PMCONECS - MSc Computer Networking and Cyber Security

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 4 core modules; two in Networking and two in Cyber Security. There are a further 4 optional modules; two of which are related to Networking and two are in Cyber security. Students must select one from each of the options in each semester.

MSc Computer Networking and Cyber Security is designed to not only provide graduates with an MSc award but in addition an advanced and sought after Industrial qualification. The networking modules in this course cover the CISCO CCNP materials and lead the (CCNP academy certification)

For the applicants that have the formal qualifications but do not have the necessary Networking background to gain entry to the MSc Computer Networking and Cyber Security.we offer alternative pathway, MSc Computer Networking and Cyber Security with Practitioner Pathway where the networking modules cover instead the CISCO CCNA materials and lead to the (CCNA academy certification), an Intermediate Industrial qualification.

Whichever branch of the course you will follow you will be awarded the MSc Computer Networking and Cyber Security and an additional (optional) Industry Cisco Academy qualification.

The course is supported by several 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 an opportunity to practice what they learn in the formal lecture/seminar session to investigate, design and implement, evaluate and test and document a variety of real-world examples in Networking and Cyber Security. These sessions are performed individually or as part of a group.

In addition, the University was one of the first Cisco Academy in UK. It is equipped with four, up-to-date Cisco laboratories supporting CCNA, CCNP, Security and Wireless laboratories.

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

Cybersecurity modules take place in the innovative Cybersecurity center. Our MSc students mix with other MSc and PhD students as well as people of the industry and there are opportunities to be involved in major projects.

Students have access to the innovative Graduate center to meet and discuss their courses. The campus library has recently undergone a successful refurbishment offering specialized group study areas as well as access to a comprehensive range of textbooks, journals and online learning resources. There are also open areas on the ground floor of the Tower building ,the green lounge at Benwell Road and the new Rodding building offering open study areas. These areas all have access to IT facilities with several PCs at each one.

All students joining the program will be encouraged to become Student Member of the British computer Society (BCS) that is accrediting this MSc and take advantage of the recourses available in addition the students can become a member of Engineering & Technology (the IET). The 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/conferences in the areas of their course. Students have access to professional on-line lectures in specialized areas of Networking and Cyber Security. Membership also enables students to be automatically transferred to the class 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.

In particular this pathway is designed for applicants that do not have prior Networking experience and allows them to gain the networking knowledge required and still able to achieve an industry qualifications as part of the course.

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.
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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.

The programme design has been informed by the “Subject Benchmark Statement Master’s Degrees in Computing” 2019.

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.

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.

The course conforms to both the framework and University Academic Regulations in which no condonement or compensation is permitted.

Part-time Structure

Part time students can take a maximum of 2 (Two) modules per semester the number of the modules taken will affect the course duration.
Default digest for options
Autumn CT7003 Enterprise Networking Security and Automation
Spring CT7157 Hardening Network Infrastructure
Students can start the project only after they have taken al taught modules

Any Interim Awards are not connected to any specific modules, and instead a minimum number of credits are required.
60 credits for Postgraduate Certificate and 120 credits for Postgraduate Diploma.

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.

Successfully pass this course and you will receive Cisco accreditation.

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.

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.

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 curriculum. The course offers two pathways leading to the same MSc award, and your prior CISCO networking experience will determine your placement in one of these pathways at enrolment to support your success in the program.

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