Course specification and structure
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UDCMPNET - BEng Computer Networking

Course Specification


Validation status Validated
Highest award Bachelor of Engineering Level Honours
Possible interim awards Bachelor of Engineering, Diploma of Higher Education, Certificate of Higher Education
Total credits for course 360
Awarding institution London Metropolitan University
Teaching institutions London Metropolitan University
School School of Computing and Digital Media
Subject Area Communications Technology and Mathematics
Attendance options
Option Minimum duration Maximum duration
Full-time 3 YEARS  
Part-time 4 YEARS 6 YEARS
Course leader  

About the course and its strategy towards teaching and learning and towards blended learning/e-learning

The course is designed to equip its graduates to work at a professional level in areas of computer networking, Wireless Networks and Network Security, and Networks and Telecommunications management or for entering postgraduate studies such as master degree programmes or Mphil/PhD.
The BEng (Hons) Computer Networking includes substantial practical/hands-on content with increasing emphasis on project/group work as you progress through the course. The Faculty is one of the first in UK to become a Cisco Academy in 1999. The course is designed around Cisco curriculum and all students study the complete CCNA modules which are embedded in the course. This means students are provided with the additional Cisco certifications throughout the course.

The BEng (Hons) Computer Networking is IET Accredited (IEng Status).All students joining the BEng programme may apply to become Student Member of the Institute of Engineering & Technology (the IET). This enables students to be automatically transferred to the class of Member of the IET, once they are graduated from the course with appropriate working experience. Being a member of the IET has significant merits both in academia and in the industry. It provides students with the opportunity to become eligible for the Charted Engineering (CEng) Status after a few years of work experience.

Course aims

The BEng (Hons) Computer Networking has been designed with close collaboration with our Industrial Liaison Committee (ILC) and in accordance with the Engineering Benchmark Statement, the Output Standards for Accredited Engineering Programmes defined in the UKSPEC and also by the requirements of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). The aim of the course are:

  • To ensure that students are appropriately prepared to develop into professional engineers by meeting the Engineering Professors’ Council’s Output Standard;
  • To produce graduates who are numerate, literate, analytical, articulate, practical, adaptive, creative, confident and inquisitive;
  • To apply analytical and design techniques used to solve problems in computer networking and communications systems;
  • To develop analytical, practical and ICT skills appropriate for the specification, design, implementation and testing of computer networks;
  • To promote awareness of commercial and economic context, social and business factors that influence the choice of solution to engineering problems including health, safety and risk (including environmental risk) issues;
  • To prepare students for employment by developing their transferable skills and problem based learning skills;
  • To develop organisational, teamwork and practical management approaches required by professional network engineers;
  • To develop critical and reflective capacities in students so that they are equipped to assess and plan their continuing developmental needs;
  • To provide students with sound knowledge and skills, confidence to solve multidisciplinary problems in the engineering context;
  • To promote awareness in students of ethical issues concerning their work, their potential roles to operate within the appropriate code of professional conduct, recognising their responsibilities and obligations to society, the profession and the environment;
  • To provide a broad educational base with an emphasis on project-oriented activities where students will gain appropriate skills, knowledge and understanding to prepare them for a professional career in the field of computer networking and network-managements.

Course learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
Knowledge and understanding will be developed in a number of modules. The emphasis will be on the design and implementation of various computer networking configurations appropriate to different professional environment. Specifically students should be able to:

  • Apply scientific, mathematical and ITC principles and methods relevant to computer networking and communications engineering;
  • Master the principles and techniques of network design and characteristics of network devices;
  • Work as a network manager and apply business practices;
  • Recognize the Network engineer’s social and ethical responsibilities;
  • Master operational practice and requirement for safe operation;
  • Apply the sequence of design processes which make up a product life cycle;

Cognitive/intellectual skills
The preliminary modules has been designed to provide students with the fundamental tools and techniques, which will prepare them in later stages of the course to:

  • Define real-world problems and express them in engineering terms
  • Select and apply appropriate scientific, mathematical and technical methods to model, analyse and solve problems related to Computer Networking and Communications Systems;
  • Apply the concepts and principles of computer networking to the solution of systems in a number of commonly encountered network engineering contexts;
  • Evaluate networking components, products, processes and systems; expose the strengths and weaknesses and critically assess results to select the most appropriate design solution, recognising that inadequate or invalid results may require further design iterations;
  • Present results verbally and in writing in a way that is understood in the wider community;
  • Consider the problem and the proposed solution in the relevant social, environmental, ethical and legislative context including health, safety and risks issues.

Transferable skills
On completing the course, students should be able to:

  • Use ICT for data manipulation and presentation;
  • Work with and relate effectively as a member of a team;
  • Manage time and prioritising workload;
  • Identify and acquire the information needed to achieve an objective and make appropriate use of relevant numerical and statistical information;
  • Identify problems and create solutions using appropriate professional simulation and design tools;
  • Recognise the need for continuous personal development and plan to achieve this showing confidence and self-awareness, reflect on own learning, and be self-reliant and constructively self-critical;
  • Communicate to various audiences using appropriate presentation methods and styles.

Subject specific practical skills
Throughout the certificate and intermediate stages of the course, the modules have been designed to cover either fully or partly, the external bodies’ curriculum relating to computing networking industry. In particular CISCO Networking providing the full range of up-to date practical skills that are applicable to current industry / technology. During the final stage of the course, students are provided with the more specialised advanced areas of Computer Networking. Each module emphasises the practical skills specific to the module. It I in the final year project where students have the opportunity to apply their practical skills to develop, design and implement a networking problem that is closely related to a real situation.

The practical skills enable students to:

  • Use and apply the appropriate techniques to model and analyse specific problems related to computer networking;
  • Use various test and measurement equipment to acquire data;
  • Design a variety of different computer networking configuration taking account of industrial and commercial restraints;
  • Evaluate and carry out performance analysis, critical appraisals and evaluation of computer networks using a designed experimental set-up or a simulation platform;
  • Introduce new and innovative ideas backed by appropriate and relevant research;
  • Apply and use various project management techniques;
  • Identify personal strengths and weaknesses in the context of a professional career.

Course learning outcomes / Module cross reference


Knowledge and understanding

Knowledge and understanding will be developed in a number of modules. The emphasis will be on the design and implementation of various computer networking configurations appropriate to different professional environment. Specifically students should be able to: MA4005 :

C&LA (LO1)
CT4001: CE (LO1 to LO6)
CT4002: ES (LO5, LO6)
CT4004: NC (LO1 to LO6)
CT5004: LAN-WAN (LO2, LO3, LO4,LO5)
CT5002: MCS (LO1, LO4)
CT5003: M&ES (LO3, LO5, LO6)
CT5052: NOS (LO2 to LO6)
FC5W51: WRL
FC6P01 (LO1 to LO6)
CC6004 E&E (LO3, LO4, LO6)
CT6004: C&NS (LO1 to LO6)
CT6052: WN (LO2, LO3, LO6)

Optional Modules also cover a combination of the Learning Outcomes: e.g. CT6054, CS6051, CC6051
LO1. Apply scientific, mathematical and ITC principles and methods relevant to computer networking and communications engineering;
LO2. Master the principles and techniques of network design and characteristics of network devices;
LO3. Work as a network manager and apply business practices;
LO4. Recognize the Network engineer’s social and ethical responsibilities;
LO5. Master operational practice and requirement for safe operation;
LO6. Apply The sequence of design processes which make up a product life cycle;
Cognitive/intellectual skills
The preliminary modules has been designed to provide students with the fundamental tools and techniques, which will prepare them in later stages of the course to: MA4005 : C&LA (LO1)
CT4001: CE (LO1 to LO6)
CT4002: ES (LO5, LO6)
CT4004: NC (LO1 to LO6)
CT5004: LAN-WAN (LO2, LO3, LO4,LO5)
CT5002: MCS (LO1, LO4)
CT5003: M&ES (LO3, LO5, LO6)
CT5052: NOS (LO2 to LO6)
FC5W51: WRL
FC6P01 (LO1 to LO6)
CC6004 E&E (LO3, LO4, LO6)
CT6004: C&NS (LO1 to LO6)
CT6052: WN (LO2, LO3, LO6)

Optional Modules also cover a combination of the Learning Outcomes: e.g. CT6054, CS6051, CC6051
LO1. Define real-world problems and express them in engineering terms
LO2. Select and apply appropriate scientific, mathematical and technical methods to model, analyse and solve problems related to Computer Networking and Communications Systems;
LO3. Apply the concepts and principles of computer networking to the solution of systems in a number of commonly encountered network engineering contexts;
LO4. Evaluate networking components, products, processes and systems; expose the strengths and weaknesses and critically assess results to select the most appropriate design solution, recognising that inadequate or invalid results may require further design iterations;
LO5. Present results verbally and in writing in a way that is understood in the wider community;
LO6. Consider the problem and the proposed solution in the relevant social, environmental, ethical and legislative context including health, safety and risks issues.
Transferable skills
On completing the course, students should be able to: MA4005 : C&LA (LO1)
CT4001: CE (LO1 to LO7)
CT4002: ES (LO5, LO7)
CT4004: NC (LO1 to LO7)
CT5004: LAN-WAN (LO2 to LO7)
CT5002: MCS (LO1 to LO7)
CT5003: M&ES (LO3, LO5 to LO7)
CT5052: NOS (LO2 to LO6)
FC5W51: WRL
FC6P01 (LO1 to LO6)
CC6004 E&E (LO5 and LO6)
CT6004: C&NS (LO1 to LO7)
CT6052: WN (LO2, LO3, LO6)

Optional Modules also cover a combination of the Learning Outcomes: e.g. CT6054, CS6051, CC6051
LO1. Use ICT for data manipulation and presentation;
LO2. Work with and relate effectively as a member of a team;
LO3. Manage time and prioritising workload;
LO4. Identify and acquire the information needed to achieve an objective and make appropriate use of relevant numerical and statistical information;
LO5. Identify problems and create solutions using appropriate professional simulation and design tools;
LO6. Recognise the need for continuous personal development and plan to achieve this showing confidence and self-awareness, reflect on own learning, and be self-reliant and constructively self-critical;
LO7. Communicate to various audiences using appropriate presentation methods and styles
Subject specific practical skills
The practical skills enable students to: MA4005 : C&LA (LO1)
CT4001: CE (LO1 to LO7)
CT4002: ES (LO5, LO7)
CT4004: NC (LO1 to LO7)
CT5004: LAN-WAN (LO2 to LO7)
CT5002: MCS (LO1 to LO7)
CT5003: M&ES (LO3, LO5 to LO7)
CT5052: NOS (LO2 to LO6)
FC5W51: WRL
FC6P01 (LO1 to LO6)
CC6004 E&E (LO5 and LO6)
CT6004: C&NS (LO1 to LO7)
CT6052: WN (LO2, LO3, LO6)

Optional Modules also cover a combination of the Learning Outcomes: e.g. CT6054, CS6051, CC6051
LO1. Use and apply the appropriate techniques to model and analyse specific problems related to computer networking;
LO2. Use various test and measurement equipment to acquire data;
LO3. Design a variety of different computer networking configuration taking account of industrial and commercial restraints;
LO4. Evaluate and carry out performance analysis, critical appraisals and evaluation of computer networks using a designed experimental set-up or a simulation platform;
LO5. Introduce new and innovative ideas backed by appropriate and relevant research;
LO6. Apply and use various project management techniques;
LO7. Identify personal strengths and weaknesses in the context of a professional

Principle QAA benchmark statements

[1]-
QAA: Benchmark Statement for
Engineering

http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/SBS-consultation-engineering.pdf

Reference to Specific Thresholds are made in:
[2]-
Engineering Council: UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence

http://www.engc.org.uk/ecukdocuments/internet/document%20library/AHEP%20Brochure.pdf

Assessment strategy

A range of assessment methods is employed throughout the course. The method of assessment for each module in each level is clearly described in the individual ‘Module Guide’ which is made available to the students at the start of the semester. Every module (core as well as options) have a dedicated Web site providing students with comprehensive learning/teaching material including Workshops exercises. Module leaders use this site regularly to communicate with their students including providing general feedback, guidelines on how to write technical report/ effective presentations and keeping logbooks. Modules employ a combination of the following forms of assessments:

  • Case study reports and presentations
  • Laboratory workbooks
  • Laboratory logbooks
  • Unseen examinations
  • Part seen examinations
  • Individual vivas

Organised work experience, work based learning, sandwich year or year abroad

Students have the opportunity to apply for work-experience at the end of level 5. The university provides full support in securing relevant employers. This is an optional 15-credit Level 6 module on Work Related Learning. The Faculty of Computing's World of Work (WOW) Agency offers opportunities to enhance employability skills, gain real experience and 'earn while you learn' through placements into real client-driven projects - working with business and industry.

Course specific regulations

"IET accreditation and the BEng (Hons) degree is awarded according to the following additional course regulations. Failing to achieve this will result in a lesser award, such as the BSc (Hons) degree, according to the normal regulations. Although the student will be enrolled on the BEng, the final award will be determined at the end of the course."

Course specific regulations for all accredited programmes:

  1. The proportion of failed modules deemed to be completed will be less than or equal to 20 credits in each year; and
  2. The minimum acceptable progression marks will be greater than or equal to 30 %; and
  3. Degree classifications will include all modules in the final 2 years (total of 240 credits at levels 5 and 6) using the standard university weightings; and
  4. Re-assessment and re-takes will be capped at 40% for UG and 50% for PG;

Direct entry and exit qualification

Direct entry students will ONLY be accepted to the final year if and only if their prior learning has been from an accredited institute by the IET. Direct entry applicants who do not meet this requirement will only be accepted to the second year of the course provided there is strong evidence that the first year (Level 4) modules/program have been fully covered and passed in their previous studies. All direct entry students are required to attend an interview with the course leader and deputy prior to being made an offer.

If attendance falls below 75% on a module, reassessment opportunities will not be available and instead the module will have to be retaken the following year with attendance and payment of fees. Mitigating circumstances cannot be claimed for missed classes; however Module Leaders will take account of absences that are a consequence of recorded disability or otherwise recorded as 'Authorised Absence' when applying the 75% threshold.

Modules required for interim awards

Completing all modules at level 4 & 5 and 6 and meeting the ‘Course Specific Regs’ – BEng (Hons)
Completion of all modules at level 4 - Cert HE,
Completion of all modules at level 5 - Dip HE
Completing all modules at level 4 & 5 and 6 BUT Failing to meet the ‘Course Specific Regs’, BSc (Hons)

Arrangements for promoting reflective learning and personal development

  • All modules are based on 1 hour or 2 hours lectures followed immediately by small-group tutorials, Laboratory / Workshops, individual and group case studies. These ‘after-lecture’ activities are considered to be an important part of student’s learning process. It is during these activities that students have an opportunity to reflect on their learning. For each activity, students are expected to keep a log book for their workshops giving a full account of the problems, methods of solutions, results and conclusions.
  • Students are expected to start their ‘Personal Development Plan (PDP) in Level 4and to complete this during Level 6, project where students are assigned to a supervisor with whom they communicate on a weekly basis throughout the year.

Arrangements on the course for careers education, information and guidance

A process of personal development planning takes place throughout the course to help students to think about and make sense of what is being learnt and why, plan ahead and relate to what has been learnt and their own future. In addition there are formal arrangements in the course for Careers Service to explain the support they can provide and to advise on career planning and job applications.

The Course is IET Accredited (IEng Status). During the academic year there are seminars organized by IET (The Institute of Engineering and Technology), University’s careers office and our Industrial Liaisons Committee (ILC). The core module in level 5 (Work Related Learning) is designed to provide not only careers advise but also to prepare students for work.

The Faculty of Computing’s World of Work (WOW) Agency offers opportunities to enhance employability skills, gain real experience and 'earn while you learn' through placements into real client-driven projects - working with business and industry.

Professional Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) accreditations & exemptions

This course is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS) as fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) registration.

The course is also accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), and you’ll be able to apply for student membership while undertaking your degree. Your fees will be covered by the University, and you’ll have access to resources such as a digital library, jobs boards and networking events.

Career opportunities

Advances in computing mean networking engineers are in high demand. You’ll graduate with the skills required to design, install and maintain computer networks as part of a local, national or international company.

Potential roles include network administrator, network and security engineer or designer, planning analyst or consultant. Our previous graduates have gone on to work at companies such as Cisco Systems and CACI.

The programme is also excellent preparation for further study or research.

Entry requirements

In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have:

  • English Language and Mathematics GCSEs at grade C or above
  • 220 or more UCAS points from two or more A-levels, including 80 or more from mathematics or other numerate subjects (or equivalent, BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Progression Diploma or Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits)

Applicants with relevant professional qualifications or extensive professional experience will also be considered.

If you don’t have traditional qualifications or can’t meet the entry requirements for this undergraduate degree, you may still be able to gain entry by applying for the Computer Network Engineering Extended Degree.

All applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Applicants who require a Tier 4 student visa may need to provide a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.

Official use and codes

Approved to run from 2013/14 Specification version 1 Specification status Validated
Original validation date 01 Sep 2013 Last validation date 01 Sep 2013  
Sources of funding HE FUNDING COUNCIL FOR ENGLAND
JACS codes I120 (Networks and Communications): 100%
Route code CMPNET

Course Structure

Stage 1 Level 04 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
CT4001 Communications Engineering Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR FRI AM
CT4002 Electronics Systems Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR FRI PM
CT4004 Networking Concepts (CCNA1 and 2) Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR THU PM
          NORTH AUT WED EV
          NORTH AUT MON EV
          NORTH AUT+SPR THU PM
CT4005 Computer Hardware and Software Architectures Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR MON PM

Stage 1 Level 04 January start Not currently offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
CT4001 Communications Engineering Core 30        
CT4002 Electronics Systems Core 30        
CT4004 Networking Concepts (CCNA1 and 2) Core 30        
CT4005 Computer Hardware and Software Architectures Core 30        

Stage 2 Level 05 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
CT5002 Mobile Communications Systems Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR FRI PM
CT5003 Microprocessors & Embedded Systems Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR TUE AM
CT5004 LAN & WAN (CCNA 3 & 4) Core 30        
CT5052 Network Operating Systems Core 15 NORTH AUT THU AM
FC5W51 Work Related Learning Core 15 NORTH SPR WED PM
          NORTH AUT WED PM
CS5052 Professional Issues, Ethics and Computer Law Option 15        
CT5053 Audio Engineering Option 15        
MN5W50 Creating a Winning Business 1 Option 15 NORTH SPR FRI PM
          NORTH AUT WED AM
          NORTH SPR WED AM
          NORTH AUT WED PM
          NORTH SPR WED PM
          NORTH AUT THU AM
          NORTH SPR THU AM
          NORTH SPR THU AM
          NORTH AUT THU PM
          NORTH AUT FRI AM
          NORTH SPR FRI AM
          NORTH AUT FRI PM

Stage 3 Level 06 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
CC6004 Network and Cloud Security Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR WED AM
CT6004 Network Security (CISCO) Core 30        
CT6052 Wireless Networks (Cisco) Core 15 NORTH AUT FRI AM
FC6P01 Project Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR WED PM
CC6051 Ethical Hacking Option 15 NORTH SPR THU AM
CT6054 Network Planning and Simulation Option 15        
CT6055 Data Aquisition and Interfacing Option 15        
XK0000 Extension of Knowledge Module Option 15 NORTH SPR NA  
          NORTH AUT NA