Computer Networks and Security BSc

In your first year of study, you will explore the foundational principles and knowledge in the areas of programming, networking, and operating systems, through a blend of practice-based and theoretical sessions.  

This module provides a theoretically-rich, hands-on introduction to networking and the internet. You will learn the practical and conceptual skills that build the foundation for understanding basic networking and develop the skills and responsibilities of network technicians, network administrators, and network engineers. You will gain an understanding of the 'layered' approach to networks by examining the OSI and TCP/IP models in detail. Among the topics covered will be the various network devices, network addressing schemes and the types of media used to carry data across a network. You will gain a better understanding of routing protocols and learn how to configure, verifying, and troubleshoot routing operations.

The module covers the fundamental behaviour and components (hardware and software) of a typical computer system, and how they collaborate to manage resources and provide services - for small, embedded devices right up to the entire global internet. You will use practical hands-on laboratory experiments to understand the concepts, theory and associated terminology of Computer Architecture and Operating Systems and Networks. You will undertake lab work using C code, Batch, Bash and Python, and develop a range of programming skills that will support you in this module and other areas.  

In this module you'll learn how to programme effectively in the context of solving a range of problems around processing, storing and transmitting data. You will learn the role of a basic but important range of data structures and types and their use. For example, networking and security fields, such as those that represent RTP packets, to transmit audio- visual data using transport protocols such as the UDP protocol. You will learn about algorithms and the techniques for program implementation. You will undertake a variety of problem-solving tasks individually and within a small group setting.

This module teaches you the fundamental knowledge and principles computer science theory, such as discrete mathematics, propositional logic and graph theory. You will study the existing fundamental algorithms that are ubiquitous across computer networking and programming, gaining insights into their application in real-world computing systems.  

The second year of study is a transition to more specialised and advanced concepts in network operations, security, and project management.  

This module teaches you about the design and development of systems for the Internet of Everything (IoT), including its architecture, applications, technologies on each layer, and IoE-specific data processing and analytics frameworks including cloud technologies. 

The module covers the backbone of global communications: internet protocols (such as ARP, IP, UDP and TCP), network services (including DNS, DHCP and CIFS) and cloud environments, as well as network monitoring and analysis. You will learn how to build and analyse any networking environment, independent of the underlying physical networking technology. You will cover the Y-Comm Framework, which combines communication, mobility, quality-of-service and security and the course finishes by looking at issues of network monitoring, network analysis and network performance.

This module's primary focus is the architecture, components and operations of routers and switches, and the WAN technologies and network services in a large and complex network. You will develop knowledge about the trends in networking and network security including cloud, virtualisation, and SDN. These are fundamental skills for network technicians, network administrators, and network engineers. 

This module will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the processes of design, planning, implementation and evaluation of projects in a variety of sectors. You will explore how projects are managed using up‐to‐date project management techniques and technologies. The module will develop awareness of the role of projects in the wider economy, and to enable you to develop critical thinking, leadership, and problem-solving skills, necessary to lead projects efficiently and effectively in diverse and challenging environments.

The overall aim of the module is to provide a minimum of nine months and a maximum of 15 months experience in a relevant work placement.

The specific aims of this module are to enable you to:

• Experience a technical employment role in a real work setting
• Apply theoretical knowledge to the solution of practical problems
• Build your skills to assess practical problems effectively and provide well-grounded solutions
• Develop and enhance your professional qualities, to work in a management structure, to develop team skills and communication skills;
• Develop the maturity that will enable you to perform well in your final year;
• Develop the skills of autonomous learning

The final year offers a set of compulsory and optional modules, allowing you to refine your degree through the options. Advance concepts in network design, security and network management are delivered through your modules. A final year project also allows you to showcase your skills.  

In this module you will consolidate your knowledge and the skills acquired during your studies and demonstrate this through an individual project applied in a practical, real-world context. This could be related to a computer network, communication solutions, cybersecurity solution or a method for digital forensic investigation.

In this module you will examine some of the weaknesses and vulnerabilities found in network systems that expose them to threats and attacks. Then you will learn how to use clever network design and tools to strengthen and secure networks against attacks.  

In this module you will learn how to plan, implement, secure, maintain, and troubleshoot converged enterprise networks, and how to implement complex enterprise LAN and WAN routing and switching solutions. You'll take a hands-on approach in the lab to reinforce your configuration skills, using a range of routing protocols in IPv4 and IPv6 environments. You'll be integrating VLANs, WLANs, voice and video into campus networks and learning how to secure routing solutions to support branch offices and mobile workers. These professional skills and responsibilities are associated with job roles such as network engineer, systems engineer, network support engineer, network administrator and network consultant. 

In this module you'll cover general and advanced areas related to network security, cyber security, and network forensics. You'll examine issues, such as, threats and security attacks, vulnerabilities, cryptography, security tools, software security, network attacks and defences, countermeasures, web-based security, network forensic analysis, and security in cloud computing.  

This module consolidates several computer networking concepts, and elements of network design, equipment selection and configuration, and LAN and WAN addressing. You will apply critical thinking to a real case study, analysing business objectives, determining technical requirements and constraints, planning timelines and resources, and delivering customer presentations. You will learn how to restore a network to its normal state as rapidly as possible, reflecting the job skills and responsibilities associated with entry-level networking career opportunities. 

Staff-student contact time on Hendon campus is usually 12 hours per week, normally timetabled over 3 days. Your work will be divided into credits, and each credit is equal to 10 hours of study time. You will complete 120 credits per year of study, which are broken down into modules of typically 30 credits. 

Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through self-study which will involve reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework, presentations and exams.

Your independent learning is supported by the library and study hub, laptop hire, and with online materials in MyUniHub.

Here is an indication of how you will split your time.

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

The balance between the two will depend on which modules you are taking. The table below is a good approximate guide.

We'll test your understanding and progress with informal and formal tests.

The informal tests usually take place at least once per module, from which you’ll receive feedback from your tutor. The grades from these tests don’t count towards your final marks.

There are also formal assessments for each module, usually at the end, which will count towards your module and your final marks.  

Work placements increase your success in the job market – as well as being a fantastic experience. You can further develop your interpersonal skills, build your confidence, and make contact with industry leaders.

By making a good impression during your placement year, you greatly increase your chances of securing a job with the company after graduation. Research shows that 70% of placements result in a graduate job offer.

Our specialist employability service and London location ensure that every year our students and graduates gain prestigious placement opportunities. Past placements have included Thales, IBM, Exponential-e and Reed Exhibitions.

Placements normally run for 8-12 months, and typical salaries paid are £18-22,000 pa or pro rata.