BSc (Hons) Computer Networks and Security

UCAS code: I120

Start date: September

Course length: Full time: 4 years (sandwich) (Includes a placement year)

Campus: Kedleston Road site, Derby Campus

This course is available to international students

Many companies are finding that they are 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.  This has in turn created a demand for graduates skilled in networks and security.

The BSc Computing Networks and Security course will prepare you to become a successful networks or security specialist. You'll learn the technical skills to be able to specify and build the physical infrastructure and the software development skills to make sure that solutions are robust and secure.

You will study routing and wide-area networks, wired and wireless networks, Cisco and Microsoft networks. You'll also be able to understand security issues and to critically analyse and evaluate responses to security- related problems. In addition you will 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. This is an opportunity to work alongside other network and security professionals, and provides you with the chance to put the skills you've learned into practice. Some of our current students are on placement with Microsoft, IBM, Intel, and BT. Our Placement Officer will help you to find a position and will support you throughout the placement period.

During the course you will gain the knowledge and develop the skills that the industry is looking for, enhancing your career prospects and giving you a distinct advantage in the job market. 

Exemptions

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.

Stage one

You will study these modules:

• Introduction to Computer Science
• Computational Mathematics
• Programming I
• Subjects in Computer Science
• Foundations of Computer Science
• Programming II

Stage two

You will study these modules:

• Networks and Security
• Network Routing
• Databases
• Team Project
• Switching and Wide Area Networks
• Networks and Systems Security

Stage three - Placement year

Final stage

You will study these modules:

• Independent Studies - double module
• Advances in Wireless Networks
• Systems Programming
• Peer to Peer Computing
• Security Protocols

Our entry requirements are usually 260 UCAS points, of which at least 220 will be from your core A2s (full A levels) or equivalent qualifications such as BTEC Diploma, International Baccalaureate, Scottish Highers etc.

We'll accept up to 40 points towards the total from level 3 qualifications such as AS levels (where those AS levels are not taken on to A2 level), the Extended Project or Music qualifications.

We don't accept points from Key Skills Level 3. If you have any questions about what is or isn't accepted, please contact our Admissions team.

We also accept the Access to HE Diploma.

Your points at level 3 will be in addition to 5 GCSEs at grade C or equivalent level 2 qualifications.

The UCAS tariff points are a guide - we'll also consider all the information that you've included in your application. We'll also want to see that you're enthusiastic and motivated to take this course and that you have the potential to benefit from coming to university.

General undergraduate entry requirements

Fees for 2013/14

This is a resource intensive course.

UK/EU students

• Full time: £8,250 (each year)

International students

• Full time: £10,225 (per year)

*These fees apply if you're starting this course between September 2013 and August 2014. We recommend you check fee details with us though, as they can change. Costs can increase each year.

How you'll learn

There are three modules per semester, each delivered through a mixture of lectures, tutorials and laboratory work.

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

Induction

You will spend your first week at Derby having a comprehensive introduction to the university. During this time you'll get to know lecturers, meet your fellow students, find your way around the laboratories and campus and find out about the type of work and study you'll be undertaking, so you'll be fully prepared when your lectures start the following week.

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

Work placements

The third year is spent on a supervised work placement.

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

This degree will provide you with comprehensive training so that you develop a wide range of skills relevant to a variety of careers in the computing field such as security, networks and computer systems management.

"I've had an amazing year in London working for Microsoft, and I've learned a phenomenal amount. I was part of the team of operations staff for the MSN platform, carrying out 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