FACILITIES

Our high-tech computer networking labs are a well-known Cisco academy, and training courses ranging from introductory level to industry-recognized commercial certificates, such as CCNA and CCNP are held here. The facility is a training partner with EC-Council to provide Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) qualification and certification and, in collaboration with Westermo, also provides training on the Westermo networking equipment designed specifically for extreme weather conditions.

Lab machines can be configured flexibly to implement and test computer networks for a medium-sized company. The lab machines are equipped with a multitude of academic and commercial software to design, simulate, test, monitor, and manage computer networks, as well as to learn ethical hacking, virtualisation, and software-defined networks. A number of postgraduate, undergraduate, and professional courses in the computer networking field benefit from regularly using the labs.

ABOUT THE FACILITY

• The course makes use of Solent’s excellent, EC Council certified security and specialist networking labs, which feature a wide variety of real-world equipment from Cisco (including Cisco Packet Tracer), Fluke, and HP, as well as high-fidelity simulation systems including the market-leading Opnet. You’ll also have access to our devices lab, a special test area integrated within one of our existing software development spaces.

• It consists of a range of real mobile devices, allowing students to test their websites and apps on real equipment.

• Student-focussed teaching using modern pedagogical teaching methods and technology-assisted teaching. The Industry-informed contemporary course content would make you ready for the industry.

Modules Units And CATS Points:

Year one

Core modules

• Problem-Solving through Programming
  This module will introduce software implementation through the process of understanding how to solve problems using programming.

• Introduction to Networks and Security
  In this module, you’ll explore networks by using a network simulator to learn what devices and connections are used. These will then be applied to various principles of networking, protocols, and associated technologies.

• Network Applications
  This module investigates the function and management of operating systems and the services that run on networks to facilitate this communication between systems.

• Introduction to Databases
  In this module, you are introduced to the skills and concepts required to develop and use relational databases. You will learn how to write programs interacting with databases and how to create them.

• Routing and Switching
  To prepare for the network transition towards controller-based activities, this module will prepare you with the knowledge of foundational technologies, ensuring you stay relevant with skill sets.

• Cyber Security Essentials
  In this module, you will be introduced to the importance of cyber security. Studying concepts including; basic security theory and security assistance, the basic techniques for application of security concepts; and the role of ethical hackers.
  

Year two

Core modules

• Network Systems Automation
  Throughout this module, you will explore topics including network system principles, services, and configuration, and investigate the applications and management of network systems.

• Ethical Hacking and Pen Testing
  This module offers an opportunity to develop the blend of understanding and skills required, including specialist technical ethical hacking skills (emphasis is placed on the ethical use of the skills acquired).

• Network Implementation
  This module aims to equip you with the necessary knowledge and practical skills to design, implement and test computer networks to meet a company’s requirements.

• Research Methods Project
  This module will align you with the forefront of scientific knowledge, and, in doing so, you will hone your research skills.

• Threat Intelligence Analysis
  This module discusses the notion of cyber threat intelligence and its main challenges and opportunities and presents solutions and tools to provide threat intelligence.

• Network Security
  This module investigates the theoretical concepts of network security and the application of these to the design of secure networks.

Year three

Core modules

• Dissertation Project
  Your dissertation may be practical or investigative in nature, but all projects must produce specific artefacts that demonstrate your intellectual and practical skills in the subject area.

• Industrial Consulting Project
  The module will deliver ‘Real-world’ learning which involves interaction with employers and external organisations to allow you to prepare, rehearse and reflect on your experiences

• CyberOps
  In this module, you will complete a Cisco academy training course on cybersecurity operations to discover, identify and analyse threats, perform attack techniques, discover vulnerabilities, and apply mitigations.

Options

Choose any two from the below:

• Cybercrime and Digital Forensics
  This module considers electronic offending perpetrated against individuals, businesses, organisations, and governments; the impacts of such crime; measures taken to manage it; and its detection, investigation, and prosecution.

• Internet of Things
  By the end of the module, you will have explored how to evaluate, critically analyse, and synthesise information, data and ideas and acquired practical skills in the field of the Internet of Things (IoT).

• Cloud Computing and Virtualisation
  You will learn how to investigate, critique, evaluate a range of cloud computing enabling technologies and your applications from various use cases and case studies.

• Network Management
  This module investigates the issues relating to the design and management of computer networks.

Please note: Not all optional modules are guaranteed to run each year.

English Language Requirements

Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:

• IELTS 6.0 with no component score below 5.5

• TOEFL IBT minimum 80 with a minimum of 20 in each individual component

• Duolingo English Language Test - 100 overall with a minimum of 90 in each component

• or equivalent.

Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.