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BSc (Hons) Computer Networks

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?

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

Why study BSc (Hons) Computer Networks at BU?

  • Learn how to design, configure and optimise distributed and large-scale networks to create seamless systems which are vital for organisational efficiency and productivity
  • Explore 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’ll 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 design and configure your own networks as well as explore the latest developments in communication technologies
  • Gain valuable work experience on your placement if you choose to take one
  • Career opportunities are broad and can include roles such as network designer/engineer, network architect, IT manager or information systems manager. 

All of our computing courses share a common first year, giving you the time to really explore each subject before deciding on a specialism. Visit our subject area page to see the full list of courses.

Find out more about the content of this course.

Course accreditation 

Accreditation by the Chartered Institute for IT (BCS) provides an indicator of quality and can help you work towards Chartered IT Professional status. You’ll have the chance to complete Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification courses during your degree. 

Take a glimpse at life on Talbot Campus

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Talbot Campus is where you'll find facilities such as The Sir Michael Cobham Library, the Student Centre (where our Students' Union offices are based), the £22 million Fusion Building and the brand new Poole Gateway Building
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Inside the Fusion Building, which features 27 seminar rooms, three lecture theatres, research space, a 24-station PC laboratory, rooftop terraces and numerous catering facilities, topped with a glass-domed roof. The building has achieved an Energy Performance Certificate rating of A and BREEAM Excellent; it features a range of the latest technologies designed to reduce its environmental impact.
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The new Poole Gateway Building opened in spring 2020 and provides a range of high-quality technical facilities to support undergraduate and postgraduate courses as well as research. It is used predominantly by students from the Faculty of Science & Technology and the Faculty of Media & Communication, although it’s also open and accessible to students from other faculties.

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 and September 2022 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 and September 2022 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.

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.

We’re proud that 90% of our graduates were satisfied with their experience on this course. In addition 90% of graduates felt academic staff on this course were good at explaining things.

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, within fifteen months of completing their course, 91% of our students are in further study or work, of which 84% students are employed in a professional or managerial position.

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.

Statistics shown throughout this page are taken from Unistats and BU institutional data unless otherwise stated.