Computing (Computer Networks and Cyber Security) (Full-time) (BSc Hons)
In an increasingly interconnected world, protecting digital assets and ensuring secure communication are more important than ever. Our BSc in Computer Networks and Cyber Security is designed to equip you with the essential skills to build, secure, and manage robust network infrastructures while defending against cyber threats. The programme emphasizes the critical interplay between networking and cybersecurity, preparing you for a dynamic and rewarding career at the forefront of digital protection.
Focusing on three core areas—networking, security, and forensics—this programme blends practical training with theoretical knowledge. You will develop expertise in designing and maintaining complex network infrastructures while mastering the principles and tools necessary to safeguard these systems from cyber-attacks. With networking serving as the backbone of cybersecurity, you will learn how a deep understanding of network architecture is essential for identifying vulnerabilities, preventing breaches, and responding effectively to incidents.
Led by academics with extensive industry experience, this course reflects the latest trends and standards in the cybersecurity field. You’ll benefit from our strong industry links, including our partnerships with leading organizations like Cisco and EC Council, ensuring you gain access to relevant certifications such as CCNA Routing & Switching, CCNA Cyber Operations, and EC Council’s Computer Hacking Forensics Investigator (CHFI) certification. These credentials are highly valued by employers and will give you a competitive edge in the job market.
The programme emphasizes practical, hands-on experience, allowing you to apply what you learn in real-world situations. You’ll work in state-of-the-art cybersecurity labs equipped with cutting-edge technologies, where you’ll simulate network attacks, develop secure systems, and investigate cyber incidents. These immersive experiences will prepare you to tackle the evolving challenges in network security and forensics, ensuring you graduate with the technical skills needed to make an immediate impact in the field.
Your education will cover a broad spectrum of cybersecurity topics, from designing secure networks to forensic analysis of security breaches, all while developing your problem-solving abilities. The programme also provides a strong foundation in network administration and security architecture, enabling you to assess risks, implement safeguards, and manage secure networks for any organization.
By the time you graduate, you will be fully prepared to pursue a successful career in network administration, cybersecurity analysis, or incident response. Whether you aspire to defend critical infrastructures, manage IT security for large organizations, or investigate cybercrime, this degree will provide the knowledge and practical experience to help you succeed. Joining this programme means taking the first step toward becoming a leader in the crucial and fast-growing field of cybersecurity.
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 philosophy is to blend practical application with academic rigour, ensuring that you gain both hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge. This approach prepares you for real-world challenges in Computer Networks and Cyber Security, equipping you with the skills needed for a successful career.
In the first 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)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
The second 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)
(20 credits)
(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)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(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.
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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.
Facilities
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