With the proliferation of mobile and pervasive devices with network capability, along with widespread popularity of the Internet, more and more users and application providers expect services to be available anytime and anywhere. The Master of Networks and Security (MNS) gives you the skills to manage and administer computer networks and security, and prepares you for a career in network administration or network management, or as a systems analyst, systems designer, data communications specialist, or network security engineer or administrator. As a network and security professional, your specialised skills will always be in high demand, as well as highly rewarded. The MNS expands your knowledge of how to design, deploy and maintain networks and application services, by combining theory with practice. You explore issues faced both by users and application providers, and devise possible solutions. The MNS caters to students from a variety of backgrounds by including preparatory IT units. However, if you already have a degree in IT or engineering, you may accelerate your study with an exemption from these preparatory units, or perhaps choose to take further networks and security electives. The advanced studies of an MNS include a range of topics, from network structure, design, quality of service and protocols, to information, software and network security. The course emphasises the principles and management of computer networks and the security technologies upon which organisations rely. You will learn how to evaluate the security needs of an organisation's infrastructure and create plans to protect it against potential attacks and security breaches. In your final semester, you may take part in an Industry Experience program, working in a small team with industry mentors to develop entrepreneurial IT solutions. Or you may undertake a minor-thesis research project, investigating cutting-edge problems in networks and security under the supervision of internationally recognised researchers. High-achieving students who complete the research component may progress to further research study. Graduates may be eligible for Australian Computer Society (ACS) professional membership.