programme specification programme title: bsc (hons ... · investigation of networking and...

Programme Specification

Programme Title: BSc (Hons) Networking Infrastructure and Security

Awarding Institution:

University of Bolton

Teaching Institution: Bradford College

Division and/or School/Institute:

Department of Arts, Science and Creative Industries School of Applied Science and Computing

Professional accreditation

Professional body Professional body URL

Status of graduates

N/A

Final award(s): Honours Degree (BSc)

Exit or Fall back award(s) Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) Networking Infrastructure and Security - Exit/Fall Back Award Level 4 Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) Networking Infrastructure and Security - Exit/Fall Back Award Level 5 Ordinary Degree - without Honours - Exit/Fallback Award Level 6

Programme title(s) BSc (Hons) Networking Infrastructure and Security

JACS Code

I120

University Course Code(s) TBC

QAA Benchmark Statement(s) The following benchmark statements apply to this programme: QAA Subject Benchmark Statement - Computing (October 2019)

Other internal and external reference points

UK Quality Code for Higher Education. University of Bolton Awards Framework. Cisco Networking Academy Professional Certification Programme. CompTIA Professional Certification Programme. Amazon Web Services (AWS) Professional Certification Programme.

Language of study English

2

Mode of study and normal period of study

Full-time - 3 years Part-time (accelerated) - 5 years Part-time (standard) - 6 years

Admissions criteria Typically, 80 UCAS points and GCSE Maths and English Grade C (4) or above would be the entry requirements onto the 3-year programme. Applications from candidates who do not meet these criteria but have experience in the subject area are welcomed, but may be invited to a one-to-one interview with a member of the programme team to assess suitability for studying at a higher level. If English is not your first language then you will need to complete a Secure English Language Test at IELTS 6.0 or equivalent. Additional criteria Non-standard applicants will be required to produce evidence of their ability to study at Higher Education level. Short course and relevant work experience may be considered. Suitability for admittance will also be reviewed via interview to discuss and assess expectation of the programme of study and the level of work the candidate will be expected to produce. This may require the submission of a piece of written work as part of the application. Claims for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) are welcomed by the programme team subject to programme module mapping. Applicants should consult the admissions tutor in the first instance if they wish to claim such recognition.

Additional admissions matters Applications are welcomed and encouraged from those who do not meet the standard entry requirements but can demonstrate the ability to study at Higher Education level. The course will be offered as a September start option only for all programme durations offered above.

Fitness to practise declaration N/A

Aims of the programme

The principal aims of the programme are to: ▪ Provide you with the necessary technical skills, theory and underpinning knowledge

required to study in the computer networking and security disciplines. ▪ Develop transferable skills to enhance your employability, such as report writing,

presentations, interpersonal and team-working abilities needed for the modern workplace.

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▪ Enable you to design, build, and test and optimise networking systems, associated infrastructure and security mechanisms.

▪ Provide an environment where you can explore current knowledge and thinking and develop the problem-solving skills required to respond effectively to the needs of a constantly changing industry.

▪ Enable you to adopt critical and analytical approaches to problem solving and the investigation of networking and security-related problems and issues.

Distinctive features of the programme The distinctive features of the programme are as follows: ▪ Provide an opportunity for you to develop the necessary practical and interpersonal

skills to pursue a successful career in implementing secure networked systems, infrastructure and associated services.

▪ Create a progression route into higher education if you have non-standard entry qualifications.

▪ Underpin technical and digital skills with the relevant theoretical knowledge, problem solving and analytical skills.

▪ Embed a range of professional vendor certification qualifications from Cisco, CompTIA and Amazon Web Services to give you a competitive edge over a more traditional graduate.

▪ Engage with local and regional employers on assignment projects and short work experience opportunities.

▪ Present the culmination of your theoretical and practical knowledge at the Final Year Project ‘Open Day’ event, so you can showcase your work to employers and gain insightful career and developmental feedback.

▪ Theoretical and practical sessions are delivered to you as discrete classes, as opposed to using large lecture theatres delivering to multiple cohorts.

▪ Industry experts will be invited in to give keynote lectures to you in order to enrich your learning experience and enable you to gain useful commercial insights.

Programme learning outcomes

K. Knowledge and understanding On completion of the programme, successful students will be able to demonstrate systematic knowledge and understanding of:

K1. Underlying theories, principles, professional standards and practices of networking infrastructure and its security.

K2. Tools and techniques required to engineer complex networking infrastructure and its associated security systems.

K3. Different methodologies used to manage the networking infrastructure and security implementation process.

K4. The impact of ethical, legal and security issues in the sustainable exploitation of networking infrastructure and security technologies for business advantage.

C. Cognitive, intellectual or thinking skills

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On completion of the programme, successful students will be able to demonstrate the ability to:

C1. Critically analyse, compare, evaluate and document solutions to complex problems.

C2. Critically analyse the existing body of knowledge in implementing and securing networking infrastructure and explain related methods and tools.

C3. Model and design solutions to complex networking and security problems.

C4. Critically evaluate the extent to which a networked system or infrastructure meets the criteria defined for its current use, future development and possible trade-offs.

P. Practical, professional or subject-specific skills On completion of the programme, successful students will be able to demonstrate the ability to:

P1. Operate with increasing autonomy with a minimum of guidance and supervision.

P2. Devise appropriate solutions to complex problems, while staying within the constraints of the design.

P3. Plan and manage projects, responding to readily changing situations, timescales, budgets, risks and safety.

P4. Deploy tools and technologies for solving complex networking infrastructure and security problems, with particular emphasis on understanding the whole process involved.

T. Transferable, key or personal skills On completion of the programme, successful students will be able to demonstrate the ability to:

T1. Produce well-argued, written academic pieces, underpinned by relevant ideas.

T2. Assess and make best use of the skills and knowledge of others to identify, negotiate and collaborate on problems, desired outcomes and mutually acceptable solutions.

T3. Employ effective interpersonal skills, including oral, electronic or written presentation of rational and reasoned arguments that address a given problem or opportunity to a range of audiences.

T4. Determine and reflect on academic, professional and personal goals and development.

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Programme structure Full time study Year 1

Semester 1 Semester 2

Introduction to Academic Studies Coding and API Principles

Automated Security Fundamentals Introduction to Network Environments

End Point Management Introduction to Server Management

Year 2 Semester 1 Semester 2

Helpdesk Management Routing and Switching Environments

System Administration and Operation Core Security Implementation

and Management

Network Performance Monitoring Cloud Concepts

Year 3


Scaling Networks for the Enterprise Employability Skills for Computer Graduates

Network Vulnerability Management Cloud Solutions

Final Year Project (40 credits)

Part-time study

Shown below is a typical part-time structure, whereby three modules per academic year would be studied. Typical part-time structure



End Point Management


Automated Security Fundamentals Introduction to Network Environments

6

Introduction to Server Management


Helpdesk Management Cloud Concepts

Network Performance Monitoring


System Administration and Operation Routing and Switching Environments

Core Security Implementation

and Management


Scaling Networks for the Enterprise Cloud Solutions

Network Vulnerability Management



Employability Skills for Computer Graduates

Accelerated part-time structure Shown below is the accelerated part-time structure, whereby four modules per academic year would be studied. Year 1



End Point Management Automated Security Fundamentals

Year 2


Introduction to Network Environments Helpdesk Management

Introduction to Server Management Network Performance Monitoring

Year 3

7


Cloud Concepts Routing and Switching Environments

System Administration and Operation Core Security Implementation

and Management

Year 4


Scaling Networks for the Enterprise Cloud Solutions

Network Vulnerability Management Employability Skills for Computer Graduates

Year 5



Module Code

Module title

Core/ Option (C/O)

Credits

Length

(1, 2 or 3 periods)

Introduction to Academic Studies C 20 1

Automated Security Fundamentals C 20 1

End Point Management C 20 1

Coding and API Principles C 20 1

Introduction to Network Environments C 20 1

Introduction to Server Management C 20 1

Helpdesk Management C 20 1

System Administration and Operation C 20 1

Network Performance Monitoring C 20 1

Routing and Switching Environments C 20 1

Core Security Implementation and Management

C 20 1

Cloud Concepts C 20 1

Scaling Networks for the Enterprise C 20 1

Network Vulnerability Management C 20 1

Employability Skills for Computer Graduates C 20 1

Cloud Solutions C 20 1

Final Year Project C 40 2

Learning and teaching strategies Concepts, theory, principles and practice relating to networking infrastructure and security are delivered through diverse learning and teaching approaches which are stimulating, personalised and inclusive. These are informed by reflection, evaluation and scholarship and will typically include lectures, seminars, guest speakers, workshops, tutorials and external expert observations and feedback.

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Independent learning is developed and supported through problem-based learning and self-study. This is reinforced through the embedding of industry recognised professional certification from Cisco, CompTIA and Amazon Web Services. Transferable and professional skills are developed through assessment, where students will be encouraged to reflect on their own learning and on their future development. Whilst there are significant opportunities to spend time with tutors during timetables classes, there is an expectation that students should devote an appropriate amount of time to personal academic study and research. During the early stages of studies, guidance will be provided around how students can make the best use of their personal study time and how they can best employ suitable research methods. However, as students’ progress through the programme, this guidance will become less structured, with greater onus on the student to develop themselves as independent learners. Lectures will involve the dissemination of theoretical and empirical information by the teaching team and provide the basic framework of core themes, concepts, theories and principles that students can build upon through their own reading, classroom activities and VLE/on-line learning materials. Guest lecturers will be interspersed throughout the programme at each level, and will be delivered by industry experts and regional commercial stakeholders in order to enhance the learning experience. Seminars will encourage students to think critically about the subject matter, to analyse theory and practice in a systematic fashion, and to enhance understanding of conceptual issues through debate with either their tutor or their peers. Workshops are employed to ensure that students have the opportunities to put the theoretical and imperial knowledge gained through lectures and seminars into practice through implementing given networking infrastructure and security systems, tools and services. Additionally, assignment support will also be offered within these sessions to increase student confidence in breaking down industry appropriate tasks and successfully responding to them, thus becoming more competent practitioners within the discipline. The tutorial system is in place to provide academic and pastoral support to all students on the programme. Staff are available on both a walk-in and by-appointment basis through email and the VLE. Lecture notes, learning materials, assignment schedules, assignment submission and directed self-study information are available for all learners to access electronically. This is particularly beneficial for part-time students, whose work commitments may dictate a more blended or flipped approach, or prevent them from attending every taught session.

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Learning activities (KIS entry)

Course Year

HE3

Foundation Year

HE4 HE5 HE6

Scheduled learning and teaching activities

37.5% 30% 30% 22.5%

Guided independent study

62.5% 70% 70% 77.5%

Assessment strategy Assessment methods are designed to be varied, rigorous and appropriate to the module being studied. The types of assessment on this programme may include any one or more of the following: ▪ Written reports ▪ Oral presentations ▪ Examinations ▪ In-class tests ▪ Research/literature review ▪ Portfolio ▪ Practical ▪ Project work

The assessment process is centred on the practical and professional skills required by the industry. Consequently, assessment will focus on the implementation of a practical solution to a specified problem. The process of research, analysis, evaluation and reflection that takes place in reaching this solution is used to assess cognitive, intellectual and academic skills. Assessment is seen as central to the promotion of student learning. With this in mind, a variety of assessment methods are used, the underlying principle being that the method chosen is reliable, valid and appropriate for the given subject topic. Assignment work will be broken down into a series of tasks that provide formative and summative feedback for students throughout the process. Assignment briefs use an appropriate scenario that reflects the professional, cognitive and technical skills required by the industry. Communication skills are developed through a range of delivery methods including presentation, demonstration, report, practical work and discussion. Formative assessment, which does not contribute to the final mark, is given to help you improve your work in future. Various methods of formative assessment are used on this programme, including case studies, seminars, student presentations, student-led discussions, question and answer sessions and on-line discussion forums. Where possible the assessment will be staged and monitored. Monitoring points will be incorporated into the scheme of work.

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Assessment will recognise the need to contextualise academic learning. Assignment tasks will be given a vocational setting relevant to the module aims and, in line with Bradford College’s assessment strategy, will facilitate and support the achievement of high level academic, reflective and vocational skills. The course will provide you with the opportunity to gain work experience through working on ‘live projects’ for local and regional employers and stakeholders. Furthermore, your will have the opportunity to gain work experience alongside your studies in the form of short one or two week secondments, during designated holidays, summer terms or reading weeks. Additionally, more long term opportunities are available, where a few hours per week would be offered to gain course related experience and enable the application of theory into practice. It is recommended that you conduct up to 10 days of related placement, and document your experiences in a blog so that reflection can take place and be recorded. Finally, these placement blogs would then form the basis of research for the Employability Skills for Computer Graduates module assessment.

Assessment methods (KIS entry)

Course Year HE3

Foundation Year

HE4 HE5 HE6

Written exams N/A N/A N/A 10%

Coursework 100% 85% 70% 60%

Practical exams 0% 15% 30% 30%

Assessment regulations Assessment Regulations for Undergraduate Programmes apply to this programme. Regulations can be found at: https://www.bolton.ac.uk/about/governance/policies/student-policies/

https://www.bolton.ac.uk/about/governance/policies/student-policies/

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Grade bands and classifications Undergraduate Honours Degree

Grade/Degree Class Mark

First 70-100%

2i 60-69%

2ii 50-59%

Third 40-49%

Role of external examiners External examiners are appointed for all programmes of study. They oversee the assessment process and their duties include: approving assessment tasks, viewing assessed samples of work with corresponding feedback/feed forward, reviewing assessment marks, attending assessment boards and reporting to the University on the assessment process. They support both staff and students in the teaching and learning process.

Support for student learning The programme is managed by a Programme Leader. You will be supported using a variety of facilities including:

Programme Level Support:

▪ Comprehensive student induction to the College and their programme. ▪ A personal tutor (program leader) who is responsible for support and guidance. ▪ Programme handbooks and module guides provide information about the programme

and university regulations. ▪ All teaching and learning material available to students via the Colleges VLE. ▪ Staff are available through an open-door policy and via email, Moodle and telephone. ▪ Personal Development Planning integrated into all programmes. ▪ Employability skills are developed through practical and skills projects. ▪ Student representatives are elected by students to represent them at programme

committee meetings and raise individual concerns and issues.

General College Support:

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▪ Library and IT services are a very good source of advice and support with excellent study skills support and materials.

▪ Student Union advice services. ▪ One-stop-shop for information and advice. ▪ English language support for students for whom English is not their first language. ▪ Fresher’s and welcome week. ▪ Chaplaincy and pastoral support are available for different traditions, faiths and world

views.

Methods for evaluating and enhancing the quality of learning opportunities Methods for evaluating quality on the programme include: - ▪ Students Experience Surveys (post-induction and end of stage). ▪ National Student Survey (NSS). ▪ Student module evaluations. ▪ Tutor module evaluations. ▪ Annual programme monitoring and evaluation reports - including analysis of key

performance indicators (KPIs) e.g. admissions, retention, achievement, degree classifications and employment destination.

▪ Peer review of learning, teaching and assessment. ▪ Student staff liaison through Programme Committee meetings. ▪ External Examiners reports. ▪ Module/programme exam boards.

Other sources of information ▪ Bradford College University Centre website:

https://www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk/study/university-centre

▪ Student Handbook: https://www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk/study/university-

centre/handbook

▪ College Regulations: https://www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk/study/university-

centre/handbook/regulations

▪ VLE - Moodle - https://moodle.bradfordcollege.ac.uk

▪ Student Portal - https://www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk/student-portal

▪ Registrar Services Learner Portal - https://learnerportal.bradfordcollege.ac.uk

▪ Students Union - https://www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk/student-services/students-union

▪ External Examiner Report - See college website (link to be arranged)

▪ Library Services - https://www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk/student-services/library-services

▪ College Careers - https://www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk/student-services/student-

support/careers-advice

Document control

Author(s) Elvir Kesedzic Matthew Bentley

https://www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk/study/university-centre

https://www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk/study/university-centre/handbook

https://www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk/study/university-centre/handbook

https://www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk/study/university-centre/handbook/regulations

https://www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk/study/university-centre/handbook/regulations

https://moodle.bradfordcollege.ac.uk/

https://www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk/student-portal

https://learnerportal.bradfordcollege.ac.uk/

https://www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk/student-services/students-union

https://www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk/student-services/library-services

https://www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk/student-services/student-support/careers-advice

https://www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk/student-services/student-support/careers-advice

13

Approved by:

Date approved:

Effective from:

Document History:

14

Learning Outcomes Map - BSc (Hons) Networking Infrastructure and Security

(D – Developed; T – Taught; A – Assessed)

Level 4

Module title Module Code Status

C/O K1 K2 K3 K4 C1 C2 C3 C4 P1 P2 P3 P4 T1 T2 T3 T4

Introduction to

Academic Studies C TDA TDA TD TDA TD TDA TD TD TDA TDA TDA

Automated

Security

Fundamentals

C TD TDA TDA TDA TD TD TDA TD TD TD TDA TDA

End Point

Management C TDA DA TDA TDA TDA TDA DA TDA TD TD TD TD TDA

Coding and API

Principles C TDA TDA DA TD TD DA TD TD DA TDA

Introduction to

Network

Environments

C TDA TDA TDA TDA TD DA TDA TDA TD TD TD TD

Introduction to

Server

Management

C TD TDA TD DA DA TDA TDA TDA DA TDA TDA DA TDA TD

K. Knowledge and understanding P. Practical, professional and subject specific skills C. Cognitive, Intellectual and thinking skills T. Transferable, key or person

15

Level 5



Helpdesk

Management C TD TD TDA TD TDA TDA TDA TD TDA TD TDA TDA

System

Administration

and Operation

C TD TDA TDA TDA TD TDA TD TDA TD TD TD TDA TD

Network

Performance

Monitoring

C TDA TD TD TDA TDA TD TD TDA TD TD DA TDA TDA TDA TD

Routing and

Switching

Environments

C TDA TDA TDA TDA TDA TD DA TDA TDA TDA TD TD TD TD

Core Security

Implementation

and Management

C DA TD TDA TDA DA TDA TDA TD TDA TD TDA TD

Cloud Concepts C TD TDA TD TD TD TDA TD TDA TDA TDA TD TD TDA TDA

K. Knowledge and understanding P. Practical, professional and subject specific skills C. Cognitive, Intellectual and thinking skills T. Transferable, key or personal skills

16

Level 6



Scaling Networks

for the Enterprise C DA TDA DA TDA DA DA DA TDA DA TDA DA

Network

Vulnerability

Management

C DA TDA DA DA DA DA TDA TDA DA TDA DA DA

Employability

Skills for

Computer

Graduates

C TDA DA TDA TDA TDA TDA TDA

Cloud Solutions C DA TDA DA DA DA TDA DA DA DA DA TDA DA DA

Final Year Project C DA DA DA DA DA DA DA DA DA DA DA DA DA DA DA DA

K. Knowledge and understanding P. Practical, professional and subject specific skills C. Cognitive, Intellectual and thinking skills T. Transferable, key or personal skills

17

K. Knowledge and understanding P. Practical, professional or subject-specific skills

K1. Underlying theories, principles, professional standards and practices of networking infrastructure and its security.

P1. Operate with increasing autonomy with a minimum of guidance and supervision.

K2. Tools and techniques required to engineer complex networking infrastructure and its associated security systems.

P2. Devise appropriate solutions to complex problems, while staying within the constraints of the design.

K3. Different methodologies used to manage the networking infrastructure and security implementation process.

P3. Plan and manage projects, responding to readily changing situations, timescales, budgets, risks and safety.

K4. The impact of ethical, legal and security issues in the sustainable exploitation of networking infrastructure and security technologies for business advantage.

P4. Deploy tools and technologies for solving complex networking infrastructure and security problems, with particular emphasis on understanding the whole process involved.

C. Cognitive, intellectual or thinking skills T. Transferable, key or personal skills

C1. Critically analyse, compare, evaluate and document solutions to complex problems.

T1. Produce well-argued, written academic pieces, underpinned by relevant ideas.

C2. Critically analyse the existing body of knowledge in implementing and securing networking infrastructure and explain related methods and tools.

T2. Assess and make best use of the skills and knowledge of others to identify, negotiate and collaborate on problems, desired outcomes and mutually acceptable solutions.

C3. Model and design solutions to complex networking and security problems.

T3. Employ effective interpersonal skills, including oral, electronic or written presentation of rational and reasoned arguments that address a given problem or opportunity to a range of audiences.

C4. Critically evaluate the extent to which a networked system or infrastructure meets the criteria defined for its current use, future development and possible trade-offs.

T4. Determine and reflect on academic, professional and personal goals and development.

18

Module Listing and Assessments Map - BSc (Hons) Networking Infrastructure and Security

Level 4

Module title

Module Code

New? ✓ Le

vel

Cre

dit

s

Typ

e

Co

re/O

pti

on

/Ele

ctiv

e C

/O/E

Pre

-re

qu

isit

e M

od

ule

Ass

essm

en

t

1 Ass

essm

en

t

2

Ass

essm

en

t ty

pe

Ass

essm

en

t %

Ad

d Y

if

fin

al it

em

Ass

essm

en

t

typ

e

Ass

essm

en

t %

Ad

d Y

if

fin

al it

em

Introduction to Academic Studies

Y HE4 20 S Core (CW) Portfolio of written evidence - 2,500 words equivalent

75% (P) Presentation - 15 minutes

25% Y

Automated Security Fundamentals

Y HE4 20 S Core (CW) Written and practical Portfolio - 3,000 words equivalent

100% Y

End Point Management


50% (P) Practical piece

50% Y

Coding and API Principles

Y HE4 20 S Core (CW) Written piece - 1,500 words


50% Y

Introduction to Network Environments



25% Y

Introduction to Server Management

Y HE4 20 S Core (CW) Written and practical Portfolio - 3,000 words

100% Y

19

Level 5

Module title

Module Code

New? ✓ Le

vel

Cre

dit

s

Typ

e

Co

re/O

pti

on

/Ele

ctiv

e C

/O/E

Pre

-re

qu

isit

e M

od

ule

Ass

essm

en

t

1 Ass

essm

en

t

2

Ass

essm

en

t ty

pe

Ass

essm

en

t %

Ad

d Y

if f

inal

it

em

Ass

essm

en

t

typ

e

Ass

essm

en

t %

Ad

d Y

if f

inal

ite

m

Helpdesk Management


75% (CW) Written piece - 1,000 words

25% Y

System Administration and Operation



25% Y

Network Performance Monitoring

Y HE5 20 S Core (CW) Written piece - 2,000 words


50% Y

Routing and Switching Environments



25% Y

Core Security Implementation and Management



25% Y

Cloud Concepts Y HE5 20 S Core (CW) Written and practical Portfolio - 3,000 words equivalent

75% (E) Exam - 1.5 Hours

25% Y

20

Level 6

Module title

Module Code

New? ✓ Le

vel

Cre

dit

s

Typ

e

Co

re/O

pti

on

/Ele

ctiv

e C

/O/E

Pre

-re

qu

isit

e M

od

ule

Ass

essm

en

t

1 Ass

essm

en

t

2

Ass

essm

en

t ty

pe

Ass

essm

en

t %

Ad

d Y

if f

inal

it

em

Ass

essm

en

t

typ

e

Ass

essm

en

t %

Ad

d Y

if f

inal

it

em

Scaling Networks for the Enterprise


75% (P) Practical piece 25% Y

Network Vulnerability Management


50% (P) Practical piece 50% Y

Employability Skills for Computer Graduates

Y HE6 20 S Core (CW) Portfolio - 3,000 words equivalent

75% (P) Presentation - 15 minutes

25% Y

Cloud Solutions Y HE6 20 S Core (CW) Written and practical Portfolio - 3,000 words equivalent

75% (E) Exam - 2 Hours

25% Y

Final Year Project Y HE6 40 S Core (CW) Written piece - 4,000 words

50% (P) Practical build with supporting written work and presentation

30%

(CW) Written evaluation - 1,600 words

20% Y

programme specification programme title: bsc (hons ... · investigation of networking and...

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