Program Overview

Computer Networks & Security, BSc (Hons)

Attendance

• Full-time
• Part-time

Campus

• Preston Campus

Start

• September 2025

Duration

• 3 years

UCAS Code

• G611

Delivery

• In-person

Foundation year available

• Yes

Placement option

• Yes

Study this course in Cyprus

• Yes

Course Description

Our Computer Networks & Security course will prepare you for a successful career in this rapidly changing industry. Thanks to new ideas, applications, security threats and constantly evolving technology, computer networks and security is a fascinating area to work in. On this practice-based course you’ll get to explore the latest developments in wired and wireless computer networking and security, underpinned by relevant theory.

Why study with us

• Start your course with our exciting ‘4 Week Challenge’, where first year students work as teams to design and develop a new app and then create a marketing campaign to promote it.
• Our teaching is informed by research and industry practice in areas such as software engineering, human-computer interaction and cyber security.
• You’ll get to undertake a placement in industry after your second year. Most are based in the UK, but there are international opportunities as well.

What you'll do

• This course has three strands. The first, Technical, will develop the core computing skills you’ll need as a networking and security specialist.
• The second, Network and Security Specific, looks at topologies, protocols, hardware devices, security and network management.
• The third, Project Management, will develop your communication skills, give you experience of overseeing projects, and explore legal, social, ethical and commercial issues.

Modules

Year 1

• The Computing Challenge
• Introduction to Networking
• Programming
• Computer Systems and Security
• Systems Analysis and Database Design
• Web Technologies

Year 2

• The Agile Professional
• Introduction to Network Routing
• Information Security Management
• Network Management
• Interacting with the Internet of Things
• Cyber Security

Year 3

• Wireless and Mobile Networks
• Honours Degree Project
• Advanced Network Routing
• Penetration Testing
• Cloud Computing
• Advanced Cyber Security

Accreditations

• British Computer Society (BCS) – Full CITP

Future careers

This innovative course enables you to work as a security consultant, network designer or a network manager. You can also achieve Cisco accreditation and develop a wide range of transferable skills including project management, group working and communications. These will open doors to other graduate careers and a high earning potential.

Entry requirements

• UCAS: 96-112 points at A2
• BTEC Extended Diploma: MMM-DMM
• BTEC Diploma: DD-DD
• Pass Access Course: 96-112 UCAS points
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: Pass including 96-112 points from Higher Level subjects
• T Level: P (C+) - M
• IELTS: 6.0 with no component lower than 5.5
• GCSE: 5 at grade C/4 including Maths and English or equivalent

Fees and funding

• UK: £9,535 per year (full-time), £1,623 for the placement year
• International: £17,325 per year (full-time)

Scholarships and bursaries

• Care Leaver Bursary
• Estranged student support
• Dependants Bursary
• Financial support package

Learning and assessment

• The first modules on this course are common to all students studying Computing courses in the School. It gives you the opportunity to switch to the specialist route that’s right for you.
• You’ll focus on acquiring basic skills through small laboratory exercises which will give you the essential computing skills you need to succeed on this course.
• Throughout the course, you’ll solve real networking problems based on the Cisco curriculum and work towards boosting your skills and employment prospects by completing the Cisco accreditation. You’ll complete the taught aspect of this qualification as part of this course. You then have the option of taking the exam at a test centre (a fee applies).
• Everyday learning on this course will involve investigating, analysing and discussing networks and security issues, implementing an troubleshooting networks, researching relevant literature and evaluating network management tools and techniques.
• You’ll frequently get to work in groups with other students, where you’ll be challenged to discuss, defend and evaluate ideas, and you’ll take part in a team-based network development project.
• During your time with us you’ll attend a mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical sessions. Independent study is an important aspect of this course.
• We emphasise practical-based learning using purpose-built laboratories and the University's general computer rooms. Our laboratories allow you to use specialist software and do things normally forbidden on a public network: for example, configuring networks or database servers, testing system security, exploring the performance of a network under excessive workloads, and using sophisticated software to monitor protocols. You will configure and examine wired and wireless networks. Where possible, we make software available for use on your own PC.
• The course is assessed using individual coursework assignments, group work, presentations and exams. There is a practical emphasis, with the main contribution to your degree classification coming from coursework. In your final year you’ll complete an individual project.