BSc (Hons) Computer Networks and Security with foundation

• 48 UCAS points. Please see our guide to the UCAS Tariff for examples of how to achieve these points.
• Your Level 3 subjects must include a technology related subject; for instance, A-level Computing or BTEC Extended Diploma in Computing.
• You should also have five GCSEs at grade C or above or grade 4 to 9 (or equivalent) including Mathematics, English and technology/computing subjects.
• If you don’t meet the standard entry requirements, but have non-traditional qualifications and/or relevant experience, we’ll be happy to consider your application. You’ll need to achieve a minimum mark in a diagnostic mathematics test and attend an interview.
• You may be required to attend an interview and/or provide a portfolio of work.
• If English isn’t your first language you’ll also need IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band (or equivalent). We also accept a range of other English language qualifications – please visit our English Language Requirements web page for more details.
• If English is your second language and you feel you need extra help with your language skills, you have the option of studying specialist language modules during the foundation year. Please contact the English for Academic Purposes team for further information and advice.

Want some reassurance or advice? Speak to one of our advisors. Email us at admissions@bolton.ac.uk or call us on +44 (0)1204 903 394.

Where changes are made to material information contained in this course description or a decision is taken to suspend a course between the offer of admissions and enrolment, we will inform applicants at the earliest possible opportunity and will outline the various options available to the applicant.

This is a growing sector and one in which more and more companies are becoming increasingly liable for the security and confidentiality of their customer and business data. Graduates of this degree will understand how to evaluate the security needs of an organisation, and put in place plans to protect against possible cyber-attacks and security breaches. This course not only covers how to design and implement new systems but also to lead and manage them effectively.

As a graduate, some of the key transferable skills you’ll have developed include teamwork, leadership, communication, time management, commercial awareness, problem solving and negotiation. Continuing professional development is especially important for people working in computing as 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. A computer networks and security graduate can 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 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.

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 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

Important note regarding tuition fees for the 2021/2022 academic year: EU nationals who meet residency requirements (have settled or pre-settled status) may be eligible for ‘Home’ fee status. If you do not meet these residency requirements, overseas fees will apply. Irish citizens living in the UK or Ireland will be eligible for ‘Home’ fee status under the Common Travel Area arrangement. Please read the student finance eligibility 2021/2022 policy on www.gov.uk for information.

The fees for a student’s course of study will be set for the normal duration of that course subject only to inflationary increases – measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) recorded in March each year to take effect for subsequent start dates.

For 2021-2022 entry, the maximum government approved undergraduate tuition fee for UK students is £9,250 per year. The University is able to charge this fee subject to an approved Access and Participation Plan for 2021-2022 and its current rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework.

Bursaries

Click here for more information about the scholarships and bursaries available to University of Bolton undergraduate students.

Lectures introduce the core course content, while practical laboratory sessions give you practical experience and help to consolidate your learning. Tutorials allow you to ask any questions you have, ensuring you understand the topics covered in lectures and laboratory sessions. We use case studies and practical scenarios to help you learn to apply academic theory to real-life practical scenarios, allowing you to gain insights into computer networks and security in commercial environments.

Guest lectures/presentations by a variety of visiting speakers from relevant employment areas offer you the chance to further develop your knowledge and understanding.

In terms of assessment, you can expect time constrained exams and coursework, such as essays, reports, presentations, portfolios, and others. These contribute to your final marks and allow you to demonstrate that you’ve met the learning outcomes for the course.

We also use other forms of assessment to help you learn, provide you with feedback and inform your development, though these don’t count towards your final marks. For instance, you might be asked to complete quizzes or undertake practical exercises. You’ll also receive feedback on assessment drafts. This helps to identify any areas that would benefit from extra attention on your part, or where you need extra support from your tutor.

Modules

The modules listed below may be a mixture of compulsory and optional. You may not have the opportunity to study all the modules shown as part of the course.

• Fundamentals of Programming
• Logical Analysis and Problem Solving
• Computer Systems
• Foundation Project
• Programming and Scripting
• Security Fundamentals
• Networking Principles
• Modern Operating Systems
• Secure Systems
• Scaling Networks
• Advanced Operating Systems
• Modern Infrastructure
• Undergraduate Project
• Ethical Hacking and Digital Forensics
• Operations Management
• Network Management

Assessment methods

Learning activities

Disclaimer

The university will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver your course as described in its published material and the programme specification for the academic year in which you begin your course. The university considers changes to courses very carefully and the university will minimise any changes. Please be aware that our courses are subject to review on an ongoing basis and changes may be necessary due to legitimate staffing, financial, regulatory and academic reasons. The content of course modules and mode of associated assessments may be updated on an annual basis. This is to ensure that all modules are up-to-date and responsive to employment and sector needs. The published course material and the programme specification contain indicative ‘optional modules’ that may be subject to change due to circumstances outside of our control. For this reason, we cannot guarantee to run any specific optional module.