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BSc (Hons) Computer Networks

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  • UCAS Code:
    I120
  • Institution:
    B50
  • Delivery:
    Sandwich (Thick) out of college.

Do you have a passion for technology, problem solving and excellent analytical skills? Why not apply these skills to help connect the world with the latest networking technologies?

Network engineers develop the infrastructure that enables devices and systems to communicate. Computer networks have become a critical and integral part of all business sectors from banking and finance, to retail and professional services, and to support the increasing computing technology that is becoming embedded in our homes.

On this Chartered Institute for IT (BCS) accredited course, you’ll learn how to design, configure and optimise distributed and large-scale networks to create seamless systems which are vital for organisational efficiency and productivity.

You will learn both wired and wireless communication technologies and protocols ranging from traditional ethernet to ad-hoc and cellular, such as 4G and 5G networks. In addition to core computing skills, you will learn the fundamentals of networks including flexibility, scalability, quality of service and the security implications of corporate infrastructures.

Using state of the art network devices in our Cisco laboratory, you’ll put theory into practice by designing and configuring your own networks as well as exploring the latest developments in communication technologies, such as the cloud, the Internet of Things and next-generation networks.

Career opportunities can include roles such as network designer/engineer, network architect, IT manager or information systems manager.

This is one of eight undergraduate computing courses we offer at BU. As we understand that it can be difficult to know what area you’d like to specialise in, all of these courses share a common first year, giving you the time to really explore the subject before deciding on a specialism. You only need to apply for one of the courses in the framework and you will have the opportunity to change your final degree title during your study with us. Take a look at all the courses here. 

We have specialist computing suites on campus which 100% of our final year students said have supported their learning well and 100% of our final year students said staff are good at explaining things. With 90% of our final year students saying that they were satisfied with the quality of the course, why not visit us to discover the course for yourself or join us on live chat now to find out more?

All statistics shown are taken from Unistats, Destination of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE), BU institutional data and Ipsos MORI (National Student Survey) unless otherwise stated.

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Key information

Next start date:

September 2021, September 2022

Location:

Bournemouth University, Talbot Campus

Duration:

4 years full-time with a minimum 30-week placement or 3 years full-time. You will be enrolled onto the 4-year degree, but can opt out of the placement year

Accreditations:

The Chartered Institute for IT (BCS)

Required subjects:

All subjects considered

Entry requirements:

For September 2021 entry: 104-120 UCAS tariff points including 2 A-levels or equivalent. BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM. For more information check out our full entry requirements.

International entry requirements:

For September 2021 entry: If English is not your first language you'll need IELTS (Academic) 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each component, or equivalent. For more information check out our international entry requirements.

Accredited by:

Course details

On this course you will be taught by staff with relevant expertise and knowledge appropriate to the content of the unit. This could include senior academic staff, qualified professional practitioners and research students, many of whom are actively engaged in research and/or professional practice which is integrated into the teaching of this course. Please note that teaching staff can change.

Download the programme specification (pdf 215kb)

Placements

The experience that you will gain during your placement is invaluable in helping to make informed decisions about your future career path, as well as enhancing employment prospects upon graduation. What’s more, you can also choose to take your placement abroad, giving you the opportunity to develop yourself personally, academically, and professionally and gain skills to help you stand out in the job market.

A lot of our students find that they are offered permanent jobs after graduation by their placement companies, and many new graduate positions are taken by people who have already had work experience as part of a course. Employers increasingly expect would-be recruits to have some kind of work experience, without which they are unlikely to be considered, regardless of their qualifications.

Find out about BU students’ experiences on placementsAll you need to know about placements

Your application

For this course we are looking for applicants who are:

  • Analytical
  • Technical
  • Practical
  • Creative.

This is a predominantly technical framework, especially in the first year, which is common to all the degree titles in the framework, and in the second year core units. Therefore you will need to have a deep and abiding interest in computing and IT, and in the use of computer technologies to create effective and efficient solutions that meet the needs of the end users.

How to apply

Entry requirements

Careers

ICT plays an ever-more important role in every aspect of our lives and businesses are always looking for professionals who have the skills and drive to succeed in this fast-paced and ever-evolving industry. Data communication and computer networks are particularly important to modern organisations and this degree will give you the technical knowledge you need to get ahead in this particular field.

The experience you gain from your work placement, coupled with the skills you’ll gain on your course, could make you stand out to potential employers. Our graduates are highly sought after, with 87% in a professional/managerial position six months after graduating.

Costs and fees

All fees are quoted in pounds sterling and are per year. Your tuition fees will be the same for each year of your course. You can find full information about funding your studies and paying your fees in our undergraduate fees and funding section. That’s also where you’ll find information about the scholarships and bursaries on offer – including unlimited Academic Excellence Scholarships for UK, EU and International students.

Fees quoted are for tuition only unless stated otherwise, and we’re committed to ensuring there are no hidden extra costs while you’re at university – that’s why we’re clear about what you can expect us to cover, and what your cost of living will be.  You’ll also find you could benefit from a range of discounts as a student.

Find out more about budgeting and living expenses

Our staff

On this course you will be taught by staff with relevant expertise and knowledge appropriate to the content of the unit. This could include senior academic staff, qualified professional practitioners and research students, many of whom are actively engaged in research and/or professional practice which is integrated into the teaching of this course. You may also benefit from guest lectures from industry, including our alumni. 

You can find out more about our staff and their research on our Departmental web pages. Please note that teaching staff can change.

Course changes

What our students say

Harrison South

This course is focused on the real world, how you’re going to be able to apply it in a practical sense.

What our students say

Martin Combstock

The placement will definitely improve my chances of getting a job as employers can see that I’ve worked in a real world situation.

What our graduates think

Shane Hannam

I was a placement student here at MicroNav Ltd many years ago back in 2005 for a year, and then I was asked to come back and work here.

All statistics shown throughout this page are taken from Unistats, Destination of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE), BU institutional data and Ipsos MORI (National Student Survey) unless otherwise stated.