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 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. 

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 1
• Subjects in Computer Science
• Foundations of Computer Science
• Programming 2

Stage two

You will study these modules:

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

We'll be announcing our international fees for 2013/14 later in the 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 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.

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 the 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

Work placements

The third year is spent on a supervised work placement.

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.

"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