Course specification and structure
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UDCNEIFY - BEng Computer Networking and Infrastructure Security (including foundation year)

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 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
Part-time 6 YEARS 8 YEARS
Full-time 4 YEARS 8 YEARS
Course leader  

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

BEng (Hons) Computer Networking and Infrastructure Security including Foundation Year course is designed to provide the students with the necessary knowledge, understanding and skills in the areas of Communications Technology, Computing 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 and Digital Media.

This course addresses engineering skills-shortage in securing computer networks and make the computer networking infrastructure (both hardware and software wise) more resilient to cyber-attacks and cyber-crimes. The engineering department was one of the first in the UK to establish Cisco Academy Training Centre (CATC) in 1998 which later grew into a Super Regional Academy (RA). We are one of the very few places in the UK which has been certified by Cisco Systems to provide CCNP training.
The course is designed around Cisco and Palo Alto curriculum. All students study core modules on the latest Cisco CCNA curriculum, CCNA Cyber Ops, Palo Alto (PCCSA), CCNA Security, and CCNA Wireless. These modules are embedded in the course, which means students are provided with the additional Cisco certification trainings throughout the course. The final year project titles are continuously updated in consultation with our industrial partners to reflect recent technological advances and increase employability opportunities for our graduates. In a nutshell, the course is designed to prepare its graduates as a work-ready professional in the areas of computer network management and security, wireless and IoT (Internet of Things) security. The course with balanced theory and hands-on practice prepares motivated and academically minded graduates for entering into postgraduate studies such as MSc and/or MPhil/PhD.
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.

Modules are mainly delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials/lab-based workshop sessions, and blended learning. Teaching materials such as lecture notes and pointers to other support learning materials are accessible via the university VLE network (e.g. WebLearn, Blackboard); Cisco Networking Academy; and School’s network facilities (e.g. web server).
Appropriate blended learning approaches and technologies, such as, the University’s VLE, the Cisco Academy, and network security toolkits in specialised engineering labs are used to facilitate and support student learning, in particular, to:
• deliver course content;
• encourage active learning;
• provide formative and summative assessments, and prompt feedback;
• enhance student engagement and learning experience.

Course aims

This BEng course has been designed with the close collaboration with our Industrial Liaison Committee (ILC) and in accordance with the output standards set out by UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UKSPEC) ensuring threshold academic standard.

The course aims are as follows:
• To ensure that students are appropriately prepared to develop into professional engineers by meeting the Engineering Council’s UK-SPEC;
• 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, infrastructure security and communications systems;
• To develop analytical, practical and ICT skills appropriate for the specification, design, implementation and testing of computer networks and infrastructure security;
• 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 computer networking 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, network managements and infrastructure security.

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 and Digital Media(SCDM) 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.

Course learning outcomes

By completing this course, it is expected that the student has developed the knowledge and the skills in five generic areas of competence aligned to UK-SPEC (3rd ed), which broadly covers:

A – Knowledge and understanding
• A1: Maintain and extend a sound theoretical approach to the application of technology in engineering practice.
• A2: Use a sound evidence-based approach to problem-solving and contribute to continuous improvement

B – Design and development of processes, systems, services and products
• B1: Identify, review and select techniques, procedures and methods to undertake engineering tasks.
• B2: Contribute to the design and development of engineering solutions.
• B3: Implement design solutions and contribute to their evaluation.

C – Responsibility, management or leadership
• C1: Plan for effective project implementation
• C2: Manage tasks, people and resources to plan and budget.
• C3: Manage teams and develop staff to meet changing technical and managerial needs.
• C4: Manage continuous quality improvement

D – Communication and inter-personal skills
• D1: Communicate in English with others at all levels.
• D2: Present and discuss proposals.
• D3: Demonstrate personal and social skills.

E – Professional commitment
• E1: Comply with relevant codes of conduct
• E2: Manage and apply safe systems of work.
• E3: Undertake engineering activities in a way that contributes to sustainable development.
• E4: Carry out and record CPD necessary to maintain and enhance competence in own area of practice (e.g. Undertake reviews of own development needs)
• E5: Exercise responsibilities in an ethical manner.

• ULO: Demonstrate confidence, resilience, ambition and creativity and will act as inclusive, collaborative and socially responsible practitioners/professionals in their discipline

Principle QAA benchmark statements

The course design refers to Quality Assurance Agency (QAA)’s Subject Benchmark Statements in Engineering (2015) set out in UK Quality Code for Higher Education.

Assessment strategy

A range of assessment methods (class tests, theory and practical examinations, coursework through logbook/ case study and laboratory report/ poster / artefact, viva) is employed throughout the course. The method of assessment and marking criteria for each module at each level is clearly described in the individual ‘Module Guide’ which is made available to the students at the start of the semester (via WebLearn - VLE). Every module (core as well as options) has a VLE presence 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. Two of the core modules at Level 3 and 4 have a mandatory formative/summative assessment element "Learning reflection essay" to initiate and induct students to reflective learning in order to develop effective and SMART study plans for all modules.

Students are provided with opportunities to develop an understanding of and the necessary skills to demonstrate, good academic practice. Particularly, students will be encouraged to complete weekly tutorials/tests and laboratory exercises as well as periodic formative progress tests to enhance their learning. During laboratory sessions students receive ongoing support and feedback on their work to promote engagement and provide the basis for tackling the summative assessments.

The volume, timing and nature of assessment enable students to demonstrate the extent to which they have achieved the intended learning outcomes.
Formative and summative feedback are be provided using a variety of methods and approaches, such as online, one to one and in groups on the submitted work, at various points throughout the teaching period and in line with University's policy on assessment and feedback.

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

The course includes a 15-credit module on Work Related Learning (FC5W51) at Level 5. The module enables students to undertake an appropriate short period of professional activity, usually related to their course at level 5 (Intermediate level), with a business, research, or community organisation and to gain credit for their achievements. The activity may include a traditional placement, relevant part -time job, volunteering activity related to empowering London (in six key areas), approved research/development activity, an activity within LondonMet, an activity related to client’s brief or business start-up activity.
The Work Based Learning Team (WBLT) in coordination with the Careers and Employability team of the University provides advice on all stages of the selection process including developing CV, completing application forms, preparing for interview or online assessment.
In addition to the work-related module FC5W51, students can apply for a sandwich year at the end of Level 5 during the course.

Course specific regulations

A to E Learning Outcomes of the course (with detailed sub headings in para 11) are:
• A - Knowledge and understanding
• B - Design and development of processes, systems, services and products
• C - Responsibility, management or leadership
• D - Communication and inter-personal skills
• E - Professional commitment

Key to the reading the table: For example, CT4002 module learning outcomes LO1, LO2, LO3 broadly meet the “A - Knowledge and understanding” learning outcome of the course.

Degree award:
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 University's academic regulations. Although the student will be enrolled on the BEng (Hons) programme, the final award will be determined at the end of the course.

• The proportion of failed modules deemed to be completed will be no less than or equal to 20 credits in each year;
• The minimum acceptable progression marks will be greater than or equal to 30 %;
• 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;
• Final year project must be passed (not just complete);
• Re-assessment and re-takes will be capped at 40%

For students starting from academic year 2022-23, a pass (or compensated pass) in every module is required. The maximum of 30 credits can be compensated over the degree programme. The minimum module mark for which compensation is allowed is 10% below the nominal module pass mark of 40%. Final year project will not be compensated. This compensation regulation will not apply to the foundation year of the programme.

Modules required for interim awards

Standard University Academic Regulations in line with Section 3 of the course specification within the course handbook

Arrangements for promoting reflective learning and personal development

Most modules are based on 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-4 and 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.

Other external links providing expertise and experience

Output standards set out by Engineering Council’s UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC) (3rd ed) ensuring threshold academic standard.

Career, employability and opportunities for continuing professional development

Regular security breaches, cyber-attacks on hardware/software infrastructures and loss of personal data means you will be in high demand with much needed expertise in securing computer networks of small to large size organisations. Successful completion of this course will prepare you for career roles as a network security consultant, networking administrator or a networking engineer in a local, national or international company who designs, configures and maintains simple to complex networks.

Our previous graduates have gone on to work at companies such as Cisco Systems and CACI.

This course is also an excellent preparation for further studies or research by pursuing MSc or PhD.

Career opportunities

Several computing career paths will be available to you upon graduating from this degree. You could find employment in computer programming, computer engineering, administration or systems analysis among many others.

You could also choose to pursue postgraduate study to raise your earning potential and expand your career options.

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 GCSE at grade C/grade 4 or above (or equivalent eg Functional Skills at Level 2)

If you meet the UCAS points criteria but obtained a D/3 in English and/or Maths at GCSE, you may be offered a University test in these areas.

To study a degree at London Met, you must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. If you require a Tier 4 student visa you may need to provide the results of a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.

If you need (or wish) to improve your English before starting your degree, the University offers a Pre-sessional Academic English course to help you build your confidence and reach the level of English you require.

Official use and codes

Approved to run from 2019/20 Specification version 1 Specification status Validated
Original validation date 25 Jul 2019 Last validation date 25 Jul 2019  
Sources of funding HE FUNDING COUNCIL FOR ENGLAND
JACS codes
Route code CNEIFY

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
CT3102 Introduction to Robotics and Internet of Things Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR WED AM
MA3101 Mathematics Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR MON AM
          NORTH SPR+SUM WED 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        
CT3102 Introduction to Robotics and Internet of Things Core 30        
MA3101 Mathematics Core 30 NORTH SPR+SUM WED AM

Stage 2 Level 04 October 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 MON EV
          NORTH AUT WED EV
          NORTH AUT+SPR THU PM
CT4005 Computer Hardware and Software Architectures Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR MON PM

Stage 3 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
CT5008 Enterprise Networks and Security Core 30 NORTH SPR+SUM THU EV
          NORTH AUT+SPR TUE PM
          NORTH SPR+SUM TUE EV
CT5052 Network Operating Systems Core 15 NORTH AUT THU AM
FC5W51 Work Related Learning Core 15 NORTH SPR WED PM
          NORTH AUT WED PM

Stage 4 Level 06 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
CT6052 Wireless Networks (Cisco) Core 15 NORTH AUT FRI AM
CT6059 Next Gen Firewalls for Network and Cloud Securi... Core 15 NORTH SPR WED AM
CT6060 Cyber Security Operations (CCNA Cisco Cyber Ops) Core 15 NORTH AUT WED AM
CT6061 Network Security 1 (Cisco) Core 15 NORTH AUT TUE AM
CT6062 Network Security 2 (Cisco) Core 15 NORTH SPR TUE AM
FC6P01 Project Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR WED PM
CC6051 Ethical Hacking Option 15 NORTH SPR THU AM
CT6058 IoT Systems and Security Option 15 NORTH SPR TUE PM