Computer Network Security BSc Honours

Westminster is a Cisco Networking Academy, and the course incorporates the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Security curriculum, giving you the opportunity to complete the CCNA Security qualification while studying for your degree.
You will learn the fundamental principles of computing and network engineering, and develop the connection between these and a broad range of network systems (with special emphasis placed on the optimisation of converged networks).
You will also be encouraged to use initiative and confidence in approaching engineering problems, investigating solutions using a blend of analytical and practical skills.
You will be able to take a year-long industry placement between Years 2 and 3, giving you a competitive edge in the job market and contributing to your development towards Chartered Engineer status.
Teaching methods include lectures and seminars, laboratories and computer-aided engineering, group and individual projects, and online learning. Assessments include formal exams, group work, written reports, and presentations and posters.
Subjects of study
The following subjects are indicative of what you will study on this course. For more details on course structure and modules, and how you will be taught and assessed, see the full course document.
Year 1 (Credit Level 4)
Subjects of study include:
Digital Principles
Introduction to Networks
Mathematics for Computing
Networks and Communications
Programming Methodology I
Programming Methodology II
Year 2 (Credit Level 5)
Subjects of study include:
Cryptographic Techniques for Network Security
Introduction to Network Security
Networks Simulation
Network Software Engineering
Network Technologies
Operating Systems & Systems Programming
Professional Engineering Practice and Industrial Management
Scripting for Engineering
Industrial placement year
You will have the opportunity to take a placement in industry between Years 2 and 3. This gives you practical experience in the workplace and a competitive edge in the job market. It also contributes to your professional development towards Chartered Engineer status.
Year 3 (Credit Level 6)
The network theme is further advanced and the issues of implementation, configuration and dealing with present day data streams (such as for multimedia applications) are addressed. There are specialist modules on planning and implementing secure systems, and on working on projects in an industrial environment, which will prepare you to analyse requirements, and design and implement a secure network system. You will also complete a major project involving these aspects.
Subjects of study include:
Applied Distributed Systems Programming
Enterprise Networks
Individual Project
Network Security Evaluation and Design
OS and Drivers
Security Testing and Implementation
Professional recognition
This course is accredited by the Engineering Council and the British Computer Society (BCS). This entitles you to become a Chartered Engineer, after a period of experience.
Course team
Dragana Barjamovic, Course Leader
Katerina Christofylaki-Fines, Module Leader
Dr Mohammed Al-Janabi , Module Leader
Additional costs information
To check what your tuition fees cover and what you may need to pay for separately, see our What tuition fees cover page.
International Foundation course
We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London to provide Foundation courses for international students who don't meet our Bachelor's degree entry requirements. For more information visit Kaplan International College.