Mode of Study

Full-time

Start Date

28th Aug 2023, 2 years

Location

City Campus

Applications from International Students Welcome

Overview

This course aims to teach you the skills required to install, configure and maintain computer network infrastructures.  Students gain practical skills and knowledge of current and emerging principles and network technologies with an emphasis on active and participative learning.

Year One builds a solid foundation in networking and routing concepts, ethical hacking and client operating systems, incorporating both Microsoft and Linux platforms.  You will have access to our specialist computing classrooms and networking labs.

Year Two progresses your skills in administering networks, configuring server operating systems and developing security concepts.

The programme integrates learning materials from industry standard vendors, which help prepare you for a variety of optional certification exams such as Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and Microsoft Certifications.  These qualifications are highly sought after by employers. 

After successfully completing this course you will have the skills needed to get an entry-level role in IT infrastructure support.   

A large number of HND Networking students progress on to University programmes including 2nd or 3rd-year entry in Cyber Security, Ethical Hacking and Networking. 

This course also accepts year two direct entrants.

This course is placed on the Scottish Credit Qualifications Framework at Level 8. For more information on the framework visit: www.scqf.org.uk/the-framework/.

What our students say

“The best aspect of the Computer Networking course is that it includes both networking and cyber security subjects. Being a mature student returning to education, I was unsure of the specific route to take and this course let me experience both. My time at the college was both challenging and empowering, the course unlocked a keen interest in Cyber Security, and the lecturers inspired me to strive past HND and to apply to University. I’m now waiting to start my Security Graduate position thanks to the foundations setup by the college. “

Pamela Henry, 35, Glasgow,  HND Computing: Networking 

"The HND Computing: Networking programme provided the ideal foundation for me to achieve a first class honours degree in Network Engineering at university. The guidance and practical training I received during my HND was not only vital to my success at university, it has been a valuable asset in my career as a Network Engineer."

Avinash Gosine, HND Computing: Networking

Entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements

Year one entry:

• Two Highers at Grade C or above in a relevant* subject AND three National 5 qualifications at Grade C or above including Computing or Information Systems; OR
• National Qualification at SCQF level 6 in a relevant subject such as Digital Media Computing, Computing: Technical Support or Software Development; OR
• Other equivalent qualifications or experience.

*relevant subjects include Computing, Information Systems, Mathematics or Physics.

Year two entry:

• An HNC with relevant options.

Additional selection requirements

You'll be invited for a group and/or individual interview where you can find out more about the course and tell us why you're interested in this subject area or we'll make an offer based on your application form.

ESOL entry requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have minimum ESOL Intermediate level 2 or equivalent for NC/NQ courses and ESOL Higher for HNC/D courses.

What you study

Year one:

• Network Technology.
• Routing Technology.
• Client Operating Systems.
• Multi-User Operating Systems.
• Ethical Hacking.

Year two:

• Switching Technology.
• Administering Networks.
• Server Administration.
• Open Source Operating Systems.
• Internetworking Technology.

Optional vendor courses: The CISCO CCNA and the Microsoft MCTIP curricula are partially embedded within this qualification. You're expected to fund the cost of the vendor certification examinations yourself. Vendor qualifications are certificated in addition to the HND award and significantly enhance your employability.

After the course

Careers

This course prepares you for a career in IT infrastructure support.

Continuing Study

• Year two of Beng/Beng(Hons) Digital Security, Forensics and Ethical Hacking at Glasgow Caledonian University.
• Year three of BSc/BSc(Hons) Cyber Security and Networks at Glasgow Caledonian University.
• Year three of BEng(Hons) Networking Systems Engineering at University of the West of Scotland.