Cloud and Network Computing MSc

Duration

13 Months

This course equips students with knowledge and practical skills through the use of proprietary and industry-standard approaches to the development and optimisation of Cloud and Network Computing artefacts. The course has a practical focus in order that students build a critical application knowledge of the theoretical aspects of computer networks to case studies based on real-world scenarios that present realistic knowledge and skills development opportunities. The course addresses current and emerging computer networking principles and practices so students can propose commercially relevant computer network solutions to problems.

  • To develop masters-level knowledge and skills in Cloud and Network Computing in context of employer-driven needs, emerging markets, and contemporary subject areas within the discipline.

  • To build domain-specific understanding and transferrable skills thus equipping graduates for a career in industry or academia.

  • To develop and strengthen critical analysis, independent scholarship, and intellectual empowerment through a structured programme of studies in Cloud and Network Computing and research-informed teaching.

  • To develop scholarly and professional skills within the professional, legal and ethical frameworks which govern the development of computing solutions.

  • To inform on emerging topics in such areas that include risk, globalisation, artificial intelligence and principles of Cybersecurity.

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

Course content

In the Postgraduate Certificate part of the course it covers topics in cloud computing and traditional networking. Students will learn extensive theory and apply this practically. Students will also study a Research Methods module so that they develop their research and academic skills in preparation for their final dissertation.

 

For the Postgraduate Diploma stage of the course students will specialise in topics of Network Automation and Programming, Network Security, Infrastructure, and Virtualisation.

For the dissertation part of the course students will prepare a final written dissertation.

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.

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:

https://www.staffs.ac.uk/legal/policies/Staffs-admissions-policy.jsp

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:

https://www.staffs.ac.uk/legal/policies/Staffs-admissions-policy.jsp

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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Careers

Our Cloud and Networking postgraduates are snapped up by employers as their skills are in high demand. Some get offered jobs through their placements and join the firms full-time after they complete their degree.

With a need for thousands more Cloud and networking skilled graduates in the UK, it’s a specialist field with huge opportunities for our graduates.

Many of our postgraduates also go on to work for tech companies as developers or engineers.

Possible careers including becoming a network engineer, network administrator, computer hardware engineer, computer network architect, cloud architect, or computer programmer.

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

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

You will be taught through formal lectures, group work, tutorials/practical sessions, seminars, workshops, directed and self-managed study, and research projects. Each of these will be used on your modules so you get the chance to learn as effectively as possible.

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.

14% of time in lectures, seminars or similar

86% of time in independent study

Independent learning

For all subjects in addition to teaching you will need to spend related time in independent study.

Staff

Dr Mohammad Heydari Fami Tafreshi

Lecturer

Mohammad is a lecturer in Cyber Security, leading the L7 Research Methods and MSc Dissertation modules. His expertise spans applications of AI and ML in Cyber Security, with key publications in IEEE, Elsevier, and Springer.

Dr Maryam Shahpasand

Senior Lecturer

Maryam is a lecturer with over 15 years of intensive experience in cyber security teaching and research, professional training, security consultation, forensics investigation, malware analysis, penetration testing, and incident handling.

Dr Mahsa Zolfaghari

Lecturer

Mahsa is a lecturer in Computer Science and Cyber Security. Her research interests are Systems Design enhancements by Artificial Intelligence (AI), NET ZERO Technologies’ applications and IoT.

Dr Dhuha Al-Shaikhli

Lecturer

Dhuha is a Computer Science lecturer at Staffordshire University London (SUL). Her research interest is in learning management systems and computer education.

Dr Viraj Dawarka

Lecturer

Viraj is a lecturer in computer science/cyber security as well as an active researcher in cloud robotics. His main area of interest is towards the energy efficiency of cloud robotics using educational robots.

Dr Vahid Heydari Fami Tafreshi

Course Director - Computer Science

Vahid is a passionate researcher and course director specialising in Computing courses at the London campus. He leads the BSc and MSc Cyber Security courses, focusing on Internet Protocols, Architectures, Cybersecurity, and IoT Security.

Vahid's profile

Fees

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

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £10,609 per course £16,750 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 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.

Not included in the fees:

It is recommended students purchase a laptop
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 £11,222 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

Applications are not currently available for this course.

Rules and regulations

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

Students of University 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 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

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