Course specification and structure
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PMCONECS - MSc Computer Networking and Cyber Security

Course Specification


Validation status Validated
Highest award Master of Science Level Masters
Possible interim awards Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate
Total credits for course 180
Awarding institution London Metropolitan University
Teaching institutions London Metropolitan University, City Unity College, Education Centre of Australia Pty Ltd (DL Prov), Aventis Graduate School Pte Ltd, Euro College
School School of Computing and Digital Media
Subject Area Communications Technology and Mathematics
Attendance options
Option Minimum duration Maximum duration
Part-time Distance Learning 2 YEARS 6 YEARS
Full-time Distance Learning 1 YEARS 6 YEARS
Full-time 1 YEARS 6 YEARS
Part-time Day 2 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 and Cyber Security or for entering MPhil/PhD research program.

The course has been designed to have a well-balanced coverage of Computer Networking and Cyber Security. There are four core modules; two in Networking and two in Cyber Security. There are a further four optional modules; two of which are related to Networking and two related to Cyber security. Students must select one from each of the options in each semester.

The course is supported by a number of specialised laboratories in Advanced Networking and Cyber Security. Students in each of the specialized modules spend a considerable part of the module in these laboratories providing opportunities to practice what they have learnt in the formal lectures and seminars. Students will investigate, design, implement, evaluate, test and document a variety of real-world examples in the fields of Networking and Cyber Security. These sessions are performed individually or as part of a group.

The University was one of the first Cisco Academies in UK and has four, up-to-date Cisco laboratories supporting CCNA, CCNP, Security and Wireless Networking.

Tutorial exercises and short phase tests are used to provide students with feedback on their progress. Summative assessment of students’ knowledge and their understanding is incorporated into formal in-course tests, exercises, case studies and a final unseen examination.

Cybersecurity modules take place in the universities innovative Cybersecurity centre. Our MSc students mix with other MSc and PhD students as well as people from industry and have opportunities to be involved in major projects.

Students have access to the Graduate centre to meet and discuss their courses. The campus library has recently undergone a successful refurbishment and offers specialised group study areas as well as access to a comprehensive range of textbooks, journals and online learning resources. There are open areas on the ground floor of the Tower building and the green lounge at Benwell Road which provide open study areas. These areas all have access to IT facilities with several computers in each area.

All students joining the programme will be encouraged to become Student Members of the British Computer Society (BCS) who has accredited this MSc and take advantage of the recourses available. In addition, students can become a members of Engineering & Technology (IET). This membership provides students access to one of the largest on-site and on-line libraries in the world as well as automatic invitation to seminars and conferences in the areas of their course. Students have access to number of professional on-line lectures in specialized areas of Networking and Cyber Security. This membership also enables students to be automatically transferred to the rank of Member of the IET once they have graduated from the course. 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 for both after a few years of work experience

Course aims

• to provide students with an in-depth understanding and knowledge of the principles of, and developments in computer networking and Cyber Security.
• to integrate and work effectively in a real enterprise environment undertaking business roles and working on specific projects related to design and management of Computer Networking and Cyber Security.
• to provide students with knowledge of analytical and practical techniques for evaluating, planning, designing and implementing a variety of secured computer networks in different applications.
• to provide students with an in-depth knowledge and appreciation of the importance and the necessity of network and Cyber Security.
• to develop the practical and theoretical skills essential for professional secured network designed to adapt to a rapidly changing technology.
• to enable students to research, design and critically appraise specific systems.
• to provide an awareness of the newly developing opportunities in computer networking and Cyber Security.
• to allow students to acquire knowledge appropriate to their interests and career, complimenting and enhancing the knowledge, skills and professional perspectives from their previous education and work-related experience.
• to understand the strategic process for deployment and implementation of Cyber Security within a small to large scale organization.
• to understand and critically discuss the professional, legal and ethical, economical and global environmental issues and their impact relevant to computer networking and Cyber Security.

Course learning outcomes

LO1 Knowledge and understanding
1.1 Critical awareness of current issues in networking technology and new and future developments.
1.2 Critically evaluate the performance of a current Networking and Security systems and design high performance secure networks with consideration to the future needs of business.

1.3 Apply advanced tools and techniques that may be used when developing and managing computer networks and Cyber Security systems, and apply these in real world situations
1.4 Comprehensive knowledge of selecting the most appropriate devices to provide industry standard solutions to practical networking / security issues
1.5 Discuss the professional, legal and ethical, economical and global environmental issues through the development of Networks, Security and their impact.
1.6 Critical awareness of current issues in cybersecurity systems and new and future developments.

LO2 Cognitive / intellectual skills
2.1 Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of current and future techniques/technology used to increase the capabilities of computer networks.

2.2 Analyse, specify, design, implement and evaluate the performance behaviour of various computer network scenarios and apply these in real world situations.
2.3 Assess critically published academic papers and produce original work of a standard and in a form suitable for publication.
2.4 Select appropriate analysis and design procedures to solve problems in a creative and innovative manner and apply those solutions in a real-world situations.
2.5 Deal with Cyber Security issues both systematically and creatively.


LO3 Key and transferable skills
3.1 Critically and systematically apply knowledge and skills to real applications in the workplace thereby enhancing employability and career prospects.

3.2 Use initiative and take responsibility to plan, organise and implement a programme of work.

3.3 Communicate effectively orally and in writing to specialists and non-specialist audiences.
3.4 Think critically in respect of their own and others’ work.
.
3.5 Ability to work and study independently and/or as member of a team.

3.6 Select and use appropriate computer-based tools for analysis and troubleshooting.

3.7 Locate and retrieve appropriate information from electronic sources.
3.8 Communicate effectively orally and in writing to specialists and non-specialist audiences.
3.9 Select, configure and use appropriate Networking Infrastructure equipment
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 programme design has been informed by the “Subject Benchmark Statement Master’s Degrees in Computing” 2019.

Assessment strategy

Inclusive development and assessment are the leading principle in our teaching, learning and assessment provisions. Each module’s development and assessment design take account of the students’ background. In this process, we ensure that all aspects of learning, teaching and assessment are fair and accessible for all students, particularly minority and those with disabilities. In the module and assessment design process, students are involved to review the content, marking criteria and delivery methods. We create awareness of professional body requirements from the start, so students prepare themselves according to what is required by both IET and the industry. Students express their views through the VLE discussion board, emails, face-to-face discussions and through student representatives. Students are encouraged to raise issues such as fairness of marking and mark allocations, the academic support process and accessibility of assessments. The team review issues during staff and course committee meetings with student representatives.
A range of assessment instruments are used to enable students to demonstrate their individual skills and competencies. These include formal written exams, MCQ tests, practical exams, essays, laboratory and case study reports, logbooks, project report and viva-voce.
Students are given opportunity to seek one to one feedback during regular laboratory sessions as well as prior to assessment and can submit draft work for formative feedback in case of substantial pieces of written work.

During key core modules and course committee meetings, students are educated about the assessment process, the role of moderators, and the role of the external examiner, the ratification of marks, and the ways in which individual assessments are aggregated as a part of their final award.
Students are encouraged to set themselves realistic targets and work positively towards achieving those targets.

Every piece of assessment such as coursework, assignments including workshop logbooks and reports accompanies comprehensive guidelines on how to succeed and achieve excellence. The guidelines include a detailed assessment category where the tutors use to assess students work (the actual marking criteria).

The standard as well as the assessments of every piece of work is assessed and approved by an independent internal moderator as well as the external examiner from another institution or relevant industry.

The assessment of the final individual project will be by dissertation and a viva.
For fairness and consistency, a panel designated by the Module Leader will look at all project reports as part of the moderation process.

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

Exceptionally talented students may be invited to join and contribute to research and enterprise activities within the School’s research centres. In addition, students possessing extensive industrial experience and/or relevant professional qualifications may be given the opportunity to teach within the School. Some interested students may be offered to serve as student coaches in the School’s undergraduate courses.

Course specific regulations

Part-time students may select one or two modules per semester. The number of the modules taken will affect the course duration

This course shall conform to both framework and University Academic Regulations. In addition, this course has specific regulations which have been formally approved by the University and by the British Computer Society (BCS) requirement as specified below.

“All awards are only obtainable without condonement or compensation of any modules.”

Modules required for interim awards

To obtain the MSc award the students need to complete successfully all 6 taught modules and the MSc project module (a minimum of 180)
The student will obtain Postgraduate Diploma if they do not take the project (120 credits)
The student will obtain Postgraduate Certificate if they achieve (60 credits)
The students must achieve a minimum mark of 50% in each module.

Arrangements for promoting reflective learning and personal development

PDP is an important element in the course design and a requirement by the BCS for accreditation. There are elements in the taught modules but central in the assessment of the Work Placement module (in the work experience pathway). Students have to identify learning objectives for their placement and keep a diary critically assessing the progress they made. In addition, the reflective reports they produce include critical commentary on their experience and performance. When developing their MSc project at the end of the course, the students are required to include PDP in their report. The marking scheme assesses critical analysis and reflection and students are required to include it.

Professional Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) accreditations & exemptions

Successfully pass this course and you will receive Cisco accreditation.

Career, employability and opportunities for continuing professional development

The course places a strong emphasis on students’ employability and the development of marketing skills takes place through a continuous process of self-development embedded in all core modules. There is an underlying philosophy of linking the acquisition of knowledge to
real-world scenarios. Students are placed in the best possible position after graduation to pursue rewarding and successful careers in the areas of Cybersecurity Architect, Computer Networking Architect virous senor positions in the field of cyber security

All of our master’s graduates will also be equipped to continue academic study at a higher level, for example for a PhD.

Career opportunities

There is an abundance of sectors and industries that require the skills and knowledge you'll develop on this course. Your skills in networking, network security and cyber security, IT security and computer forensics will be highly valuable. You could become a network engineer, network manager, cyber security consultant, crime and computer forensic and network security professional.

Entry requirements

You will be required to have:

  • a lower second class (2:2) UK degree (or equivalent) in Computer Networking and Cyber Security, Computer Security, Computer Science, Computing, Electronics and Communications, or a closely related discipline
  • applicants with relevant professional experience will also be considered

Please note the networking modules are based on CISCO CCNP curriculum and are very practically assessed. You are strongly advised to either study CISCO CCNA or ensure that you are competent in configuring CISCO devices before you enrol to ensure success in this MSc program.

London Metropolitan University has an established Cisco Academy and can provide advice on CISCO training and certifications.

Official use and codes

Approved to run from 2015/16 Specification version 1 Specification status Validated
Original validation date 11 Jan 2016 Last validation date 30 Jan 2023  
Sources of funding
JACS codes 100365 (computer networks): 100%
Route code CONECS

Course Structure

Stage 1 Level 07 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
CC7177 Cybercrime and Cyber Security Core 20 NORTH AUT TUE PM
CC7178 Cyber Security Management Core 20 NORTH SPR TUE PM
          NORTH SUM MON PM
          NORTH SUM WED AM
CT7154 Network Routing Protocols Core 20 NORTH AUT THU AM
CT7155 Switched Networks Core 20 NORTH SPR FRI AM
          NORTH SUM WED PM
          NORTH SUM MON AM
FC7P01 MSc Project Core 60        
CC7179 Digital Forensics Option 20 NORTH AUT THU PM
CC7180 Security Auditing and Penetration Testing Option 20 NORTH SPR WED AM
CT7156 Network Troubleshooting Option 20 NORTH AUT THU PM
CT7157 Hardening Network Infrastructure Option 20 NORTH SUM FRI PM
          NORTH SPR FRI PM
          NORTH SUM FRI AM

Stage 1 Level 07 January start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
CC7177 Cybercrime and Cyber Security Core 20        
CC7178 Cyber Security Management Core 20 NORTH SUM WED AM
          NORTH SPR TUE PM
          NORTH SUM MON PM
CT7154 Network Routing Protocols Core 20        
CT7155 Switched Networks Core 20 NORTH SPR FRI AM
          NORTH SUM WED PM
          NORTH SUM MON AM
FC7P01 MSc Project Core 60        
CC7179 Digital Forensics Option 20        
CC7180 Security Auditing and Penetration Testing Option 20 NORTH SPR WED AM
CT7156 Network Troubleshooting Option 20        
CT7157 Hardening Network Infrastructure Option 20 NORTH SUM FRI PM
          NORTH SPR FRI PM
          NORTH SUM FRI AM