Postgraduate Programme - 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time

MSc Computer Networking and Cyber Security

🎓 The approved course is subject to London Metropolitan University’s Academic Regulations and Credit Framework or procedures for research awards. London Metropolitan University remains responsible for the academic standards and quality of all the awards given in its name. 

Why study this course?

Keeping computer systems secure is one of the most challenging tasks of our time. To help you rise to the challenge, this MSc provides knowledge in the very latest security principles, tools and techniques taught by specialist staff in a dedicated IT security laboratory. You’ll also gain an understanding of the principles underpinning effective approaches to cyber defence in response to a cyber attack.

More about this course

This master’s course offers you a unique opportunity to combine knowledge of networking technologies with cyber security and gain Cisco accreditation. Such a combination is attractive to employers who increasingly seek graduates in this field.

The growing international consensus is that increased cyber security skills are needed in order to respond to the number and sophistication of digital threats. Governments, corporations and large and small organisations recognise this as a priority, and so are on the lookout for graduates of a high calibre to work in this field.

Our Communications Technology group was one of the first university groups in the UK to be awarded the Cisco Networking Academy accreditation in 1998. Since then, we have been running short and evening courses in Cisco CCNA and CCNP certification. These are two of the most prestigious vocational certifications valued in computer networking and its related industries.

Several of the modules in both the CCNA and CCNP are currently embedded in the Computer Networking and Cyber Security MSc course, allowing you to learn the relevant Cisco certification.

The ten practical sessions will be housed in specialist laboratories with up-to-date networking technology equipment, including our IT Security Laboratory. Guest speakers from the industry will complement London Met’s teaching staff and qualified Cisco instructors.

Assessment

A range of assessment methods are employed throughout the course, including case study reports and presentations, use of laboratory workbooks/logbooks, unseen examinations, part-seen examinations and individual vivas.

You can view the assessment for each module in the Modular structure section below. Individual module guides describing the assessments will also be available to you at the start of the semester.

Every module has dedicated web page providing students with comprehensive learning and teaching material including workshop exercises. Module leaders will use this site regularly to communicate with you to provide general feedback, guidelines on how to write technical reports, effective presentations and how to keep logbooks.

Entry Requirements

Bachelor Degree and other equivalent qualifications (for Bulgarian citizens and for international students) in Networking or Cybersecurity but also electronic engineering, computer science, computer, software engineering, or related subject closely related degree and suitable industrial experience in the field. Applicants who hold non-standard qualifications and/or have relevant professional experience may be considered on an individual basis and may be required to attend for interview.

Industrial certifications in networking would be highly desirable.

You should also submit a full CV comprising:

  • Work experience – List your most recent position first, continuing in reverse chronological order including the name, location, website and dates of your employment for each company you have worked for. Aim to use bullet points wherever possible to highlight your responsibilities and achievements in each role.
  • Education – In reverse chronological order, give brief details of your academic and professional qualifications along with the grades you achieved.
  • Skills – Eg include every IT package or programme you’ve got experience of using, as well as any foreign language skills. Skills such as communication and project management are harder to substantiate and should be backed up with examples.

Language Requirements

To study a degree at London Met, you must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language.

Postgraduate applicants who have completed a UK bachelor’s degree equivalent qualification in a majority English speaking country will not be asked to provide an English language qualification, however confirmation may be requested that any teaching was undertaken in English

Employability

There is an abundance of sectors and industries that require the skills and knowledge you’ll develop on this course. Your skills in networking, network security and cyber security, IT security and computer forensics will be highly valuable. You could become a network engineer, network manager, cyber security consultant, crime and computer forensic and network security professional.

Department Contact Info

Computer Networking

Akademik Metodi Popov 24
1113 Sofia,
Bulgaria

+359 899 111 111
info@sofiametropolitancollege.com

Mon – Fri 9:00A.M. – 5:00P.M.

Social Info

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List of Modules

Network Routing Protocols (core, 20 UK credits)

This module tackles all issues important in the design, implementation, and configuration and troubleshooting of routing protocols in computer networks. Students learn basic concepts of routing algorithms and associated protocols. They then develop advanced skills in the deployment of individual protocols as well as advanced topics, such as route redistribution, route filtering, and migration to the latest Internet Protocol, IPv6. It includes aspects such as the Hierarchical Network Model, IP v4 and 6,

Advanced routing protocols including Interior Gateway Protocols such as EIGRP capabilities and attributes and single and multi-area OSPF as well as the Exterior Gateway Protocol, BGP.It also introduces route filtering and path control to provide optimal and secure path selection in a complex computer network.  Upon successfully completion of this module student should be able to sit for CCNP Route industry certification subject to satisfying relevant pre-requisite (CCNA).

Cyber Crime and Cyber Security (core, 20 UK credits)

This module provides a broad introduction to cybercrime and cyber security evolution. The module examines the relationship between advances in Internet-based and digital technologies, and their criminal exploitation within cyberspace. It examines a wide range of cyber threats, attacks and risks, and the strategies employed to mitigate these, including the laws that are in place to protect and prevent online crimes/cybercrimes.

The module provides essential coverage of the principles and concepts underpinning cybercrime and cyber security, maintaining focus on the identification, examinations and assessment of the key threats, attacks and risks, and in areas related to legal, ethical, social and professional issues.

Switched Networks (core, 20 UK credits)

This module develops in depth analytical and practical knowledge and skills for configuring and managing Internetworking devices in Local Area Networks using both basic and advanced Switching protocols.

Student are able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of concepts, principles and technologies that underpin computer networking practice, design and application; as well as knowledge of the principal features of the computer Networking industry, its role, structure and organisation; The student would be able to draw independent conclusions based on a rigorous, analytical and critical assessment of argument, opinion and data.

The module introduces the student to current best practice in the design, deployment and maintenance of complex local area networks. It focuses on the delivery of high availability networks within the scalable campus network with a close attention to switch security and prepares students with a broad scope of architectural understanding and implementation skills required by enterprise networks.

Upon successfully completion of this module student should be able to sit for CCNP Switch industry certification subject to satisfying relevant pre-requisite (CCNA) and necessary preparations.

Cyber Security Management (core, 20 UK credits)

This module focuses on various aspects of Cybersecurity Management and deals mainly with the protection of information assets over the cyber space by concerted measures.

This module aims to provide students with an appreciation of the benefits Cybersecurity Management provides within a business environment and over cyber space. This includes the choice and application of appropriate risk assessment and risk control techniques, the understanding of security standards & procedures, coupled with the application of cybersecurity technology & security measures in a business setting.

Network Troubleshooting (core, 20 UK credits)

The module is highly practical and is designed to prepare students for real world networks. Troubleshooting Cisco IP Networks teaches students the knowledge and skills that will enable the troubleshooting of complex enterprise routed and switched networks.

Students use their skill to troubleshoot the communication on large-scale data networks using Cisco equipment and extend their research skills. Students will cover various network diagnostic commands, switch and VLAN troubleshooting, EIGRP, OSPF and BGP troubleshooting, IPv4 and IPv6 addressing and routing issues, troubleshooting of wireless networks and various network security protocol related issues. A good trouble-shooter can save time and mitigate costs incurred by downtime.

Digital Forensics (core, 20 UK credits)

This module addresses the growing demand from police forces, security agencies and commercial organisations for skilled professionals in this developing area. It covers such topics: digital crime activities and their prosecution, digital forensic & digital evidence, digital forensic process tools, and the legal and regulatory issues.

The aim of this module is to provide students with the knowledge of preservation and extraction of relevant digital evidence from main stream digital equipment, including computers, computer networks (including the cyber space/Internet), and other digital devices in appropriate procedures, tools and techniques. The students will be able to expand their knowledge of how computers operate and communicate as well as issues related to networking and web technologies in order to develop the skills required to be able to use computers as a crime investigative tool.

Hardening Network Infrastructure (core, 20 UK credits)

This module is delivered in two main parts, the first part is based on the CCNA Security, one of the Cisco Networking Academy Programme courses. The second part is Security Controls which are tools that you implement to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of important assets and data. This part of the module covers areas of regulation, compliance and best practices in ensuring that critical data and resources are protected and available for authorised use particularly by implementing NewGen Firewall technology.

The Cisco CCNA Security curriculum provides a next step for individuals who want to enhance their CCNA-level skill set and help meet the growing demand for network security professionals. The curriculum provides an introduction to the core security concepts and skills needed for the installation, troubleshooting, and monitoring of network devices to maintain the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data and devices. CCNA Security helps prepare students for entry-level security career opportunities and the globally recognized Cisco CCNA Security certification.

This course is a hands-on, career-oriented e-learning solution with an emphasis on practical experience to help students develop specialized security skills, along with critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills. CCNA Security is a blended curriculum with both online and classroom learning. Students who enrol in CCNA Security are expected to have CCNA-level networking concepts knowledge and skills, along with basic PC and Internet navigation skills.
In Security Controls part, students are introduced to auditing and evaluation tools used to assess and validate security posture of a network and are given exposure to network threats and vulnerabilities.
Students will assess the baseline security and configuration features required to secure network devices.

Security Auditing and Penetration Testing (core, 20 UK credits)

This module is designed to introduce principles underlying computer and network security auditing,  securing, and penetration testing. It also introduces tools used to assess and validate security posture of a network and its applications. There is an extensive exposure to network threats and vulnerabilities. Students will assess the various security and configuration features required to secure networks.

This module also focuses on guiding students for further specialisation in vendor-neutral security certification programs such as GIAC, ISC, EC-Council, ISACA and networking with industry experts and engage in professional bodies such as BCS-ISSG.

The aim of the module is:

  • To provide students with knowledge of the fundamental principles and techniques employed in auditing, securing networks and penetration testing.
  • To create awareness of the need for security in computer and communications systems.
  • To appraise a security policy and network security posture.
  • To enable students to assess security risks and be able to apply appropriate mechanisms to counter the risks

MSc Project (core, 60 UK credits)

The module provides students with the experience of planning and bringing to fruition a major piece of individual work. Also, the module aims to encourage and reward individual inventiveness and application of effort through working on research or company/local government projects. The project is an exercise that may take a variety of forms depending on the nature of the project and the subject area. Particular students will be encouraged to carry out their projects for local companies or government departments.

The module aims to encourage and reward individual inventiveness and application of effort. It also aims to allow students:

  • To have an opportunity to assimilate the knowledge they gained in their course and extend this knowledge to new area of application.
  • To apply newly acquired knowledge and techniques to a specific problem using established research techniques and methods.
  • To determine the framework of the project according to a set of specifications relevant to the subject of study.
  • To manage an extended piece of work by confining the problem within the constraints of time and available resources.
  • To research effectively the background material on the topic using a variety of sources and to develop ability to conduct critical analysis and draw conclusions.
  • To develop the ability to produce detailed specifications and design frameworks relevant  to the problem of investigation in the subject related to the industry.
  • To demonstrate the originality in the application of new knowledge and skills.
  • To effectively communicate the work to others by means of verbal and appropriate documentation techniques.
  • To raise awareness in potential business development opportunities in an area pertinent to  the topic.

Thank you for your interest in studying at Sofia Metropolitan College. You can Apply or Download the College Brochure by clicking on the link below.

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