Foundation Degree in Computing
Technologies - Networks and
Cybersecurity

You will require 48 UCAS points, including Grade 4/C in GCSE English Language and 4/C in GCSE Maths.

The entry requirements listed on this course page provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study this course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis. If you lack the traditional entry requirements, but have relevant experience, alternative qualifications or mitigating circumstances, then please contact our admissions team to discuss your suitability.

Throughout the course, you will be taught through a combination of lectures, small group tutorials, lab work, course work and In-class assignments. You are encouraged to undertake independent study to consolidate your learning and to broaden your knowledge and understanding of the subject.

You will primarily study at our Watford Campus, with one day per week spent at the University of Hertfordshire, where you’ll join larger groups of students. This blended approach is aimed to enhance your learning and prepare you for your future studies.

To complement your studies, you will take part in a work-based learning project formatted to bring your ideas to life, as well as provide you with work experience and practical knowledge of the world of business.

On this programme, you will study the following modules:

Level 4 modules (Year 1)

• Developing the Computing Professional - enhance academic study skills; independent learning; professional development planning for future career goals and to meet the demands of employers and businesses. Develops commercial awareness of how employers operate and needs within the business environment.
• Programming Concepts - develop basic principles of programming and programming constructs to solve simple problems and Students follow basic specifications and test programs against them.
• Topics in Computer Systems - explore hardware technical functionality and software components used in computer systems; how data in its many forms is stored and represented on a computer.
• Networking Fundamentals - explore architectural concepts of networks and their topologies, the uses of networks in organisations, and the importance of network management and network security.
• Project Management – get into the role of project planning and lifecycle in determining and deploying strategies to plan and manage a project.
• Applied Networking - apply and design LAN concepts, making use of topologies and advance IP addressing scheme; overview of computer networks in organisations, and understand the importance of network management and network security.
• Applied Programming - build more complex programs using more sophisticated programming concepts; design of programs and how to create robust, reusable code that solves more challenging problems in teams to break down and solve bigger problems.
• Designing for User Experience - relate principles, tools, techniques, and solutions used in interactive and responsive systems design and documentation; acquire transferable industry skills.

Level 5 modules (Year 2)

• Routing and Switching Concepts - introduce routing concepts, how routers detect remote networks, determine the best paths to those networks and how they filter network traffic. Develop an understanding of how switches are interconnected, configured and secured to provide network access to LAN users.
• Data Analysis and Database Design - investigate the data requirements of a business problem, using data modelling techniques. A complete database design and implementation of a database solution, using database management systems along with perform basic database administration tasks and some complex query solutions using SQL for analysis on relational databases
• Computing in Organisations - vital link between computing technologies and their practical use in businesses
• Network Protocols and Cybersecurity - develop knowledge and understanding of defensive security operations, routing and networking configurations in local area networks and homogeneous information environments.
• WAN Protocols and Cybersecurity - design, setup and secure large, interconnected enterprise networks and heterogeneous information environments. Troubleshoot network implementation issues. Introduce WAN security concepts, security best practices and apply methods for threat mitigation.
• Web Technologies - Fundamentals of web technology and IoT, covering data formats, web and IoT architecture components, and web security for API data. Importance of using scripting languages for creating programmable web applications and utilising simulated environment for creating smart network using IoT.
• Work-based Learning Project – Software Development - The Work Based Learning Project provides opportunity to apply knowledge and skills learnt on the course, with a live organisation, to propose an IT/Computing solution. Develop research, problem-solving, and professional skills. Build employer links and valuable commercial awareness

A Foundation Degree is a standalone qualification that builds upon your knowledge and skills that will enable you to enter straight into your career job in the computing & IT systems industry.

Roles include roles such as
• Software security architect
• Software developer
• System administrator
• Penetration tester
• Digital forensic investigator
• Security operations analyst
• IT consultant
• Computing researcher

Alternatively, upon the successful completion of this foundation degree students may be eligible to progress on to a BA (Hons) top-up year at the University of Hertfordshire. By completing this year, you will achieve a full undergraduate BSC (Hons) degree.

Students who enter level 5 will have the opportunity to progress to the below courses:
• BSc (Hons) Computing Science
• BSc (Hons) Information Technology
• BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence)
• BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Networks)
• BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Software Engineering)

Students who enter level 6 will have the opportunity to progress to the below courses:
• BSc (Hons) Computing Science
• BSc (Hons) Information Technology
• BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Networks)