Course content
In the Postgraduate Certificate part of the course it covers topics in cloud computing and traditional networking. Students will learn extensive theory and apply this practically. Students will also study a Research Methods module so that they develop their research and academic skills in preparation for their final dissertation.
For the Postgraduate Diploma stage of the course students will specialise in topics of Network Automation and Programming, Network Security, Infrastructure, and Virtualisation.
For the dissertation part of the course students will prepare a final written dissertation.
Professional body accreditation
Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
Modules
The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.
Cloud Computing And Virtualisation
Cloud Computing is an area of increasing importance within the enterprise environment. Within the module you will look at the hypervisor technologies which are currently used to understand how these interact with hardware and allow a virtualized OS to work either natively or through a host OS.¿ This module will help you look at the usage of Cloud Computing and use Amazon Web Services (AWS) as a base for the practical work. Within this module you will look at the usage cases of the different aspects of this technology and learn to understand the impact of decisions which are made. As a part of this course, you will be learning how to use the Amazon Web Services cloud environment as a member of the AWS Academy program. You will also be studying towards your AWS Certified Solutions Architect industry certification, should you wish to pursue this.
Module code: COMP70086
Dissertation
This is your opportunity to create something totally unique as the culmination of your course. It is your chance to define your difference; no two dissertations are ever the same. You will begin by developing an idea into a proposal, outlining the intention of the work. You will then develop this into an artefact suitable for your course, such as a piece of software, a specification or a code of practice by undertaking rigorous, professional academic research techniques and applying the summation of your knowledge and skills from your course, work experience, if possible, and personal development. All this work will be presented in a professionally produced, academic report detailing your findings and reflections on your achievement.
Module code: COMP70091
Cybersecurity Concepts, Network Operations And Governance
Within this module, you will learn and practice the modern concepts of cybersecurity defence mechanisms through practical case studies, namely the Security Operation Centre (SOC), Security Information Event Management (SIEM) system, and through Security Orchestration, Automation and Response (SOAR). You will also work with cyber / network security devices, e.g. firewalls, IDS and IPS, Operating Systems, and look for network protocol vulnerabilities, common threats such as malware, common network attacks and the use of relevant cyber tools to protect systems against these. This will give you a deep understanding of cyber operations, required skills for industry, an understanding of standard methods and practices for risk assessment, and practical management strategies.
Module code: COMP70088
Advanced Project Management And Entrepreneurship
In this module, you will develop professional skills required for computing roles by analysing organisational problems and working collaboratively to design and justify digital solutions. You will explore business analysis techniques, system modelling, and project management approaches while applying professional and ethical standards. The module emphasises teamwork, professional judgement, and employability, preparing you for industry-focused computing roles and further study. Part of your work will address innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Module code: COMP70081
Ai-Driven Network Management And Automation
In this module you will learn about corporate networks (infrastructure, and cloud environments) and how this technology is rapidly advancing. You will find out why it is not possible to manually maintain networks and why it is key to adopt AI and automation techniques. The module will specifically look at automation within the computing sector and in doing so identify tools and strategies which can be used in rolling out solutions. Using such automation techniques will reduce in both downtime and costs.
Module code: COMP70082
Enterprise Networking And Troubleshooting
On this module you will learn why routing and switching are considered as part of the core networking landscape. Once the network is designed well for these technologies other features such as security can then be built upon this. This course will look in detail at the choices within routing and switching to see why design decisions are made and for you to understand these choices. The switching will look at multi-layer switching which is now increasingly being used inside of networks due to the throughput and additional features which can be offered over the traditional layer 2 technology. The emphasis of this course will be from the viewpoint of a medium to large scale organisation, which will need to make informed decisions in the design choices. The module will look at industry systematic methods of fault finding and solving with applicable documentation.
Module code: COMP70092