BSc (Hons) Computer Networks
Manchester, United Kingdom
DURATION
3 up to 4 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
GBP 17,040 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* full-time International students; Home students £9,250 per year
Introduction
Streaming, cloud-based services and social media, are just a small part of the role computer networks have in shaping our daily lives. With the rise of seamless mobility and the rapid adoption of the Internet of Things, there has never been a more exciting time to build next-generation knowledge and skills with our Computer Networks degree.
Networking is about constantly evolving. Led by a research-active, professionally qualified academic team, our course is designed to steadily enhance your capabilities as you prepare for a career in the industry. You will build real-world problem-solving skills, develop knowledge relevant to business management, and have the option to include industry experience.
With our focus on delivering high-quality, industry-focused learning, our course is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for I.T., opening up further career progression once you graduate. As a Network Academy Centre, we also offer you the opportunity to gain Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) during your studies.
You will:
- Develop a systematic understanding of computer networks, including penetration, testing, routing and switching
- Build knowledge in Cloud services, IoT, the WAN and the facilitation of converging technology
- Choose to include an industry placement where you can apply your knowledge and build additional transferable skills
Ideal Students
This is for you if...
- You have a strong interest in IT, computer networking and converging technology
- You're interested in how things work rather than just wanting to be a user of them.
- You like to explore how different elements can be combined to create a whole
Curriculum
Delivered from our exciting MediaCityUK campus, our BSc Computer Networks degree provides you with a systematic understanding of networks, including the underlying principles of how they work, and how these principles are applied in industry.
You'll take specialist modules in areas such as network penetration testing, routing and switching, mobile networking and the Internet of Things (IoT), and have the opportunity to take part in a group design project in year two and an individual project on a topic of your choice in your final year. Learn more about the course modules in the section below.
Learning Experience
To make sure that you're ready for employment when you graduate, you'll have the opportunity to become Cisco-certified with the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certificate during your computer network studies. CCNA is a professional certificate issued by the networking hardware company Cisco. It shows that you have the fundamental networking knowledge and skills required by many employers in the IT industry. The CCNA course materials are built into our Computer Networks modules, ensuring that all our computer networks graduates are building up-to-date industry-standard skills.
Industry Placement
On this course, you will have the option to take an industry placement year between years two and three. Although you will be responsible for securing your own placement, we will support your search and assign you a tutor to monitor your progress whilst on placement.
By successfully completing a placement year, you can add 'with professional experience' to your final degree award. Recent course students have developed their skills at placements with General Electric, Fujitsu, Cadburys and Bosch.
Year one
- Introduction to Computers and Network Systems
- Python and Linux
- Technologies in Context
- Database Systems
- Principles and Concepts of Network Technologies
- Professional Development and Practices
Year two
- Networking and Security
- Group Design Project
- Routing and Switching
- Network Penetration Testing
- Mobile Networking and Network Simulation
- Advanced Routing and Switching
Year three
- Internet of Things
- The WAN and Global Networks
- Business Management
- Information Security Management
- Project for Computer Networks
Career Opportunities
As a computer networks graduate, you will have excellent software development skills supported by a large portfolio of practical work, which can be used to demonstrate your abilities to prospective employers.
Many graduates secure roles working as network developers in a range of companies. However, with the range of applied knowledge and skills, you will have, you can also look for roles working in IT consultancy, system administration or network analysis.
Today, you will find course alumni working with national companies, including Sainsbury's, Cisco, Microsoft, SIS, Autotrader, HMRC, Ferranti and Civica, as well as regional companies that are part of Greater Manchester's growing technology innovation community.