This course requires 104–120 UCAS tariff points including a minimum of 2 A-levels or equivalent. We are happy to consider a combination of qualifications and grades to meet the overall tariff, for example A-levels A*CC, ABC, BBB or BCC, BTECs DDM or DMM. You can use the UCAS calculator to see how your qualifications equate to UCAS tariff points.
If English is not your first language you'll need IELTS (Academic) 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each component, or equivalent.
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.
UCAS Code: I120
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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.
Machine Learning: You will be introduced to the underlying theory behind data processing techniques, and how to develop the tools required to perform rigorous data analytics. Lab sessions will focus on the application of these learnings to real world problems.
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
You’ll complete a minimum 30-week work placement which can be carried out anywhere in the world. The placement year offers a chance to gain experience and make contacts for the future.
Although you will be enrolled onto the four-year degree (including the placement), you can opt out of the placement element to complete your degree in three years.
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.
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.
Ubiquitous 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.
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.
OSHC: 624 ($) GBP per year
