Technology

Master of Science in Data Communication and Networks

The Master of Science in Data Communication and Networks is a postgraduate programme that prepares professionals for advanced practice in network design, data communication, and network management. The programme combines communication theory with practical network engineering, protocol design, and network security application.

Core areas include data communication principles, network architecture, protocol design and analysis, network security, wireless and mobile networks, network management, cloud networking, Internet of Things, research methods, and thesis or project. Students engage with both communication theory and practical laboratory work through coursework and research.

The programme is offered by the Technical University of Kenya as Master of Technology in Communication and Computer Networks through the School of Computing and Information Technology, JKUAT as MSc in Computer Systems and MSc in Telecommunication Engineering through the School of Computing and Information Technology, and Dedan Kimathi University of Technology as MSc in Telecommunications Engineering. All are public universities offering programmes over two academic years through full-time and part-time modes of study.

Students develop competencies in data communication, network architecture, protocol design, network security, wireless networks, network management, and cloud networking. The programme includes coursework, examinations, laboratory work, and a supervised research thesis or project.

TU-K charges approximately KES 231,600/year (KES 463,200 total) for communication and computer networks. JKUAT charges approximately KES 252,500/year (KES 505,000 total) for computer systems and telecommunication engineering. DeKUT charges approximately KES 200,000/year for telecommunications engineering. Entry requires a Bachelor's degree with Second Class Honours Upper Division in computer science, IT, computer technology, telecommunication engineering, or related fields from a recognised university.

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

Skills Required

Data Communication Principles and Protocols
Network Architecture and Design
Protocol Design and Analysis
Network Security and Threat Defence
Wireless and Mobile Networks
Network Management and Monitoring
Cloud Networking and Virtualisation
Internet of Things and Edge Computing
Research Methods in Data Communication
Academic Writing and Thesis Research

Key Subjects

Data Communication Principles and Protocols
Network Architecture and Design
Protocol Design and Analysis
Network Security and Threat Defence
Wireless and Mobile Networks
Network Management and Monitoring
Cloud Networking and Virtualisation
Internet of Things and Edge Computing
Research Methods in Data Communication
Thesis or Project Research

Certifications

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
IEEE Communications Society Membership

Specializations

Network Architecture

Focuses on network architecture, covering design, topology, protocols, enterprise networks, and managing network architecture.

Network Security

Examines network security, covering firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs, network defence, secure architecture, and managing network security.

Wireless and Mobile Networks

Covers wireless networks, covering WiFi, cellular, mobile networks, 5G, wireless security, and managing wireless networks.

Cloud Networking

Focuses on cloud networking, covering SDN, NFV, cloud infrastructure, virtualisation, and managing cloud networks.

Network Management

Examines network management, covering monitoring, fault management, performance, QoS, SNMP, and managing network operations.

IoT and Edge Computing

Covers IoT networks, covering sensors, protocols, edge computing, fog computing, and managing IoT networks.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 254,100
Private, up to: Ksh 476,250
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 Principles and Protocols
Network Architecture and Design
Protocol Design and Analysis
Network Security and Threat Defence
Wireless and Mobile Networks
Network Management and Monitoring
Cloud Networking and Virtualisation
Internet of Things and Edge Computing
Research Methods in Data Communication
Thesis or Project Research

Modules

12 in the programme

Data Communication Principles and Protocols
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines communication principles, transmission, signalling, encoding, multiplexing, and managing data communication.
Network Architecture and Design
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers design, topology, protocols, enterprise networks, campus networks, and managing network architecture.
Research Methods in Data Communication
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research design, data collection, analysis, communication research methods, and conducting network research, preparing students for their thesis or project.
Protocol Design and Analysis
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines protocol analysis, TCP/IP, routing protocols, transport protocols, application protocols, and managing protocol design.
Network Security and Threat Defence
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs, network defence, secure architecture, and managing network security.
Wireless and Mobile Networks
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines WiFi, cellular, mobile networks, 5G, wireless security, and managing wireless networks.
Network Management and Monitoring
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers monitoring, fault management, performance, QoS, SNMP, and managing network operations.
Cloud Networking and Virtualisation
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines SDN, NFV, cloud infrastructure, virtualisation, cloud network architecture, and managing cloud networks.
Internet of Things and Edge Computing
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers IoT sensors, protocols, edge computing, fog computing, IoT security, and managing IoT networks.
Broadband and Optical Networks
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines broadband technologies, optical networks, fibre, DWDM, PON, and managing broadband and optical networks.
Telecommunication Systems and Services
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers telecommunication systems, switching, signalling, VoIP, unified communications, and managing telecommunication services.
Research Thesis or Project
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original supervised research thesis or project on a data communication and networks topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and networking knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Network Architecture
Focuses on network architecture, covering design, topology, protocols, enterprise networks, and managing network architecture.
Network Security
Examines network security, covering firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs, network defence, secure architecture, and managing network security.
Wireless and Mobile Networks
Covers wireless networks, covering WiFi, cellular, mobile networks, 5G, wireless security, and managing wireless networks.
Cloud Networking
Focuses on cloud networking, covering SDN, NFV, cloud infrastructure, virtualisation, and managing cloud networks.
Network Management
Examines network management, covering monitoring, fault management, performance, QoS, SNMP, and managing network operations.
IoT and Edge Computing
Covers IoT networks, covering sensors, protocols, edge computing, fog computing, and managing IoT networks.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc in Data Communication and Networks programme combines lectures, laboratory sessions, practical workshops, seminars, and independent study. Sessions cover data communication, network architecture, protocol design, and network security. Data communication sessions examine communication principles, transmission, signalling, encoding, multiplexing, and managing data communication. Network architecture sessions cover design, topology, protocols, enterprise networks, campus networks, and managing network architecture. Protocol design sessions cover protocol analysis, TCP/IP, routing protocols, transport protocols, and managing protocol design. Network security sessions cover firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs, network defence, secure architecture, and managing network security. Wireless and mobile networks sessions cover WiFi, cellular, mobile networks, 5G, wireless security, and managing wireless networks. Network management sessions cover monitoring, fault management, performance, QoS, SNMP, and managing network operations. Cloud networking sessions cover SDN, NFV, cloud infrastructure, virtualisation, and managing cloud networks. IoT sessions cover sensors, protocols, edge computing, fog computing, and managing IoT networks. Research methods sessions prepare students for their thesis or project, covering research design, data collection, and analysis. Laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience with network simulators, protocol analysers, network configuration, and security tools. Practical workshops provide hands-on experience with Cisco equipment, Wireshark, GNS3, network management tools, and cloud platforms. Seminars and discussion groups provide opportunities for debating current issues in data communication and networking. Guest lectures from experienced network engineers, telecommunications professionals, and industry practitioners provide practical insights. The programme culminates in a supervised research thesis or project on a data communication and networks topic.

The trade offs

In its favour

High demand for network professionals with Kenya's telecommunications growth, ISP expansion, 5G deployment, and digital infrastructure development.
TU-K offers competitive fees at approximately KES 231,600/year (KES 463,200 total) for communication and computer networks.
Programme offered by three public universities (TU-K, JKUAT, DeKUT), providing institutional choice.
Graduates are eligible for CCNP and IEEE Communications Society professional membership, enhancing career prospects.

Against it

No private university confirmed offering this programme, limiting options.
DeKUT specific telecommunications engineering fees not independently verified.
Programme requires computer science, IT, computer technology, or telecommunication engineering background, which may limit access for non-related graduates.
Rapidly evolving networking technologies require continuous self-learning and certification beyond the curriculum.

What it costs

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

What it costs, and where

Against 191 technology courses

Public254k to 254k

254k at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology254k at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

Private476k to 476k

476k at Strathmore University476k at Strathmore 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

JKUAT ~254K/yr (jkuat.ac.ke). DeKUT: unverified. Strathmore MSc CIS 476K/yr (kenyaeducationguide).

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. JKUAT and TU-K may offer postgraduate bursaries for eligible students. Some telecommunications companies and ISPs may sponsor staff for postgraduate study.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
JKUAT Postgraduate Bursary
TU-K Financial Support

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
JKUAT Postgraduate Bursary
ScholarshipKsh 100,000Kenyan
JKUAT offers postgraduate bursaries for eligible students.
TU-K Financial Support
ScholarshipKsh 100,000Kenyan
TU-K offers financial support for eligible postgraduate students.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: TU-K requires Upper Second in Computer Technology or equivalent, or Lower Second with two years experience or postgraduate diploma. JKUAT requires relevant undergraduate degree with Upper Second Class Honours. DeKUT requires relevant engineering or computing background. Contact respective universities for specific admission requirements.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Continuous Assessment
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, laboratory reports, network design exercises, seminar presentations, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Written examinations covering data communication, network architecture, protocol design, and network security.
Practical and Laboratory Assessment
Practical30% of the mark
Practical assessment through network configuration, protocol analysis, simulation exercises, and demonstrating data communication skills.
Research Thesis or Project
Research100% of the mark
Original supervised research thesis or project on a data communication and networks topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and networking knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Technical University of Kenya, JKUAT, and Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (all public) offer Master of Technology in Communication and Computer Networks, MSc in Computer Systems, or MSc in Telecommunications Engineering. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in data communication and networks. Graduates are eligible for CCNP and IEEE Communications Society professional membership.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. Technical University of Kenya, JKUAT, and Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (all public) offer Master of Technology in Communication and Computer Networks, MSc in Computer Systems, or MSc in Telecommunications Engineering. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in data communication and networks. Graduates are eligible for CCNP and IEEE Communications Society professional membership.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Network Engineer
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 600,000
Designs and manages networks, overseeing architecture, configuration, troubleshooting, and managing network infrastructure.
Network Architect
High demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 700,000
Architects network solutions, overseeing design, planning, implementation, strategy, and managing network architecture.
Telecommunications Engineer
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 600,000
Engineers telecommunications systems, overseeing design, implementation, maintenance, and managing telecommunication systems.
Network Security Specialist
High demandKsh 140,000 to Ksh 650,000
Manages network security, overseeing firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs, defence, and managing network security operations.
Network Manager
Moderate demandKsh 140,000 to Ksh 650,000
Manages network operations, overseeing monitoring, performance, staff, operations, and managing network management.
Data Communication Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches data communication and networks at university or college level, overseeing instruction, research, and academic supervision.

Graduate outcomes

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Cisco Packet Tracer
SoftwarePrimary
Cisco Packet Tracer for network simulation, covering design, configuration, troubleshooting, and managing network simulation.
Wireshark
Software
Wireshark for protocol analysis, covering packet capture, protocol analysis, network troubleshooting, and managing network analysis.
GNS3
Software
GNS3 for network emulation, covering router simulation, switch simulation, network testing, and managing network emulation.
SolarWinds
Software
SolarWinds for network management, covering monitoring, performance, fault management, and managing network operations.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Data communication is just about connecting computers.
Data communication covers comprehensive transmission, signalling, encoding, multiplexing, protocols, and network architecture beyond just connecting computers.
This programme is only for network administrators.
Data communication and networks skills are valuable for network engineers, architects, telecommunications engineers, security specialists, consultants, and educators beyond just administrators.
Network security is just about firewalls.
Network security covers comprehensive IDS/IPS, VPNs, secure architecture, threat defence, access control, and network security management.
Wireless networks are just about WiFi.
Wireless networks cover comprehensive cellular, mobile, 5G, wireless security, mobile edge computing, and wireless network management.
Cloud networking is just about using cloud services.
Cloud networking covers comprehensive SDN, NFV, cloud infrastructure, virtualisation, and cloud network architecture and management.
Network management is just about monitoring uptime.
Network management covers comprehensive fault management, performance, QoS, SNMP, configuration, and network operations management.