The course also covers research methods and culminates in a dissertation on an in-depth topic of your choice. You can draw on the research expertise of our staff, who can also connect you with companies if you opt for a placement year.

You can choose between on-campus study or distance learning. To ensure distance learning students receive the same educational experience as on-campus students, we have virtual labs and simulation software. This innovative approach allows remote learners to fully engage with the curriculum and use real-world equipment and scenarios.

As day-to-day IT operations become ever more integrated with cloud technologies, it’s also opening up a vast array of career opportunities. Here’s your chance to learn the cutting-edge knowledge and hands-on skills to succeed in this rapidly evolving, competitive market.

Our MSc in Cloud and Network Computing is a highly practical course which responds to industry needs. You will be designing, implementing and managing scalable and secure network and cloud environments.

We collaborate with key industry players and our academics include certified AWS and Cisco instructors with extensive teaching experience. This ensures you benefit from the latest technologies, materials and professional practice so you graduate job-ready.

The modules will prepare you for industry-recognised certificates from the likes of Amazon Web Services and Cisco. We also work with Microsoft, Juniper and WMware, opening doors to invaluable networking opportunities.

And with guest lectures from leading professionals, you’ll gain a real insight into careers.

The course covers a spectrum of key topics, from cloud computing and virtualisation techniques to network security and automation. We will also delve into artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, which are transforming the way networks operate and identify malicious threats.

In our laboratories, you’ll be working with actual hardware and software used by industry. We will get you to design, build and test systems using a closed network environment. Tasks could include implementing cloud-based infrastructure for a given scenario and creating a firewall and intrusion detection system.

To help you experiment within a cloud environment, you’ll have your own AWS account.

The course also covers research methods and culminates in a dissertation on an in-depth topic of your choice. You can draw on the research expertise of our staff, who can also connect you with companies if you opt for a placement year.

You can choose between on-campus study or distance learning. To ensure distance learning students receive the same educational experience as on-campus students, we have virtual labs and simulation software. This innovative approach allows remote learners to fully engage with the curriculum and use real-world equipment and scenarios.

As day-to-day IT operations become ever more integrated with cloud technologies, it’s also opening up a vast array of career opportunities. Here’s your chance to learn the cutting-edge knowledge and hands-on skills to succeed in this rapidly evolving, competitive market.

Our MSc in Cloud and Network Computing is a highly practical course which responds to industry needs. You will be designing, implementing and managing scalable and secure network and cloud environments.

We collaborate with key industry players and our academics include certified AWS and Cisco instructors with extensive teaching experience. This ensures you benefit from the latest technologies, materials and professional practice so you graduate job-ready.

The modules will prepare you for industry-recognised certificates from the likes of Amazon Web Services and Cisco. We also work with Microsoft, Juniper and WMware, opening doors to invaluable networking opportunities.

And with guest lectures from leading professionals, you’ll gain a real insight into careers.

The course covers a spectrum of key topics, from cloud computing and virtualisation techniques to network security and automation. We will also delve into artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, which are transforming the way networks operate and identify malicious threats.

In our laboratories, you’ll be working with actual hardware and software used by industry. We will get you to design, build and test systems using a closed network environment. Tasks could include implementing cloud-based infrastructure for a given scenario and creating a firewall and intrusion detection system.

To help you experiment within a cloud environment, you’ll have your own AWS account.

The course also covers research methods and culminates in a dissertation on an in-depth topic of your choice. You can draw on the research expertise of our staff, who can also connect you with companies if you opt for a placement year.

You can choose between on-campus study or distance learning. To ensure distance learning students receive the same educational experience as on-campus students, we have virtual labs and simulation software. This innovative approach allows remote learners to fully engage with the curriculum and use real-world equipment and scenarios.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MSc Cloud and Network Computing

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MSc Cloud and Network Computing

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MSc Cloud and Network Computing

Course content

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 2 compulsory modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
Cloud Computing (Dl) 20 credits
Dissertation (Dl) 60 credits
Network Automation & Network Programming (Dl) 20 credits

Entry requirements

An Undergraduate Honours degree (grade 2.2 or above) in a related Computing discipline from a UK University or the international equivalent. Applicants with appropriate experience will also be considered provided you satisfy the University that you can respond to the challenge of postgraduate study.

All programmes are subject to Staffordshire University’s Admissions Policy.

An Undergraduate Honours degree (grade 2.2 or above) in a related Computing discipline from a UK University or the international equivalent. Applicants with appropriate experience will also be considered provided you satisfy the University that you can respond to the challenge of postgraduate study.

All programmes are subject to Staffordshire University’s Admissions Policy.

An Undergraduate Honours degree (grade 2.2 or above) in a related Computing discipline from a UK University or the international equivalent. Applicants with appropriate experience will also be considered provided you satisfy the University that you can respond to the challenge of postgraduate study.

All programmes are subject to Staffordshire University’s Admissions Policy.

For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.

Choose your country

Check our entry and English language requirements for your country.

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Facilities

Networking Labs

The networking labs consist of three fully equipped Cisco labs with around 340 devices, plus a Juniper set-up which can be incorporated into courses. Read more

Find out more about our networking facilities. 

Careers

All students have access to Career Connect, our dedicated careers team.

Teaching and assessment

Learning support

Your course tutors will provide lots of support. But you can also take advantage of our Academic Skills team, who can help you with:

  • Study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
  • Written English (including punctuation, grammar)
  • Academic writing (including how to reference)
  • Research skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Revision, assessment and exam skills (including time management)

Additional support

If you have additional needs like dyslexia or a sensory impairment, then our Student Inclusion Services are here to help make sure nothing stands in your way.

Fees

For the course starting on 27 January 2025 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for MSc-Full-time, January start
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £10,300 per course £16,750 per course

For the course starting on 20 January 2025 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for MSc-Full-time, January start
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £10,300 per course £16,750 per course

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for MSc-Full-time, January start
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £10,609 per course £16,750 per course

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for MSc-Full-time, January start
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Part-time £10,575 per course £10,575 per course

If you would like to know more about the fees listed and what this means to you then please get in touch with our Enquiries Team.

Alumni discount

If you've previously completed a University of Staffordshire undergraduate degree (excluding HND and foundation degrees) you may be entitled to a discount of up to 25% off your course fees for any subsequent postgraduate taught course (terms apply, see the alumni discount page for details). If you have any questions about how this relates to you, please contact feesandbursaries@staffs.ac.uk.

Accommodation and living costs
Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

For more information on accommodation and living costs, please see: Accommodation

Sources of financial support

Providing you are studying towards a full Masters qualification you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan of up to £11,570 to help with tuition fees, maintenance and other associated costs. Student loans are available for many of our postgraduate degrees and are provided by the Student Loans Company (SLC). The loan can cover a wide range of postgraduate study options; part-time, full-time and distance learning. 

For more information and how to apply visit masters loan.

Apply

Location Award Study option Start date Apply Link
Stoke-on-Trent campus MSc Full-time, January start 27 January 2025 Apply now

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at University of Staffordshire, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of University of Staffordshire enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations

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for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021