Computer Networking and Cyber Security with Work Experience

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

Months of entry

January, September

Course content

Why study this course?

This course is designed for those wishing to develop the ability to design and manage robust networking and cyber security systems whilst gaining Cisco accreditation. The security of our systems is one of the most challenging topics of our time. This MSc will educate you in the very latest security principles, tools and techniques taught by specialist staff in a dedicated IT security laboratory, and an understanding of the principles underpinning effective approaches to cyber defence in response to a cyber attack. Guest speakers from the industry will deliver lectures alongside those of the teaching staff. Work experience opportunities are available in a relevant working environment before you undertake your final project. This additional and crucial element will provide a unique student experience that will enhance your employability after graduation.

More about this course

This course offers a unique opportunity for students to blend networking technologies with cyber security and at the same time gain Cisco accreditation. Such a combination will attract employers increasingly seeking graduates and postgraduates within this area. The 10 practical sessions will be housed in specialist laboratories including a specialist IT security laboratory. Guest speakers from industry will also contribute to your learning in their own lectures.

The Communications Technology group is one of the first in UK to be awarded the title of "Cisco Networking Academy". The academy has been running short/evening courses in Cisco CCNA and CCNP certification since. These are two of the most prestigious vocational certifications valued by networking and related industries. Some of the modules in both CCNA and CCNP are currently embedded in our MSc course, and students follow the relevant Cisco curriculum. These modules are supported by three major laboratories equipped with some of the most up-to-date networking technology equipment and are taught by qualified Cisco instructors.

Security of our systems is one of the most challenging topics of our time. There is an international consensus that specialist security skills will have to be increased in order to respond to the number and sophistication of threats we face. It is impossible to ignore the importance of cyber security which is recognised as much by governments as by large and small organisations as a priority. Cyber security provides knowledge of the very latest security principles, tools and techniques taught by specialist staff in a dedicated IT Security laboratory and understanding of the principles underpinning effective approaches to cyber defence in response to a cyber attack.

The work experience included on this course serves as an additional and crucial element which will provide a unique student experience that will help their employability after graduation. The course team will guarantee a paid employment opportunity for all students taking the Computer Networking and Cyber Security with Work Experience course. The Cisco Academy manager has built a network of relevant employers in the past 15 years through the Networking Academy and its contacts. The academy has currently 18 smaller academies providing continuous technical and academic support as well as training their instructors according to Cisco’s regulations. These academies are mainly local and range from schools to technical colleges. It is hoped that students on this course will be able to be placed in these academies for their work experience part of the course.

Assessment

You will be assessed via a range of methods throughout the course. The method of assessment for each module is clearly described in the individual module guide which is made available to the students at the start of the semester. Every module has dedicated material accessible online, providing students with comprehensive learning/teaching material including workshop 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. Modules employ a combination of the following forms of assessments:

• Case study reports and presentations
• Laboratory workbooks/logbooks
• Unseen examinations
• Part-seen examinations
• Individual vivas

Professional accreditation

This course offers a Cisco accreditation.

Modular structure

Core module examples

• Cyber Security Management
• Cybercrime and Cyber Security
• MSc Project

Option module examples

• Digital Forensics
• Hardening Network Infrastructure
• Network Troubleshooting

Please refer to the course page on the London Met website for the full list of modules.

Fees and funding