Networking courses

About Computer Networks And Security, Bsc (hons) in University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN)

This practice-based degree will prepare you for a career in a rapidly changing industry that, thanks to new ideas, applications, security threats and constantly evolving technology, is a fascinating area to work in. It includes the latest developments in wired and wireless computer networking and security, underpinned by relevant theory to offer a broad view of the networking industry. Supported by teaching in purpose-built laboratories, you will use specialist software to develop your networking and security skills. In addition, the course covers core computing skills and legal, social, ethical and commercial issues so you will graduate with a range of transferable skills allowing you to work across the computing industry, as well as in other graduate careers.

• Start your course with our 4 Week Challenge bringing together first year students to design and develop a new app, and then create a marketing campaign to promote it.
• This course has accreditation leading to MBCS, CITP and partial CEng exemption from the BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, which is the computing professional body.
• After completing your second year, you can take a one-year industrial placement. Most placements are UK-based, but we regularly place students in Europe. Students have also found placements in Australia, Japan and the USA.

FURTHER INFORMATION

The course structure has three strands: technical; network and security specific; project management: the first develops general computing skills relevant to the networking and security specialist; the second looks at topologies, protocols, hardware devices, security and network management; the third develops communication skills, provides project experience and explores legal, social, ethical and commercial issues.

Since the start of the course is common with other courses in the School, you will gain the experience to choose the most appropriate specialist route for you.

You will focus on acquiring basic skills through small laboratory exercises and develops essential computing skills across a range of application areas. You will develop programming and analysis skills and an understanding of basic computer and network technology. You will explore modern applications of computing for business and entertainment. At higher levels, more complex techniques are developed through case studies and extended exercises. Throughout the course, you will solve real networking problems based on the Cisco curriculum. Having completed the taught element of the CNAA qualification during the course, you may take the exam at a test centre, for which a fee is due. You will investigate, analyse and discuss networks and security issues, including implementing and troubleshooting networks, researching relevant literature and evaluating network management tools and techniques. Interaction with other students will challenge you to discuss, defend and evaluate ideas. You will participate in a team-based network development project. In final year, you will undertake an individual project. A module to help you plan your career is available as an additional module, linked to the agile professional module.

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND ASSESSMENT

A 3 year degree qualification typically comprises 360 credits and each 20 credit (a standard module) equates to 200 hours of study, which comprises of a mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical sessions and independent study. Independent study is an important aspect of your degree course. The exact combination of study time will be detailed within your module descriptors, and will depend on your option choices.

We emphasise practical-based learning using purpose-built laboratories and the University's general computer rooms. Our laboratories allow you to use specialist software and to do things normally forbidden on a public network: for example, configuring networks or database servers, testing system security, exploring the performance of a network under excessive workloads, and using sophisticated software to monitor protocols. You will configure and examine wired and wireless networks. Where possible, we make software available for use on your own PC. You will use an on-line learning environment to facilitate flexible learning. This environment enhances traditional face-to-face lectures, tutorials and practical sessions by providing additional, resource-rich, online materials allowing you to continue learning independently. You will have directed work to do outside timetabled classes.

The course is assessed using individual coursework assignments, group work, presentations and exams. There is a practical emphasis with the main contribution to your degree classification coming from coursework.

PROFESSIONAL ACCREDITATION

This course has CITP (Certified Information Technology Professional) accreditation leading to professional membership of the BCS and partial CEng accreditation from the BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT. This is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by BCS and the Engineering Council.

OPPORTUNITIES

You can take a one-year industrial placement after completing your second year/third year if on Foundation entry. Most placements are UK-based, but we regularly place students in English-speaking workplaces elsewhere in Europe. It is possible to study a year of the course at a university abroad.

The taught element of the CNAA qualification is integrated into the course, so you can gain the qualification by taking the CNAA examination.

Most students find roles in network security, management, design and implementation. Others will be employed as analysts, systems managers and technical support staff. There will also be opportunities in graduate careers that do not require a specific degree.

Our innovative course will enable you to work as a security officer, network designer, network manager or even a network engineer. With Cisco accreditation and a wide range of transferable skills including project management, group working and communications, you will develop excellent long-term career prospects and a high earning potential.

Our graduates have gone on to work for organisations such as GlaxoSmithKline, Intel, Red Bull, Fujitsu -Siemens and a large defence organisation. Some have undertaken an MSc in computer security while others have gone into teaching. 

58% from listed boards (The All Indian Senior School Certificate awarded by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), or The Indian School Certificate (ISC) awarded by the Indian Council for School Examinations (ICSE), or a recognised Indian State Education Board, such as the West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Karnataka Education Boards
60% from other boards, not listed above
Where a specific subject is required for entry to the degree programme, 58% must be achieved in this subject
Pre-University Certificate, Government of Karnataka can be considered – send to tutor – evidence from Govind included in entry requirements folder
3% margin to be considered by UCLan staff based on reputation of institution, work experience etc

65% in Year 12 English *
Or
65% average grade in Year 11 and Year 12 English provided Year 12 is not below 60%
Or
Standard English language requirements – IELTS 6 or equivalent

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