Foundation Degree in Computing and IT Practice: Networking pathway

Stage 1

You’ll start your Stage 1 studies with My digital life (TU100)My digital life::While you’re learning about tomorrow's technology why not help create it? My digital life takes you on a journey from the origins of information technology through to the familiar computers of today, and on to tomorrow’s radical technologies. You'll get hands-on experience of the ubiquitous computing approaches that will become increasingly common over the next decade. You'll also learn about the profound social and technological changes associated with information technology – changes that will affect every one of us. This key introductory Level 1 course will help you prepare for these changes – think of it as an online survival kit for the twenty-first century.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.X15-4,module,TU100,,1 (60 credits), which gives you hands-on experience of designing, building and programming the small, ubiquitous computers that will become increasingly common over the next decade. You’ll also learn about the profound technological, economic, political and ethical changes brought about by information technology that will affect every one of us.

You’ll then choose one of five 30-credit modules:

• Technologies in practice (TM129)Technologies in practice::This course provides an opportunity to sample some of the key areas in computing and information technology. You will be introduced to three topics as tasters for your future studies and career: networking, Linux and robotics. Studying these topics will enable you to develop essential skills if you are considering future employment in the computing and IT industry. You will be applying what you learn to develop a portfolio, to demonstrate your skills and understanding in these areas to potential employers. By studying this key introductory Level 1 course you can also begin to explore where your future career ambitions or interests might lie.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.X15-4,module,TM129,,1
• Microsoft server technologies (TM128)Microsoft server technologies::Microsoft certifications are highly valued in the IT industry. They provide a good starting point if you wish to enter the industry and a way to maintain your skills and advance your career if you’re already working in IT. This course offers a sound grounding in the fundamentals of computer networking and server technologies. It also enables you to develop the knowledge and understanding required to become an IT professional working with current Microsoft Windows server technology (Microsoft Windows Server 2008). On successful completion of this course, and with additional practical experience, you will be ready to take industry-recognised Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification examinations.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.X15-4,module,TM128,,1
• Accreditation of Certificated Practitioners 1 (MT127)Accreditation of Certificated Practitioners 1::This course enables The Open University to award academic credit for specified, non-OU, practice-based qualifications that you already have. If you’re working in computing or IT you may have qualifications from one or more leading software or technology vendors such as Microsoft or Cisco. These ICT vendors offer a portfolio of qualifications connected to specific job functions, e.g. Systems Administration, Systems Security, Network Engineer or Application Development. The vendors certify that holders of their qualifications have reached particular levels of knowledge and competence relating to their technologies. To qualify, you should have studied and passed a related academic course at the OU.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.X15-4,module,MT127,,1
• Discovering mathematics (MU123)Discovering mathematics::This key introductory Level 1 course provides a gentle start to the study of mathematics. It will help you to integrate mathematical ideas into your everyday thinking and build your confidence in using and learning mathematics. You’ll cover statistical, graphical, algebraic, trigonometric and numerical concepts and techniques, and be introduced to mathematical modelling. Formal calculus is not included and you are not expected to have any previous knowledge of algebra. The skills introduced will be ideal if you plan to study more mathematics courses, such as Using mathematics (MST121). It is also suitable for users of mathematics in other areas, such as computing, science, technology, social science, humanities, business and education.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.X15-4,module,MU123,,1
• Using mathematics (MST121)Using mathematics::This broad, enjoyable introduction to university-level mathematics assumes some prior knowledge, as described on our MathsChoices website. The course shows how mathematics can be applied to answer some key questions from science, technology, and everyday life. You will study a range of fundamental techniques, including calculus, recurrence relations, matrices and vectors and statistics, and use integrated specialist mathematical software to solve problems. The skills of communicating results and defining problems are also developed. This is not a course for beginners – at the MathsChoices website (mathschoices.open.ac.uk) there are quizzes, sample material and advice to help you determine if this course is right for you.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.X15-4,module,MST121,,1 or Essential mathematics 1 (MST124)Essential mathematics 1::This key introductory course provides a broad and enjoyable foundation for university-level mathematics, but you do require some prior knowledge. It teaches you the essential ideas and techniques that underpin university-level study in mathematics and mathematical subjects such as physics, engineering and economics. You’ll study a range of fundamental topics – including calculus, vectors, matrices and complex numbers – and use mathematical software to solve problems. You’ll also develop your skills in communicating results and defining problems. This is not a course for beginners. Our MathsChoices website (mathschoices.open.ac.uk) contains quizzes, sample material and advice to help you decide if this is the right course for you.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.X15-4,module,MST124,,1 from February 2014.

Depending on your choice, you’ll get a sound grounding in the fundamentals of computer networks and server technologies, gain credit for previous practice-based qualifications that you already hold, have the opportunity to sample some key technologies to help inform your future study and career choices, or develop mathematical knowledge and skills to underpin further study and enhance your employability.

You’ll complete this stage with Career development and employability (T122)Career development and employability::Whatever your chosen career, this key introductory Level 1 course will enable you to use your workplace as a context for learning, and develop your ability to apply your learning to improve your practice at work. You will also develop your critical thinking skills and increase your understanding of how to research workplace issues. The preparation of personal, professional and academic development plans will support your development as an independent learner and help you to align your personal and career development aspirations. You must have access to a realistic work environment and be performing a role – whether paid or voluntary – that you can use as a basis for your studies.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.X15-4,module,T122,,1 (30 credits) – studying in the context of your workplace. This module develops your ability to apply your learning to improve your practice at work – whatever your chosen career.

Stage 2

At Stage 2, you’ll continue to use the context of your workplace to develop further your understanding of the factors that drive organisational change and the resulting consequences with the module Change, strategy and projects at work (T227)Change, strategy and projects at work::We live in a changing world. Being able to anticipate, make sense of, and manage change is vital to our wellbeing in both our personal and working lives. This is true whether or not you perceive yourself as a manager in the usual sense, because we all need to manage our lives to ensure we benefit from change rather than be disadvantaged by it. This course will improve your understanding of the origins, nature and consequences of change, and help you to plan a change project associated with your workplace. This will develop your project working skills – skills highly valued by employers.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.X15-4,module,T227,,1.

Specialising in networking, with Cisco networking (CCNA) (T216)Cisco networking (CCNA)::Cisco Systems are market leaders in supplying networking equipment for the internet. They also have a well-established educational programme for network professionals. As a Cisco Academy, The Open University offers the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Exploration curriculum, which provides the knowledge, understanding, and skills needed to configure a LAN/WAN using Cisco equipment. You’ll also gain hands-on experience of configuring networks at four compulsory day schools. When you’ve completed the course you should be well prepared for the industry-standard CCNA certification examination. You’ll need to make your own arrangements to sit this – there are exam centres all over the world.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.X15-4,module,T216,,1 (60 credits), you will gain the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to configure a LAN/WAN using Cisco equipment (which should also leave you well prepared for the industry standard CCNA examination). You’ll gain hands-on practical experience of configuring networks at four compulsory day schools.

You’ll be able to complement your specialism with an additional option exploring programming, web development, or project and service management – or you may be able to gain further credits for practice-based qualifications you’ve gained through your work.

If you have already completed some successful study at higher education level at another institution you may be able to transfer credit for this study and count it towards an Open University qualification. If you wish to apply to transfer credit you must do so as soon as possible, and before you register for your chosen qualification. If you are awarded credit for study completed elsewhere, you may find that you need to study fewer OU modules to complete your qualification with us.

Visit our Credit Transfer site for more information and details of how to apply for credit transfer.