Computer Networks and Security

This is a Connected Degree

Portsmouth is the only University in the UK with the flexibility to choose when to do an optional paid placement or self-employed year. Either take a placement in your third year, or finish your studies first and complete a placement in your fourth year. You can decide if and when to take a placement after you've started your course.

Overview

From the Internet to cloud computing, social networking, and multimedia streaming, computer networks play a vital role in all aspects of business, government and public services.

On this BSc (Hons) Computer Networks and Security degree course, you’ll learn to develop and manage sophisticated computer networks solutions and get hands on with the latest technologies, such as servers, mobile applications and security networks.

Not only will you develop skills that can make a mark on the future of the industry, you’ll also have the option to join our Cisco Networking Academy to add an industry-recognised Cisco certification to your degree, such as CCNA or CCNP.

Course highlights

• Configure, manage and experiment with different network technologies and web applications

• Specialise in topics such as security, big data, Internet of Things, management or business and innovation

• Take on practical network design projects, such as designing a real computer network for a bank

• Work with our private cloud environment to learn about virtualisation and cloud computing, and use network analysis tools such as OPNET and Wireshark

• Apply your skills through our work with charities and organisations such as Code Club, where you'll help 9-13-year-olds with their Scratch, HTML/CSS, and Python projects

• Benefit from our Student Union clubs and societies, such as the IT Society, AI and Robotics Club and Gaming Society

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the British Computer Society, partially meeting the educational requirement for CITP.

Our CISCO Networking Academy blends face-to-face teaching with web-based curriculum, hands-on lab exercises, and Internet-based assessment. Students can practice, experiment, learn and share their work using our bespoke networking labs equipped with the latest Cisco networking devices. The teaching is delivered by fully qualified Cisco Academy instructors.

Careers and opportunities

The current shortage of networking and IT professionals will only grow as the importance of computer networks in all areas of society increases. Your skill set will be in high demand across many sectors when you graduate, opening doors to careers in all roles related to computer networks and security.

In fact, 95% of graduates from this course are in work or further study 15 months after graduation, with 100% of those asked also saying they find their current work meaningful. What's more, once you have some experience in industry, you can expect an average salary from £35,000 to £55,000 as a network engineer.

Graduate destinations

Our graduates have worked for companies such as:

• CISCO

• VMWare

• Syamntec

• BAE Systems

• Morgan Stanley

• Lockheed Martin

• Deutsche Bank

What jobs can you do with a computer networks degree?

Our graduates now work in roles including:

• solutions architect

• network engineer

• presales technical consultant

• service desk engineer

• network and systems engineer

Our Employability and Careers service will be on hand throughout your studies and for up to 5 years after you graduate to give you help and support with finding a job and developing your career.

"One of the best things about the course is it’s very hands on. You learn by doing and not just theory." Katie Tuffrey, Computer Networks Student

Year 1

Core modules in this year include:

• Architecture and Operating Systems (20 credits)
• Core Computing Concepts for Cyber Security (20 credits)
• Networking Essentials (20 credits)
• Programming (40 credits)
• System Administration and Internetworking (20 credits)

There are no optional modules in this year.

Year 2

Core modules in this year include:

• Cloud Computing (20 credits)
• Enterprise Networking (20 credits)
• Ethical Hacking (20 credits)
• Network Servers and Services (20 credits)
• Security and Cryptography (20 credits)

Optional modules to choose from in this year currently include:

• Big Data (20 credits)
• Business Information Systems Security (20 credits)
• Computing Undergraduate Ambassador (20 credits)
• Exchange Study Abroad (40 credits)
• Web Programming (20 credits)

Year 3

Core modules in this year include:

• Individual Project (Engineering) (40 credits)
• IT and Internetworking Security (20 credits)
• Network Design and Isp Solutions (20 credits)

Optional modules in this year currently include:

• Artificial Intelligence (20 credits)
• Business Analytics (20 credits)
• Digital Enterprise and Innovation (20 credits)
• Distributed Systems and Security (20 credits)
• Internet of Things (20 credits)
• Malware Forensics (20 credits)
• Practical Data Analytics and Mining (20 credits)
• Security Management (20 credits)

Exchange study abroad or placement year (optional)

On this course, you can do an optional study abroad or work placement year after your 2nd or 3rd years to get valuable experience working in industry.

We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your situation and ambitions. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.

We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.

Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry and some optional modules may not run every year. If a module doesn’t run, we’ll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.

How you're assessed

You’ll be assessed through:

• technical reports and logbooks
• written exams
• mini projects
• presentations
• case studies
• group assignments

You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.

You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.

The way you’re assessed may depend on the modules you select. As a guide, students on this course last year were typically assessed as follows:

• Year 1 students: 43% by written exams, 10% by practical exams and 47% by coursework
• Year 2 students: 40% by written exams and 60% by coursework
• Year 3 students: 25% by written exams, 10% by practical exams and 65% by coursework

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• British Computer Society