Study location	United Kingdom, Cambridge
Type	Short duration, full-time
Study language	English

Entry qualification	High school / secondary education (or higher)

Language requirements	English

Other requirements	At least 2 reference(s) should be provided.

More information	apply.baltic-center.eu

Overview

Learn advanced networking and infrastructure skills for configuring the information technology environment in companies of all types and types. You’ll discover how to configure, manage, and troubleshoot networks, inter networks, and local and remote servers. Computer System Technician professionals are in high demand because information technology is critical to the success of both small and large businesses. Learn the specific skills needed to design, operate, troubleshoot, and maintain computer and network systems.

Programme structure

This program has a Co-op portion for 6 months based on OCMA regulations. (Conditions apply*) *OCMA regulates international student working hours, and any work including Co-op portion must be legal as per Latvian immigration regulations within the allowed time periods only.

System Technology (PCs)

Hardware, the foundation of computer technology, needs routine maintenance as well as periodic updating and repair. Students use servers, laptops, and desktop computers that use PC hardware. Students define standards of system components to ensure compatibility and explain the functionality and interactions of computer components and peripherals. Students build PCs, install and configure PC components in the hands-on lab.

Networking Basics

The cornerstone of data communication in the modern world is networking technology. The Internet and other computer networks’ architecture, topology, protocols, parts, and models are described by the students. Students examine the purpose of protocols and services at each layer of the TCP/IP protocol suite using the OSI and TCP layered models as a foundation. Students create an IP addressing scheme for straightforward LAN topologies and then apply the design to a basic switch-and-router network.

Support for GNU/Linux Systems

A range of computing devices, including smart phones, servers, and supercomputers, may run the open-source operating system GNU/Linux. Students build up, configure, and manage a standalone GNU/Linux operating system using the fundamental ideas, features, and commands. Students investigate the GNU/Linux command line’s flexibility, the usage of straightforward utilities to carry out progressively more complicated administration tasks, and the fundamentals of shell scripting to automate routine chores.

Support for Windows Desktop

The desktop operating system MS Windows is widely used in business. For participation in a Windows-based network, students set up a Microsoft Windows client system. Students install and configure the operating environment of a Windows desktop operating system through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on lab work. They also manage resources by applying common security principles, automate tasks with Power Shell, and troubleshoot common error scenarios.

Communication

Regardless of the subject or area of study, businesses continue to value communication skills. The goals of successful communication are the main thing that students concentrate on using a practical, career-oriented approach. Students practice writing, speaking, reading, listening, finding and accessing information, documenting it, and using technology to communicate professionally through a combination of lectures, activities, and independent learning. Students hone and improve their communication skills, which are essential for success in the classroom and in the career.

Mathematics and Logic

The usage of number systems in computer technology is a requirement for computer systems technicians. Students work with binary, octal, and hexadecimal number systems to execute mathematical operations, apply Boolean logic, and evaluate truth tables. Students also study fundamental probability laws and introduction-level statistical techniques.

Troubleshooting a PC

The basis for efficiently troubleshooting computer issues to support IT infrastructures is a problem-solving technique. Students learn to diagnose issues with hardware, operating systems, and software using a systematic method. Users utilize issue analysis, methodology, and tactics, and research industry troubleshooting tools and utility software to recognize and fix symptoms and defects observed in PC-based systems. Students also investigate preventative and corrective approaches to boost system dependability and reduce downtime. The purpose of labs is to evaluate students’ problem-solving abilities utilizing a variety of computers that have pre-set issues.

Underlying principles of IT service management

Technical customer assistance is a crucial business function, and working in an ITIL compliant organization as a service team requires understanding of IT Service Management as it is outlined in the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL). With an emphasis on ITIL, students investigate best practices for service administration and describe common structures. Students also work on soft skills like good listening and communication to build connections with clients who have IT-related problems and requests.

Domain Administration for Windows

An enterprise-level operating system called MS Windows Server fulfils the computing needs of a contemporary organization. Students use Active Directory and Group Policies to administer a Microsoft Windows domain network. Students investigate various server roles and domain configurations, install domain controllers for Microsoft Windows servers, set up centralized management using Active Directory and Group Policies, and use Power Shell to automate system administration duties. Students also study virtualization ideas offered by Microsoft Windows.

Basics of Routing and Switching

Connecting network segments is a basic networking concept. Students build switched networks using designs and protocols that are industry standards, and they link switched networks together using straightforward routing settings. Students implement security measures and provide redundancy at the data-link layer to increase the robustness of switched network configurations. Students also set up a modest wireless network.

GNU/Linux Server Management

Numerous commercial establishments use the GNU/Linux operating system as a server solution because of its adaptability and dependability. By setting up and networking the operating system, managing a multi-user environment, and configuring crucial system services, students configure and manage a GNU/Linux server system. Students who study server administration must solve typical system and service issues, use hardening techniques to secure the system, and build scripts to carry out standard administrative tasks.

Technicians in technical communication for computer systems

Students acquire the graduate-level communication abilities needed for computer system technicians to succeed in the profession. The preparation of technical reports, gathering, analysing, and presenting technical information, teamwork, verbal presentation of information, and other communication skills important in today’s business are all covered.

Work Term for Cooperative Education

There is a chance to add a co-op designation to a student’s diploma if they meet the academic requirements and decide to participate. This designation is earned by completing a co-op educational employment experience successfully. Through this experience, students can develop valuable work experience, network with professionals in the field, and identify their strengths and areas for improvement in a setting that simulates the workplace.

Network Protection

Network security is a crucial component of network administration and has as its goal preserving access to network resources for authorized users. Students talk about the fundamental ideas and real-world applications of information technology security, including the objectives of computer security, typical threats, and available defenses. Students also deploy network security technologies on various operating system platforms, review incident response handling procedures, and analyze network monitoring data for security concerns.

Management of Databases and Interfaces

Data storage and management solutions must be implemented in order to use data as a corporate asset. Students present the theoretical underpinnings of relational database systems, experience setting up and managing database servers, create databases in accordance with corporate needs, and perform SQL data manipulation. Students also use Python to create a management interface for a relational database using the fundamentals of programming.

Administration of network services.

Students set up and maintain common client-server services by installing the server, establishing network connectivity, and customizing the service protocol to support connections from numerous clients. Students configure critical network services based on the client-server concept. Students must investigate and fix broken connections, system issues, and service faults.

Technical Project.

Within an organization, computer systems technicians provide support for numerous projects. Students take part in a technological project’s planning, scheduling, administration, and deployment as members of a team. Students develop their documentation abilities by presenting up-to-date, understandable, and correct project-related information through presentations and reports.

Getting Started with Enterprise Networking

Features of network scalability are crucial to enterprise network management. Students set up dynamic routing protocols, create scalable addressing schemes with NAT and IPv6, and evaluate redundant network architectures. Additionally, with a practical focus on traffic filtering, students are coming up with ways to improve network security. Students then research network monitoring technologies and procedures.

Career opportunities

Information Technology (IT) plays an integral role in almost all businesses. Prepare for a career as a:

Computer Engineering Technician
Data Centre Operator
Intranet Website Technician
LAN Administrator
LAN Technician
Network Administrator
Network Support Technician
System Administrator