Program Overview

Network Systems Engineering (Top-Up) BSc (Hons)

Overview

Master the knowledge needed to become a web programmer or software developer. Immerse yourself in Cisco systems and topics such as project management and ethical hacking. Graduate with the skills to work in a range of careers in an ever-evolving and increasingly important sector.

Course Details

• Duration: 1 year
• Study Mode: Full-time
• Fees:
  • UK/EU: £9,535
  • International: £16,500
• UCAS Code: GH46
• Next Start Date: 15 September 2025

Course Structure

A typical week for you will include lectures, tutorials, seminars, and laboratory sessions. We also use the University’s virtual learning environment for group activities, discussions, assignments, and links to resources. We encourage you to develop independent study skills as well as to work with other students on the course.

Course Modules

Final Year (National Level 6)

• Research (20 credits) Introduces a variety of research approaches and examines how to specify and contextualise a research problem, collect data, analyse and present data, and evaluate the methodology adopted.
• Product Development (20 credits) The module aims to provide you with the opportunity to develop your abilities in solution development.
• Advanced Cyber Security (20 credits) In this module, you will learn how to analyse the range of trade-offs in balancing the security properties of confidentiality, integrity, and availability. You will also learn how to select the appropriate tools and techniques to address and manage concepts of risk, threats, vulnerabilities, and potential attacks.
• Advanced Routing (20 credits) The module begins with a detailed study of the current exterior gateway protocol that manages the routing of IP traffic over the Internet. You will learn how service providers and other multi-homed organisations use this protocol to support their routing policies.
• Telecommunications (20 credits) This module moves from analogue principles to digital telephony, VOIP, packetized voice, GSM, and converged networks. You will have an opportunity to build a fully converged modern telecommunications system.
• IT Service Management (20 credits) Develop knowledge and understanding of delivering maximum value to a business in its use of IT and IT processes.

Entry Requirements

• Typical Entry Requirement: Successful completion of one of the following:
  • HND or Foundation Degree in a subject related to computer science
  • 240 credits or equivalent of a recognised UK undergraduate award in a relevant subject
• English Language Requirements: Please see our English language requirements.

Fees and Finance

• Annual, Full-time Fee:
  • UK/EU: £9,535
  • International: £16,500
• Scholarships and Bursaries: Take a look at the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.

Career Ready

This course has a strong emphasis on real-world learning that boosts employability and equips you to make a bigger contribution in the workplace.

Career Options

• Top Type of Job Gained by Our Graduates: Information and communication technology professional
• Employers That Have Taken On Our Graduates: Sage, British Airways, and the NHS
• Other Career Paths: Web programmers, IT managers, information analysts, and software developers. Some graduates have started their own businesses or become software contractors earning over £50,000 a year.

Facilities

• David Goldman Technology Centre: A high-tech computing environment with strong links to software companies and a constant exchange of ideas and people.
• Academic Technical Support: Experienced and knowledgeable staff who can be approached by students for support at any time.

Why Us?

• Sunderland Boasts the Second-Fastest Growth in Digital Turnover Outside of London: The ideal city to study computing and set up a business
• Partnerships with Major Companies: Sony, CISCO, and RIM (Blackberry), with strong links to Nissan, Sage, and British Airways
• Leading Partner in the Sunderland Software City Initiative: Aims to develop the software industry in our city and region