BSc (Hons) Computer Networks

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

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Computer networks are an integral part of business and as such our Computer Networks course will equip you with the skills you need to design, configure, manage and administer distributed network systems to a professional standard.

This course is accredited by the British Computing Society (BCS). To be awarded Chartered IT Professional status from BCS you will need to complete a year of further learning beyond graduation and meet other criteria, details of which can be found on the BCS website.

We understand that computing is a diverse subject and that it can be difficult to know what area you’d like to specialise in at this stage in your career. That’s why all of our courses within the computing framework share a common first year, giving you the time to really explore the subject before deciding on a specialism. There are courses that allow you to keep a relatively wide focus, as well as degrees that provide a greater level of specialism, giving you plenty of flexibility when it comes to which direction you want your career to take.

We have specialist computing suites on campus which 89% of our final year students said they could access when they needed to. Why not visit us to discover these for yourself or join us on live chat now to find out more?

This course forms part of BU’s framework of computing alongside the following other courses:

You only need to apply for one of the courses in the framework. If you change your mind and would prefer to study a different course within the framework, you will have the opportunity to change your final degree title during your study with us.

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.

Image description — A BU student in a computer lab

Key information

Next start date:

September 2019, September 2020

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:

British Computer Society

Entry requirements:

For 2019 entry: 104-120 tariff points including 2 A-levels or equivalent. BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM. For more information check out our 2019 entry requirements.

International entry requirements:

If English is not your first language you'll need IELTS (Academic) 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each of the 4 components 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)

Year 1

Core units

Principles of Programming: Covers the fundamental skills required to implement software solutions. Lab sessions will focus on the application of concepts to real-world problems, and you will test and debug a given program using a suitable strategy.
Computer Fundamentals: Enables you to understand the concepts and terminology of computer systems and computer security. You will do this through group based lab exercises where you will collaborate with other students focusing on problem based learning. This unit sets the foundations for you to further develop your knowledge of computing and cyber security.
Data and Databases: Develop your knowledge and practical expertise in the application of database design techniques, as well as your understanding of data processing.
Networks and Cyber Security: Learn the fundamentals of networks and how to secure them using security controls such as firewalls and intrusion detection & prevention systems. Understand how evolving technology, such as the cloud and IoT, impacts many organisations and how it facilitates their network security.
Application of Programming Principles: Having completed the Principles of Programming unit, you will use your knowledge to gain an insight into more complex system development. Lab sessions will allow you to complete team based exercises.
Business Systems Analysis and Design: Learn and understand the role that computer systems play within organisations, and the value they provide to stakeholders. You will have the opportunity to design, construct, and evaluate interactive systems to meet an organisation’s needs.

Year 2

Core units

Infrastructure Strategy: Explore the relationship between the goals of Information Systems and the infrastructure strategies of small and medium enterprises. Look at computer and networking infrastructures and characteristics like flexibility, scalability, performance, resilience, quality of service and security, and design choices and implications of corporate infrastructure.
Project Management & Team Working: You'll gain experience of working in a team on an IT systems development project, which will prepare you for work placement in Year 3.
Systems Design: With a focus on ‘upstream’ development tasks, you'll learn about the needs and of software system designs, and explore the problems with traditional systems development such as human computer interface design and usability.
Networks: Through problem-based activities using state of the art network devices you will learn the theory and practice of data communications and computer networks.

Option units

You'll choose one of the following units:

Application Programming: Building on your previous programming experience, you'll design more complex applications and explore data persistence, concurrency, and networking.
Data Management: You will develop further skills and understanding of the techniques and technologies used in databases and data management.
Tools & Technologies of Data Science: Understand the challenges of Big Data analysis, including ethical, legal and professional implications. Gain knowledge of the most significant computing tools and technologies for dealing with Big Data: Hadoop and noSQL databases, MapReduce programming and other algorithm parallelization approaches.
Web Programming: You’ll learn to select and apply technologies appropriate to the issues being addressed. You will also develop an understanding of the legal, ethical and social issues in this rapidly changing environment.

Please note that option units require minimum numbers in order to run and may only be available on a semester by semester basis. They may also change from year to year.

Optional placement year

Final year

Core units

Advanced Networks: Evaluate computer networks and what they're capable of. You'll discuss the latest developments in communication technologies, the links between cellular and data networks, and issues affecting network performance and security.
Network Configuration Management: Address issues in network design, and learn about the tools you'll need to run networks.
Individual Project: Study a topic of your choice independently. You'll coherently present your process and product.

Option units

You'll choose one unit from the following options:

Advanced Development: The design of applications that support enterprise activities. There will be an emphasis on mixing applications and Internet-based services.
Business Continuity Management: the wider topic of resilience, which is the ability of an organisation to keep functioning during and after an attack, incident or natural disaster.
Data Mining: The Principles and techniques of data analysis. You'll carry out data analysis experiments.
Deep Learning: an increasingly important area of Artificial Intelligence. You will implement deep learning solutions to complex real-world problems using state-of-the-art deep learning software libraries.
Human Factors in Computing Systems: This unit will present generic Human Computer Interaction research that can be used for a range of software and systems engineering projects. You'll learn about design processes, standards and guidelines, usability tools and techniques, and workload measurement approaches.
Information Assurance: A growing and diverse study of how information flows through cyberspace. Information Assurance is about getting the right Information, to the right people at the right time.
Machine Intelligence: the essential elements of machine intelligence including machine learning, to enable specialised data analysts to solve real-world problems in areas such as business, finance, planning and management.
Pervasive Computing: mobile and pervasive systems are having a profound impact on personal and business activities. This unit examines systems and technologies that factor in the success of such systems.
Software Systems Modelling: Practice how to use software systems that use unified modelling language (UML).
Web Information Systems: Explore web development methods of all scales. This will help you identify and solve likely problems in every stage of the development process.

Please note that option units require minimum numbers in order to run and may only be available on a semester by semester basis. They may also change from year to year.

Programme specification

Programme specifications provide definitive records of the University's taught degrees in line with Quality Assurance Agency requirements. Every taught course leading to a BU Award has a programme specification which describes its aims, structure, content and learning outcomes, plus the teaching, learning and assessment methods used.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the programme specification, the information is liable to change to take advantage of exciting new approaches to teaching and learning as well as developments in industry.

If you have been unable to locate the programme specification for the course you are interested in, it will be available as soon as the latest version is ready. Alternatively please contact us for assistance.

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 placements All you need to know about placements

How placements benefit you

A placement should be a highly rewarding experience for you and the employing company and we do our best to ensure that everyone involved feels that they have got the most that they can from the experience.

Placements provide a great opportunity to make your first career steps and enhance your employability while you’re completing your studies. You’ll get the opportunity to:

Put the theory learnt throughout the course into professional practice
Enhance your study and help you decide on subject options (where appropriate)
Learn a wide range of skills such as time management, problem solving and team work (all of these are important to succeed in any career)
Make contacts, as it is not uncommon for our students to be offered permanent positions to return to after graduating
Gain a real insight into how the industry operates in roles that would be almost impossible to achieve for an outsider

Many of our students, during their placement, are given responsibilities normally associated with graduate trainees.

How long will your placement be?

What support will be available?

The faculty running your course will offer the support of a Placement Co-ordinator.

They’ll help you plan your placement so make sure you get the right experience for you. That includes offering help and support if you need to move to another part of the UK – and even another country – to get the most out of your time.

We’ve also built close industry links over the years – so our network of employers that are keen to work with placement students is always growing. Or if you’d prefer to arrange your placement independently, we can offer advice on how to do that too.

Our placement students have worked with

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

Additional attributes

Selection methods

How we’ll assess your application

We look at individual applications and make a tailored offer based on your potential to succeed on the course considering a range of factors, including your academic achievements, work and other experience, predicted grades, reference and personal statement, and in some cases, your performance at an interview/selection test.

If you meet one or more of our contextual data indicators for educational disadvantage (such as being in care, living in a low participation neighbourhood or in an area with less advantaged socio-economic characteristics), your offer could be between 8-24 points below the published tariff.

Our offer making process

Our offer making will typically be based on your most recent graded qualifications, including any required subjects where applicable. We'll consider all qualifications on the UCAS tariff tables when assessing your application, although these may not be part of our offer.

If you do not meet the criteria of your original offer, we may still offer you a place. We will review your whole application and consider all academic qualifications (including those not in the offer) and the rest of the application to see if you have the academic potential to succeed on the course. If we feel the answer is yes, we will still confirm your place.

Our Unconditional Offer Scheme (2019 entry)

Applicants who are predicted to achieve strong academic results will be eligible for BU’s Unconditional Offer Scheme in recognition of their academic performance and potential to succeed at university. If you are selected for the scheme and commit to us as your firm choice of university, then we will match this commitment by making your offer unconditional, which will guarantee your place at BU.

You will receive a standard conditional offer based on the entry requirements for your course via UCAS Track and your offer letter – it will advise that you are eligible for the Unconditional Offer Scheme. We will then update your offer to unconditional should you choose BU as your firm choice on UCAS Track.

We believe that unconditional offers reduce pressure on applicants who will continue to strive to achieve the best grades possible. If you achieve ABB or above at A-level or equivalent, you’ll also be eligible for our Academic Excellence Scholarship.

Visit our Unconditional Offer Scheme FAQ page

Applying for year 2 or the final year

We have recently reviewed this course to take advantage of new approaches to learning and teaching, as well as developments in industry. As the aims, structure, content and learning outcomes, teaching, learning and assessment methods may have changed as a result of the review, you can find the relevant information for your year of entry in the appropriate programme specification.

Year 2 and final year new entrants programme specification (pdf 1.5mb)

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff points

We use the UCAS Tariff to show our entry requirements and will accept a combination of grades from your qualifications. You can use the UCAS calculator to see how your qualifications equate to tariff points.

For 2019 entry: The entry requirements for this course are 104-120 tariff points including 2 A-levels or equivalent. BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM.

Excluded subjects: General Studies

GCSEs: GCSE English and Mathematics grade C (or grade 4 in the reformed GCSE grading) or equivalent qualifications.

Numeracy and literacy: We need to be sure that you can express yourself in written English and have basic numeracy skills. We look at Level 2 of the National Qualifications Framework, which includes, but is not limited to, GCSEs, iGCSEs, Key Skills and Functional Skills Level 2. If you do not have formal qualifications to this level or have alternatives, we may still be able to consider your application – please contact the Future Students Enquiry Service to find out more.

Other qualifications: We have outlined below other qualifications that we consider for this course. If you are studying a qualification that is not listed, please contact the Future Students Enquiry Service. It may be that we can still consider it.

Access courses: 102 - 118 tariff points with any combination of Distinction, Merit, Pass grades.

BTEC qualifications:

Extended Diploma: This course requires Distinction, Merit, Merit (112 tariff points).
Diploma: 104 tariff points (grade D*D).
BTEC National Foundation Diploma/90-credit Diploma: Accepted as part of the overall tariff but it must be accompanied by an A-level or equivalent.
BTEC National Extended Certificate/Subsidiary Diploma: Accepted as part of the overall tariff but it must be accompanied by an A-level or equivalent.

Cambridge Pre-U Diploma: 104-112 tariff points including a minimum of 2 principal subjects.

Cambridge Technical qualifications:

Extended Diploma: This course requires Distinction, Merit, Merit (112 tariff points)
Diploma: 104 tariff points (grade D*D) in a required subject.
Subsidiary Diploma: Accepted as part of the overall tariff but it must be accompanied by an A-level or equivalent.
Introductory Diploma: Accepted as part of the overall tariff but it must be accompanied by an A-level or equivalent.

International Baccalaureate Diploma: 28-31 points overall including grade H5 from 2 Higher Level subjects.

Scottish Highers: 104 - 120 tariff points from Scottish Highers.

Welsh Baccalaureate: Accepted as part of the overall tariff but it must be accompanied by an A-Level or equivalent.

Extended Project Qualification: Accepted as part of the overall tariff but it must be accompanied by 2 A-levels or equivalent qualifications.

Apprenticeships: We recognise the transferable knowledge and skills gained through apprenticeships and welcome applications from students with the Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship. Each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Mature applicants: We recognise that mature applicants may have a wealth of experience rather than formal qualifications, so we’ll consider your application on these merits if it’s included in your application. You’ll need to apply to BU in the usual way through UCAS and you may be invited to an interview to discuss your suitability for the course based on the experience you tell us about in your application.

Deferred entry: We are happy to consider applicants for deferred entry.

International entry requirements

If English is not your first language, you will need to provide evidence that you can understand English to a satisfactory level. English language requirements for this course are normally:

IELTS (Academic) 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each of the 4 components of writing, speaking, listening and reading or equivalent.

View further information about our English language requirements.

If you do not meet the English language requirement for your degree then why not join our Pre-Sessional English course? Successful completion of our Pre-Sessional English course will meet your English language requirement, without the need to re-take IELTS.

Academic entry requirements

You can find details of the international qualifications we accept, and what level of study they apply to, on our entry requirements for non-UK students’ page.

We offer a number of preparatory programmes through Bournemouth University International College. These courses offer you progression from High School in your home country to a Bachelor’s degree at BU.

Options include:

Foundation Certificate for Computing

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.

Typical starting job roles

Example employers

Industries worked in

BCS accreditation

Further study

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

No hidden extras

What’s included in your tuition fee?

Your tuition fee covers expenses associated with your course, including tuition materials, access to facilities, mandatory field trips and the following:

One set of study-related consumables such as a memory stick/ DVD
Materials for laboratory and field-based teaching activity
Support for finding placements (UK or abroad) and fieldwork, and non-financial support whilst on placement.
A range of student services – advisors, help desks, counsellors, placement support and careers service
The Library – access to a wide range of electronic resources (databases, e-journals and e-books), print and multimedia collections, subject librarians and study spaces
IT labs (some open 24/7), wireless network, AV equipment to borrow
Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) scheme
Disability and additional learning support
The BU Language Centre to help you develop/improve foreign or English language skills
24 hours a day, 365 days a year security team.

Costs of living and other expenses

Additional costs

We are committed to offering you value for money and ensuring there are no hidden costs while you are studying with us, therefore we have listed below any additional costs you may incur that are not covered by your tuition fee:

Accommodation and living costs. Our accommodation price guide can be found on our website.
Optional fieldwork travel, outdoor wear and footwear (where applicable)
Textbooks, general stationery and other supplies. Our award-winning library is stocked with a large range of textbooks and online resources, free of charge. The Students’ Union shops stock a wide range of stationery supplies on both campuses.

Repeat units

Our staff

Dr Huseyin Dogan – Principal Academic in Computing

Professor Vasilis Katos – Professor in Computing & Informatics

Dr Edward Apeh – Senior Lecturer in Computing

Course changes

Changes in 2017

Date	Changes to this course
14/11/17	Where the change was made: Fees Change: After an annual review of the placement year tuition fee, a price increase in line with current inflation, equating to 3% has been introduced. Previous text: £790
30/9/2017	Where the change was made: Course details Change: Changes to all core and option units for students starting in September 2018 onwards Previous text: See Programme Specification for details
03/03/2017	Where the change was made: Programme specification Change: Change the assessment of the Information Assurance unit from 50% examination and 50% coursework to one single 100% coursework element (5,000 words) Previous text: 50% examination, 50% coursework
06/09/2017	Where the change was made: Key information and 2018 requirements Change: Changed to: Entry requirements changed to 104 - 120 tariff points including a minimum of 2 A- levels or equivalent Previous text: 104 - 120 tariff points including a minimum of 3 A- levels or equivalent
06/09/2017	Where the change was made: 2018 requirements Change: 2018 GCSE entry requirements have changed to This course requires GCSE English and Mathematics grade C (or grade 4 in the reformed GCSE grading) or equivalent qualifications. Previous text: This course requires a minimum of 4 GCSEs grades A* - C (or grade 4 or above in the newly reformed GCSE grading) including Maths and English or equivalent qualifications.

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.

BSc (Hons) Computer Networks

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Key information

Next start date:

Location:

Duration:

Accreditations:

Entry requirements:

International entry requirements:

Accredited by:

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Planning your future

Course details

Year 1

Year 2

Optional placement year

Final year

Programme specification

Placements

How placements benefit you

How long will your placement be?

What support will be available?

Our placement students have worked with

Your application

Additional attributes

Selection methods

How we’ll assess your application

Our offer making process

Our Unconditional Offer Scheme (2019 entry)

Applying for year 2 or the final year

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff points

International entry requirements

Careers

Typical starting job roles

Example employers

Industries worked in

BCS accreditation

Further study

Costs and fees

No hidden extras

Costs of living and other expenses

Repeat units

Our staff

Dr Huseyin Dogan – Principal Academic in Computing

Professor Vasilis Katos – Professor in Computing & Informatics

Dr Edward Apeh – Senior Lecturer in Computing

Course changes

Changes in 2017

What our students say

Harrison South

What our students say

Martin Combstock

What our graduates think

Shane Hannam