University College London (UCL)
Internet Engineering MSc
London, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
1 year
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
The MSc in Internet Engineering focuses on giving students a solid foundation in designing, building, and managing modern internet systems. The program covers a wide range of topics, including network architectures, security, protocols, and emerging technologies like cloud computing and the Internet of Things. It's designed for those who want to develop advanced skills in internet infrastructure, with opportunities to learn through practical projects and industry-relevant coursework. The course emphasizes both technical knowledge and the ability to solve real-world problems encountered in internet engineering.
Students also explore topics like network management, mobile communications, and data transmission. The program aims to prepare graduates to work in roles such as network engineers, security specialists, or systems architects. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to develop critical thinking, technical proficiency, and a deeper understanding of how internet systems operate and evolve. This well-rounded approach helps students gain the confidence they need to pursue careers in the fast-changing field of internet technology.
UCL Scholarships
There are a number of scholarships available to postgraduate students, including our UCL Masters Bursary for UK students and our UCL Global Masters Scholarship for international students. You can click the link below to search via the scholarships finder for awards that you might be eligible for. Your academic department will also be able to provide you with more information about funding.
External Scholarships
Online aggregators like Postgraduate Studentships, Scholarship Search, Postgraduate Funding and International Financial Aid and College Scholarship Search contain information on a variety of external schemes.
If you have specific circumstances or ethnic or religious background it is worth searching for scholarships/bursaries/grants that relate to those things. Some schemes are very specific.
Funding for disabled students
Master's students who have a disability may be able to get extra funding for additional costs they incur to study.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of formal lectures, guest lectures, tutorials, seminars, laboratory and workshop sessions and project work.
You'll be assessed via unseen written examination, coursework, design exercises and the research project.
The exact number of contact hours and composition varies throughout the term depending on the module choices of the student.
This is a full-time course, so students should expect a weekly schedule of approximately 12 to 16 contact hours and 12 to 16 hours of independent learning.
Modules
Full-time
You'll take 6 modules as the basis of your programme (comprising 2 core modules and 4 compulsory modules). You'll also take 3 additional optional modules during the period October to April/May. You then carry out a project dissertation comprising 18 to 20 weeks of supervised study during the period April/May to September.
All modules are taught within 1 week of lectures (6 hours per day for 4 days). A week of self-study is allowed after the module teaching finishes and this is followed by a 3-4 hours discussion and tutorial session. Modules are assessed within 2 to 4 weeks of the tutorial session.
Compulsory modules
- Research Project
- Introduction to Telecommunications Networks (ITN)
- Software for Network and Services Design
- Introduction to Internet Protocol Networks
- Mobile Communications Systems (MCS)
- Internet of Things
Optional modules
- Optical Transmission and Networks
- Communications Systems Modelling
- Network and Services Management
- Telecommunications Business Environment
- Wireless Communications Principles (WCP)
- Security and Privacy
Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Internet Engineering.
What this course will give you
This programme offers you the following benefits and opportunities:
- A postgraduate degree from a top-ranked university. UCL is consistently ranked among the best universities globally (ranked 9th in the latest QS World University Rankings 2025), providing you with a prestigious qualification that is highly regarded by employers worldwide.
- Gain comprehensive knowledge across multiple layers of internet engineering, from the physical layer (optical, wireless) to the application layer (codecs, security) and the business layer (regulation, business opportunities).
- Develop skills in network design, congestion control, traffic engineering, and more, preparing you for diverse career opportunities in the rapidly evolving field of internet engineering.
- Benefit from lectures delivered by world-class researchers and regular guest lectures from leading industry professionals.
- Build a strong professional network through UCL’s connections with leading industries and government specialists.
- Study under renowned academics and experts at UCL Electronic & Electrical Engineering, a Department ranked 5th in the UK (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024).
- Study in the world's best city for university students (QS Best Student Cities 2024). UCL’s Bloomsbury campus is in the heart of a London district famous for its cultural and educational institutions.
The foundation of your career
Recent graduates have gone on to become graduate engineers, R&D engineers and network services engineers at companies including France Telecom, BT, Huawei, Cisco, Motorola and PwC.
Employability
Graduates of this programme are equipped with an in-depth knowledge of internet engineering, enabling them to thrive in industries such as telecommunications, cybersecurity, and data analytics.
You'll also benefit from a programme of study that combines theoretical foundations of all related technologies with extensive practical assignments in several related areas, readying you for the world of work.
Networking
You’ll have regular opportunities to connect, collaborate, and build professional contacts as part of your Master’s:
- Benefit from UCL's prime location in the heart of London.
- Tap into our extensive industry connections, offering unique opportunities such as site visits and placements.
- Apply theory to practice with access to guest lectures and invited seminars.
- Gain valuable career insights from our world-renowned academic team, who bring their own industry experience to the table.Accreditation
Our MSc programme is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the academic requirement for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to fully comply with the CEng registration academic requirement.


