University of Salford

BSc (Hons) Computer Networks

This is for you if...

• You have a strong interest in IT, computer networking and converging technology
• You're interested in how things work rather than just wanting to be a user of them.
• You like to explore how different elements can be combined to create a whole

Delivered from our exciting MediaCityUK campus, our BSc Computer Networks degree provides you with a systematic understanding of networks, including the underlying principles of how they work, and how these principles are applied in industry.

You'll take specialist modules in areas such as network penetration testing, routing and switching, mobile networking and the Internet of Things (IoT), and have the opportunity to take part in a group design project in year two and an individual project on a topic of your choice in your final year. Learn more about the course modules in the section below.

Learning Experience

To make sure that you're ready for employment when you graduate, you'll have the opportunity to become Cisco-certified with the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certificate during your computer network studies. CCNA is a professional certificate issued by the networking hardware company Cisco. It shows that you have the fundamental networking knowledge and skills required by many employers in the IT industry. The CCNA course materials are built into our Computer Networks modules, ensuring that all our computer networks graduates are building up-to-date industry-standard skills.

Industry Placement

On this course, you will have the option to take an industry placement year between years two and three. Although you will be responsible for securing your own placement, we will support your search and assign you a tutor to monitor your progress whilst on placement.

By successfully completing a placement year, you can add 'with professional experience' to your final degree award. Recent course students have developed their skills at placements with General Electric, Fujitsu, Cadburys and Bosch.

Year one

• Introduction to Computers and Network Systems
• Python and Linux
• Technologies in Context
• Database Systems
• Principles and Concepts of Network Technologies
• Professional Development and Practices

Year two

• Networking and Security
• Group Design Project
• Routing and Switching
• Network Penetration Testing
• Mobile Networking and Network Simulation
• Advanced Routing and Switching

Year three

• Internet of Things
• The WAN and Global Networks
• Business Management
• Information Security Management
• Project for Computer Networks

As a computer networks graduate, you will have excellent software development skills supported by a large portfolio of practical work, which can be used to demonstrate your abilities to prospective employers.

Many graduates secure roles working as network developers in a range of companies. However, with the range of applied knowledge and skills, you will have, you can also look for roles working in IT consultancy, system administration or network analysis.

Today, you will find course alumni working with national companies, including Sainsbury's, Cisco, Microsoft, SIS, Autotrader, HMRC, Ferranti and Civica, as well as regional companies that are part of Greater Manchester's growing technology innovation community.