BSc (Hons) Networks and Security

When can you start this course? | UCAS code | Fees | Course length | Entry requirements

Why choose this course?

Watch a video tour of our computing facilities.

The industry recognised CISCO Certified Network Associate Certification (CCNA) syllabus is integrated into the course.
Facilities have CISCO routers wireless equipment so students gain real life experience of building networks from scratch
Technical support staff. Specialist software technicians available.
The course explores wireless networks, peer to peer and cloud computing

About the course

Many companies are also finding that they're increasingly liable and responsible for ensuring that the information they hold and transfer across networks to the web and to clients and associate companies is secure and confidential. However, numerous highly publicised breaches of security and incidents of hacking have demonstrated that businesses have a lot of work to do in order to be fully compliant and to be able to earn the trust of the public. And this has also created a demand for graduates skilled in networks and security.

This course will prepare you to become a successful networks or security specialist. You'll learn the technical skills to specify and build the physical infrastructure and the software development skills to make sure solutions are robust and secure.

You'll study of routing and wide area networks, wired and wireless networks, Cisco and Microsoft networks. You'll also be able to understand security issues and critically analyse and evaluate responses to security related problems. You'll also look at the theory and implementation of wireless networks, network management, network security, network applications development, security protocols and IT governance and law (with a particular emphasis on BSS-7799.)

Your third year will be spent on work placement. It's an opportunity to work alongside other network and security professionals which gives you a fantastic opportunity to put into practice the knowledge and skills you've learnt. Some of our current students are on placement at Microsoft, IBM, Intel, and BT. Our Placement Officer will help you find a position and support you throughout the placement period.

Throughout the course you'll gain the knowledge and develop the skills that the industry are looking for, enhancing your career prospects and giving you a distinct advantage in the job market.

Find out more about what subjects and modules you'll be studying...

Your career

There's a lot of demand for your skills in developing, maintaining, securing and managing computer networks, as well as the engineering side of network protocol development and research. You'll also be equipped with the management abilities to lead network consultancy projects.

This degree will give you comprehensive training so that you can develop a wide range of skills, which could help get you in to a variety of careers in the computing field. Areas you could go on to work in include security, networks and computer systems management.

What our students say

Alan Scott
BSc (Hons) Computer Networks

"I've had an amazing year in London working for Microsoft and I've learned phenomenal amounts. I was part of the team of Operations staff for the MSN platform, doing a variety of pro-active engineering and tier 3 troubleshooting. I've gained lots of relevant experience that I can take to a full time graduate role."

Alan Scott

How you'll learn

There are three modules per semester. Each is delivered through a mixture of lectures, tutorials and laboratories.

Our new Network Development Suite has a full range of wireless and conventional equipment from manufacturers like CISCO, D-Link, Lynksys and Netgear.

Work placements

The third year is spent on a supervised work placement.

Anything else?

Professional Accreditation

The CISCO Certified Network Associate Certification (CCNA) is an integral part of the Networks and Security course. We are also a member of the Microsoft IT Academy.

Induction

You'll spend your first week at Derby having a comprehensive introduction to the university. You'll get to know lecturers, fellow students, your way around the labs and the campus and they type of work and study you'll be doing, so you'll be fully prepared when your lectures start the following week.

As part of your induction week you'll also go on a day trip with all of the other computing students out in to the Peak District. Find out more about what this involves

What employers say

"The University of Derby is committed to design network courses rooted in industry best practice. To help facilitate this we are delighted to support the integration of our Microsoft Official Curriculum into the University's new and innovative computer network programmes."

Stephen Uden, Head of Citizenship, Programmes & Relationships - Public Sector, Microsoft Ltd.

Start dates

If you're from the UK or EU you can apply to study this course in:

September 2012

If you're from a country outside the EU you can apply to study this course full time in:

September 2012

UCAS code

I120

Fees

This is a resource intensive course.

UK/EU students

Full time: £7,495 (each year)

International students

Full time: £9,975 (each year)

*These fees apply if you're starting this course between September 2012 and August 2013. We recommend you check fee details with us though, as they can change. Costs can increase each year.