MSc Computing Systems

If you're passionate about the underlying architecture that powers modern technology—the networks, servers, and operating systems—then the MSc Computing Systems at NTU is designed to give you the deep, practical expertise to manage and innovate these critical infrastructures. This programme moves beyond theory to focus on the hands-on implementation, configuration, and management of complex computing systems, preparing you for a specialist role in a rapidly evolving field.

Your learning will be intensely practical, giving you direct experience with the tools and technologies that underpin enterprise-level IT:

• Specialist Networking & Security Labs: You will gain hands-on, practical experience in our specialist networking and security laboratories. These dedicated, isolated spaces are equipped with enterprise-grade hardware, including Cisco routers and switches, and virtualised environments for safe testing and configuration without impacting live systems.

• Industry-Standard Software & Virtualisation: Develop expert-level skills with the software that runs modern data centres, including VMware vSphere for enterprise virtualisation, Windows Server with Active Directory, and Linux operating systems for server management.

• Live Project Work & Simulations: The curriculum is built around practical application, where you'll work on realistic project simulations. This includes designing, configuring, and troubleshooting complex network infrastructures and system services, mirroring the challenges you'll face in a professional sysadmin or network engineer role.

• Cisco Networking Academy: As part of NTU's status as a Cisco Networking Academy, you will have the opportunity to work within this ecosystem, gaining exposure to the curriculum and equipment that prepares students for industry-standard certifications.

• Individual Systems Project: The programme culminates in a major individual MSc project. This is your chance to undertake a significant practical investigation into an area like network security, cloud infrastructure, or systems automation, creating a substantial piece of work for your professional portfolio.

• Extensive University Resources: You will have full access to NTU’s library services, including a comprehensive collection of physical and electronic resources on networking, systems administration, and cybersecurity, alongside remote access to specialised software.

This programme is specifically designed to create highly skilled systems specialists and network professionals. You'll graduate with the proven, practical ability to design, secure, and manage the mission-critical systems that organisations depend on.

Graduates from NTU’s MSc Computing Systems often move into roles like Systems Integration Engineer, Cloud / DevOps Engineer, Software Engineer, or Technical Project Lead. The course is especially strong for those coming from non-computing backgrounds or those looking to deepen systems-level understanding; many leave with hands-on skills, real project experience, and the confidence to apply for challenging roles in industry.

Progression & Future Opportunities:
Here’s how NTU backs your employability, and what outcomes you can expect:

• Which university services will help students to employ:

  • NTU provides dedicated postgraduate career support via its Careers & Employability centre: workshops on CV & interview skills, employer networking events, and help securing placements or live projects. This support helps you build not just knowledge but real workplace readiness. 

  • The course is designed to be hands-on: modules include Systems Analysis & Design, Software Engineering, and a major project. These give you practical, project-based experience you can show on a CV. 

• Employment stats and salary figures:

  • While this specific MSc doesn’t publish detailed salary data, NTU’s postgraduate students in computing and related technology fields tend to earn more than first-degree holders about five years after graduation. Postgraduates at NTU have a median salary tendency of ~£45,000 vs ~£40,000 for first-degree holders (across all subjects) five years out. 

  • The Computing Science / technology fields at NTU enjoy strong employability: many graduates secure roles quickly after finishing (software, cloud, systems-related roles). The practical orientation of the course helps with that.

• University–industry partnerships (specific):

  • The programme uses modules shaped with input from industry and covers up-to-date systems content (multi-tasking software, assembler-level work, architecture constraints) so that what you learn matches what employers want. 

  • NTU has live project work and placement options: the MSc with Placement version gives you direct work experience to add to your learning. 

• Long-term accreditation value:

  • While I didn’t find specific professional engineering accreditation for this MSc course, the course is well respected in the UK tech sector for its depth in systems-oriented computing and the hands-on, project-based structure. This gives your degree credibility in tech, cloud, enterprise software, embedded/system-level roles. 

  • Postgraduate qualifications tend to raise your earning potential and chances for senior or specialized technical roles, compared to those with only undergraduate qualifications. 

• Graduation outcomes:

  • You’ll graduate with strong skills in design, implementation, and evaluation of computing systems—including tasks in high-level software and low-level (assembly-informed) programming, performance-aware design, and architecture constraints.

  • Many graduates go into roles involving system integration, DevOps / cloud infrastructure, software engineering, or technical support / operations roles that require understanding both hardware constraints and software design. The major project helps you build a portfolio and technical credibility. 

Further Academic Progression:
After finishing the MSc Computing Systems, you have good pathways ahead if you want to continue studying: you might opt for PhD research in areas like Systems Architecture, Embedded Systems, High-Performance Computing, or Real-Time Systems. Alternatively, many choose to deepen specialist technical skills (cloud, systems security, performance engineering) through short courses or certifications—and combine that with industry experience to move into senior technical or leadership roles.