Computer Networks and Security BSc (Hons)

Computer Networks and Security BSc (Hons)

This course aims to meet the increasing demands for combining Computer Networks, Security, and Programming expertise raised by the growing adoption of the Next-Generation Network services.

You deserve a positive teaching and learning experience, where you feel part of a supportive and nurturing community. That鈥檚 why most students will enjoy an innovative approach to learning using block teaching, where you will study one module at a time. You鈥檒l benefit from regular assessments - rather than lots of exams at the end of the year - and a simple timetable that allows you to engage with your subject and enjoy other aspects of university life such as sports, societies, meeting friends and discovering your new city. By studying with the same peers and tutor for each block, you鈥檒l build friendships and a sense of belonging.

Overview

Named a gold standard 鈥楢cademic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Education鈥� by the leading authority on cyber security in the UK, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

This degree programme will equip graduates who are capable of meeting the increasing demands for combining computer networks, security, and programming expertise raised by the growing adoption of the Next-Generation Network (NGN) services, e.g., VoIP, and Next Generation Network Model, i.e., SDN and NFV, where network devices have turned to be a programmable virtual entity on the cloud.

In addition to core computer science and cyber security modules, this course includes key networking modules prepared carefully according to the new Cisco certification path, in consultation with our Cisco partner. These modules focus on industry level requirements and are certification oriented and will prepare graduates to meet the new skill demands to maximise employability.

The structure of the course and programme modules makes it possible for graduates to also prepare for traditional and emerging computer science, software engineering, or cyber security roles. Professionalism within an industry context is emphasised throughout, with strong links to BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.

Key features

You will join Cisco Networking Academy. This course covers the syllabus of three Cisco certificates: The new Cisco Certified Network Associate, Cisco CyberOps Associate, and Cisco DevNet Associate and one additional Cisco Networking Academy course: Network Security.
Free Cisco assessment for related modules to gain a Course Completion Certificate/Digital Badge from Cisco Networking Academy verifying the acquired skills and preparing the students to optionally obtain the commercial certifications at a 3rd party exam centre.
We have more than 50 years of computing experience that you can learn from. This long-standing history allows you to draw on a wealth of research and academic expertise to inform your studies.
This course is taught by experts from 51漫画’s Cyber Technology Institute, which boasts an international reputation in cyber security, influencing the approach taken by the UK government and leading organisations.
51漫画 has been named a gold standard ‘Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Education’ by the leading authority on cyber security in the UK, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) - part of GCHQ. 51漫画 is the first university in the East Midlands to achieve this prestigious status.
51漫画 has been recognised for conducting world-leading cyber security research, having been named and Airbus Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security.
Gain valuable industry experience by undertaking a placement, with students taking up placements at Airbus, GCHQ, and Vauxhall Motors.

Benefit from block teaching, where most students study one subject at a time. A simple timetable will allow you to really engage with your learning, receive regular feedback and assessments, get to know your course mates and enjoy a better study-life balance.

51漫画 researchers talk about working with businesses such as Airbus and Rolls-Royce to improve their cyber security.

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Accredited by BCS – The Chartered Institute for IT

This course has achieved initial accreditation from the British Computer Society (BCS), subject to a final review of degree outputs after the first cohort has graduated. Confirmation is expected in 2025.

UK
EU/International

Institution code: D26

UCAS course code: G450

Duration: Three years full-time, four years with placement

Fees and funding:

2025/26 tuition fees for UK students: £9,250

Find out about additional costs and optional extras.

How to apply

Order a prospectus

Book an Open Day

Submit a study-related enquiry

Institution code: D26

UCAS course code: G450

Duration: Three years full-time, four years with placement

Fees and funding:

2024/25 tuition fees for international students: £16,250

Find out more about available funding for international students.

Find out about additional costs and optional extras.

Accreditation:

International students can apply to study at 51漫画 directly using our .

How to apply

Order a prospectus

Application guidance document

Submit a study-related enquiry

Entry criteria

A typical offer is 112 UCAS points from at least two A-levels or equivalent or
BTEC National Diploma/ Extended Diploma at DMM

Plus five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Mathematics or equivalent.

Alternative qualifications include:

Pass in the QAA accredited Access to HE. English and Mathematics GCSE required as a separate qualification as equivalency is not accepted within the Access qualification.

We will normally require students to have had a break from full-time education before undertaking the Access course or

International Baccalaureate: 26+ points or
T Levels Merit

Portfolio Required: No

Interview Required: No

We welcome applications from mature students with non-standard qualifications and recognise all other equivalent and international qualifications.

UCAS tariff information

Students applying for courses starting in September will be made offers based on the latest UCAS Tariff.

Contextual offer

To make sure you get fair and equal access to higher education, when looking at your application, we consider more than just your grades. So if you are eligible, you may receive a contextual offer. Find our more about contextual offers.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each band (or equivalent) when you start the course is essential.

English language tuition, delivered by our British Council-accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

Structure and assessment

First year

Block 1: Foundation of Computing and Cyber Security

Block 2: Endpoint Security

Block 3: Secure Coding

Block 4: Computer Networks

Additional: Expert Briefings in Cyber Security

Second year

Block 1: Secure Scripting and Business Applications

Block 2: Enterprise Networking

Block 3: Penetration Testing

Block 4: Industrial Cryptography

Additional: Expert Briefings in Cyber Security

Third year

Block 1: Network Security

Block 2: Network Development

Block 3 / 4: Final Project

Optional Modules (choose one):

Block 3 / 4: Emerging Technologies in Computer Networks and Security
Block 3 / 4: Artificial Intelligence for Cyber Security
Block 3 / 4: Digital Forensics and Cyber Crime Investigation

See detailed module information

Note: All modules are indicative and based on the current academic session. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review. Exact modules may, therefore, vary for your intake in order to keep content current. If there are changes to your course we will, where reasonable, take steps to inform you as appropriate.

On this course, you will benefit from Education 2030 - 51漫画’s new way of delivering courses. Through block teaching, you will focus on one subject at a time instead of several at once.

The programme will use a combination of lectures, seminars and interactive large group discussions to transfer many of the major topics. Laboratory tutorials will provide the students with the opportunity to practice and develop skills and techniques under guidance and obtain feedback for each of the defined blocks. The directly interactive sessions will be supplemented by self-study.

Assessments can be formative as well as summative and could include practical software development exercises, structured exercises, group and individual projects, and tests. Projects offer the opportunity for students to develop their ability to conduct a sustained individual development exercise. Group projects also allow students to develop their ability to work in teams, to appraise group performance and deal with group problems.

You will join a and will cover three Cisco certificates including the new Cisco Certified Network Associate, Cisco CyberOps Associate and Cisco DevNet Associate and one additional Networking Academy course: Network Security

Facilities and features

Computer Networks and Cyber Security Laboratories

The specialist Computer Networks and Cyber Security laboratories are among the best equipped facilities of this type in the UK. Developed in consultation with Cisco and leaders in the industry, they are designed to meet the highest computer networks and cyber security standards.

The laboratories contain high-specification, specially customised PCs configured with multiple operating systems, virtualisation and removable hard drives, as well as specialised servers, wired and wireless networking equipment and a variety of other hardware and software components.

The laboratories are also the base for the university's Cyber Security Centre, a multidisciplinary group of academics and industry experts who focus on a wide variety of cyber security and digital forensics issues. Their mission is to provide to all the benefits of a safe, secure and resilient cyberspace.

Library and learning zones

On campus, the main Kimberlin Library offers a space where you can work, study and access a vast range of print materials, with computer stations, laptops, plasma screens and assistive technology also available.

As well as providing a physical space in which to work, we offer online tools to support your studies, and our extensive online collection of resources accessible from our , e-books, specialised databases and electronic journals and films which can be remotely accessed from anywhere you choose.

We will support you to confidently use a huge range of learning technologies, including the Virtual Learning Environment, Collaborate Ultra, 51漫画 Replay, MS Teams, Turnitin and more. Alongside this, you can access LinkedIn Learning and learn how to use Microsoft 365, and study support software such as mind mapping and note-taking through our new Digital Student Skills Hub.

The library staff offer additional support to students, including help with academic writing, research strategies, literature searching, reference management and assistive technology. There is also a ‘Just Ask’ service for help and advice, live , online workshops, tutorials and drop-ins available from our , and weekly library live chat sessions that give you the chance to ask the library teams for help.

More flexible ways to learn

We offer an equitable and inclusive approach to learning and teaching for all our students. Known as the Universal Design for Learning (UDL), our teaching approach has been recognised as sector leading. UDL means we offer a wide variety of support, facilities and technology to all students, including those with disabilities and specific learning differences.

Just one of the ways we do this is by using ‘51漫画 Replay’ – a technology providing all students with anytime access to audio and/or visual material of lectures. This means students can revise taught material in a way that suits them best, whether it's replaying a recording of a class or adapting written material shared in class using specialist software.

Opportunities and careers

Graduate Careers

This programme has been developed to help give students the skills needed for careers in the computer networks and cyber security industry.

Graduates have excellent opportunities to pursue careers in industry, government, or law enforcement in roles such as a Network Engineer, Network Security Engineer, Network Automation Engineer, Security Analyst, Penetration Tester, Cyber Security Engineer or working in a Security Operations Centre (SOC) in roles such as SOC Analyst and Incident Responder. Previous graduates from our Cyber Security programmes have gone on to work for organisations such as Deloitte, GCHQ, Airbus, and Rolls-Royce.

Placements

Work placements are offered as part of this course as one of the best ways to boost your skills and experience while studying, as well as improving your chances of gaining a graduate level job.

We have links with organisations both in the UK and internationally, and the placements team will help you find a placement to suit your interests and aspirations.

Students on related courses have taken part in placements at Airbus, GCHQ, and Vauxhall Motors to develop their skills and put their learning into practice.

Take your next steps

Nine halls of residence and around 2,300 rooms, all of which are within easy walking distance of the campus.

Run by students for students, DSU offers more than 150 societies and almost 40 different sports clubs for you to get involved in.

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