Computer Networking, Automation and Management (Top-Up)

UCAS code: N3C8

Here's what UCEN Manchester says about its Computer Networking, Automation and Management (Top-Up) course.

This course examines the management of systems in data centres, virtualisation and the provision of cloud and hybrid services.

The course is designed for students wanting to specialise in areas such as the management and the security of networked systems used in data centre that support local and cloud-based services.

Large-scale data is stored in data centres with networked services provided using virtualisation technologies, while 'big data' requires several different approaches for storage and analysis.

Cybersecurity operations play a key part of securing information systems through the monitoring, detecting, investigating, analysing, and responding to security events, thus protecting systems from cybersecurity risks, threats, and vulnerabilities. Such roles are among the fastest-growing roles in IT, as organisations set up security operations centres (SOCs), and establish teams to monitor and respond to security incidents.

Applicants for this programme will be interested in computer networking, networked management and cybersecurity. Students will study a balance of modules around the themes of data storage technologies and an awareness of cybersecurity issues.

Examples of current modules-

Negotiate Research (60 credits) This unit will enable students to further develop general and discipline specific knowledge and skills through extended research activity. After consultation and agreement with the tutors, the students will be required to undertake a Literature Review in the area of their choosing within the context of the programme studied; formulate a research proposal with research question/s and carry out the research as proposed.

Securing Information Systems (30 credits) The aim of this unit is to provide learners with the knowledge, understanding and practical experience of managing secure communication across a large-scale internetwork using industry standard equipment. Students will develop the ability to undertake individual research to contextualise their specialist subject in the broader security management environment. Cybersecurity Operations is a hands-on, career-oriented course with an emphasis on practical experience to help students develop specialised skills to successfully handle the tasks, duties, and responsibilities of an associate-level Security Analyst working in a Security Operations Centre (SOC).

Advanced Networking (30 credits) This unit will critically examine service operations management and infrastructure design. Service operations management is about improving organisations to make them better for customers and service providers. Examining different scenarios will develop students’ understanding of the concepts, tools and techniques.

Students will also gain the skills and knowledge needed to plan, design, and deploy a physical and logical Microsoft Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) infrastructure. The unit provides the skills to perform name resolution, application integration, and optimisation of automate remediation and maintenance of network services.

A range of assessment methods are used and could be in the form of the following:

• Proposal presentation • Literature review • Dissertation • Poster presentation • Written report • Case study assessment • Hands on skills assessment.

50% seminar/lecture 50% self-directed learning