Course specification and structure
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UECONENG - BSc Computer Network Engineering Extended Degree

Course Specification


Validation status Validated
Highest award Bachelor of Science Level Honours
Possible interim awards Bachelor of Science, Diploma of Higher Education, Certificate of Higher Education, Preparatory Diploma, Preparatory Certificate
Total credits for course 480
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 4 YEARS  
Part-time 6 YEARS  
Course leader  

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

The course at level 3 is designed to provide the students with the necessary knowledge, understanding and skills in the areas of Computing, Communications Technology and Mathematics to enable them to embark with well-founded confidence onto the first year of an extended honours degree programme. It will provide a broad, varied stimulating experience which allows students to assess their own aptitudes and interests and thus make an informed choice of progression pathway within the School of Computing. The course also provides an awareness of employment opportunities within the areas of Computing, Communications Technology, Mathematics and Multimedia.

A blended learning approach is used in all modules contributing to the course with each module containing a mixture of face to face lectures and workshops/tutorials. Each module has its own Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) that allows teaching staff to interact with students and students to interact with each other online. Students can log onto the VLE from home, from university computing laboratories, from university open learning areas using WiFi and , for example, their own laptop, notebook or mobile phone

Course aims

The course at level 3 admits students who initially do not have the required qualifications for entry to level 4 to all School of Computing (SoC) degree courses. The preparatory year of full time study raises students to a level where they are capable of entering a programme at Level 4 with a high likelihood of success.

The main aims of the course at level 3 are to equip students with the necessary knowledge, understanding and skills to enable them to embark with well-founded confidence onto the next year of the extended honours degree course in the areas of Computing, Creative Technology, Communications Technology and Mathematics. It provide students with a stimulating experience in key underpinning subjects which allows them to assess their own aptitudes and interests and thus make an informed choice of progression pathway. It is designed to develop in students the ability to communicate material of a technical nature both clearly and appropriately. It promotes in them an awareness of legal, social, economic, environmental and ethical issues alongside employment opportunities in their chosen field.

Course learning outcomes

By the end of the preparatory level of the course the student will be able to :-

(LO1) Demonstrate basic knowledge, principles, methods and techniques used in the areas of Computing, Communication Technology and Mathematics.

(LO2) Demonstrate a range of design and modelling techniques, their applications and limitations.

(LO3) Apply basic problem-solving and analytical techniques, presenting findings, explaining results and justifying choice of methods.

(LO4) Acquire a basic understanding of electronic components and applications in Communications and Network Engineering.

(LO5) Conduct themselves in a safe and professional manner in a laboratory workshop environment.

(LO6) Have fundamental knowledge of computer security, basic cyber threats and the corresponding detection and defence techniques.

(LO7) Communicate effectively individually or as a member of a team.

(LO8) Acquire an understanding of legal, social and ethical issues in the relevant fields of study.

Principle QAA benchmark statements

Computing 2016, principally,

http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/SBS-Computing-16.pdf

Assessment strategy

The modules include early diagnostic and other formative (informal) assessment opportunities, as well as continuous summative assessment.

  • Modules of this course are assessed mainly by the combination of coursework, case studies logbooks and workbooks, class-test and unseen examinations
  • A balanced assessment load per module and a careful distribution of concurrent assessment deadlines will be ensured;
  • Constructive and timely feedback in written and/or oral modes will be delivered, with 15 working days of completing/submitting an assessment;
  • Online submission of assessment will be used, as appropriate, via University VLE or Faculty’s network facilities.

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

All Honours Degree programmes include an optional sandwich placement, and opportunities for work-related learning.

Course specific regulations

Students with three passes and a minimum of 25% in the fourth module may proceed onto any honours degree programme in the School of Computing.

If the honours degree programme students wish to join requires a pass in A level Mathematics then students are required to pass MA3101

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.

Arrangements for promoting reflective learning and personal development

Students will receive feedback from tutors and peers enabling them to reflect on their progress based on the evidence available. This process assists students in developing as independent learners, identifying their strengths and weaknesses and will benefit students throughout their future studies, and careers. Students will also be able to track their performance on-line.

Arrangements on the course for careers education, information and guidance

In addition to the university careers service, the School of Computing offers work-related learning, WoWBiz (virtual) company projects, the WoW Agency projects (paid world of work experience) and regular student experience workshops with guest speakers and alumni returning to talk about their career journeys.

Other external links providing expertise and experience

A variety of links exist with professional bodies such as the IMA, BCS and IET, and with companies such as Microsoft and CISCO. Visiting speakers, short courses, access to resources and embedded qualifications are all examples of our collaborations.

Career opportunities

Good networking engineers are in very high demand from companies who design, install and maintain computer networks with local, regional, national and global reach as well as private and public networks.

Examples of careers include network administrator, network and security engineer/designer/manager/consultant, planning analyst, LAN/WAN support.

Entry requirements

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

  • at least one A level (or a minimum of 32 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification, eg BTEC Subsidiary/National/BTEC Extended Diploma)
  • English Language and Mathematics GCSEs at grade C (grade 4 from 2017) or above (or equivalent eg Functional Skills at Level 2). Applicants who meet the UCAS points criteria but who obtained a D (grade 3 from 2017) in English and/or Maths at GCSE may be offered a University test in these areas

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 2016/17 Specification version 1 Specification status Validated
Original validation date 21 Jun 2016 Last validation date 21 Jun 2016  
Sources of funding HE FUNDING COUNCIL FOR ENGLAND
JACS codes I120 (Networks and Communications): 100%
Route code CONENG

Course Structure

Stage 1 Level 03 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
CC3101 Cyber Security Fundamentals Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR WED PM
CS3101 Programming Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR MON PM
CT3101 Design and Communication Skills Core 30        
MA3101 Mathematics Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR MON AM

Stage 1 Level 03 January start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
CC3101 Cyber Security Fundamentals Core 30        
CS3101 Programming Core 30        
CT3101 Design and Communication Skills Core 30        
MA3101 Mathematics Core 30