Networks and Cybersecurity blends academic rigour with practical skills and incorporates the Cisco Certified Network Associate curriculum for small and medium-sized networks.
You will develop both practical skills in designing and building networks, as well as expertise in five key areas of network management: fault, configuration, accounting, performance and security. For each of these, you will learn about available protocols and how to analyse different models and standards.
At the same time, the course covers all the fundamentals of computing. Topics include web applications, database systems, programming and software development.
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Year 1 (national level 4):
Gain an overview of basic design principles of systems and software, including modelling principles and the use of tools, and design patterns. Investigates different software processes, data integration, project management and be introduced to software testing methods. Discover key concepts that will allow you to begin to break down programmatical application areas and begin to devise, document, test, develop and improve working solutions for a given problem.
Learn the basic principles of computer architectures. Gain an understanding of the underlying mathematics, operations and components used by computer architectures. Be introduced to the concept of operating systems and the types of hardware that can be attached to a computer to facilitate input and output. Explore in detail the considerations and tasks required to install, manage, and maintain computers both in stand-alone and virtual environments.
Learn the basic principles of programming. Develop your skills in logical analysis into formal representation within structured program code. Cover the core principles of computer programming that underpin all computer science disciplines. Focus on simple data storage and manipulation using the primary programming structures of sequence, selection, and repetition. Develop programs using industry standard techniques.
Be introduced to the fundamentals of client-server web-based development from a programming perspective. Learn key concepts that will allow you to start building dynamic web applications in response to business requirements. Develop web applications using industry standard tools and techniques and use of a range of programming, markup, and query languages.
Develop a sound knowledge of networking protocols and technologies, together with the techniques to install, configure and troubleshoot a network operating system. Acquire the skills to maximise network availability to all users. Learn about client server architectures and cloud computing paradigms.
Discuss the basic principles of cybersecurity and digital forensics and describe the role computer forensics and cybersecurity play in deterring and detecting computer crime and in identifying weaknesses and vulnerabilities in computer systems.
Year 2 (national level 5):
Learn key skills such as self-determination, planning and actioning of goals, time management, independent learning and team working.
This module has been developed with the support of the Institute of Coding, a network of employers, universities, training providers and professional bodies working together to create the skills needed for the digital economy. The module has been modified as a result of collaboration with a number of industry partners including SAGE and Adlink, to enhance industry relevant employability skills.
This module introduces the architecture, structure, basic protocols and devices used in routed and switched networks, as well as in-depth discussion of the OSI and TCP/IP reference models and where these devices and protocols sit within it.
This module will provide you with the second half of the CISCO accreditation for CCNA.
Cover areas of Network Security including: dial-up security, TCP/IP based networks, securing network services, AAA (Authentication, Authorisation & Accounting), Encryption techniques, firewalling, intrusion detection methods, intrusion prevention methods, proxies, virtual private networks and network security policies. You will also set up live secure networks (hardware and simulated), and system recovery after attacks.
Concentrate on the increasingly important subject of virtualisation and programming in Python.
Year 3:
Industrial placement (optional)
Final year (national level 6):
Core modules
You will research a topic and develop software that’s connected to that topic. Past examples include an Android audio application, a Trojan detector and a network monitoring tool.
The module begins with a detailed study of the current exterior gateway protocol that manages the routing of IP traffic over the Internet. You will learn how service providers and other multi-homed organisations use this protocol to support their routing policies.
In this module you will learn how to analyse the range of tradeoffs in balancing the security properties of confidentiality, integrity and availability. You will also learn how to select the appropriate tools and techniques to address and manage concepts of risk, threats, vulnerabilities and potential attacks.
You will develop knowledge and understanding of ethical hacking, which is about locating and strengthening security weaknesses in computer systems. The module will also cover a range of legal and social aspects in the ethical hacking domain.
Module moves from analogue principles to digital telephony, VOIP, packetized voice, GSM and converged networks. You will have an opportunity to build a fully converged modern telecommunications system.
This module focuses on providing the knowledge and skills that will enable you to explore and exploit business opportunities for software enterprises.
Undertake a work-based placement to support computing in a school or equivalent learning environment.
Develop knowledge and understanding of delivering maximum value to a business in its use of IT and IT processes.
Our graduates have gone on to become web programmers, IT managers, information analysts and software developers. Employers that have taken on our graduates include Sage, British Airways and the NHS. Other graduates have started their own businesses or become software contractors earning over £50,000 a year.
Insurance-Single: 300 GBP/year