Cloud Computing BSc (Hons)

The second year aims to build on the knowledge developed in your first year.

Modules

• Software Defined Networks and Content Delivery Networks - 30 credits

  Software-Defined Networking (SDN) represents an approach to computer networking that attempts to address weaknesses in current networking design and operation. SDN’s move to a highly scalable and centralised network control architecture better suited to large-scale networks prevalent in today’s mega-scale data centres.

  Content Delivery Networks (CDN’s) can improve the user experience by delivering a cached copy of the content from a nearby edge. In this module you will be encouraged to critically appraise the usage of SDN in the development of a SDN linked mini-project and have the opportunity to critically determine whether traditional network designs achieve the same objectives. You should also develop a scalable CDN to be able to serve content to multiple simultaneous users globally. 

  Compulsory

• Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence - 30 credits

  This module introduces the fundamentals of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning algorithms and practical implementation of these algorithms supported by the opportunity of hands-on experience using industry-leading cloud platforms.

  Machine learning can enable systems to learn from data or to solve problems without being explicitly programmed, and can be used in several areas such as predictive modelling, speech recognition, object recognition, computer vision, anomaly detection, medical diagnosis and prognosis, robotic control, time series forecasting and much more.

  We aim to teach core concepts in artificial intelligence from a theoretical, practical and cognitive point of view, designed to develop innovative thought processes to build intelligent systems for future needs. At this stage you are not expected to design and develop bespoke machine learning algorithms but rather understand their function and integration into intelligent systems and how cloud systems can be used to accelerate data training.

  Compulsory

• Securing Cloud Systems - 30 credits

  This module introduces the fundamentals of cyber security and its implications within the cloud. Organisations expect their workforce to take their asset security seriously. The loss of data by an organisation can have severe consequences, including prosecution and loss of customers.

  You should benefit from contemporary case studies, including examples of corporate theft, regulatory approaches to IT security and international cooperation between agencies and nation-states. As system administration and management are essential tasks in the day-to-day functioning and security of Information Systems, inadequate or improper practices can lead to loss of data, its integrity, performance reductions, security breaches or total system failure. Individual planning and provisions need to be made for the ongoing support of systems and networks, which account for a significant proportion of the IT budget.

  On successfully completing the module you should be able to discuss, apply and analyse network and infrastructure security measures that can be adopted if working within cloud environments. You should also have a clear, practical understanding of the associated protocols, cryptographic types and configuration settings of network security environments.

  Compulsory

• Managing Virtualised Servers and Infrastructure - 30 credits

  This module is designed to allow you to propose, implement and suggest a management strategy to fulfil enterprise business requirements, and the need and purpose of systems integration to support organisational goals.

  You are expected to gather and review business objectives so that you should be able to develop a systems specification document, with the opportunity to evaluate factors and issues affecting the successful completion of the integration, and describe and document the functional architecture and design of a system. Exploration of cloud technologies to establish an integration methodology to design and implement cloud-based solutions should be considered.

  In addition, you will have the opportunity to investigate and compare different cloud service models and evaluate different deployment methods considering their effect on systems integration. An introduction to service management frameworks will be provided in preparation for final year projects.

  Compulsory

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement² can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee³ of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time you will receive guidance from your employer or participating institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Whilst we would like to give you all the information about our placement/study abroad offering here, it is often tailored for each course every year and depending on the length of placement or study abroad opportunities that are secured. Therefore, the placement and study abroad arrangements vary per course and per student. Request further information about going on a placement or study abroad year.

Modules

• UK Work Placement - 0 credits

  This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

  Optional

• International Study/Work Placement - 0 credits

  This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

  Optional

The final year will provide you with opportunities to further engage with formal business practices, international standards, and legislation to hone workplace acumen.

You should be able to formulate your strategy for cloud project development and creation, service management and deliver solutions to meet a business, social or ethical need. You will engage in learning pivotal skills to becoming a graduate practitioner. Your final project places you in an innovative real-world environment where you will propose, design, develop, test, deliver and maintain across your entire stage.

Modules

• Proposing Cloud Solutions - 30 credits

  This module applies the knowledge gathered during the first two years of the programme to propose an integrated cloud project covering both a cloud architecture solution and a cloud software solution to solve a social, ethical or business need.

  This project will be proposed under a PRINCE2 Agile framework, enabling you the chance to gain experience in using and operating in an industry-standard project management environment. You should also, during the development of your Project Initiation Documentation (PID), consider ITIL practices so that you should be able to effectively service manage the resulting solution in a later module as part of implementation and maintenance planning in the PID. Following the successful completion of this module you should be able to propose a cloud project under the PRINCE2 lifecycle, critically demonstrating an applied understanding of PRINCE2 Agile.

  Compulsory

• Applied Cloud Architecture Project - 30 credits

  This module aims to enable you to demonstrate the capacity and ability to conduct academic and technical research, towards the research objectives proposed at the start of the project year, and to present the outcomes of such research in both written and verbal formats.

  We will encourage you to demonstrate an advanced technical ability to give you the opportunity to develop a cloud architecture to support the projects research goals and detail this application in the form of a detailed executive summary and analysis while continuing to operate under the PRINCE2 lifecycle and keeping all documentation up to date.

  Compulsory

• Applied Cloud Software Project - 30 credits

  This module enables you the chance to demonstrate the capacity and ability to conduct academic and technical research towards the research objectives proposed at the start of the project year and to present the outcomes of such research in both written and verbal formats. The module also encourages critical evaluation of engagement in the research process during which recommendations for future, personal development are key learning points completed during the viva-voce.

  You should be able to demonstrate advanced technical ability, and will have the chance to develop a cloud software solution to support the projects research goals and detail this application in the form of a detailed executive summary and analysis, operating under the PRINCE2 lifecycle keeping all documentation up to date.

  You should be able to prove advanced knowledge of some of the following; database, programming and web applications and have applied them to a range of context, e.g. artificial intelligence/machine learning, web services and Information Systems in support of the project goals.

  Compulsory

• Managing Cloud Solutions - 30 credits

  This module covers how services are managed, delivered and supported by organisations and are structured around the ITIL framework. The module will cover a range of areas relating to IT organisations involved in service and support and will provide the opportunity for you to understand how related small-medium enterprises operate and are managed.

  The module continues the final project; in this final module, you will have the opportunity to apply ITIL and service manage your cloud solutions, and complete your project closure documentation for PRINCE2 Agile.

  Compulsory