This course aims to provide you with: an appreciation of the context of modern communications and networking; a knowledge and conceptual understanding of a range of aspects of computer networking, including an awareness of relevant non-technical aspects crucial to implementation; the ability to apply knowledge and understanding in an informed way after considering a range of possible options, arguments and assumptions; the practical skills to be able to make an immediate contribution to the workplace; contact with both researchers and practitioners; an opportunity to achieve a professionally recognised qualification; the ability to become an independent learner able to adjust to (and be part of) future developments in the field.
It also places an emphasis on introducing you to a range of different software and hardware and their integrated use within a heterogeneous network infrastructure.
If you take up the option of the Diploma in Professional Practice you will additionally do a year-long industrial placement between Year 2 and 3 that aims to provide you with opportunities to apply your academic knowledge and interpersonal skills in a real-world environment, and to reflect on your own personal development and career choices.
Year 1
Introduction to Computers and Network Systems
This module provides you with an introduction to computer hardware and software, develops the professional skills needed to operate in an IT environment, and provides you with an introduction to more advanced concepts.
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Web Content Creation
This module introduces you to the concepts and principles of web content creation and develops the knowledge and skills needed to design, build and maintain a basic website with animated web content.
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Communications Technologies in Context
This module gives you an appreciation of computer networks through a review of its history, the commercial and industrial context, how it impacts society, and the evolution of technology and future trends. It will also develop your core academic and personal skills through undertaking research, analysing and interpreting technical data, and preparing presentation and reports.
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Database Systems
This module will give you a fundamental knowledge of database management systems, their design, implementation and applications. It will develop your knowledge and understanding of the underlying principles of relational database management system, and how to implement and maintain an efficient database system using emerging trends.
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Introduction to Windows Programming
The module develops the skills and techniques involved in the use of computer programming on Microsoft Windows based systems. After introducing the principles of structured and object-oriented programming, and of the Visual Studio development environment, you will learn how to manipulate text, graphics, sound and video in a multimedia application.
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Professional Development and Practices
This module introduces you to the business context and the work of the computing and information systems professional through an understanding of the societal, professional, ethical and legal issues surrounding business practices and the theory and process of project execution to a professional standard.
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Year 2
Mobile and Internet Television Streaming
This module develops an awareness of the industry practice of media manipulation and distribution, an understanding of the hardware and software infrastructures used for media within a broadcast IP environment and outlines the application and implementation of standards and systems employed in mobile and internet television.
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Principles and Concepts of Network Technologies
This module develops the practical and conceptual skills and knowledge that are fundamental to a critical understanding of modern computer networking.
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Local Area Networks
This module focuses on aspects specific to local area network infrastructures, leading into the theoretical and practical aspects of LAN design and integration. You will then learn how LAN communications can be improved, and the recent advances in network technologies in the wireless and wired arenas.
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Digital Communication Systems Group Design Project
In this module you will learn about digital communications signals, coding and media delivery and the digital hardware elements required to produce and process digital communication signals. You will gain practical experience of using digital design tools to design and test digital communication hardware and work as part of a team to produce a working design from a specification.
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Mobile Networking and Network Simulation
In this module you will learn about the principles of mobile networking, mobile networking systems and the associated enabling technologies. You will also learn how to use industry-standard network simulation packages.
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System Administration
In this module you will learn the theory, and develop the associated practical skills, required to construct a modern functioning network containing a range of network services and management tools.
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Year 3
Routing Operations and Protocols
The aim of this module is to introduce you to the concepts of routing, using a global addressing system to facilitate routing and the function and implementation of the different routing protocols that may be operated across a network.
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The WAN and Global Networks
This module will teach you about wide area network technologies, the factors that influence their design and the services that they offer. You will also learn about how wide area network services are used and exploited to build both global corporate networks for organisations and connect small- to medium-sized business networks.
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Infrastructure Management
In this module you will observe and analyse the operation and management of a real network infrastructure, and learn from real practitioners and technicians. You will have a range of experiences (technical, operational and managerial) and opportunities for reflection on the connection between the theories you have covered in your course and the reality of practice.
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Internet Security and Computer Forensics
In this module you will think about the security implications of internet-based computer systems and develop a critical appreciation of both the theoretical and practical issues in the field of computer forensics. You will also develop the necessary skills, methodologies and processes to conduct a basic computer forensics investigation within an organisation.
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Project for Computer Networks
You will undertake an individual project that will demonstrate your understanding of computer networks. You can select your own area of study, and then will identify and develop a realistic problem and, working independently and in a professional manner, organise, sustain and report on your project in a way which is both detailed and reflective.
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