Media & Communication

Master of Science in Data Communication

The Master of Science in Data Communication is a postgraduate programme that trains graduates in data communication networks, network protocols, and communication systems. The programme prepares graduates for advanced careers in network engineering, data communications, and network systems management.

Core areas include data communication networks, network protocols, network architecture, data transmission, network security, wireless communications, network management, routing and switching, network design, and research methods. Students engage with theoretical foundations and practical network engineering applications.

The programme is offered by University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, and Moi University, with KCA University as a college. KCAU offers MSc Data Communications through its Faculty of Science and Information Technology with both 1-year and 3-trimester options. UoN offers through its School of Computing and Informatics. KU offers through its School of Computing and Information Technology.

Students develop competencies in network design, protocol analysis, network security, wireless communications, network management, routing, switching, and research. The programme includes coursework, laboratory practicals, examinations, supervised research, and thesis or project work.

The programme is delivered over two years with full-time and part-time study modes. KCAU requires first or second class honours degree from a reputable institution. KCAU fees are KES 20,000 per unit. KU postgraduate fees range from KES 120,000 to KES 400,000.

Graduates pursue careers as network engineers, data communication specialists, network architects, network security engineers, telecommunications engineers, and lecturers in telecommunications companies, technology firms, financial institutions, government agencies, and universities.

Skills Required

Data Communication Network Design
Network Protocol Analysis
Network Architecture and Planning
Network Security Engineering
Wireless Communication Systems
Network Management and Monitoring
Routing and Switching Configuration
Data Transmission Technologies
Telecommunications Systems
Data Communication Research Methods

Key Subjects

Data Communication Networks
Network Protocols
Network Architecture
Data Transmission
Network Security
Wireless Communications
Network Management
Routing and Switching
Network Design
Data Communication Research Methods

Certifications

IEEE Communications Society Membership
Cisco CCNP/CCIE Certification

Specializations

Network Architecture

Focuses on network architecture, network design, network topology, network infrastructure, and designing and planning data communication networks.

Network Security

Examines network security, cybersecurity, firewalls, intrusion detection, VPNs, and securing data communication networks against threats.

Wireless Communications

Covers wireless communications, mobile networks, WiFi, cellular networks, wireless protocols, and designing and managing wireless communication systems.

Network Management

Focuses on network management, network monitoring, performance optimisation, fault management, and managing and operating data communication networks.

Routing and Switching

Examines routing and switching, routing protocols, switching technologies, network interconnection, and configuring routers and switches in networks.

Telecommunications Systems

Covers telecommunications systems, telecom networks, voice communications, telecom infrastructure, and managing telecommunications systems and networks.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 231,600
Private, up to: Ksh 254,518
Job market: High

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 20 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Data Communication Networks
Network Protocols
Network Architecture
Data Transmission
Network Security
Wireless Communications
Network Management
Routing and Switching
Network Design
Data Communication Research Methods

Modules

12 in the programme

Data Communication Networks
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines data communication networks, communication theory, data transmission, encoding, modulation, and understanding data communication fundamentals and network types.
Network Protocols and Standards
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers network protocols, TCP/IP, OSI model, protocol analysis, network standards, and understanding and analysing network protocols.
Network Architecture and Design
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines network architecture, network design, network topology, LAN, WAN, network infrastructure, and designing data communication networks.
Network Security
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers network security, firewalls, intrusion detection, VPNs, cryptography, network access control, and securing data communication networks.
Wireless Communications
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines wireless communications, mobile networks, WiFi, cellular networks, 4G/5G, wireless protocols, and designing and managing wireless systems.
Network Management and Monitoring
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers network management, network monitoring, performance management, fault management, SNMP, and managing and operating data communication networks.
Routing and Switching
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines routing and switching, routing protocols, OSPF, BGP, switching technologies, VLANs, and configuring routers and switches in networks.
Data Transmission Technologies
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers data transmission, transmission media, fibre optics, copper, wireless transmission, broadband, and understanding data transmission technologies.
Telecommunications Systems
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines telecommunications systems, telecom networks, voice communications, VoIP, telecom infrastructure, and managing telecommunications systems.
Data Communication Research Methods
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research methods for data communication, experimental design, data analysis, and conducting network research, preparing students for their thesis.
Emerging Network Technologies
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines emerging network technologies, 5G and beyond, IoT networks, software-defined networking, network function virtualisation, and next-generation networks.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on a data communication topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and network knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Network Architecture
Focuses on network architecture, network design, network topology, network infrastructure, and designing and planning data communication networks.
Network Security
Examines network security, cybersecurity, firewalls, intrusion detection, VPNs, and securing data communication networks against threats.
Wireless Communications
Covers wireless communications, mobile networks, WiFi, cellular networks, wireless protocols, and designing and managing wireless communication systems.
Network Management
Focuses on network management, network monitoring, performance optimisation, fault management, and managing and operating data communication networks.
Routing and Switching
Examines routing and switching, routing protocols, switching technologies, network interconnection, and configuring routers and switches in networks.
Telecommunications Systems
Covers telecommunications systems, telecom networks, voice communications, telecom infrastructure, and managing telecommunications systems and networks.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc Data Communication programme begins with morning lectures on data communication networks, protocols, or network security. Students engage in theoretical discussions on communication theory, network architecture, and data transmission. Data communication sessions cover communication theory, data transmission, encoding, modulation, and understanding data communication fundamentals. Network protocols sessions examine TCP/IP, OSI model, protocol analysis, network standards, and understanding and analysing network protocols. Network architecture sessions cover network design, network topology, LAN, WAN, network infrastructure, and designing data communication networks. Network security sessions examine firewalls, intrusion detection, VPNs, cryptography, network access control, and securing data communication networks. Wireless communications sessions cover mobile networks, WiFi, cellular networks, 4G/5G, wireless protocols, and designing and managing wireless systems. Network management sessions involve network monitoring, performance management, fault management, SNMP, and managing and operating networks. Routing and switching sessions cover routing protocols, OSPF, BGP, switching technologies, VLANs, and configuring routers and switches. Data transmission sessions examine transmission media, fibre optics, copper, wireless transmission, and understanding data transmission technologies. Telecommunications sessions cover telecom networks, voice communications, VoIP, telecom infrastructure, and managing telecommunications systems. Laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience with network configuration, protocol analysis, security tools, and network simulation. Research methodology sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering data communication research methods, experimental design, and data analysis. Guest lectures from network engineers, CA regulators, telecom industry professionals, and IEEE members provide real-world insights. The two-year programme culminates in a research thesis or project.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya's growing telecommunications sector, internet expansion, mobile networks, and enterprise network needs create strong demand for qualified data communication professionals.
KCA University offers the programme with established ICT training and industry connections through its Faculty of Science and IT.
Programme covers comprehensive data communication areas including protocols, security, wireless, routing, and telecommunications.
Strong career opportunities with telecommunications companies, technology firms, financial institutions, CA, and international ICT organisations.

Against it

Programme requires technical background in computing, electronics, or telecommunications, which may exclude some graduates.
Programme requires access to network laboratories and equipment, which may vary across institutions.
Rapidly evolving technology may require frequent curriculum updates to remain current with industry needs.
Limited number of institutions offering the programme may restrict geographic access for prospective students.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 106 media & communication courses

Public232k to 232k

232k at Technical University of Kenya232k at Technical University of Kenya

Private255k to 255k

255k at KCA University255k at KCA University

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

KCA 509K/2yr=254.5K/yr (KCA 2025 PDF). TU-K MTech Comm Networks 463K/2yr=231.6K/yr (tukenya.ac.ke).

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. IEEE Communications Society provides grants for research and professional development. ITU supports ICT development and capacity building. The programme's network technology focus attracts industry and government funding.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
IEEE Communications Society Grants
ITU Development Funding

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate data communication studies at recognised universities.
IEEE Communications Society Grants
GrantKsh 300,000
IEEE Communications Society provides grants for research, conference attendance, and professional development in communications and networking.
ITU Development Funding
GrantKsh 400,000
ITU provides development funding for ICT capacity building, supporting training and research in data communication and networking in developing countries.

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: The programme accepts computer science, IT, electrical engineering, telecommunications, physics, and related graduates. Two-year programme with full-time and part-time options. KCAU requires first or second class honours from a reputable institution. KCAU offers 1-year and 3-trimester options. Application fee KES 3,000 at KCAU.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, laboratory reports, network design projects, configuration exercises, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination30% of the mark
Written examinations covering data communication, network protocols, security, wireless communications, and routing, conducted at end of each semester.
Laboratory and Practical Assessment
Practical40% of the mark
Assessment of laboratory and practical skills including network configuration, protocol analysis, security implementation, network simulation, and laboratory reports.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on a data communication topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and network knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). UoN offers through its School of Computing and Informatics. KCAU offers through its Faculty of Science and IT. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate data communication training. Communications Authority of Kenya regulates communications in Kenya.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. Offered by University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Moi University, and KCA University. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate data communication training.
Communications Authority of Kenya (CA)
Professional accreditation
CA regulates communications in Kenya, setting standards for telecommunications, data communication, and network infrastructure. Graduates working in telecommunications may require CA compliance.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Network Engineer
High demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 600,000
Designs, implements, and manages data communication networks, ensuring network performance, reliability, and security in organisations.
Data Communication Specialist
Moderate demandKsh 140,000 to Ksh 550,000
Specialises in data communication systems, managing network infrastructure, protocols, and ensuring effective data communication.
Network Architect
Moderate demandKsh 160,000 to Ksh 650,000
Designs network architecture, developing network plans, infrastructure design, and ensuring scalable and secure network systems.
Network Security Engineer
High demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 600,000
Secures data communication networks, implementing firewalls, intrusion detection, VPNs, and protecting networks from cyber threats.
Telecommunications Engineer
Moderate demandKsh 140,000 to Ksh 550,000
Manages telecommunications systems, overseeing telecom infrastructure, voice communications, and ensuring reliable telecom services.
University Lecturer
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches data communication and networking in universities, conducting research and training future network professionals.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as network engineers, data communication specialists, and network architects in telecommunications companies, technology firms, and government agencies.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Cisco Packet Tracer
SoftwarePrimary
Network simulation tool for designing, configuring, and troubleshooting network topologies, routing, switching, and network scenarios.
Wireshark
SoftwarePrimary
Network protocol analyser for network troubleshooting, protocol analysis, security assessment, and understanding network traffic and protocols.
GNS3
Software
Network simulation platform for emulating network devices, testing network configurations, and practising advanced network engineering scenarios.
NS-3 Network Simulator
Software
Network simulator for designing, testing, and evaluating communication network protocols, wireless networks, and network performance.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Data communication is just about connecting computers.
Data communication involves network architecture, protocol design, security, wireless systems, and telecommunications, far beyond basic computer connectivity.
This programme is the same as computer science.
While related, data communication focuses on networks, protocols, and communication systems, while computer science covers broader computing theory, algorithms, and software.
There is limited demand for data communication specialists in Kenya.
Kenya's growing telecommunications sector, internet expansion, mobile networks, and enterprise network needs create strong demand for qualified data communication professionals.
This programme is only for computer science graduates.
The programme accepts graduates from computer science, IT, electrical engineering, telecommunications, physics, and related fields with communications or electronics background.
Data communication is becoming obsolete with wireless technology.
Wireless technology is a core area of data communication, and the field continues to evolve with 5G, IoT, satellite communications, and emerging network technologies.
A master's in data communication is redundant after a bachelor's in computer science or IT.
The master's provides specialised network knowledge, research capability, and career progression to senior network engineering and architecture positions.