Networking and Security

Study level: CPD/Short courses

Explore network technologies and better understand security threats, system vulnerabilities and how to manage the associated risks.

Year of entry

2024-25

Location

CU Scarborough (Scarborough)

Study mode

Part-time

Duration

6 weeks

Course code

CUSCU071 409IT

Start date

September 2024


Course overview

The Networking and Security module is one part of the Computing for England (Cyber Security) Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) course. It can be studied as a standalone module as part of the Modular Acceleration Programme (MAP).

You can choose to study this module at CU London (Dagenham) or CU Scarborough and the content will be the same however, the full HTQ course is only taught at CU Scarborough.

If you are in receipt of MAP funding, the tuition costs are grant-funded and are deducted from your Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) account. If you are not eligible for grant funding from the MAP, you could choose to self-finance (see the ‘Fees and funding’ section for more details).

The Computing for England (Cyber Security) Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) course has been designed to develop your knowledge and understanding in relation to cyber threats and vulnerabilities, cyber defence techniques and incident response.

Why you should study this course

In this exciting module, you can expect to develop a background knowledge of computer networking essentials, how they operate, the protocols, standards, security considerations and prototypes associated with a range of networking technologies.

With continuing digital revolution, computer systems are involved with just about every aspect of our lives. Whilst this connectivity procures advantages, it also implies vulnerabilities to personal data, interference with the operation of our devices, or even hijacking.

The industry requires people who are not just technically skilled, but able to work with a team in order to service large projects, and convey their findings to a range of audiences, from the managerial to technically focused.

Collaborations with other organisations

Funded by UK Government logo

Funded by UK Government

This scheme has been funded by the UK Government.



What you'll study

You’ll be exploring networking technologies such as local area networking (LAN) and wide area networking (WAN), and how they evolve to form large-scale networks. Additionally, you will examine security measures involving access authorisation and regulation of use, implement contingency plans, devise security policies and procedures, as well as being introduced to the detection of threats and vulnerabilities in physical and IT security, and how to manage risks relating to organisational security.

The module is worth 30 credits.


How you'll learn

As a part-time student, each module totals 30 credits over a six-week period (block) on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

A typical 30 credit module requires a total of 300 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.


Teaching contact hours

Teaching hours can vary. You can expect around eight teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback.


Guided and independent study

For this module, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study. You’ll be digging deeper into topics, review what you’ve learned and complete assessments. This can be completed around your personal commitments.


Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.


Assessment

This module will make use of formative and summative work to both develop and assess students.

The Coventry University Group's assessment strategy ensures fair and consistent evaluation of our courses, enabling us to accurately monitor student progress towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Once you have successfully completed the module and assessments, you’ll be awarded a full certificate as proof of your success and if you meet all the progression requirements, you could explore opportunities to study a full HTQ.


Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

What we're looking for
64 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.

At CU Group we are committed to recognising achievements in the context of which they were achieved as we understand that barriers may make it more challenging for some applicants to achieve course entry requirements.

We aim to reduce the barriers that may be preventing access to higher education by looking beyond the grades that applicants have achieved or expect to achieve.

Eligibility criteria for the MAP and the LLE are decided by the DfE, not Coventry University. The criteria track the existing higher education (HE) student finance nationality and residency rules.

What we're looking for
64 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.

At CU Group we are committed to recognising achievements in the context of which they were achieved as we understand that barriers may make it more challenging for some applicants to achieve course entry requirements.

We aim to reduce the barriers that may be preventing access to higher education by looking beyond the grades that applicants have achieved or expect to achieve.

Eligibility criteria for the MAP and the LLE are decided by the DfE, not Coventry University. The criteria track the existing higher education (HE) student finance nationality and residency rules.


Fees and funding

Student Full-time Part-time
UK Not available £2,312.50 per module
International Not available £2,312.50 per module

Tuition fees3 cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities, and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing, and re-assessments should you need them.

Subject to availability, the Modular Acceleration Programme (MAP) can fund tuition fees for students enrolling on this course who meet the eligibility criteria.

Any funding granted under the MAP will reduce the amount remaining in your future Lifelong Learning Entitlement account.

For further information contact ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk.

UK students who do not have access to funding under the Modular Acceleration Programme can apply to self-finance your studies.

You can contact us directly to discuss your situation on:

T: +44(0)24 7765 0474

E: debt.cuc@coventry.ac.uk

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the university may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. For more information please visit our fees and finance page.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.


Facilities

Our purpose-built campus building4 is arranged around an open central atrium and includes:

A Cyber Lab, a dedicated space designed to give you - our computing and cyber course students - a practical learning experience for conducting research, testing and experimentation related to cyber security.

Plus:

  • indoor social spaces, including a café
  • a library that includes loan laptops and a silent study area
  • open-access computers
  • student support and careers advice teams.

The campus itself is located next to Scarborough’s Sports Village, a complex that includes an Olympic Legacy swimming pool, a sports hall, a fitness suite, all-weather pitches, and the Scarborough Athletic Football Club ground.

The campus is a 10-minute walk from the East Yorkshire seafront. North Bay is Scarborough’s Blue Flag beach, meaning it is one of the best in Europe for cleanliness both on the sand and in the water, facilities, and safety.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.


Careers and opportunities

Our teaching and learning experience on campus centres around face-to-face teaching by expert academics, in facilities that aim to replicate real-world environments and situations2,4. This can build your confidence and give you access to broader career options.

Upon successful completion of this course, you will have achieved 30 credits of a HNC qualification which could facilitate progression within the industry.

Further study

If you successfully complete and have enjoyed studying the Networking and Security module, you might want to take your qualification further and study our Computing for England (Cyber Security) HTQ course (subject to meeting the entry requirements for the course).

The pathways at both Level 4 and Level 5 are mapped to the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education’s Occupational Standards and professional body standards with the aim of providing professional status Level 5 HND and progression to direct employment, upon successful completion of this course.

The vendor-accredited certification indicates that the course meets industry standards and prepares students with the necessary knowledge and skills required to enter the workforce. Additionally, obtaining a vendor-accredited certification can demonstrate to employers that a student has achieved a certain level of expertise and competence in a particular area.


How to apply