A joint award of the University of East Anglia and the University of Essex
The information contained within this programme specification is correct as at March 2010
UCAS Course Code / UCS Course Code:
For guidance see the UCAS web site at www.ucas.com or contact Admissions on
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Level of Award
Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) Level 5
Course Summary
This is a work-based course in which theory and practice associated with network and communications technologies are explored. The course will provide both theoretical knowledge and practical skills of the subject area, and also develop the students’ understanding of the context in which technologies are employed. The main focus of the syllabus is the physical and software set up of local and wider network architectures. Other areas covered include the securing of networks, implementing Voice over IP, and mobile network technology. The understanding of the wider environment in which technology is employed is an important aspect of the course, as is the encouraging of students to take responsibility for their own personal and professional development. Students are required to be employed within roles where they are responsible for networking or communication management or maintenance. Their workplace experience and practice will form an integral part in the learning process, providing a context for reflection and practice.
Entry Requirements
Entry onto this course is limited to those who have employment in a post that involves responsibility for the maintenance or configuration of communication or network technologies, and can demonstrate the support of their employers for their study. Some students meeting certain criteria without the pre-requisite qualifications may be accepted depending on their experience and key skill abilities. Applications are welcomed from international applicants, who must have competence in English Language. Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification is normally required. At University Campus Suffolk no applicant judged academically suitable for a course will be refused admission on the grounds of disability without compelling reasons. Applicants who have a disability and would like to know more about available support should contact Student Support in the first instance.
Course Aims
Provide students with a sound knowledge and understanding of network and communication technologies. Enable students to be proficient in the design and maintenance of communication networks. Encourage students to understand their own technological responsibilities in the context of the client organisation and its commercial and business operation. Develop students ability to take responsibility for their own learning and professional development. Provide opportunities for local employers to up skill their network and communication workforce locally. Give an opportunity for students’ employers to take advantage of their students improved knowledge and practice. Contribute to raising the educational aspirations and achievements of those employed in the area of network and communication technology in the Suffolk region. Improve the availability of key technological skills within the Suffolk marketplace.
Learning Outcomes
These course aims are broken down into sets of related skills, which are known as learning outcomes.
A. Knowledge and Understanding
By the end of the course a successful student will have demonstrated their ability to:
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Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, principles and theories relating to computer networks and communication.
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Demonstrate knowledge and skills in networking technologies, with the ability to specify technical solutions in terms of component systems and protocols.
B. Mental or Cognitive Skills
By the end of the course a successful student will have demonstrated their ability to:
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Use your knowledge and understanding in the modelling and design of computer networks for the purposes of comprehension, communication, prediction and the understanding of tradeoffs.
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Recognise and analyse criteria and specifications appropriate to specific problems and plan strategies for their solution.
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Analyse the extent to which a communication system meets the criteria defined for its current use and future development.
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Present rational and reasonable arguments that address a communication networking problem or opportunity.
C. Subject Specific and Practical Skills
By the end of the course a successful student will have demonstrated their ability to:
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Deploy appropriate theory, practices and tools for the specification, design, implementation and evaluation of communication systems.
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Recognise professional issues in the exploitation of communication and networking technology.
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Select and use effectively appropriate tools for provision and maintenance of secure networked systems.
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Research, design, implement and document the provision of a networking solution for a specific audience.
D. Key Skills
Key Skills, also known as graduate key skills, transferable skills or general skills, comprise communication, information technology, problem solving, numeracy, working with others and improving own learning.
By the end of the course a successful student will have demonstrated their ability to:
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Demonstrate an understanding of commercial situations and operations through personal reflection of their experience with such environments.
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Evidence the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of personal responsibility and decision making.
Module Framework
Level 4
Platforms 20 Credits
Networking Overview 20 Credits
Personal Development 20 Credits
Delivering Networking Capability 40 Credits
Level 5
Foundations of Management 20 Credits
Advanced Switching and Routing 20 Credits
Professional Practice 20 Credits
Voice over Internet Protocol 20 Credits (Optional)
Mobile Technologies 20 Credits (Optional)
Managing Network Projects 20 Credits
Network Security 20 Credits
Individual Development Project 20 Credits
Teaching, Learning and Assessment
The student’s learning will be led and supported through:
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Lectures and seminars exploring subject knowledge and theory, and their application.
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Laboratory sessions in which skills will be demonstrated and then practiced by the students.
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Tutorials (small group and one-to-one).
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Formative exercises that encourage the students to explore issues within class, during their study time, and at their work place.
Assessment will take a number of forms:
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Written reports in which the application of theory within practical scenarios will be explored.
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Practical skill demonstrations in time constrained assessments.
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Group project development work documented through group deliverables and individual reflective and evaluative submissions.
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Presentations.
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Personal development diaries and planning/tracking deliverables.
Benchmarks / Professional Standards / Competency Frameworks
The design of this course has been guided by the QAA Computing Benchmarks (2007) (170 03/07)
Timetable
Attendance is on a day release basis from February to May, and from October to December for two and a half years. Each student will study 40 credits in each of these periods, and can expect to have to attend for around eight hours each day (9.00am. to 5.30pm.). Outside formal study times, students will be expected to spend at least an equivalent amount of time per week in independent study. In addition, students will also be required to take on some work based study during the two summer periods of their study: this will include around three further half days of attendance during each summer period. Students will be provided with timetables when they join the course.
Course Delivery
The course is delivered at the Ipswich site of UCS, utilising facilities in both the Waterfront Building and Campus North.
Placements / Work Based Learning / Work Experience
This course is designed to be taken only by those who are employed in roles in which their duties involve the employment of network or communication technologies. There is significant work-based learning involved in the course delivery and assessment.
Tutorial and Study Support
Tutorial support is provided for each taught module via a variety of means. There will be sessions within the timetable where course tutorials will be available for individual or group support. On-line support will be provided via the university’s virtual learning environment through discussion boards, shared content, and email facilities. All students will also be allocated a personal tutor with whom they will be able to discuss their study needs and gain advice and guidance on their progress on the course and personal situations as applicable.
The University Study Support staff will also be able to provide further support on study and key skills development.
Opportunities on Completion of the Course
Students completing this course will be able to progress onto an honours degree, either on a named route or through a more generic individual studies based route. It is also hoped that the qualification will provide students with wider employment opportunities either within their current employer’s organisation or further afield.
Alternative format
Should you require this programme specification in an alternative format, please contact us on 01473 338000.
UCS reserves the right to amend the information in this programme specification as and when required.