Network Engineering (Cyber Security) - Foundation Degree

Entry Requirements

A minimum of 64 UCAS points (excluding Functional Skills) in an appropriate discipline 

• MPP from Extended Diploma or MM from Diploma in any level 3 Computing/IT course
• We will strongly encourage and support those who do not hold GCSE Maths/English at grade C/4, or equivalent qualification, to pursue a Maths/English qualification alongside the main programme.

The entry criteria for direct entry onto Level 5 of the programme is:

• Successful completion of the HNC Computing at Blackpool & The Fylde College

Applicants for whom English is not their first language are expected to achieve a minimum 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component

Applicants who are able to demonstrate relevant work/life skills or knowledge will also be considered on an individual basis.

Course Detail

Building on the College's success in delivering networking programmes generally, the FdSc Network Engineering (Cyber Security) provides a specialist route in one of the most in-demand disciplines within contemporary computing.

With the FdSc Network Engineering (Cyber Security) programme you will develop technical and professional skills with which you will meet the current expectations of industry. The skills you will develop include the ability to:

• Apply networking and hardware skills that will enable the connection, control and configuration of various devices, using both traditional and wireless connectivity

• Protect individual systems and corporate infrastructures from unauthorised and illegal hacking and industrial espionage

• Utilise a range of professional and open source penetration testing tools to evaluate systems security

• Develop specialist Cyber Security skills to prepare Information Security Professionals for a range of in-demand industry roles

• Work independently and as part of a team, the ability to take instruction and work to deadlines, communication and adaptability

• Be creative, use initiative and develop problem solving skills

• Undertake a work placement and apply the full range of technical and professional skills acquired during the foundation degree in a real world context. 

Qualification Obtained

Industry Placement and Field Trips

During the latter part of this course, you will need to complete 96 hours of related work experience.

This will involve finding a suitable work placement, which we will encourage you to do yourself. If, for some reason, you’re unable to find a placement, our workplace coordinator will arrange interviews with employers; we may even find you an internal placement with our own IT Services Department.

Your work-based activity also includes timetabled sessions, which will involve creating CVs, learning about professional guidelines and legislation, and exploring how to apply your new-found skills to the workplace.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Scheduled Learning

Scheduled time relates to the time you spend in directed study with the guidance and support of our academic tutors. Scheduled learning can take a variety of forms and will vary from one course to the next, but may include lectures, seminars, tutorials, project supervision, demonstrations, studio or workshop time, fieldwork and external visits.

Independent Study

Higher education courses rely on students undertaking work outside of formal, scheduled sessions and this is generally categorised as independent study. Independent study might include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks and revision.

Placement

Many of the degree programmes at B&FC incorporate opportunities for work placements to provide you with the opportunity to link your studies to relevant professional practice in a real work environment. Our programme teams are able to offer support in securing an appropriate work placement where it forms part of your programme, and will work closely with you during the placement to ensure that the opportunity allows you to develop personally, professionally and academically.

Expert Tutors

All staff involved in the delivery of higher education courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver. The approval process ensures that staff delivering a given programme are appropriately qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice.

Other Costs and Equipment Needed

There are no direct additional costs for this programme other than the provision of stationery, photocopying and so forth. However, students may wish to purchase a laptop to allow them to do coursework more flexibly. It is possible to borrow a laptop or to get help with financing one if you are eligible for financial support.

Tuition Fees

Please visit our finance page for more information on tuition fees and available financial support.

Regulation and Accreditation

Accrediting Institute: N/A

Awarding Body: The University of Lancaster

Regulatory Body: Office for Students (OfS)

Terms and Conditions

Read our full terms and conditions for more information.

Career Options and Progression

The combination of network security with network engineering produces extremely well qualified graduates with broad, commercially desirable skill sets and qualifications. Successful graduates could access the following exciting career opportunities:

• Network Engineer 
• Security Infrastructure
• Network Security Technician 
• Cloud Networking Architect 
• Virtualisation Engineer 
• Penetration Tester
• Security Consultant
• Information Security Officer

Alternatively, why not develop your skills (and career potential) further by ‘topping up’ your qualification with our one-year BSc (Hons) Network Engineering (Cyber Security). This qualification also provides coveted British Computer Society accreditation.