Mobile Networks and Media Streaming MSc
Subject and course type
- Computing and Information Systems
- Games and Digital Media
- Postgraduate
The MSc in Mobile Networks and Media Streaming at ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ is your gateway to a career in the booming wireless and streaming industries.
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Boost your career with a focus on wireless networks and media
Imagine designing the technologies that make instant streaming, seamless video calls and smart connectivity a reality.
Step into the cutting-edge world of mobile networks and media streaming with our Mobile Networks and Media Streaming MSc course.
The recent evolution of internet services has seen video representing more than 80% of all data traffic. Alongside, the growth of on-demand video streaming (as offered by YouTube, Netflix, Amazon) and live streaming (as offered by Facebook, Twitch, etc.) requires new professional roles.
The aim of this course is to provide practical education and training for anyone seeking employment in these new industries. Whether you’re looking to upskill, enter the industry, or advance in your career, this course offers the perfect blend of practical and theoretical knowledge.
Graduating will open the door to an exciting future, where you’ll shape the way we communicate and consume media. From revolutionising mobile apps to pioneering 5G-enabled innovations, the opportunities are vast and ever-growing.
You’ll be part of a field that’s driving change globally, creating smarter networks and delivering richer user experiences. Let this MSc be your launchpad to a career at the forefront of technological evolution.
Why choose this course
ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ’s MSc in Mobile Networks and Media Streaming stands out for its industry relevance, cutting-edge facilities and hands-on learning approach.
Here's what you can expect on the course:
- State-of-the-art labs: Experience hands-on practice with advanced tools like 5G/mobile edge computing testbeds, multimedia streaming setups and VR/AR devices.
- Professional placement option: Gain real-world experience with a year-long placement (optional).
- Expert teaching staff: Learn from academics involved in high-profile research and industry collaborations.
- Research opportunities: Join the Wireless Multimedia and Networking (WMN) research group, contributing to innovative projects in wireless and multimedia systems.
- Interdisciplinary spaces: We foster collaboration between computing and design students, leading to projects at the forefront of technology and our educational partnership with Sony.
Based at our Penrhyn Road campus, this course offers access to cutting-edge facilities, including:
- Dedicated postgraduate computing labs with high-spec processors, fold-flat LCD screens, and data-projection systems
- State-of-the-art hardware and software, including Linux, Java, Dreamweaver, Eclipse and NXP Processors Development Kits
- Digital signal processors, IP Set Top Box development tools, and a fully equipped electronics lab
- Wireless LAN technologies, online databases and subject-specific libraries
- A postgraduate teaching suite and the Graduate Centre, featuring seminar rooms and social spaces
- A fully supported cyber-lab, enabling experimentation with deep learning, blockchain and advanced security systems
- CAVE (Centre for Augmented and Virtual Reality Environments)
Course content
The full MSc course consists of an induction programme, four taught modules, and project dissertation.
Teaching on this course usually takes place in two separate specific week blocks (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm). For further details please contact [email protected].
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.
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 ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ enable students to take the option of a 12-month work placement as part of their course. Although the University supports students in finding a placement and organises events to meet potential employers, 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.
Year 1
Core modules
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.
30 credits
This module will provide you with a working knowledge of Digital Networks and Communication systems including the latest technologies and underpinning methodologies, such as Internet of Things framework, M2M communications, Content Delivery Networks, Cloud Computing and Mobile Edge Computing, Machine learning and the relevant security protocols.
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.
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.
Optional modules
30 credits
The module introduces fundamental concepts and methods in Machine Learning and Pattern Recognition, and discusses their applications in disciplines such as image and video analysis, computer games, information security, data science and mechatronics. Students are firstly introduced to classical methods, before they are taught modern state-of-the-art approaches. Then, they are exposed to applications related to their course. The module is taught in a practical fashion and therefore some knowledge of a programming language is required.
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.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
- Critically discuss legal and ethical aspects of computer security
- Compare and contrast data encryption algorithms suitable for encrypting, signing and protecting data and highlight their correct usages and significance in different security protocols
- Analyse, model and evaluate the performance and security vulnerabilities, threats, risks and controls of cabled and wireless networks
- Evaluate the role of firewalls, intrusion detection systems and vulnerability assessment tools in monitoring and securing a network, and analyse the protection provided by them
- Apply appropriate methodology to formulate the data, performance and security requirements of an organisation, to obtain potential solutions
Professional placement
Professional placement
120 credits
The Professional Placement module is a core module if you're following a masters programme that incorporates an extended professional placement. It provides you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in an appropriate working environment, and develops and enhances key employability and subject specific skills in your chosen discipline. You may wish to use the placement experience as a platform for a major project or your future career.
It is your responsibility to find and secure a suitable placement opportunity; this should not normally involve more than two placements which must be completed over a minimum period of 10 months and within a maximum of 12 months. The placement must be approved by your Course Leader prior to commencement to ensure its suitability. You will have access to the standard placement preparation activities offered by the Student Engagement and Enhancement (SEE) group.
Read more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.
Career opportunities
Graduates of this MSc are well-prepared for careers in:
- Wireless networking
- Media streaming and content delivery
- 5G and telecommunications
- Network security and administration
The rapid growth of mobile networks and streaming platforms has created a high demand for skilled professionals. This course ensures you’re ready to lead in this competitive field.
Industry partnerships
The wireless multimedia and networking (WMN) research group at Kingston is at the forefront in this area. We participate in national and international projects in collaboration with key industry stakeholders.
We also design courses in partnership with an Industrial Advisory Board. We combine insights from a diverse spectrum of industries and public sector organisations that make up the jobs market for our graduates. We work closely with members from Google, Microsoft, EasyJet, games developer Colossal and Chief Information Officers from local government.
Specialist career advice in the School of Computer Science and Mathematics
The Faculty has a specialist employability team. This support team provides friendly and high-quality careers and recruitment guidance, including advice and sessions on job-seeking skills. 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.
Teaching and assessment
When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically this 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.
As a student at ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ, 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.
A course is made up of modules, and each module is worth a number of credits. You must pass a given number of credits in order to achieve the award you registered on, for example 360 credits for a typical undergraduate course or 180 credits for a typical postgraduate course. The number of credits you need for your award is detailed in the programme specification which you can access from the link at the bottom of this page.
One credit equates to 10 hours of study. Therefore 180 credits across a year (typical for a postgraduate course) would equate to 1,800 notional hours. These hours are split into scheduled and guided. On this course, the percentage of that time that will be scheduled learning and teaching activities is shown below. The remainder is made up of guided independent study.
- 16% scheduled learning and teaching
The exact balance between scheduled learning and teaching and guided independent study will be informed by the modules you take.
Your course will primarily be delivered in person. It may include delivery of some activities online, either in real time or recorded.
Assessment typically comprises exams (e.g. test or exam), practical (e.g. presentations, performance) and coursework (e.g. essays, reports, self-assessment, portfolios, dissertation). The approximate percentage for how you will be assessed on this course is as follows, though this depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose:
- Coursework 66%
- Exams 34%
This division of assessment styles will repeat for each year if studying part time.
Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. If your course includes optional modules, this breakdown may change to reflect the modules chosen.
We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.
You will be part of an intimate cohort of 20-40 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.
Fees and funding
| Fee category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | |
| Full Time | £11,400 |
| Part Time | £6,270 |
| International | |
| Full Time | £17,600 |
| Part Time | £9,680 |
| Fee category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | |
| Full Time | £10,900 |
| Part Time | £5,995 |
| International | |
| Full Time | £16,900 |
| Part Time | £9,295 |
Funding support for postgraduate students
If you are a UK student living in England and under 60, you can apply for a loan to study for a postgraduate degree on the government's website.
Scholarships and bursaries
For students interested in studying Mobile Networks and Media Streaming MSc at Kingston, there are several opportunities to seek funding support:
This scholarship offers a 40% reduction in fees across a range of taught postgraduate courses. Learn more about eligibility criteria for Inspire the Future applicants.
If you are an international student, find out more about scholarships and bursaries.
We also offer discounts for ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ alumni.
There are Progression Scholarships available for certain postgraduate courses. Review our range of funding opportunities for masters-level study.
The Kevin Walsh Scholarship is a one-year scholarship for a taught masters course in the School of Computer Science & Mathematics. For more information, visit the Kevin Walsh Scholarship page.
Additional course costs
Some courses may require additional costs beyond tuition fees. When planning your studies, you’ll want to consider tuition fees, living costs, and any extra costs that might relate to your area of study.
Your tuition fees include costs for teaching, assessment and university facilities. So your access to libraries, shared IT resources and various student support services are all covered. Accommodation and general living expenses are not covered by these fees.
Where applicable, additional expenses for your course may include:
Our libraries have an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as open-access computers and laptops available to rent. However, you may want to buy your own computer or personal copies of key textbooks. Textbooks may range from £50 to £250 per year. And a personal computer can range from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.
While most coursework is submitted online, some modules may require printed copies. You may want to allocate up to £100 per year for hard-copies of your coursework. It’s worth noting that 3D printing is never compulsory. So if you choose to use our 3D printers, you’ll need to pay for the material. This ranges from 3p per gram to 40p per gram.
ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ will pay for all compulsory field trips. Fees for optional trips can range from £30 to £350 per trip.
Your tuition fees don’t cover travel costs. To save on travel costs, you can use our free intersite bus service. This route links the campuses and halls of residence with local train stations - Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, and Norbiton.
Courses involving placements or direct work with vulnerable groups may require a DBS check or other security checks.
Specific courses may require uniforms, specialty clothing, or specific equipment like lab coats and safety shoes.
If you choose to do a placement year, travel costs will vary depending on your location. These costs could be up to £2,000.
Some courses may require professional memberships.
How to apply
Before you apply
Please read the entry criteria carefully to make sure you meet all requirements before applying.
How to apply online
Use the course selector drop down at the top of this page to choose your preferred course, start date and mode, then click 'Apply now'. You will be taken to our Online Student Information System (OSIS) where you will complete your application.
If you’re starting a new application, you’ll need to select ‘new user’ and set up a username and password. This will allow you to save and return to your application.
Application deadlines
We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Applications will close when the course is full.
Information required to confirm your place
If English is not your first language, we will require proof of your proficiency to allow us to confirm your place on the course. This will generally be either an IELTS or TOEFL test certificate, which can be forwarded to us after you have submitted your application. If you do not hold a formal English language qualification, please indicate how you have acquired your proficiency in written and spoken English.
After you have applied
For courses that select on application alone, applicants should normally receive an initial decision or a request for more information within four to six weeks of receipt of their application. Our admissions team will notify you of the decision by email.
Learn more about the postgraduate application process in detail.
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. Find out more about course changes
for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
