Year 2 (national level 5):
Artificial Intelligence (30 credits)
Have you ever wondered how AI systems make decisions or how machine learning models solve complex problems? In this module, you’ll explore the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and learn how to design, implement, and evaluate AI solutions for real world challenges. You’ll study intelligent search algorithms that efficiently navigate problem spaces and use industry standard tools like CRISP for data mining and model evaluation. You’ll dive into machine learning concepts, including supervised and unsupervised techniques such as classification, clustering, and regression. Hands-on experience with algorithms like linear regression, K-Means, support vector machines, and neural networks will deepen your understanding. The module also covers important ethical considerations, including bias, fairness, privacy, and societal impacts of AI.
Security and Forensic Analysis (30 credits)
In this module, you’ll explore both cybersecurity and digital forensics, gaining hands-on experience with the tools and techniques professionals use to protect systems and investigate cyber incidents. You’ll learn how encryption, authentication, and secure coding help defend against attacks and how those defences can be breached. You'll step into the role of a digital forensic investigator, uncovering evidence, analysing breaches, and learning how to report findings for legal proceedings. Alongside practical work, you’ll explore key laws, ethical standards, and regulatory frameworks shaping the field. Through real world case studies and open source forensic tools, you’ll build the technical and investigative skills needed to thrive in the growing fields of cybersecurity and digital forensics.
Secure Computer Networks (30 credits)
Ever wondered how your data stays safe online or how hackers manage to break through? This module takes you inside the world of networking and cybersecurity, where you'll learn how to design, secure, and troubleshoot modern network systems. From building networks using IP addressing, routing, and switching, to understanding how secure communication protocols protect data in transit, you'll explore the backbone of digital infrastructure. You’ll dive into real world cyber threats, learn how attacks happen, and discover how to defend against them using tools like firewalls, access control lists, authentication protocols, and network segmentation. You’ll also gain hands-on experience monitoring networks, detecting intrusions, and applying encryption, VPNs, and endpoint protection. By working with industry standard tools and practical scenarios, you’ll build the technical skills and confidence needed for careers in network engineering, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure fields that are critical across every sector.
Industrial Project (30 credits)
How do development teams turn client needs into real world tech solutions? In this hands-on module, you’ll work directly with external clients to design and develop an innovative product that meets real industry requirements. Through entrepreneurial thinking, teamwork, and creative problem-solving, you’ll pitch ideas, build prototypes, and deliver solutions that add genuine value. You’ll learn how to analyse client briefs, design effective responses, and apply engineering approaches to prototype development. Along the way, you’ll strengthen your ability to work in teams, communicate complex technical ideas to different audiences, and reflect on your progress using professional development models. By the end of the module, you’ll have practical experience solving real challenges and the confidence to collaborate with stakeholders across a range of industries.
