Course summary

TEF Silver

UCEN Manchester (The Manchester College) has opted into the TEF and received a Silver award.

Students develop an in-depth, theoretical understanding of network security principles and penetration techniques. The course emphasises the practical application of skills needed to design, implement, and support network security.

This course provides students with knowledge and hands-on experience of penetration testing using current testing tools and techniques. It will enable the students to conduct penetration testing on a secure network using Adaptive Security Appliances, including planning, testing and report writing. It will give the students an understanding of common vulnerabilities, allow them to explain their implications and give recommendations for mitigation techniques. Providing students with a comprehensive, theoretical and practical approach to the principles of Penetration testing, this will contextualise an in-depth understanding of Penetration testing methodology.

In addition will further allow learner to evaluate network security through inherent vulnerabilities within systems.
Hands-on labs help students develop critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills. Hands on activities promote the exploration of network security concepts. Thus, allowing student to experiment with network behaviour and ask "what if" questions.

The aim of this course is to provide learners with the knowledge, understanding and practical experience of managing secure communication across a large-scale network using industry standard equipment and best practice. Students will develop the ability to undertake individual research to contextualise their specialist subject in the broader security management environment as a final project.

The use of Cisco CCNA Cyberops will be utilised to allow learners to achieve a CCNA Cyberops at a later stage, in their studies or career.

Course details

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.

Penetration testing (30 Credits)
This unit provides students with knowledge and hands-on experience of penetration testing using current testing tools and techniques. It will enable the students to conduct penetration testing on a secure network using Adaptive Security Appliances, including planning, testing and report writing. It will give the students an understanding of common vulnerabilities, allow them to explain their implications and give recommendation for mitigation techniques. Providing students with a comprehensive, theoretical and practical approach to the principles of Penetration testing, this will contextualise an in-depth understanding of Penetration testing methodology. In addition will further allow learner to evaluate network security through inherent vulnerabilities within systems.

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 internet work 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).

Assessment method

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
• Hands on skills assessment

How to apply

This course is not accepting applications from Tier 4 international students. For more information, please contact the course provider.

Application deadlines

If your application is completed by the following date, it’s guaranteed to be considered:

15 January

*If you apply after this deadline, universities or colleges don’t have to consider your application if they’ve filled their spaces, so the sooner you apply, the better!

Application codes

You will need these codes when you add a choice to your application.

Course code	N2S5
Institution code	M10
Campus name	Openshaw Campus
Campus code	7

This course may be available at alternative locations, please check if other course options are available

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

Year 1

International applicants

UCEN Manchester is unable to consider international applications due to UKVI regulations.

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

Qualification	Offer	Further information
UCAS Tariff	Not accepted

Foundation Degree in a network security related area.

We strongly recommend that all applicants have GCSE English Language and Mathematics grades A*-C or level 9-4.

Additional entry requirements

Interview

Applicants who do not meet the standard entry criteria but have previous learning towards a degree-level qualification or relevant industry or life experience will be considered on an individual basis and may be invited to interview.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Additional fee information

All the books required for the course are available from the library. However, you may choose to buy some of the core textbooks for the course and/or a laptop which is highly recommended. Estimated costs for a laptop are £300. A portable hard drive is also highly recommended with a minimum of 1TB storage. Estimated costs of a hard drive is £40. Materials are provided online and assignments are submitted electronically. However, you might also wish to print other documents. Campus printing costs start from 5p per page.

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