BSc (Hons) Computer Networks and Security

Program Overview

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Course Details

Recent news reports reveal data breaches at large corporations, and some people say the age of cyber-warfare has already begun. The need for talented, professional and ingenious computer network and security professionals has never been greater. Governments, organisations, and individuals need to store and access information securely and efficiently. Our BSc (Hons) Computer Networks and Security offers an excellent preparation for a career in this field.

Our dedicated staff will support you to develop the strong understanding and practical know-how vital to protect data against all possible sources of disruption at all times. Focusing on the design, configuration, management and support of all types of computer networks, we’ll guide you as you gain valuable hands-on experience with a range of industry-standard hardware and software. Areas of study include network architecture and management, network design and integration, routing, computer security, network operating systems, programming, wide area networks, and wireless networks and security.

We’ll also support you to gain vital academic and lifelong learning skills so that you are well prepared to research new technologies, apply your knowledge in new ways, and keep abreast of innovations and enhancements in the computer networks and security industry throughout your career.

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Highlights

Our Computer Science courses are top in the UK for student satisfaction, according to The Complete University Guide 2022.

Our Computer Science courses are also placed first in the UK for teaching quality and student experience by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021.

You’ll have the opportunity to gain Cisco certification to CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) standard. The Cisco CCNA examination is offered at external testing centres and incurs a separate charge. The course also includes training towards RedHat Linux qualifications and Amazon AWS certifications in cloud computing.

Our dedicated staff team has a wide range of professional experience, industry knowledge, technical expertise and academic credentials, offering you a variety of perspectives and broadening your horizons.

We prefer to keep lecture and practical classes relatively small so that you have plenty of opportunities to us ask questions and get help, as well as benefit from the ideas and support offered by your classmates.

Our dedicated laboratories are firewalled so that you and your classmates can experiment and evaluate attack tools without worrying about disrupting the wider University network.

We’re committed to helping you develop your employability and career network. You’ll be encouraged to attend guest lectures that enhance your learning, help you make contacts in the industry, and contribute to your professional development.

By designing the course assignments and projects to mimic industry pipelines and standards, we aim to give you a real feel for a career in computer networks and security.

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Key Features

We offer a warm and friendly environment for your studies, with relatively small class sizes, purpose-built teaching facilities, and excellent student support and library services.

We want to work with you as an individual, giving you access to the help and support you need to succeed.

Our dedicated networking laboratories have industry-standard hardware and software. You’ll have unrestricted access, so you’ll always be able to practice and develop your workplace skills.

As you’d expect, many of our computing facilities can be accessed across the internet, allowing you to work on your assignments whenever and wherever you choose.

Your final year project offers the chance to specialise in an area of interest. We’ll support you in developing it as a work portfolio that demonstrates your knowledge and skills, ready to impress potential employers.

By choosing to study with us, you'll have the chance to enjoy Bolton's many shops, bars, restaurants and leisure facilities. Manchester, one of the UK's most multicultural and lively cities, is less than 20 minutes away by train. Not forgetting, the North West of England is renowned for its beautiful countryside, coastline and heritage. This makes Bolton an ideal base from which to explore some of the best cultural and outdoor activities the UK offers.

Program Outline

This is a growing sector as more and more companies are becoming increasingly liable for their customer and business data security and confidentiality. As a graduate of our BSc (Hons) Computer Networks and Security degree, you'll understand how to evaluate an organisation's security needs and put in place plans to protect against possible cyber-attacks and security breaches. This course covers how to design and implement new systems and lead and manage them effectively.

As a graduate, some of the key transferable skills you’ll possess include teamwork, leadership, communication, time management, commercial awareness, problem-solving, and negotiation. You'll also be well prepared for lifelong learning, as continuing professional development is significant for people working in computing because technology and software develop at such a rapid pace.

What can I do with this qualification?

Every company has some form of digital infrastructure that supports the day-to-day running of the business. As a computer networks and security graduate, you'll be able to explore opportunities in a range of businesses, including large corporates and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), government agencies, local authorities, health authorities, financial services, retail and e-commerce, network providers and internet service providers.

Completing this degree will also prepare you for a variety of related careers, such as computer and information systems management, technical support engineering, computer systems analysis, network and computer systems administration, network analysis and network security, digital forensics and computer network architecture.

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Alternative career options

Graduates can use the qualification as a stepping-stone into a range of other careers. For some of these roles, relevant experience and/or postgraduate study may be required. Roles include:

Teaching

Research and development

Social media management

Technical writing

Product management

ICT Training

ICT sales

Digital copywriting

Telecommunications

Network engineering