BSc (Hons) Computing with Networking

You will develop practical skills in designing and building networks and expertise in five key areas of network management such as fault, configuration, accounting, performance and security. For each of these areas you will learn about available protocols and how to analyse different models and standards. The computing sector is experiencing more growth than any other area of business, which means computing graduates will be in demand by employers. This new and dynamic programme focuses on computer network technologies, and offers the perfect opportunity to top-up your foundation degree to a degree in an IT related area.

Aims

It has been newly validated to facilitate learning in varied areas and specialisms,. This programme aims to provide students with interdisciplinary and collaborative working opportunities. such as:

• Ethical Hacking.
• Concurrent & Distributed Systems
• Project Management
• Routing & Switching
• Network Management

Additional aims of this programme are to:

• Promote engagement with employers to support the development of professional skills relevant to employment within the computing and IT sector.
• Engage in academic activities and negotiated projects, as simulations or live client projects, underpinned by personalised learning.
• Encourage the development of professional, innovative and current outcomes in a supportive environment.

The curriculum reflects contemporary issues supporting personal and professional development. While students obtaining the degree will be equipped to make a full contribution to the digital and technological sector, the level 6 studies they undertake have also been designed to encourage progression to postgraduate level study, and to provide an academic bridge allowing fluent transfer from Level 6 to Level 7 studies.

This award has been designed to provide the learning opportunities required for those who wish to become professional computing practitioners within the computing and IT sector with particular emphasis on Network Engineering. It does this through the curriculum content which is directly matched to the knowledge and skills which research in the sector has identified for being essential in network engineering for computing and IT practitioners.

Modules

• Research Methods this module aims to introduce a variety of research methodologies and examines how to specify and contextualise a research problem, collect data, analyse and present data and evaluate the methodology applied.
• Network Management this module examines the standards, models and protocols of the five key activities associated with network management including: fault, configuration, accounting, performance and security and how to analyse their effectiveness.
• Project Management this module aims to develop a modern approach to the design, implementation and management of IT related projects by applying latest principles, techniques and research.
• Computing Project this module enables learners to explore computing, information and communications technologies in substantial depth. It provides learners with the opportunity to develop their abilities in solution development and gain practical experience of independent learning and reflective practice in solution development.
• Ethical Hacking this module develops your knowledge and understanding of ethical hacking, which is about locating and strengthening security weaknesses in computer systems. You will also investigate a range of legal and social aspects in the ethical hacking domain.
• Routing and Switching - this module incorporates an opportunity to achieve CCNA certification and focuses on the ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-size routed and switched networks.

Teaching & assessment
These include students engaging in lectures, seminars and workshops, as well as self-study and research in preparation for lessons, formative assessment, and peer and self-assessment of learning. A range of teaching learning and assessment strategies are incorporated into the programme and are appropriate for those studying at Level 6. Summative assessment strategies include:

• Product.
• Presentations
• Reports
• Practical observation

In addition to support from your personal tutor, you will receive academic support from your module tutors. Support is given to via tutorials at set intervals during the academic year and there is likely to be opportunity within some studio sessions for additional support. A comprehensive personal tutor system is in place to make sure you have a direct personal contact with an individual member of the course team to discuss academic and personal matters relevant to your learning.

Interview Instructions

• A tour of the facilities will be available.
• This is an opportunity for the curriculum team to learn about your motivation for the course and career aspirations, and for you to ask any questions you may have.
• You will apply via UCAS or the New College Durham application form.
• All applicants are interviewed by the curriculum team - International applicants will be interview via Skype.
• Please bring all relevant qualifications to date and a printed copy of your personal statement.

Entry Criteria

• You will hold, or be working towards, GCSE (or Level 2 equivalent) maths and English (or a minimum 5.5 IELTS in each band for international applicants).
• You must be interviewed by the curriculum team (international applicants via internet (e.g. Skype).
• Ideally, you will be working towards, or have attained, a Level 5 qualification (international equivalent 120 ECTS Credits) in a related discipline.

Non-standard entry criteria:

• You will be required to attend a Higher Education Pre-induction day to assess your suitability to the programme.
• You will hold, or be working towards, GCSE (or Level 2 equivalent) maths and English (or a minimum 5.5 IELTS in each band for international applicants).
• Evidence of appropriate computing and IT experience or employment within the sector.
• You must be interviewed by the curriculum team (international applicants via internet (e.g. Skype).