Computing (Computer Networks and Cyber Security) with Foundation Year (Full-time) (BSc Hons)
If you’re curious about protecting digital information and creating secure computer systems, our Computer Networks and Cyber Security degree is a great choice. This course is perfect for those who want to build strong skills in networking and cyber security, with a focus on networking, cybersecurity, and forensics.
The degree begins with a foundation year, which is ideal for students who may want extra support. This year helps you gain the necessary skills and confidence for university-level study. The foundation year provides a solid introduction to key computing principles, covering essential basics, problem-solving, and IT fundamentals. You will develop essential technical skills that form the backbone of networking and cybersecurity. This broad foundation prepares you to progress confidently into more advanced topics as the course unfolds, ensuring you’re fully prepared before diving into the more technical aspects of the course.
In this programme, you’ll learn to develop networking solutions and gain hands-on experience with network administration. You’ll explore how to set up and manage network infrastructure, which is essential for any organisation today. The course covers everything from choosing the right networking technologies to implementing solutions that keep data safe.
Our strong industry links are a major benefit of this programme. We are a member of Cisco Academy, a well-known provider of networking certifications, and an EC Council Academy partner. This means our course includes content from certifications like CCNA Routing & Switching, CCNA Cyber Operations, and Computer Hacking Forensics Investigator (CHFI). These qualifications are highly valued in the IT industry and can significantly boost your career prospects.
A key feature of the course is our state-of-the-art cybersecurity lab. Here, you’ll work with the latest tools and technologies, gaining practical experience that will be invaluable when you enter the workforce. The lab provides a safe environment to learn about emerging technologies and understand complex IT infrastructure.
The course also emphasises real-world application. This means you’ll not only learn the theory behind network security but also how to apply it in practical situations. This approach helps you develop the ability to spot issues, design solutions, and analyse different networking technologies effectively.
Graduating from this degree programme will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in network administration and cyber security. With a solid foundation in routing and switching, security, and forensics, you’ll be ready for a rewarding career in this dynamic field.
Course details
- On-campus
- Full-time
- English
- Bilingual
Tuition Fees 24/25
Home (Full-time): £9,000 per year
Overseas (Full-time): £13,500 per year
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
Our Computer Networks and Cyber Security degree with a foundation year offers a blend of practical application and academic rigour. This structure ensures that you are well-prepared to tackle real-world challenges in the field of Computer Networks and Cyber Security.
The foundation year is designed to prepare you for university study. You will be introduced to key concepts in networking technologies and software development, alongside data analysis and basic visualisation principles. This foundational knowledge is crucial for building the skills needed for more advanced topics in subsequent years.
Compulsory
(20 credits)
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In the second year, you will focus on the fundamentals of networking technologies and software development. You will learn about data analysis, basic visualisation principles, and an introduction to forensics. This foundational knowledge sets the stage for more advanced topics in the following years.
Compulsory
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
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(20 credits)
(20 credits)
The third year delves deeper into network administration and network infrastructure. You will engage in practical tasks, enhancing your skills and knowledge. This year also introduces more complex security measures and forensics techniques, preparing you for industry challenges.
Compulsory
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
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(20 credits)
In the final year, you will focus on advanced topics in Cyber Security and networking solutions. You will work on an independent project in an area of interest to you. This year emphasizes the application of emerging trends and technologies and prepares you for professional roles in network administration and cyber security.
Compulsory
(40 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
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(20 credits)
Course Disclaimer
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We listen to student feedback and insights from industry and from professionals to ensure that course content is high-quality and up-to-date, and that it offers the best possible preparation for your future career or study goals.
For this reason, there might be modifications to the content of your course over time, to keep up to date with changes in the subject area or in the sector. If a module is no longer running, we’ll make sure to keep you informed, and work with you to choose a different suitable module.
testimonial
Staff
Our People
You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support (NSS 2024) meaning that the support and feedback you get will help you learn and develop strong academic skills. Our students have placed us 1st in Wales for Learning Opportunities and Student Voice (NSS 2024) meaning that there are a wide range of opportunities available to enhance your studies and that students play an active role in shaping their learning experiences. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as 1st in Wales and joint 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024, ‘Overall Positivity’ measure). Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses.
Accommodation
Further information
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104 UCAS tariff points (previously 260) to include:
- Two C grades at A-Level/AVCE; or
- BTEC National Diploma grades Pass, Pass, Pass; or
- BTEC National Certificate grades Merit, Pass; or
- NVQ Level 3 - Pass
Please note that subjects at Advanced Level should/may include ICT, Computing, Maths, Physics or similar.
GCSE Maths Grade 4 (previously C) or above is preferred.
Grades are important; however, our offers are not solely based on academic results. We are interested in creative people that demonstrate a strong commitment to their chosen subject area, and therefore we welcome applications from individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. To assess student suitability for their chosen course, we normally arrange interviews for all applicants at which your skills, achievements and life experience will be considered as well as your qualifications.
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The School of Applied Computing aims to produce graduates that help shape the future of network infrastructures. The course content is contemporary and shaped for employability through close links with local and national employers.
Students are assessed through a combination of laboratory-based practicals, assignments, presentations, projects and examinations. Module assessment is often by assignment, or assignment and examination. The final mark for some modules may include one or more pieces of coursework set and completed during the module. Project work is assessed by a written report and presentation.
Students are encouraged to use our links with Software Alliance Wales and Go Wales to work on commercial schemes for their Major Project module. Go Wales provides the opportunity of paid work placements with local businesses.
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It is possible to complete this programme of study without any additional costs.
Students may wish to purchase materials for modules, such as Major Project but this is not a requirement and will have no bearing on the final grade.
Students who wish to pursue Cisco and EC Council industry certification would incur additional costs to cover the exam fees. All Cisco exams must be booked via the Pearson VUE testing centre. By successfully completing the Cisco Academy course you may be eligible for a discount voucher. The EC Council certification exam can be taken at the University with an additional fee of £300 per exam.
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You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available, please visit our Bursaries and Scholarships section.
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The programme emphasises four key themes within Computer Networking: routing and switching, emerging network technologies, network design, and security.
Graduates will be able to undertake a range of tasks associated with networking in organisations and will be capable of developing sophisticated solutions to networking problems.
It is anticipated that graduates in the field of computer networks (CN) would be able to find employment in a number of different areas of CN, including routing and switching, network design, and security.
It is expected that graduates would seek positions such as:
- Network Administrators
- Network Associates
- Network Engineers
- System Administrator