Computer Networks and Security - BSc (Hons)

Program Overview

Overview

The BSc (Hons) Computer Networks and Security course focuses on the practical needs of businesses that require high-quality computer and network security. This course delivers the latest in computing, network, and security technologies, with the opportunity to gain additional accreditation from Cisco, Juniper, Huawei, Palo Alto, and the Linux Professional Institute.

Entry Requirements

Essential Requirements

• 112 UCAS Tariff points
• GCSE and other level 2 requirements: This course does not require evidence of GCSE qualifications.
• A Level, BTEC, and other level 3 requirements:
  • A Level: 112 UCAS Tariff points / BBC (or equivalent)
  • Must include one from Technology, Science, Mathematics, or Computing at A Level or level 3 equivalent
  • AS Level: Must be in a different subject to A Levels
  • A maximum of four subjects will be considered
  • Pearson BTEC (Diploma / Extended Diploma/ Extended Certificate): 112 UCAS Tariff points
  • Accepted subjects: Technology, Science, Mathematics, or Computing
  • Diploma accepted with one A Level or equivalent level 3 qualifications
  • Extended Certificate accepted with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications
  • T Level: Merit overall
  • Accepted subjects: Digital Production, Design and Development; Digital Support Services; Digital Business Services; Media, Broadcast and Production
  • Access to HE Diploma: Pass with 60 credits. At least 45 credits at level 3.
  • Accepted subjects: Technology, Science, Mathematics, or Computing
  • OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications: 112 UCAS Tariff points
  • Accepted subjects: Technology, Science, or Computing
  • NCFE CACHE Level 3 qualifications: 112 UCAS Tariff points
  • Considered alongside A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications, one of which must be Technology, Science, or Computing
  • WJEC Level 3 qualifications: 112 UCAS Tariff points
  • Considered alongside A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications, one of which must be Technology, Science, or Computing
  • Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers): Minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points, achieved in five Higher level subjects
  • Required subjects: Technology, Science, Mathematics, or Computing at Higher Level
  • Scottish Higher / Advanced Higher: 112 UCAS Tariff points from three Advanced Highers (CCD) or two Advanced Highers (CD) plus two Highers (CC)
  • Required subjects: One from Technology, Science, Mathematics, or Computing
  • Welsh Baccalaureate: 112 UCAS Tariff points. Considered with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications
  • Required subjects: One from Technology, Science, Mathematics, or Computing

International Qualifications

• International Baccalaureate Diploma: Obtain a minimum of 28 points overall
• Required subjects: One of Computer Science, Chemistry, Design Technology, or Physics at Higher Level
• EU / International students: Please see your country page for further details on the equivalent qualifications we accept. In addition to the academic entry requirements listed above, international and EU students will also require IELTS 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in each band.

Fees & How to Apply

UK Students

• Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study.
• The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament.
• Award: BSc (Hons)
• Starting: Sep 2026
• Mode: Full Time
• Duration: 3 years
• Fees: £9,535 in 2026/27
• Apply via UCAS

International Students

• Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study.
• The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament.
• Award: BSc (Hons)
• Starting: Sep 2026
• Mode: Full Time
• Duration: 3 years
• Fees: £18,570 in 2026/27
• Register interest

Course in Depth

Year One

• Innovation Project (20 credits)
• Computer Systems (20 credits)
• Applied Operating Systems (20 credits)
• Computer Programming (20 credits)
• Mathematics for Computing (20 credits)
• Network Fundamentals (20 credits)

Year Two

• Enterprise Practice Project (20 credits)
• Cyber Security Operations (20 credits)
• Cloud Systems Management (20 credits)
• Programming for Network Engineers (20 credits)
• Networking Technologies (20 credits)
• Enterprise Network Systems (20 credits)

Professional Placement Year (optional)

• Professional Placement (120 credits)

Final Year

• Individual Honours Project (40 credits)
• Ethical Hacking (20 credits)
• Wireless Networking Technologies (20 credits)
• Advanced Firewall Systems (20 credits)
• Network Security (20 credits)

Employability

• Your studies here will equip you with the practical and academic skills that will help you to stand out when you look for your first professional role.
• Because we have strong links with companies such as SAS, Microsoft, Cisco, and Capgemini, you have the chance to work with and understand the workings of real-life industry from early on in your degree studies.
• You will have access to world-class facilities throughout your time here and these will help you to be a highly employable graduate.
• The University has a Graduate+ programme, an extracurricular awards framework that is designed to augment the subject-based skills that you’ve developed throughout the programme with broader employability attributes, which will enhance your employability options upon graduating.

Facilities & Staff

• We are constantly investing in our estate and are currently in the process of spending £260 million on new learning facilities.
• The course is supported with a wide range of cutting-edge facilities in the City Centre Campus.
• We have a state-of-the-art computer games technology lab which contains high-performance PCs, Sony PlayStation development kits, and a range of industry-standard software including Unity, Unreal, and a suite of professional Microsoft development tools.
• We also have many open access areas where students can study together and even hire out laptops for use in these spaces and others within the university.
• Within the University, there are many internationally recognized research teams giving you the opportunity to collaborate with them on exciting interdisciplinary projects.

Our Staff

• Ron Austin: Associate Professor
• Raouf Abozariba: Senior Lecturer