Computing & Networks

Intro

• Provides a wide range of technical, professional, and transferable skills to enter employment in industry
• Annually reviewed to ensure the use of current professional technologies
• Emphasis on the practical application of knowledge and skills
• Professionally accredited by the BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT

The rise of network technology and the internet has made significant changes to computing. More and more devices - from mobile phones to consumer devices like fridges and TVs - are network-enabled, and the Computing & Networks degree reflects this changing environment. 

This course focuses on computer networking and internet development. Industry requires well-qualified people, who understand how to design, develop and maintain computer networks and, importantly, who have the skills to adapt to new developments.

The course starts in year 3 and is designed for students with an HND or DipHE in Computing or a related area, who wish to continue their studies to degree level in computing and networks.

A bridging module is available in year three to ensure that students joining the course have the required underpinning skills. Students wishing to join the course in year 1 or 2 would enrol for BSc (Hons) Computing or for DipHE Computing and IT, both of which include the study of computer networking and transfer to this course after year 2.

The course is heavily focused on industry requirements so in addition to the technical skills in computing and networking you will work to hone skills of team working, project management, communications and self-motivated learning. When you graduate you will be well equipped to develop the software and network systems which industry is looking for.

The School of Computing and Engineering Systems is an approved CISCO local academy and there may be an opportunity to gain CISCO qualifications alongside your studies. These industry level qualifications will enhance your CV when applying for employment.

What you study

• Networks and mobile technology: how to set up and use networks connecting many different types of devices; network administration, management and security; and digital forensics
• Web and internet development: it is very easy to set up a simple web site, but it is quite a different matter to build an enterprise-strength site that is secure, can handle large numbers of simultaneous users, and can adapt the information is presents to the characteristics of a user’s browser. You will learn the techniques that underpin the development of such sites
• Programming: this might be a short script to perform a specific task in network administration, or to access the network functionality of one of the many networked gadgets that are available, or developing dynamic web pages that interact with databases.
• Problem solving: this important, transferrable skill develops as you learn to write short programmes or scripts, to design software or networks, and to troubleshoot when difficulties arise in any of these activities
• Research methods: in the third year you will take part in the planning and implementation of a group project; in fourth year you will undertake a major individual project in your final semester
• Professional, legal and ethical issues: as a network professional you need to be aware of the legal constraints governing the access to networks and data. You will often be in a privileged position with access to confidential data

How you learn
You will spend around 15 hours per week in lectures, tutorials and lab-based practical activities.  Lectures are used to present the key concepts, theories and techniques.  Tutorials and lab-based activities increase your understanding of the subject and allow you to develop your competence, skills and confidence. In addition, you are expected to study independently.

You will also be required to actively participate in discussion groups, lectures, practical tutorials and private study.

How you are assessed
There is a mixed assessment strategy. Many modules are assessed through coursework – which may be continuous and may include student-led presentations. Other modules use a mixture of coursework, class tests and formal closed-book examination.

Entry routes

Entry to year 3
HND in Computing, Software Development, Support, or other compatible HND or DipHE. A short bridging programme will be offered to students who do not have specific technical pre-requisite skills.

Students wishing to join the course in year 1 or 2 would enrol for BSc (Hons) Computing or DipHE Computing and IT, both of which include the study of computer networking and transfer to this course after year 2.

Overseas
All applicants are required to provide certified proof of competence in English Language. The University's minimum requirements are IELTS 6.0 (with no band lower than 5.0), TOEFL CBT 223, TOEFL 563, TOEFL IBT 85 or a suitable equivalent qualification.

Mature
Applications from mature students are assessed on the same criteria used for school leavers, e.g. SQA Highers or GCE A Levels, where relevant school leaving qualifications exist. For those without standard entry qualifications, consideration is given to experience gained as well as professional qualifications and other forms of learning that could provide evidence of ability to benefit from a particular course.

The successful completion of approved access courses (such as those offered by Dundee College in association with the universities of Abertay, Dundee and St Andrews) provides significant evidence of ability to benefit from study at Abertay.

For further advice please use our Ask a Question section.

More info

Career
Our graduates work in a variety of organisations within Tayside and further afield. Many of them work in small SMEs who are contracted to larger government organisations. Many graduates set up in business for themselves.

Professional accreditation
The course is accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, as meeting the educational requirement for CITP and partially meeting the educational requirement for CEng registration subject to Committee approval in 2010.