Course Summary

Networked computer systems are vital within modern business - wireless and mobile networks help achieve access to information at any time, and in any place. This growth in networks has increased the demand for graduates with the relevant skills to design, build, maintain, and manage such systems. This course utilises the latest equipment, allowing you to develop practical network management and application skills and increase your employability.

During the course you will have the opportunity to consider key issues surrounding computer networking such as reliability, mobility and security. The course also provides a solid grounding in core computing and information systems. The course is employment-focused, with a balance of theory and practice.

Why choose this course?

The skills and knowledge you will acquire on this course will open up a number of employment opportunities in computer helpdesks and network support, network security specialisation, network and systems engineering, internet and network administration, network and information systems management, project management and other computing-related positions.

During the course you will:

• Work in our industry-level dedicated test network laboratory
• Gain academic qualifications plus industry certifications (CompTIA N+, Linus and Microsoft)
• Learn from industry-certified professionals, networking experts and researchers
• Develop the skills needed to design, implement, maintain and manage networks
• Consider key issues surrounding computer networking such as reliability, mobility and security
• Gain a solid grounding in core computing and information systems
• Benefit from an employment-focused course with a balance of theory and practice

Areas of study you may cover on this course include:

• Fundamentals of computer studies and computer systems structure
• Introductory programming and modelling, advanced programming and modelling
• Network and wireless communication networking
• Computer security and countermeasures
• Network and system administration
• Managing networks
• Social and professional project management
• Research methodologies and emerging technologies

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Assessment

Assessment of each units practical skills will be conducted using a relevant practical exercise. This is supported by underpinning knowledge assessments that are exams, presentations, reports, case studies or an online computer delivered assessment.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to:

1. Install both LAN and WAN infrastructures.

2. Install and Configure Wireless Networking.

3. Install, configure and manage Network Operating Systems.

4. Manage Application Servers.

5. Implement Network Security.

6. Communicate user requirements and design options to users, user management and IT management.

7. Continue your professional development by keeping up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies.

8. Evaluate which strategy to follow when specifying or building a computer network.

9. Use creative and critical thinking to offer and recommend a variety of solutions to a specified user need.

External Benchmarking

N/A

Educational Aims

The course provides both the practical skills and the underpinning knowledge required to develop successful careers in the computing and IT industry. This will encompass the all aspects of computing at a supervisory level whilst giving an opportunity to developing a deeper understanding within a chosen specialist area of the industry. Incorporating the development of the personal skills requested by industry for required in real work situations e.g. project management, cooperative working, communication and entrepreneurial skill.

Student support

Each student is allocated a tutor who will discuss with them their academic progress and support requirements as well as the specialist advice and assistance that is available to them from the University. This will include particular referral arrangements made with various support areas for specialist advice and assistance, such as with Student Services and the Professional and Academic Development (PAD).

Team working

Students will work in groups to develop their team working skills and deliver presentations or practical tasks in the units as appropriate.

Career Management Skills

During tutorial students will be encouraged to undertake self reflection activities to enable them to evaluate their needs. This will be likely to include CV writing, interviewing techniques, personal presentation etc.

Career/Further study opportunities

Career:

On completing this course students are likely to progress into the following areas:

• LAN Administration


• Network Support


• Network Design


• Network Implementation

Further study:

On completing this course students are likely to progress into the following areas of further study:

• Progress onto BSc honours degrees


• Progression to Masters courses in computing

UK students Undergraduate entry requirements

Standard entry requirements for Foundation degrees (FD/FdSc)

A foundation degree will be of particular interest if you have completed a Modern Apprenticeship, vocational A levels, BTEC National or equivalent.

Foundation degrees are also particularly suitable if you want to qualify while working.

• As a guideline, a typical offer would require you to obtain a UCAS tariff score of between 80-120 points, based on your level 3 studies.
• Students who require a Tier 4 Student Visa cannot apply for our foundation courses. For these courses the University of Bedfordshire is not able to sponsor Tier 4 Student Visa applications.

Many students studying for foundation degrees come to us through work-based routes so you can apply for a foundation degree even if you don’t have traditional academic qualifications.

We welcome applicants with relevant work experience.

Standard entry requirements for Undergraduate degrees (BA/BSc)

We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for both breadth and depth in your current studies as well as enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.

The general requirement is one of the following:

• UCAS Tariff Score greater than 200, which should include either two A level passes or an AVCE Double Award
• An Access qualification
• Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate or BTEC National Diploma

Postgraduate taught courses

Postgraduate applications (MA/MSc) should be made direct to the University using the  standard University application form. There are some exceptions, please see individual course descriptions for details.

• UK/EU students application form
• International (non-EU) students application form
  

Students from the European Union

Entry requirements

As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.

We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications.

How to apply

International students

• Undergraduate applications (BA/BSc) can be made direct to the University or via our representatives in your home country. If you intend to apply to more than one university in the UK you should apply via UCAS. If you want to apply to the University of Bedfordshire only you should apply directly using our international application form (link below) or via our representatives in your home country
• Postgraduate applications should be made directly to the University using our international application form (link below) or via our representatives in your home country
• Healthcare, nursing and midwifery students Many of these courses are not available to overseas students due to UK immigration law in regard to bursary funding. Please contact international admissions to find out if you are eligible to apply
• BA Nursing Studies Level 3 (with or without Overseas Nursing Programme) is available to overseas students - please contact International Admissions by email at international-admissions@beds.ac.uk for further information

(Please note that applicants on a full student visa are not eligible for part-time study)

Course application form for international students

We recommend that you apply directly to the University where possible, as this allows us to offer the quickest turnaround time for your application.

• Course application form for direct applications [PDF]

How to complete your course application

Please read the Direct application instructions before completing the course application form.

Application forms for accommodation in the student halls at Bedford campus and Luton campus are available in the Student life section

Accreditation of prior certificated learning (APL)

APL is available for international students applying for undergraduate (Bachelor degree) study. Please do not use this APL form to apply for postgraduate courses.

Use the APL form to tell us about any non-standard qualifications and/or work experience you have that you think should be taken into consideration with your application. `

The APL form should be submitted at the same time as the course application form.

We regret we are unable to process APL forms from students who have not submitted a formal course application form.

• APL application form for International students [100Kb] updated 041007

What next?

Return your completed application to:

University of Bedfordshire
International Admissions
Park Square
Luton
Bedfordshire
LU1 3JU
United Kingdom

Contact International Admissions

T: +44 (0)1582 489326 (non-EU Students)
F: +44 (0)1582 743469
E: international-admissions@beds.ac.uk

Awarding institution

University of Bedfordshire

Teaching Strategy

Learning will be delivered to ensure that you are taught by a mixture of different approaches (lectures, seminars, practical sessions, case studies etc). Some content will be delivered using online resources using a VLE.

Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body Accreditation

N/A

Students with disabilities

Students with a disclosed disability will be able to access the course and if special arrangements are required these will be met to ensure conformity with the disability discrimination legislation. There are no elements of the course for which this is envisaged. However, in the case of disabled students where they may require special consideration this will require further discussion, in order that they may participate fully e.g. practice based work, lab work, field trips.

Skills Development

Communication

To help with the development of this you will:

• Take part in regular group discussions and presentations


• Follow a structured reading programme

Information Literacy

To help with the development of this you will:

• You will access research documents and Journals via the university and college libraries as well as via Athens

Research and Evaluation

To help with the development of this you will:

• Research current, new and evolving trends and technologies in the computing industry. Reporting on these as part of the study

Creativity and Critical Thinking

To help with the development of this you will:

• Business based case studies will help you to identify new ways of approaching how various solutions can be developed and applied to which learning and business decisions are made

Improving learning and performance

Regular tutorial sessions will allow for the discussions that surround any difficulties with learning progress. Use will be made of diagnostic testing to inform each learner of their current position and the services that can be accessed to help aid and improve progress. Formative assessments will inform progress. Study skills will be developed during induction to ensure that initial learning is not compromised.

Progress files

An individuals personal record of learning and achievements, progress reviews and plans - which can be used as source material for self promotion, e.g. for applications to employers, admissions tutors and others. It is the students responsibility to maintain this as part of a holistic formative process, to plan for self-development and monitor progress towards achieving goals.

All students will have a transcript: a formal, comprehensive and verifiable certificate or record of the students achievements, to be provided and accredited by the higher education institution (HEI).

Professional standards

• Students will be expected to arrive on time and prepared for all sessions. In order to avoid disruption to the studies of other students the use of mobile telephones is only permitted in designated areas only


• Students and staff will be expected to maintain a reasonable standard of dress during normal sessions. In the interests of assisting security measures students may not wear baseball caps or hoods whilst in the buildings. However, students may be requested to wear formal business attire on some occasions e.g. if presenting, visiting other locations or attending guest lectures


• Plagiarism is not accepted by anyone studying on any of these units. The policies will be made available to each student during the induction


• Students will be expected to treat all staff and students in a courteous and professional manner at all times


• Students are expected to take responsibility for their own learning and a learning agreement will be signed by agreed by all parties


• Students and staff must remember that all teaching materials used in these units is for personal and private study only. The unauthorised use of such materials for personal commercial use is forbidden and would be treated as a breach of copyright and the intellectual property rights of the college

Strategy for developing and embedding the professional standards

The induction programme will introduce students to the Professional Standards that will be expected of them. Tutorials will cover the aspects of being a professional member of the computer industry and state the importance of meeting these for a successful future. It is expected that both staff and students will maintain these standards at all times. All staff will be expected to monitor standards and challenge others who do not meet them.